January 23rd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Genesis 46:1-47:31 ~ Matthew 15:1-28
Psalm 19:1-14 ~ Proverbs 4:14-19

Old Testament - Today in Genesis Chapter 46 we read about Jacob and his family's journey to Egypt.  I really like that God speaks to Jacob in a vision at Beersheba - the same place where both Abraham and Isaac has worshiped God earlier in Genesis.  As Jacob was about to leave Canaan, God reaffirms his covenant promises.  Very reassuring for Jacob I am sure!  I wonder - sometimes in our lives - as we are about to embark on something big:  Maybe a new ministry.  Maybe a mission trip.  Maybe a new job.  Maybe a new marriage.  Maybe a new child.  Does God speak to us?  Does God reaffirm his love to us?  Does God tell us that he will be with us on this new thing - as he did to Jacob in this chapter?  I can't say that I've verbally heard God speak to me during times of big change in my life.  But, I have most definitely sensed amazing peace many times during big changes in my life.  I do try to pray more than ever during times of change.  I try to stay as absolutely close to God as I possibly can.  Maybe I'm kind of like a scared child trying to huddle up to my heavenly Father during times of change.  Which I am cool with.  :)  And - it seems almost without fail, God does "speak" to me with a peace that surpasses all understanding.  If the peace is not there... then I do begin to worry if what I am doing is really God's will for my life.  If the peace is there - I know without a shadow of a doubt that what I am embarking upon is God's will for my life.  I will say this - that even if I cannot discern or sense the peace during a time of change, I still do not doubt that God will be with me.  That he will not leave me.  That he will be there.  Do you believe that God is with you always?  That he will go with you wherever you go?  Below is a wonderful engraving by Gustave Dore of Jacob traveling to Egypt -

Verses 33 & 34 stood out to me in today's readings, as Joseph gives his brothers this instruction - "So when Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your occupation, tell him, `We have been livestock breeders from our youth, as our ancestors have been for many generations.' When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the land of Goshen, for shepherds are despised in the land of Egypt."" I like Joseph's wisdom here.  I guess you could look at this as Joseph being manipulative of Pharaoh.  But I don't really see this.  I see that Joseph is telling his brothers what to say - which is true - and that this will allow the nation of Israel to begin to grow and flourish in the land of Goshen.  Removed from the cities of Egypt.  It seems like Joseph is definitely catering to Pharaoh's generosity - "let your family come to Egypt!" - and Pharaoh / Egyptians prejudices - "shepherds are despised in the land of Egypt."   For a win / win.  It's a Stephen Covey win / win business principle here!  :)  Okay, I gotta say that I absolutely love Bob Deffinbaugh's humor over at bible.org!  Check out his commentary on Genesis chapter 46, with the awesome title of "Life Begins at 130" at this link.  I love it! Below is a map showing Jacob's family's journey from Canaan to Goshen -

In Genesis chapter 47 I find it very interesting that Jacob blesses Pharaoh - twice.  I haven't studied why this happens.  My thought is that Jacob is indeed very appreciative of this current Pharaoh - for literally saving the Israelites by allowing God to move mightily through Joseph.  We will see soon that there are future Pharaoh's who are not so kind to the Israelites.  So, perhaps Jacob realized that this Pharaoh was deserving of two blessings.  Let me know your thoughts on these blessings in the Comments below?  Below is an image of Jacob blessing Pharaoh -

We then read about Joseph's leadership and business skills during the famine - as things get really bad with the famine and people are on the brink of starving.  Overall, I initially thought that Joseph was making wise decisions that ultimately ended up saving lives - and in verse 25 the people said the same thing.  However, I have one good friend who was in a Bible study with me who felt that Joseph was being way too harsh.  I can see both sides... :)   Did Joseph have other options / ways to do this?   We actually got into quite a heated discussion on this point in our Bible study on this topic a couple of years ago.  What do you think?  During this time of extreme famine, was Joseph being too harsh or being wise or maybe even being compassionate?  Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 47 titled "A Proper Perspective of Poverty and Prosperity" is at this link.  Below is a painting from 1874 by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema titled "Joseph, Overseer of the Pharaoh's Granaries" -

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 15 today we read about Jesus confronting the Pharisees on their "age-old traditions".  I read in Zondervan's & Tyndale's commentaries that after the Babylonian exile (we'll read about this late this year in the One Year Bible), Jewish rabbis began to make meticulous rules and regulations governing the daily life of people.  And that these rules were added to God's law and were essentially elevated to the same sacred status by the Pharisees.  In 200 A.D. these traditions of the elders were put into writing in the Mishnah.  I think what Jesus gets at here in this chapter is that the Pharisees were allowing the "rules & regs" to overshadow the spirit of God's law.  They were not honoring their parents because of the practice of Corban - giving $ to the temple.  Which is a good thing... but at the expense of a great thing of caring for your parents?   I know we all could probably go round and round on what is the greatest good - how should we spend our time and our money and our lives.  I like that Jesus basically takes us to the heart.  What is the heart of the matter?  No matter what the matter is - taking care of your parents, giving to your church, following God's laws, receiving God's grace - what is the heart of the matter?   One thing that I have been so blessed to learn over the past few years is that the condition of our hearts matters.  Immensely.  The motives of why we do something - anything - matters.  Immensely.  We are called in Proverbs to "guard our hearts, for it is the wellspring of life."  If we do not care for the state of our hearts, we can become very regimented or insensitive in our thinking and doing.  We might even get to the point in verse 8 of this chapter where Jesus quotes from Isaiah - "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away."  How is the state of your heart today?  Is it close to God?  Does your heart yearn for Jesus?  Do you think Jesus' heart yearns for you?

Jesus continues to speak about the importance of what is in our hearts in verses 18-20 today - "But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all other sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you."  I think this takes us back again to the Sermon on the Mount - where Jesus teaches us in one example that yes, it is wrong to commit adultery.  But, if you commit adultery in your heart, it is just as wrong.  Because if you commit adultery in the heart, you have essentially defiled your own heart.  And from the heart could come the actual act of committing adultery - which would then shatter several lives.  But it all starts in the heart....   So - the good news?  Jesus can heal our hearts!  Jesus is in the business of heart-healing!  Maybe in your life, you might need to refocus from some external actions and start focusing on the state of your heart?   Maybe by focusing on what's going no inside your heart, the external actions will ultimately change?   Maybe allow Jesus to heal your heart - and then your external life will be healed as well?  I'm not sure you can go about this the other way - trying to work from the outside back in...  I think you need to start on the inside first and work your way out.  But don't do this alone - let Jesus walk this healing path with you.  Let Jesus tattoo your heart with his healing love!  (very interesting name of the theater in the image below, based on our Genesis readings today... :)

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 19, which is one of my favorite Psalms! In large part this Psalm is one of my favorites because one of my former pastors taught from this Psalm 3 or 4 years ago in such a powerful way. Have you had this type of experience? Where you hear a sermon on a chapter of the Bible and then that chapter becomes one of your favorites? I do hope that this One Year Bible experience will allow you to tune-in a little bit more whenever you hear your pastors or ministers or priests teaching you from the Bible in church. I know this is the case with me. Thanks to reading the Bible each day, I now have better context of what is being taught from the pulpit and it makes going to church a richer experience overall. I also now often catch some Bible verses in the worship songs or hymns we sing as well. And this adds a lot to my worship of God now through music. This year, as you go through the One Year Bible and as you go to church, will you tune-in to the sermons and the songs in church more than ever and look for and appreciate how they tie in to the Bible?

Back to Psalm 19 – I do encourage everyone to really read through and meditate on every verse in this Psalm of David and how this Psalm might be speaking to you this week. Please do take a few minutes to go through the Psalm twice if possible and really reflect upon it. You may even want to journal to God some thoughts or ideas or prayers that come to you through reading this Psalm. I find verse 14 in this Psalm to be so powerful – again in large part because one of my former pastors wrote a worship song that simply repeats this verse over and over again – and what a beautiful prayer it is for each of us to repeat over and over again as well – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Are the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart pleasing in God’s sight? Is God your Rock? Is God your Redeemer?  Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 19 is at this link. 

Proverbs - Proverbs 4 verse 18 reminds me of Psalm 19!  - "The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day." See the parallel?  Is your life shining ever brighter as you go forward in life?  Are you shining ever brighter for those around you?  Are you loving and blessing those around you more and more each day?  Are you moving forward toward the full light of day?

Comments from you & Question of the Day - Today I thought I'd post up a One Year Bible "roll-call."  Basically this is just an opportunity for you to click on the "Comments" link below and let us know a few things about yourself (all optional to answer of course) - 1. name  2. where you live (country, etc. - no actual addresses please! :)  3.  When do you read your One Year Bible readings each day? (morning, evening, etc.)  4.  Where and how do you read them typically?  (home, office, using actual Bible, reading online, etc.)  5.  How has the One Year Bible experience been for you so far?   6. Do you have a blog or website link you want to share with everyone?  Thanks to Andrew for posting up last week a One Year Bible list of people participating in the journey with us this year who have blogs at this link.  And thanks to Chip for turning this list into a blogroll at this link.  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace,
Mike

Comments

[Donna-Jean]

My name is Donna-Jean, I'm in New Jersey, and I've been really enjoying reading along with the OneYearBibleBlog so far this year.

I've read through the Bible a few times before, using a chronological plan (Job after Genesis, each NT book inserted into Acts when Paul travels there or contacts them, etc.) - but I like this more in some ways. I appreciate the balance with reading portions from different parts of the Bible.

I usually read the passages online, so that I can compare different versions.

My own blog is www.libertyandlily.blogspot.com

Thanks for all the hard work, and for the insight on the blog and the comments.

[Andrew B]

Good morning! My entry for the 'One Year Bible "roll-call."'
1. Andrew B
2. The Netherlands
3. Morning, sometimes again in the evening.
4. Home, online
5. Better than expected - the interaction and sense of a community forming make it fun. But, somewhere Mike reminded us to keep focussed on the Bible text, be sure to read that, you don't have to read all the other stuff. I tend to follow too many other threads.
6. http://isthistheway.typepad.com/

[dcypl]

Hello from Down Under... :-)

1. My name is Mike
2. I live in Newcastle, 150km north of Sydney.
3. Usually morning.
4. Often using the http://www.bibleonradio.com mp3s on my palm while commuting by bus to work. It's nice to close my eyes and picture the passages as I listen. I usually follow it up with some reading of bits I want to think more about when I get home at night and when the girls are in bed, (i.e now).
5. A bit haphazard some days, but generally pretty good.
6. Come and read my blog, at http://dcypl.com

[Ramona]

Mike’s Questions Monday January 23rd 2006

- 1. name:
-
- Ramona H.
-
- 2.where you live (country, etc. - no actual addresses please! :)
-
- Brooklyn, NY USA
-
- 3. When do you read your One Year Bible readings each day?
-
- In the morning, and I usually reread the passages on the way to work and jot down notes
-
-
- 4. Where and how do you read them typically?
- Home on-line and I use an actual bible on the train ride into work. I will also read at work if I have to be at work very early for some reason.
-
- 5. How has the One Year Bible experience been for you so far?
-
- The experience has been fantastic this year. Last year it was lonely and sparse on the comments section. Now it reminds me of an exciting time I had before my church went the size of “Mega-church.” When it was smaller and it another site and we would have to wait in line to get into the next service (7am; 9am; 11am & 1pm), there were a group of us that shared passages of what we had read the previous week. We called it running scriptures. As we discussed the passage that spoke to each of us mightily, we would be blessed by the discussions on that passage and more thoughts and insights would be gained as others brought in what they say and how they read it.
-
- 6. Do you have a blog or website link you want to share with everyone? No, I’m am a little “chicken” in starting my own Blog. \

Grace and peace,
Ramona

[Michael Miller]

Good morning!
1. Michael Miller
2. Raleigh, NC (USA)
3. Morning
4. At home online normally.

[Micah Girl]

1. Micah Girl
2. USA
3. Morning, first thing, with a cup of good coffee, before the house is awake.
4. At home on my laptop before I blog and work out.
5. So far, great! I started on this journey late in 2005 and popped in and out and never developed the habit. This year is my new beginning.
6. Musings of Micah Girl
http://micahgirl.blogspot.com/

[Luciano Del Monte (Luch)]

Name: Luciano Del Monte--son of Italian immigrants. Lots of people call me Luch. I am 52 and the very happy husband of Rosetta, my bride of 30 years. We both met Jesus at the same time in our 2nd year at university. We have 3 sons, Vince 26, Adrian 23, and Mikey 19. They all love the Lord and have found their own distinct approach to seeking and serving God.

Where do I live? I live in Guelph Ontario, a commuter town about 45 minutes west of Toronto and 3 hours east of Detroit.

When do I read? First thing in the morning at my desk, but I like to actually journal my thoughts later in the day at my favourite 'office' called the Bean Roast Cafe. It's the BEST part of my day, and then I often do a prayer walk with my portable one year bible and pray over the Scriptures as I walk.

I work for the Christian discipleship ministry called The Navigators. I am also an associate pastor at a church in our town, and a coach to several churches who want to become focused on intentional disciplemaking, helping to create more of a missional approach to church than just attractional.

I just read a controversial book by Matt Whitlock and Chuck Smith Jr of Calvary Church. The book is called Frequently Avoided Questions. ONe of the questions they pose in the book is "Does God speak outside of the Bible?" I would have to say that Psalm 19 answers YES. He speaks from the definite revealed Word of God, and He also speaks from 'the heavens'--His glory is definitely being revealed ALL THE TIME. As well, we were told a few weeks ago from Proverbs 1:20-23 "Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech." I guess the point is that God is always trying to get my attention through events, books, movies, experiences, but am I listening?

[Andrew W]

Good morning!
1. Michael Miller
2. Raleigh, NC (USA)
3. Morning
4. At home online normally.

1) Andrew W
2) Sydney, Australia
3) Afternoon.
4) In my One Year Bible (Tyndale)
5) One year bible was NOT wat i expected so far. It's been great! I thought genesis would be boring, but it's like an action packed story it's great! I have alot of freinds doing it with me, so it's good that we keep each other encouraged.

[Douglas L]

1. Doug Landis
2. Lancaster, PA
3. Morning - Great way to start the day.
4. Home, online
5. Great- Don't you love the format?

[Michael]

Name - Michael
Location - Katy, TX
Specifics - 50 years old, marrried, kids. On my second year of the one year bible sojourn. I read from the Tyndale NIV One Year Bible and the Bible Companion early (4:30AM-6:30AM if possible) every morning. It's quiet (usually), I can listen for God's gentle voice. I journal my thoughts, my prayers my words of joy to Jesus afterwards.

[Nigel]

I`m Nigel, I live in Guayaquil Ecuador. I read online after breakfast before opening up my e-mails and getting down to work. I am enjoying this approach to Bible reading and write down notes, questions and prayers in my jornal

[Nancy]

Nancy
Lebanon, PA
I read the Bible online in the mornings. I just discovered this site a week ago while surfing and I am delighted to have found it. It makes the Bible reading come alive to me. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. God is good. I plan to stay with this all year and in years to come. I am a grandma and pray that I can pass faith to children. God Bless You.

[Stacey]

1. Stacey
2. Palmdale,CA
3. Morning Pacific Time, as I read many of the comments are already posted and your postings give more facets to the beautiful diamond of God's Word
4. At home. I do like to listen to the Word being spoken on www.bibleonradio.com . This year I will also be working out on the home gym while listening. Hearing the Word makes me slow down--sometimes I read too fast and skim the text. Then I am usually able to spend an hour or so praying and meditating before my busy day at work.
5. I read the oneyearbibleblog later in the day or evening after I have tried to hear from God's Word myself. I was on the journey last year as well. Mike, your work is terrific and I do enjoy your questions. Sometimes the pictures end up on my laptop as wallpaper to remind me of a particular thing that God is working in my life. I also really enjoy all the postings this year. May God bless you all and keep you. May He shine His face upon you and give you peace.

[Phil]

What an international bunch we are!

1) Phil H
2) Norwich, UK
3) Over my lunch break
4) Using biblegateway.com
5) Part of me just wants to be reading it. Not necessarily having God jump off the page every day, but just being in a place to hear when God does want to guide me.
6) http://threechordwonder.blogspot.com

I'm just about to start a section on 'Worship Leading' and 'Sound Engineering'. I hope to work out what we already do, and share anything that may be helpful.

[Jayne]

1. Jayne S.
2. Wisconsin (USA)
3. In the evening on the bus-ride home from work.
4. I use the NIV version of "One Year Bible". I love the commentary from here and will read that first. I have a personal journal where I save all the commentary and highlight different points which I can reflect on later.
5. I have felt much closer to God and am getting a much better understanding of God's Word. I am really enjoying reading the bible and look forward to it each day!
6. I have a personal blog which is all about my faith:
http://whitebutton.blogspot.com

There is a group of 8 that signed up for this study and we created a blog deditcated to thoughts and commentary on each day's readings: http://2006biblestudy.blogspot.com

[Veronica]

1. Veronica
2. Boston, MA (USA)
3. I read in the morning
4. Early morning on exercise bike with bible and mp3 from bibleonradio.com - gotta love Tom Dooley - "Hello Beloved" (smile). Then I listen to previous days readings on mp3 as I walk to bus station and the current day as I ride the bus to work. Once at work time permitting I read a different translation online at Biblegateway.com
5. I really like the oneyearbibleblog. I'd say I don't know how you do it Mike... but I know that God gives you the time and strength to do what will glorify him! I enjoy reading what everyone has to say.

[Kristie]

1. Kristie
2. Southern California
3. I like to split it up, some in a.m.--the rest in the p.m.
4. With my regular old-fashioned ESV Bible and my laptop for journaling my thoughts.
5. It is a great format keeping us in the old and new, and the psalms and proverbs....great idea! Godward Blogging!! Your link is in my blog under the heading "Daily Vitamin" along with a link to John Piper's Desiring God website.
6. I even blogged about the Parable of the Weeds a couple days ago!!...http://marthasdistraction.blogpsot.com

[Jim M.]

1. Jim M.
2. I live in Kane, PA (USA)
3. I usually read it in the morning at home.
4. I usually read it in my most comfortable reading chair. I have also used
occasionally listen to our reading by listening to Max Mclean reading it. Go to www.answersingenesis.org/answersmedia/audiobible/default.aspx Also I have used www.bibleonradio.com which is simple and great for listening to our daily reading.
5. It has been a great experience and has also helped me read the Entire Bible and helps me not get stuck over reading the areas I am studying for my church sermons :-)

I also find it exciting to be reading with a great group of people from all over the world :-)
6. I do have a website but not a blog. My website is: www.goproclaim.com

Have a Jesus blessed week,
Jim

[Kristie]

Oops, that was http://marthasdistraction.blogspot.com

[Pam]

I just started this year again. I had read through the Bible before about 4 times now using the yearly written version but am reading the online version for now. This site is wonderful and am glad I found it. I was looking up graphics for a personal study and that is how I accidentally (you know God did it and I give Him the credit) found it under the word "praise". It is very informative because of the commentaries that supplement the readings. I pray God's double blessings on everyone reading through on this site!

[Dwayne]

1. Name: Dwayne Baiely
2. Location:Baytown, TX (near Houston)
3. When: Usually over lunch at work
4. Where and how: At work (se above) on my PDA
5. How's it been: It's been a good discipline for me, to make sure I don't slack off. Something I'm noted for. :(
6. Blog: http://dwayne.thebaileys.name

[CB]

I'll keep checking these comments, and add any new blog links to the blogroll.

I love reading about everyone's methods and experiences with the OYB. What a diverse group we are!

[Jerry Padgett]

Hi everyone,

I really enjoy reading along with everyone. I started reading in the morning. However, as I began to enjoy the reading more and more I started reading in the evenings to read the next day's scripture early. Having fun so far. God bless.

Jerry Padgett
Tifton, GA

[tangentrider Laura]

1. Laura
2. Southern California, USA
3. I read OT, Psalms, and Proverbs in the morning. I decided not to do NT this year--I've spent lots of study time there in the past few years.
4. I read on my first bus ride of the day (except Sunday morning, where I read on the couch) using the ESV One Year Bible.
5. The experience has been good so far; I am appreciating the discipline. The discipline is good, and reminding myself of the story is crucial.
6. I blog daily at http://lauraswritings.blogspot.com

[Doug]

1.) Doug P
2.) Willamette Valley, Oregon USA
3.) Usually early morning after midnight.
4.) At home. I'm breaking in a new, New King James.
5.) God has blessed me with finding this site, it's exactly what I was looking for and what I needed. I appreciate this blog every day.

[Susan]

1) Susan, age 34
2) Jackson, MS
3) in the morning, with hot tea...my husband is at work by this time, also reading
4) I read Mike's blog, then the passages online. I like the NLT version.
5) This is my 2nd year to do the OYBB and my 3rd time to read the Bible through in a year. This blog helps so much. Staying in the word keeps me aligned with Jesus and helps me know him more intimately. Thank you, Mike, for all of your hard work.

[COOT TAYLOR-HOLLAND]

FROM FLORIDA, IN THE UNITED STATES. EVERY CHANCE I GET I READ MY DAILY BLOG, DURING MY DAYS AT WORK...LUNCHES AND BREAKS.
IT FULFILLS ME AND KEEPS ME FOCUS.

[Lorri H.]

1. Lorri H.
2. Cave Creek, AZ
3. After lunch when my toddler is napping
4. I read on my "fainting couch" in my room (light a candle to make it cozy...) and read from The Message Bible. I have never read from this version. It is SO CONTEMPORARY but I am enjoying it.
5. I LOVE doing this - my mom and sister are doing it, also, so many times we email some thoughts during the day to each other of what "hits" us. I enjoy Mike's notes and sense of humor, too!
6. No blog

[Claire and Roger]

My husband and I are seriously reading the Bible for the first time....He is fighting Cancer...and we are both getting so much support from this OYB and each other!!! I read it to him every morning after breakfast...and if I get involved with something he reminds me that it's BIBLE READING TIME...and it's a wonderful inspiration to the two of us...I also have a SPECIAL GIRLFRIEND who is enjoying this as well...her name is PAT...and we "chat" about various Biblical characters and incidences...Thank you Mike for this wonderful opportunity...The HOLY TRINITY...all 3 are beaming with PRIDE about your accomplishments in reaching out to so many people...God's Blessings be with you today...and every day...go forth with your love and caring Mike. We feel like you are a personal friend!!!

[John]

1)John
2)USA-Florida
3)Read late at night, then sleep on it. If I am off I re-read and comment in morning. If working, re-read and comment early evening.
4)Online. www.Biblegateway.com/versions gives you options of audio/text and different languages all in different versions.
5)Great. Have not missed a day.
6)No blog

[fl]

1.fl

2.Malaysia

3.in the morning with a glass of water
afternoon i reread again or checking on comments

4.Using biblegateway.com and bible on radio,sometimes NIV bible
when i go for early morning prayer in church.

5.going thru OYB with pictures do helps, now we have more comments and sharing that is even better :)
Mike thanks for all the effort you put in.

[John]

Matt 15:21-28

Hardly anyone ever comments on this passage. Some that do actually criticize the Lord for being too harsh.

Only use of Canaanite in New Teastament. A Gentile people despised by Israel. She knows she is going to be embarassed yelling after Jesus (a Jew), and she does it anyway. "Dog" was the common derogatory term applied to Gentiles by Jews. She accepted the term and even applied it to herself.

"Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith!" The only time in gospels that great (Gk. megas)is used in regards to faith. This Canaanite "dog" woman believed Christ was the Son of David, and could heal her daughter. She would not take no for an answer.

Samuel Rutherford perceptively wrote: “It is said he answered her not a word; but it is not said,
he heard not one word: these two differ much. … his not answering is an answer, and speaks thus, ‘Pray on, go on, and cry; for the Lord holdeth his door fast bolted, not to keep out, but that
you may knock and knock.” [The Trial and Triumph of Faith, 115]

[L.]

Lisa

Kansas City, Missouri (USA)

I read my Bible first thing in the morning and catch up on posts throughout the day as time permits

Am using the OYB NLT version

Haven't missed a day!

Have been especially blessed and educated by Mike's links to Bible.org and Bob Deffinbaugh's commentary and Luch's posts!

JOE J
BURKBURNETT, TEXAS USA NORTH WEST OF DALLAS. IN THE AFTERNOON AND I READ THE NLT ON LINE AND IT HAS BEEN GREAT THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW THAT I HAVE DONE THIS.

[Ramona]

Genesis 46:1-47:31

What I have learned in today’s reading is this, God can come along, change my name after I wrestle with Him, and prevail; however, afterwards, I may act like a “Jacob” but He, God, will still call me Israel. God is a God of His Word even though I may not be a woman of my word.

SO ISRAEL made his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba [a place hallowed by sacred memories] and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. [Gen. 21:33; 26:23-25.] And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, Jacob! Jacob! And he said, Here am I. And He said, I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will there make of you a great nation.
(Genesis 46:1-3 AMP)

I can be given a promise and after having waited and waited for it to be fulfilled, afraid that I will die before I see it happen, God will always come back to confirm His Word while He comforts me with these words, “Do not be afraid” (46:3). God will fulfill His promises in the environment He has chosen and in the “nation” He decides.

[Julie]

1)Julie
2)USA-Pennsylvania
3)At night before going to bed
4)Online. This is my first time reading online and I love it. It is so easy to keep my journal on the computer.
5)I have not missed a day. My job requires travel and overnights in hotels. Since I always go online when I am away, this helps me stay in my routine. It almost feels like I am at home everynight.
6)No blog

[Laura Jones]

My name is Laura Jones I am from northern Ca in the Sacramento valley. I am so glad to see so many Californians visiting this site with us. I guess I'm the only northerner that I've seen so far. I am in my late 40's. I usually read through the blog in the mornings or whenever I get a chance. I came across this blog when I was attempting to set up my own blog. Mine is kind of a long name but a very simple blog. Mike's is much more technologically advanced. the name of mine is: http://home.earthlink.net/~laura225/gettoknowmebettersoicaninturngettoknowyou/

Thanks Mike for your faith and commitment and technological know how in setting up this blog. This is a great way to stay in the loop for all of us around the world. God's loop that is.

[Bald Man]

1. Cory Aldrich
2. Dayton, OH, USA
3. I read them once during the day, when I get a minute here and there at work. I skim them again when I blog in the evening.
4. I use Mike's in-post link. (I did this once about a decade ago using an actual book, and each reading seemed to take forever! Maybe isn't the format; maybe I'm just more mature, but the web link feels much more managable.)
5. Looking forward to embedding the story of Scripture deeper into my self.
6. Bald Man Blogging (http://coryaldrich.blogs.com/)

[Rob]

1. Rob S
2. United States
3. I read sometimes in the mornings, but also in the evenings
4. I've read them online, and with my own bible, at home, church, and at work
5. The experience has taught me discipline of being in God's Word constantly
6. My blog is http://robslagle.blogspot.com

[Karen]

1) Karen Tsai
2) San Jose, CA
3) Whenever my son is asleep
4) On-line
5) Enjoyed the paintings alot and appreciate the efforts that go on behind it.

[Michael]

1. Michael L.
2. Virginia, USA
3. Late mornings/evenings (college student/cancer patient--I have a weird schedule)
4. Online @ home
5. Well, it's the first time I've ever really kept up a voluntary Bible reading plan for more than a few days, actually...so far, so good! :-)
6. http://blog.freearrow.com/

Actually, I've started reading one day behind, so that I can read everyone's comments from the previous day along with the reading and Mike's stuff. Anyone else doing this?

[Jan Carver]

1. Jan Carver
2. Oklahoma City, OK
3. I read in the evening after work & anytime on the weekends.
4. I read from a NLT Faith Bible & from the reading schedule. I sometimes read the blog/comments at work, like I'm doing now! :)
5. Excellent, I have read through the Bible in a year several times, but first time here. I love the pictures & comments from all. It is very interesting to see how others perceive the Word.
6. No blog (yet)!

[Nicole]

Hi guys,
I am from Washington State (USA)
I read with my husband every night. We are night owls.
We read online together and outloud. It makes the scriptures really come alive to us.
I think that has been a great experience for us. I look forward to this everyday.
I don't have a blog.
Thanks guys,
Nicole

[-Justin-]

Hi, I am Nicole's husband and I do have a blog.
www.justinross.blogs.com
-Justin-

[Nigel]

Nigel Sheridan

Telford< Shropshire, UK

I read in the evenings after wark and first thing on weekends

I have never read much of the bible before, just the odd passage here and there, not sure what inspired me to follow Mike's plan, I just guess we are all looking for answers to lifes questions.

I don't have a blog.

Thanks to everyone who posts on here, you have all helped me a lot.
Regards

Nigel