Really. Yes, I will start a day behind, but I am coming back tomorrow. It has been a tough week already. I need this now more than normal!
Ready to join me?
Reba
Monday, April 11, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
To Be Continued...
I am still here. Still kicking. Well, not much. I am too tired to kick. It has been quite a week...lots of highs and lows. We have had report cards due, testing, our winning assembly (our school/National Geographic contest), and just normal school/home stuff. Then today we found out one of our co-workers is in need of a lot of prayers. All this to say, I know it sounds like excuses, and they really are. But I am going to take a little reprieve. I will start back on Sunday or Monday. I am disappointed in myself. At the same time, my concentration level is little to none, and this book needs some attention to details (as in all of the details of the tabernacle!). I just feel too far behind to catch up this week, so I might as well start anew next week. :)
So for all two or three of you out there, I will be back in just a few days...
Reba
So for all two or three of you out there, I will be back in just a few days...
Reba
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Excuses, Excuses...
Yes, I am behind. More than I have been all along. I hope to get back on track tomorrow. I know I shouldn't make excuses but between school, standardized testing, report cards, taxes, and family life, there has been little time for much else. I will make time tomorrow though!
Reba
Reba
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Week 7 Day 1 Written in Stone
Exodus 23-24
I am going to be honest. To Me, these are some of the tough chapters to read. A lot of detailed rules and regulations, laws and commands. And then all of these feasts (okay, three today :) are mentioned. And I find my eyes starting to cross. This is like legalese to me.
But I did read it.
The first part of this reading involved those rules and regulations. There were a lot of people hanging out in the desert together. They needed some guidance. Otherwise, all willy nilly breaks loose.
Rules about courts. A lot about courts.
Another mention about not mistreating the foreigner. Planting guidelines. Wandering ox and donkeys.
Then God brings up the feasts. 3 feasts. The Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Feast of Weeks. The Feast of Shelters.
Then God announces that an angle will be going with the people as they travel. God will always be with them. He will help fight those they fight against. And they will persevere.
Something I had never noticed was that God had a reason for the Israelites to not go in and just win the battles instantly. They could have. God was there. There is nothing He can't do. But at this point in time, He told them that He would not force all of the people out in only one year. It would happen gradually.
After more chatting with God, Moses returned to the people and talked to them about what God had said. They all agreed that they would follow what God commanded. Moses wrote down God's words. Then he read God's words again. And the people again said, "We will obey."
God asks Moses to return to the mountain. This time He is going to give Moses two stone tablets. On the tablets, He will have written all of the commands and teachings to instruct the people.
Now I have seen the Charlton Heston Moses movie. We all have that vision of Moses walking down the mountain with two tablets, five commandments on each.
But after reading this, I am a bit confused. Was this just the 10 commandments? Or were all of these rules and regulations He just laid out on there?
I don't know the answer, just wondering aloud. :)
The other thought here is that "Written in stone" comes to mind. "It is written in stone." I wonder if that originated from this verse?
The end of the passage is Moses actually meeting with God. What an experience that would have been!
One day. One day.
Reba
PS Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 25-27
I am going to be honest. To Me, these are some of the tough chapters to read. A lot of detailed rules and regulations, laws and commands. And then all of these feasts (okay, three today :) are mentioned. And I find my eyes starting to cross. This is like legalese to me.
But I did read it.
The first part of this reading involved those rules and regulations. There were a lot of people hanging out in the desert together. They needed some guidance. Otherwise, all willy nilly breaks loose.
Rules about courts. A lot about courts.
Another mention about not mistreating the foreigner. Planting guidelines. Wandering ox and donkeys.
Then God brings up the feasts. 3 feasts. The Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Feast of Weeks. The Feast of Shelters.
Then God announces that an angle will be going with the people as they travel. God will always be with them. He will help fight those they fight against. And they will persevere.
Something I had never noticed was that God had a reason for the Israelites to not go in and just win the battles instantly. They could have. God was there. There is nothing He can't do. But at this point in time, He told them that He would not force all of the people out in only one year. It would happen gradually.
After more chatting with God, Moses returned to the people and talked to them about what God had said. They all agreed that they would follow what God commanded. Moses wrote down God's words. Then he read God's words again. And the people again said, "We will obey."
God asks Moses to return to the mountain. This time He is going to give Moses two stone tablets. On the tablets, He will have written all of the commands and teachings to instruct the people.
Now I have seen the Charlton Heston Moses movie. We all have that vision of Moses walking down the mountain with two tablets, five commandments on each.
But after reading this, I am a bit confused. Was this just the 10 commandments? Or were all of these rules and regulations He just laid out on there?
I don't know the answer, just wondering aloud. :)
The other thought here is that "Written in stone" comes to mind. "It is written in stone." I wonder if that originated from this verse?
The end of the passage is Moses actually meeting with God. What an experience that would have been!
One day. One day.
Reba
PS Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 25-27
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Week 6 Day 7 An Eye for an Eye
Exodus 21 and 22
You would kind of think the 10 commandments would cover everything. I mean, they are all pretty broad. But we are dealing with humans here. And while the 10 commandments should adequately cover everyday life, we humans want more. We want specifics. We want to know exactly what to do in certain situations.
That is what these two chapters (and more to come) deal with.
It gives very specific examples about crime and punishment, slavery, moral and ethical issues, etc.
Don't worry. I am not going to rehash them.
I am much too tired.
I am just going to give my favorite one (favorite as in the one I wanted to stand up and say "woohoo" to!).
It is found in Exodus 22.
Verse 21.
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
I won't go into a long discourse about this one...I have actually been writing a blog post in my mind around this very theme (even before reading it).
I will just say that sometimes we need to be reminded about this.
Even if we weren't actually foreigners in Egypt.
I have no idea what tomorrow's reading is...I guess I will have to take a look. Later. I am tired.
Reba
You would kind of think the 10 commandments would cover everything. I mean, they are all pretty broad. But we are dealing with humans here. And while the 10 commandments should adequately cover everyday life, we humans want more. We want specifics. We want to know exactly what to do in certain situations.
That is what these two chapters (and more to come) deal with.
It gives very specific examples about crime and punishment, slavery, moral and ethical issues, etc.
Don't worry. I am not going to rehash them.
I am much too tired.
I am just going to give my favorite one (favorite as in the one I wanted to stand up and say "woohoo" to!).
It is found in Exodus 22.
Verse 21.
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
I won't go into a long discourse about this one...I have actually been writing a blog post in my mind around this very theme (even before reading it).
I will just say that sometimes we need to be reminded about this.
Even if we weren't actually foreigners in Egypt.
I have no idea what tomorrow's reading is...I guess I will have to take a look. Later. I am tired.
Reba
Friday, April 1, 2011
Week 6 Day 6 Thous Shall Not...
Exodus 20
So just to recap, Moses is on the mountain (Mt. Sinai) listening to God. The people wait below.
And then God speaks.
Lots of Thou Shall Nots...
Well, 10 to be exact.
Okay, I am reading the more modern version, so it says, "You must not..."
But the "shall nots" sound so much more official. Plus that is the way I learned them.
So here is my little version and what my conversation with God might have been...
1. You must have no other gods before me. That one sounds so easy. I only believe in one god. Oh, wait. You aren't telling me that my job or my family or even my computer time is a god, are you? Okay, now that is just stepping on my toes...
2. You must not make an idol (or worship an idol). Again, that is easy. I have no statues hanging around my house that I serve. Huh? That box plugged into the wall can be an idol? Food that I love to eat? It isn't like I worship them, right? Sure, I may spend a lot of time thinking about them. Or with them. And that may interfere with my time with God on occasion. But that doesn't mean...oh. Never mind.
3. You must not use the name of the LORD your God thoughtlessly. Or in vain. I actually do pretty well with this one if you take it very literally. I just was raised to not say "God" unless I am actually talking to Him or about Him. But then there are those questionable words. "Golly" "Darn" "Heck" Hmmm...
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. I will be honest. I still struggle with exactly what this means. I know a long time ago the Pharisees took this very strictly. They would kill a hen for laying eggs on the Sabbath. I think that is a bit extreme. But I don't know if we always do enough to keep that one day holy either. I am still working on this one...
5. Honor your father and your mother. I love the reason here. "So you will live a long time in the land that the LORD your God is going to give you." I think I may type this one up in a REALLY big font and put it on the bathroom mirror for my children to see every day. :) By the way, I notice this commandment doesn't have an expiration date. It doesn't say that when you are a grown up, you don't have to honor them.
6. You must not murder anyone. Again, God, this one sounds so easy. I am not likely to just go out and kill someone. But if you are referring to having anger or bitterness in my heart to another...well, I just may struggle with this one too. Darn. I am not on a winning streak here.
7. You must not be guilty of adultery. I don't even know what to say on this one...
8. You must not steal. Stealing always conjures up pictures in my mind of that teenage girl at the mall shoplifting a tube of lipstick or the two men who robbed our house a couple years ago. But, God, I suppose that could also involve stealing of company time...doing my own personal stuff while working. Or trying to pass of my child as under 10 so he can eat off the kids' menu. (I am not saying I do these things...just thinking aloud here...)
9. You must not tell lies about your neighbor. Well, that sounds easy enough...unless this somehow gets into those little white lies. Gossip. You know, that kind of thing.
10. You must not covet. (That is my simplified version) Ugh. That is a tough one. I struggle with that one. I read about trips others are taking, and I immediately feel a sense of envy. I see people driving their cute little cars around as I roll in my minivan, and I feel that sense of "Why not me?" (Then I remember that is because four won't fit in the back of those cute little cars...) I read about ipads and houses with three bathrooms and swimming pools...and though I would truly say I am content, I still feel that little sense of want. Ugh, God...why didn't You stop with nine???
The people continued to wait for Moses at the foot of the mountain. They shook with fear and stood away from the mountain...I think I would have!
When Moses spoke to them, he told them to NOT be afraid. God wanted them to respect Him so they wouldn't sin.
Oh, there is that word respect. We use it a lot around here.
Am I respecting Him when I sin?
Ending with my head hanging in shame...
Reba
Next reading: Exodus 21-22
So just to recap, Moses is on the mountain (Mt. Sinai) listening to God. The people wait below.
And then God speaks.
Lots of Thou Shall Nots...
Well, 10 to be exact.
Okay, I am reading the more modern version, so it says, "You must not..."
But the "shall nots" sound so much more official. Plus that is the way I learned them.
So here is my little version and what my conversation with God might have been...
1. You must have no other gods before me. That one sounds so easy. I only believe in one god. Oh, wait. You aren't telling me that my job or my family or even my computer time is a god, are you? Okay, now that is just stepping on my toes...
2. You must not make an idol (or worship an idol). Again, that is easy. I have no statues hanging around my house that I serve. Huh? That box plugged into the wall can be an idol? Food that I love to eat? It isn't like I worship them, right? Sure, I may spend a lot of time thinking about them. Or with them. And that may interfere with my time with God on occasion. But that doesn't mean...oh. Never mind.
3. You must not use the name of the LORD your God thoughtlessly. Or in vain. I actually do pretty well with this one if you take it very literally. I just was raised to not say "God" unless I am actually talking to Him or about Him. But then there are those questionable words. "Golly" "Darn" "Heck" Hmmm...
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. I will be honest. I still struggle with exactly what this means. I know a long time ago the Pharisees took this very strictly. They would kill a hen for laying eggs on the Sabbath. I think that is a bit extreme. But I don't know if we always do enough to keep that one day holy either. I am still working on this one...
5. Honor your father and your mother. I love the reason here. "So you will live a long time in the land that the LORD your God is going to give you." I think I may type this one up in a REALLY big font and put it on the bathroom mirror for my children to see every day. :) By the way, I notice this commandment doesn't have an expiration date. It doesn't say that when you are a grown up, you don't have to honor them.
6. You must not murder anyone. Again, God, this one sounds so easy. I am not likely to just go out and kill someone. But if you are referring to having anger or bitterness in my heart to another...well, I just may struggle with this one too. Darn. I am not on a winning streak here.
7. You must not be guilty of adultery. I don't even know what to say on this one...
8. You must not steal. Stealing always conjures up pictures in my mind of that teenage girl at the mall shoplifting a tube of lipstick or the two men who robbed our house a couple years ago. But, God, I suppose that could also involve stealing of company time...doing my own personal stuff while working. Or trying to pass of my child as under 10 so he can eat off the kids' menu. (I am not saying I do these things...just thinking aloud here...)
9. You must not tell lies about your neighbor. Well, that sounds easy enough...unless this somehow gets into those little white lies. Gossip. You know, that kind of thing.
10. You must not covet. (That is my simplified version) Ugh. That is a tough one. I struggle with that one. I read about trips others are taking, and I immediately feel a sense of envy. I see people driving their cute little cars around as I roll in my minivan, and I feel that sense of "Why not me?" (Then I remember that is because four won't fit in the back of those cute little cars...) I read about ipads and houses with three bathrooms and swimming pools...and though I would truly say I am content, I still feel that little sense of want. Ugh, God...why didn't You stop with nine???
The people continued to wait for Moses at the foot of the mountain. They shook with fear and stood away from the mountain...I think I would have!
When Moses spoke to them, he told them to NOT be afraid. God wanted them to respect Him so they wouldn't sin.
Oh, there is that word respect. We use it a lot around here.
Am I respecting Him when I sin?
Ending with my head hanging in shame...
Reba
Next reading: Exodus 21-22
Week 6 Day 5 On Eagle's Wings
Exodus 19
I am determined to get caught up today. Determined. I can do this. And that is no joke. :)
It has been three months since the Israelites left Egypt. They are now camping in the Desert of Sinai in front of the mountain. That would be Mount Sinai.
So Moses goes up on the mountain to listen to God.
I think that is impressive for a man of his age. I don't know how old he is but he cannot be in his 20's at this point. I am not sure I could climb up a mountain at my age. :)
God tells Moses all kinds of things.
One of my favorites:
You saw how I carried you out of Egypt, as if on eagle's wings. verse 4
Doesn't that bring a beautiful picture to mind?
I love that God is reminding Moses (to remind the people) to remember what He has done for them.
You would think this would be fresh on their minds.
However, you would think when I am facing times of trouble and despair, all of the times God has provided would be fresh on my mind too.
Moses went to talk to the people. He shared what God had shared. And they said, "Yes. We will do what He says."
So Moses went back to the LORD...Another climb on the mountain.
I am getting tired thinking about it!
God instructs Moses to instruct the people to prepare for Him. He will come speak to Moses and they will hear. Then they will always trust him. Well, that may be wishful thinking but it sounds good.
For three days the people prepared. They spiffied themselves up.
On the morning of the third day, there was thunder and lightning. And there was a thick cloud on the mountain. Then, the people heard a loud blast. The people trembled.
How scary would that be???
So Moses met with God once again, while the people stood below.
And then He spoke...
Next up: Exodus 20
Reba
I am determined to get caught up today. Determined. I can do this. And that is no joke. :)
It has been three months since the Israelites left Egypt. They are now camping in the Desert of Sinai in front of the mountain. That would be Mount Sinai.
So Moses goes up on the mountain to listen to God.
I think that is impressive for a man of his age. I don't know how old he is but he cannot be in his 20's at this point. I am not sure I could climb up a mountain at my age. :)
God tells Moses all kinds of things.
One of my favorites:
You saw how I carried you out of Egypt, as if on eagle's wings. verse 4
Doesn't that bring a beautiful picture to mind?
I love that God is reminding Moses (to remind the people) to remember what He has done for them.
You would think this would be fresh on their minds.
However, you would think when I am facing times of trouble and despair, all of the times God has provided would be fresh on my mind too.
Moses went to talk to the people. He shared what God had shared. And they said, "Yes. We will do what He says."
So Moses went back to the LORD...Another climb on the mountain.
I am getting tired thinking about it!
God instructs Moses to instruct the people to prepare for Him. He will come speak to Moses and they will hear. Then they will always trust him. Well, that may be wishful thinking but it sounds good.
For three days the people prepared. They spiffied themselves up.
On the morning of the third day, there was thunder and lightning. And there was a thick cloud on the mountain. Then, the people heard a loud blast. The people trembled.
How scary would that be???
So Moses met with God once again, while the people stood below.
And then He spoke...
Next up: Exodus 20
Reba
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