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Genesis 3:1-4:26 ~ Matthew 2:13-3:6 ~ Psalm 2:1-12 ~ Proverbs 1:7-9
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Old Testament - Today in Genesis chapters 3 we read about The Fall. Chapter 3 is a foundational chapter of the Bible to understand. From this chapter our history goes forward with sin passed on to every man and woman through the seed of Adam. This sets the stage for God's pursuit of men and women in Genesis, followed by the Exodus from Egypt, the Laws, the judges, the kings, the prophets - and ultimately the final solution to the Fall: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (ultra-Cliff Notes version here... you'll get the full version of all of this over the next 363 days... :) It is through belief in Jesus and God's grace that we are saved from what began here in Genesis chapter 3. Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of Adam and Eve with the serpent in today's readings:
In verses 1 through 4 in today's readings we are first introduced to the devil in the Bible, who clothes himself as a snake. The devil is often referred to as the "great deceiver", and in this chapter you can see why. I think an important thing for us to realize today is that the devil continues to work in our world. He continues to deceive men and women. And, unfortunately, he is good at what he does. I have a hunch that probably a few people reading this blog do not believe in the existence of the devil. I will admit that early in my Christian walk, I did not believe in the devil's existence. However - thankfully, I was discipled by a godly man who counseled me through Bible passages that prove his existence - chapter 3 of Genesis certainly being one. In fact, one interesting thing my friend said to me at this early stage of my Christian walk was this - "The devil's greatest trick is to make you think that he does not exist." This is a very powerful statement. Please consider it. Why would this be his greatest trick? Because if you believe there is no devil, then you may believe there is no evil, and you then may believe that there is really no sin or nothing you can do wrong, and then you may come to believe that there is no moral code. You see the slippery slope of not acknowledging and realizing the existence of the devil and evil? I hesitated to post up this picture below - I really don't like it at all - but I think it's appropriate for this conversation. It reminded me of the temptation of our modern day addictions - like pornography or drugs etc. - the apple perhaps looks tasty at first glance, but you can't bite the apple without getting bit by the snake and getting poisoned...
The other problem of not realizing the existence of the devil or evil is that you can more easily be tempted and enslaved to bad habits and sins. So - I know I'm going on quite a bit here about this point - I just want to encourage you to ask yourself - do you believe in the existence of the devil? Do you believe in the existence of evil? Of temptation? Of sin? There is a remedy and solution to protect and keep you from all of this - and that is Jesus. But, it's possible that you may not run into the loving and saving arms of Jesus if you don't believe in the devil or evil. Second to last point - a book that did help open my eyes in a big way to existence of evil in our world today is Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness". It is a Christian book and one that I believe will really bring home the seriousness of evil and temptation in our world today. You may want to check it out if you have questions on all of this. Also, C.S. Lewis, in the intro to his incredible book about evil and temptation in our lives called "The Screwtape Letters" writes this: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight." A great quote... and a great reminder to not have an excessive nor unhealthy interest in the devil or evil - this is of course extremely dangerous! And the bottom line is of course to turn your eyes and gaze toward God and Jesus for ultimate protection - and I do believe reading the Bible each day is one of the best ways to do exactly this!
In verses 12 and 13 we see Adam and Eve passing the buck on why they sinned. Check out Adam's words in verse 12: ""but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it." At first glance you might think that Adam is just blaming Eve in this verse, but note that he is also blaming God! "the woman YOU gave me..." Adam was blaming God and Eve - anybody but himself. How often do we do this in our lives? Blame others for our mistakes? The painting immediately below I think captures Adam's words and expression in verse 12 above perfectly!
Verse 15 is a prophetic verse that carries forward to Jesus: "From now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."" This last sentence refers to Jesus ultimately defeating the devil through his life, death on the cross, and resurrection!
Below is "The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise" by American Neoclassical Painter Benjamin West from the year 1791:
In Genesis chapter 4 we read about the first murder of humankind - Cain killing his own brother Abel in a premeditative way. This is a clear demonstration of The Fall and how sin lives in the hearts of men and women - and can only be redeemed and forgiven today through faith in Jesus and through God's grace. Many of you probably asked yourselves, why didn't God look with favor on Cain's offering? Commentaries I've read suggest that Cain's offering was a careless or thoughtless offering whereas Abel's offering was a choice or generous offering. And God saw the motivation and heart attitude of both men as they brought their offering. It seems that God is looking straight into Cain's heart as he says this in verses 6 and 7: "Why are you so angry?" the LORD asked him. "Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it." That is a scary thought - sin waiting to attack and destroy. In the NIV it translates "sin is crouching at your door." Let us be watchful and prayerful to not be overtaken by sin, but to respond correctly to the grace and strength given us through Jesus. Below is a modern image by an unknown artist of Cain just after killing Abel. Do you see the contrast of light & dark and which way Cain is facing? This is a powerful image to consider...:
In chapter 4 verse 19 polygamy enters history: "Lamech married two women--Adah and Zillah." Polygamy clearly went against God's divine intention of monogamy in Genesis chapter 2:24 - "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." God's original plan early on in the Bible is monogamy in marriage. We will see many cases of polygamy this year as we read through the One Year Bible - this is humankind thwarting God's will - which we will also see in many ways throughout our readings this year. I think sometimes we can get hung up on the "strange stuff" we read about in the Bible - but one important point to make is this - The Bible records both God's will and teachings, and people's sin. So if we happen to read about people's sin in the Bible, as we do here in verse 19 with Lamech's polygamy, please don't confuse this with this being God's will. It's people's sin. And we'll see this again in the Bible - fortunately we have a loving God who sent his son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. Heavy that they are...
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis titled "The Fall of Man" is at this link and "The Fruits of the Fall" is at this link.
New Testament - In Matthew today we read about The Escape to Egypt. Two things stood out to me in Joseph's behavior in today's readings. In verse 13 an angel tells Joseph to "get up and flee to Egypt" - and Joseph responds by leaving THAT NIGHT with the family, as we see in verse 14. That's beautiful obedience. Then, in verse 21 we see Joseph respond similarly when he is told by an angel to return to Israel - he leaves with the family "immediately." I like this - Joseph is acting obediently to God's will in his life - and he is acting pronto! He's not sitting around worrying or fretting or thinking that he'll get to it tomorrow. He goes that night! He returns immediately! Can we learn from Joseph's amazing obedience in these readings? Is God calling us to do something in our lives that we are hemming and hawing about? Is God calling us to forgive someone? To love someone? To serve someone? To encourage someone? Will we be like Joseph and obey God's call for our life immediately? Since we've turned the new year, I hope you don't mind if I post up my favorite image demonstrating obedience below... :) Do you have obedience like this when it comes to God's will for your life?
Today in Matthew chapter 3 we are introduced to John the Baptist! I don't know exactly what it is about John the Baptist - but I love reading about him and his life. He is just on fire for God and Jesus and he is encouraging others to get on fire too! I guess I like that in a person. :) Another thing about John is that he is so focused on his mission to call others to repentance and to baptize them, that he really does not care about worldly things - like how he looks or what he wears or what he eats. None of that really matters to him. It is the message of the coming of Jesus that matters to him. Maybe it is verse 4 that really stands out to me about John: "John's clothes were woven from camel hair, and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey." I think this is really saying that John lived a simple life. He did not "major in minor things" - he "majored in the major thing" - Jesus! Is there something we can learn from John the Baptist in our lives today? Are we perhaps focusing too much on things of this world and not enough on God and Jesus? Are we truly loving God and loving people like John did? Or are we spending our life "majoring in minor things"? Will we instead "major on the major thing" that John is calling us to even today - complete passion and love for God: the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit; and other people?
Bible.org's commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled "The Slaughter of the Infants and Innocent Suffering" is at this link and "John the Baptist and Jesus" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 2 today is a prophetic and Messianic Psalm! This Psalm is frequently quoted in the New Testament in reference to Jesus as God's Anointed and the great son of King David. The word "Messiah" comes from the Hebrew word for "anointed one." And the word "Christ" comes from the Greek word for "anointed one." (as we read Anointed One in verse 2 of this Psalm today)
Verses 11 & 12 in this Psalm are encouraging and also a strong warning for us at the same time: "Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of your pursuits--for his anger can flare up in an instant. But what joy for all who find protection in him!" I think the closing sentence should be a huge encouragement to us. If we are seeking to love God and Jesus and other people with all of our hearts, mind, strength and souls - God knows it. And he will provide eternal protection for us. Yes, there will be suffering in this life - but joy can be found in knowing that we will have an eternity to spend with God and his royal son!
Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 2 titled “The Coronation of the Son” is at this link.
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 1 verse 7 is basically the mission statement for the entire book of Proverbs! "Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." What does this proverb say to you? Do you believe we should fear God? Bible commentaries define this fear of God as "a loving reverence for God that includes submission to his Lordship and to the commands of his words." Do you believe that fear of God is the beginning of knowledge in our lives? Will you embrace wisdom and discipline in your life? Will you make wisdom and discipline top priorities in your life in this new year of 2009?
YouTube: Psalm 2 and Proverbs 1:7 reminded me of the song "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath:
Do you have eyes for God? Click here for new eyes!
Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7 NIV
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: What is your reaction to reading about The Fall in Genesis today? Is it painful to read about The Fall after reading about The Creation yesterday? If Satan was able to deceive Adam & Eve back then, do you think he still deceives people today? What is our remedy from the lies and deception Satan might throw our way? Do you believe reading and studying God's Word on a daily basis might be one remedy? What are some other remedies? (prayer, going to church, being in a small community group with others, etc.?) Do you believe Jesus has saved us from The Fall? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
Genesis is a great book of FIRSTS, among them are the FIRST mention of:
Trinity - 1:26
Fear - 3:1
Messiah – 3:15
Sacrifice of animal - 3:21
Murder - 4:8
Just to mention a few.
Our Matthew reading:
First I would like to say Matthew is so exciting for the MANY old testament references referred to and fulfilled in Jesus.
ALSO
The Old Testament, written over a 1,000 year period, contains over 300 references to the coming Messiah. All of these were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and they established a solid confirmation of His credentials as the Messiah.
Many of the prophecies concerning the messiah were totally beyond human control:
Birth: Place, time, manner of.
Death: Peoples reactions, piercing of side, burial
Resurrection: Where did His body go?
The chance of any one man fulfilling all of 48 prophecies is one in 10 to the 157 power. The electron is about as small an object as we can imagine. if we had a cubic inch of these electrons and tried to count them, it would take us (at 250 per minute) 19,000 time 19,000 time 19,000 years to count them. Now mark one of them, and thoroughly stir it into the whole mass. What chance does our blindfolded man have of finding the right electron? --- The same chance as one man of fulfilling 48 of the prophecies about Christ, without being the Son of God!
Jesus Christ fulfilled every prophecy written about the coming Messiah --- over three hundred of them! Would that have been possible had He not been the Son of God?
Also love having a daily reading from Psalms and Proverbs.
Have a blessed year reading the Bible together.
Posted by: Jim | January 01, 2009 at 09:47 PM
I was struck in today's reading with Genesis 3:5. The serpent was, and still is, wise on what would entice us humans. He suggested that "you will be like God, knowing good and evil." It seems that so often this is the root of sin, at least for me. I want to be like God, I want to have ultimate authority, I want to be in control. This verse is a good reminder to me that this is a lie of the devil.
Posted by: Chris | January 01, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Speaking of temptation, I was actually struck by our reading today in Psalm 2:8 in which God is speaking to Christ (as we see from v.7 "You are my Son" and v.6 "I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion") and says to Christ:
"Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession."
Now compare this to what the devil later tried to tempt Jesus with:
"Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” (Luke 4:5-7).
Satan was trying to pervert that which was from God, even complete with taking Jesus to the devil's own "mountain" or imitation of Zion. Nevertheless, Jesus doesn't waste any time discussing this with the devil but rather goes to the heart of the most important, worshiping God alone, and tells the devil to get behind him.
It is wonderful to see how Jesus taught us to deal with temptation, and that is with the Word of God. This is one of the many reasons why it is so important to read the Bible and, obviously, the more the better. Following this one year Bible reading plan is such a great way to do this at an easily sustainable level, helping us to acquire internally as much as possible the Word of God. That way when the devil, or our own flesh, tempt us (e.g. we see both the devil and the flesh in Eve's case as she saw it was "pleasant to the eyes") the Holy Spirit can bring to bring to "remembrance" (that word is interesting, seeming to indicate that we should have previously read) all things that Jesus said to us (John 14:26) and this is the way to fight temptation as we see Jesus quoted scripture each time we see He was tempted.
This internalizing of the Word by reading also helps us to make sure that we are not prone to misinterpretation of scripture by ourselves or when someone quotes a specific scripture (and this appears to be the devil's preferred method as we saw he did with Eve when he quoted God directly and with Jesus when he quoted scripture) that their interpretation or use of scripture harmonizes and balances with all of scripture, just as those in Acts 17:11 did as "they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
Posted by: Kary Eldred | January 02, 2009 at 04:17 AM
Excellent commentary throughout these passages for today. Thanks for the visuals and for the reflection, especially on the existence of Satan. I believe in Satan and evil simply because Jesus did. Jesus talked directly to the devil often and the devil talked to him (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus said in Matthew 7, "If you then being evil...." in reference to people.
That's good enough for me.
and paul said in 2 cor 11:3, "But i am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your MINDS will be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ." Let's keep focused and alert to the evil one's desire to lead us astray early on in the year from a 'sincere (simply) and pure devotion to Jesus."
Posted by: luch | January 02, 2009 at 05:50 AM
Hey Anne from SE Australia,
It's great that you are checking the Bible out. I saw your comment yesterday and I just wanted to let you know that I know I group of people who get together in Melbourne to study the Bible. Do you live near there? I'd love to chat with you...I am a SAHM too! You can email me at [email protected]'d love to hear from you.
Posted by: Esther | January 02, 2009 at 06:41 AM
You do a very good job with this blog. Thanks for what you do.
Posted by: gregg | January 02, 2009 at 06:58 AM
I always thought A & E were kicked out of the garden because they sinned. No! because God didn't want them to eat also from the tree of life. [22 And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.] You always learn something new from God's word.
Posted by: henry | January 02, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Hello Everyone,
Anne & Esther--I'm so encouraged to learn that there are other stay-at-home moms (SAHM's) following the plan along with me. Although I am literally on the other side of the world (USA), I'm excited about being your sister in Christ through this study ; )
Henry--I thought that was an interesting point too. In the Believer's Bible Commentary, which I was reading this morning, he notes:
"If they had then eaten of the tree of life, they would have lived forever in bodies subject to sickness, degeneration, and infirmity. Thus it was God's mercy that prevented them from returning to Eden."
This was a new thought to me too--I never thought of it as an act of mercy for the Lord to send them out of the garden.
I also wanted to encourage some folks who may be new to regular Bible reading and may feel overwhelmed by the extent of the Bible plan, Mike's blog commentary, and then our individual comments. I've learned from experience that I can't "take in" everything all the time...sometimes I just get the basic reading done, sometimes I have time to read comments, sometimes I can't even get all of the basic reading done that day.
But, I feel like the larger point is to just jump in, don't get discouraged, and stay in the Word according to this plan as much as you can. If you feel overwhelmed, you could even start with just a piece of this plan (ie., Proverbs and Psalms or the New Testament) Although it is attractive to get the whole scope of the Bible in a year, some is always better than none. It's the daily habit of staying in the Word that is significant. On this note, I love what Kary had to say above about the importance of staying in the Word and internalizing it.
It's key that we give His word a chance to speak into our lives each day and part of this is keeping His word fresh in our minds.
Have a great day,
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 02, 2009 at 09:02 AM
It was really emotional to read about the fall today. I've been thinking a lot about spiritual warfare lately, probably because I'm reading through C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters." I've read it before, but it's always such an eye-opener. Satan is absolutely active in our world today. I need to be constantly on guard.
I think spending time in the Word is the biggest weapon we have against Satan. If you look at when Jesus himself was tempted, his responses were all scripture! The Bible is the only concrete, 100% true thing we have. My emotions and thoughts change constantly, but the Word of the Lord is constant. If I try to combat Satan alone using my own logic and feelings, I'll end up like Eve, going directly against what the Lord has already told me.
Henry and Elizabeth - Today was also the first time I saw that the Lord kicked them out because He didn't want them eating from the tree of life! I've never noticed that verse before. Very interesting.
You all are such a blessing to me! Being in Africa with very few outside resources, I'm always afraid I'm going to start thinking of God as something other than He is, interpreting scripture to meet my needs instead of how God intended it, etc. This is a great opportunity for me to share with other believers and be encouraged by their walks.
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | January 02, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Genesis
The Fall (Gen3) and the "shining one"
Some people have trouble with a talking serpant (snake) deceiving Eve in the garden. Me too, I just accepted it as something I could not understand. Then I picked up a copy of Bullinger's "Companion Bible". Bullinger breaks down Hebrew and Greek text to the minutest detail. He seems to know the forms of literature, differing styles, words and their roots, construction styles of the passages, etc. He is great on Figures of Sppech. Bullinger offers an explanation of Garden scene that seems plausible to me. Let's look at it:
Satan was not a serpent. He came to Eve as an "angel of light". Eve had communed with God. She had seen His glory and light, she was not scared or put off by a "shining being" who spoke well and engaged her in dialogue. This "shining being" deceived Eve, and got her to doubt God's Word.
Oh come on! How did Bullinger come up with this scenario?
Hebrew word for "serpent" is "nachash" and literally, yes, it means serpent or snake. But the root of the word means: "shining whisperer," "shining enchanter."
http://headcoverings-by-devorah.com/HebglossN.html
So Bullinger is saying that instead of using a literal translation of "nachash", one should look at it figuratively using the root. He gives an example of "nachash" used in Numbers 21:8. Bullinger also asserts that Gen3 is in the hebrew literary style of "Intorversion". That the cherubim in the last verse (Gen3:24) must be offset with another similar spirit being in the first verse. If your curiosity is piqued, I encourage you to read the appendix 19 from the "Companion Bible" at this link:
http://www.ovrlnd.com/Teaching/serpentofgen.html
Lest we be too quick to dismiss Bullinger as an over the top micronaalyzer, recall Pauls description of Satan in 2Cor11:14
"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."
[NOTE: In Genesis 3, it is possible that nachash is used in the verbal form as a noun. If that is the case, the proper translation of hanachash in Genesis 3 would be "the Shining one." This understanding of nachash fits in very well with Paul's description of Satan appearing as an "angel of light" (II Cor. 11:14).]
http://users.aristotle.net/~bhuie/satan.htm
Ray Stedman also uses "shining one" instead of serpent here:
http://www.raystedman.org/genesis/0314.html
Posted by: John A. | January 02, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Genesis
Atonement
In Genesis 3:21 we see a foreshadowing of Christ. At some point during God's speech - Adam believed. Evidenced by the fact of his naming the woman - Eve. Adam had faith and accepted God's plan - no matter how painful.
Symbollically God showed them how atonement is acheived. Shedding of innocent blood that provides a covering (symbolized by "skin" clothing) for a person who has faith in God.
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Tree of Life
The worst thing in the world would have been for Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Life and live forever. If it happened mankind would live forever here on earth in a sinful state.
Instead God's plan was to provide a way to eternal life as co-heirs to heaven through Christ.
Much better result than just being rulers over earth. What Satan meant for evil, God turned to good :)
Posted by: John A. | January 02, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Genesis
Cain and Abel
Abel's sacrifice was acceptable - Cain's was not. Why????
We do not have a record of everything said, but I assume at some point - perhaps at the clothing of Adam and Eve it was made known that an offering to the Lord was to involve the shedding of innocent blood.
Abel followed God's direction (Psalm 1 - Blessed), and Cain decided to offer the "work" of his hands, the best he could produce, his efforts to the Lord. It is not about what we do or our efforts - and God was displeased.
Why did God give a mark on Cain and preserve him instead of allowing relatives to take his life? I believe it was because there was no societal structure at the time, and God has said that vengence is His. No individual would be allowed to take Cain's life.
So what punishment? Cain could no longer do what he loved - farm. He was to be a fugitive and vagabond. So where is God's grace? It is God's mark. This man is mine - hands off. Why? There can only be one reason - to give Cain time to reflect and repent. Does he? We don't know.
Peter says, "it is rather his mercy, it is his grace, giving men time to repent in order that none may perish but that all may come to repentance," (2 Peter 3:9).
Posted by: John A. | January 02, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Matthew
God's plan is so intricate. Interesting that the time in Egypt was greatly - if not completely - financed with the gold gift of the magi. No magi, no gold, a much harder time for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.
======================================================
John the Baptist
The Old Testament prophets all had the same core message: Repent and turn back to the Lord your God.
'Do not keep your backs to Him. Face Him and tell him your sins and that you are sorry.'
John the Baptist continues to prophesy in that vain: Repent, Repent, Repent....
[Soon one is coming who will expound on that message, and it will become 'Repent and Believe".]
Posted by: John A. | January 02, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Psalm 2
Christ as King
Three things:
1) No one stands up against the Lord our God in rebellion and wins. Not kings nor rulers, not Satan, no human, not me or you.
2) In Psalm 1 Blessed people are mentioned and two characteristics are given of Blessed people. Here in verse 12 one is told how we become Blessed:
"Blessed are all who take refuge in him."
It is taking refuge or (KJV) trusting in God that makes us Blessed. Faith is not about head knowledge, or acknowledgement of Jesus - but in becomeing one with Him through "Trust".
3)In verse 7 when it says become your Father or beggoten you - it is not about Jesus being born. It is about His Kingship being created at this time.
In verse 12 Kiss the Son is the concept of paying homage - submission and fidelity to our Lord. That is the deal - submit yourself to the Lord or be vanquished.
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Proverbs
Many people are turned off or misunderstand the word for "fear" of the Lord.
The Hebrew word is better translated reverence or devotion of/to the Lord.
This leads to knowledge that when applied leads to wisdom.
Wisdom comes from and through the Lord. Fools (those who are lost) despise wisdom and thus despise God.
Posted by: John A. | January 02, 2009 at 04:45 PM
I found this read to be a good one, in light of the sin of Adam and Eve It's t comforting to know that God cares and wants to correct our bad behavior. He seeks to protect us from our selves and our sinful nature if we allow him too. The scripture that is most impacting to me is Prov 1:7. This scripture is the acknowledgement of God and his power in my life.
Posted by: J. | January 02, 2009 at 06:52 PM
concerning genesis 3:14 Upon your stomachyou will go,And dust you will eat All the dys of your life.
my commentary says this- This implies that God limited Satans activity and move to earth. As long as we set our mind on things above the earth, the serpent, the devil, Satan, cannot touch us(Col.3:1-3 1 John 5:18
Posted by: mike a | January 02, 2009 at 06:53 PM
Hi Mike,
I love the song you post through YouTube "Give me your eyes". Like you, this song remind me of Proverbs 1:7. This proverb also reminds me to fear God, to love Him in reverence, to trust Him, and to submit to Him totally. In God's strength, I do want to make embracing wisdom and discipline in my life as top priorities in 2009, and beyond.
Posted by: Kitty | January 03, 2009 at 04:18 AM
1. What is your reaction to reading about The Fall in Genesis today? HOW TURE IT IS WE ALWAYS PASS THE BUCK
2. Is it painful to read about The Fall after reading about The Creation yesterday? YES, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL THING AND SATAN OF COURSE HAD TO RUIN IT
3. If Satan was able to deceive Adam & Eve back then, do you think he still deceives people today? YES, DAILY EVEN CHRISTIANS
4. What is our remedy from the lies and deception Satan might throw our way? KEEP GOD’S WORD IN YOUR HEART
5. Do you believe reading and studying God's Word on a daily basis might be one remedy? YES IT IS
6. What are some other remedies? (prayer, going to church, being in a small community group with others, etc.?) STAYING CONNECTED WITH GODLY FRIENDS WHOM WILL PRAY FOR YOU WHEN SATAN ATTACKS
7. Do you believe Jesus has saved us from The Fall? HE DIED ON THE CROSS FOR Y
8. Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Genesis 4: 6-7 6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR GOD IS A WONDERFUL WAY OF BEING ACCEPTED.
Posted by: Minerva | January 03, 2009 at 08:54 AM
I'm playing catch up here... but as a SAHM I can adjust time accordingly and am determine to make up for 'lost' days.
did two days today... this 2nd day's reading in Proverbs was especially thought provoking. I'm using The Message Bible
"When you grab all you can get, that's what happens: the more you get, the less you are. "
A good reminder not to focus on the "things" in life and more on cultivating inner beauty and a closeness with our God.
Posted by: Joanna | January 05, 2009 at 08:05 AM