Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Matthew 17:

That must have been a phenomenal thing to see Jesus in his glory. I wonder how they knew it was Moses and Elijah. Name tags? Did they hear Jesus referring to them by name? What language did they speak? What did they talk about? So, many questions none of them of much significance.

I wonder why Peter was never given an answer to his request. He was wanting to build tents for each of them. I notice that he asks, "If you wish" and also refers to him as Lord. So, even though he is making three tents it is not as if he is saying Moses, Elijah, and Jesus are on the same plain. He is still referring to Jesus as Master and he asks him the question not Moses and Elijah.

That would have been very terrifying, but I wonder why they were so shocked. Did they not already see this as something really significant because Jesus is kind of glowing? Oh, that the voice of God would make me tremble as it did these men!

How did John the Bapitst "restore all things"?

After reading the story of the Demon-Possessed Boy I find myself wishing I had never heard charismatic watered down preaching. It seems to close my eyes to the text. I find myself reading things like this with their lens...knowing they are most often wrong, I go the other way and end up being blind to the meaning of the text. Lord, help me see what you are saying here. I bet there is something cultural here that I do not understand. I do not think that Jesus is literally saying that becasue we believe enough we can move stuff like mountains. He is speaking figuratively, but yet does the principle stand? What is to be said of "nothing will be impossible for you". I want to have biblical faith. I do not want to have a stick in the mud anti-supernatural faith, nor do I want to be a chicken-clucking charismatic. Lord, help me to see and live the balance.

I think this temple tax might be something that helps us in debates concerning our freedoms. Did Jesus have to pay tax? Of course not. He is free. Did he pay tax not to give offense? Yes. Should we sometimes not use our freedom so as not to give offense? Yes. Does his paying taxes cause him to deny the gospel and slip into legalism? No. We have much to learn here.

Acts 17:

I wonder why the Jews gave Paul a hearing for three straight Sabbaths. It is also significant that what Paul used was not fancy rhetoric or even rabbinical writings. Paul reasoned with them "from the Scriptures".

"These men who have turned the world upside down"...what a stirring statement. Is it my pride that wants to follow suit or is it a holy ambition? Lord, if the world be turned upside down let it be for the sake of and glory of Jesus Christ. May he be the only boast of the generation that is "turned upside down".

v.9 Did Jason bribe them?

How are the Jews of Berea more noble? 1) Received the word with eagerness 2) examined the Scriptures daily. There is much to be said about this. They received the word. They did so with eagerness. They examined the Scriptures. And they did so on a day to day basis. Their passion for truth is astounding.

Is my spirit provoked in a city full of idols?

v.21 in some way sounds like us in America. We spend all of our times searching for novelty. May the gospel penetrate this culture as well. Lord, help us to "teach strange things" and not be irrelevant by our undiscerning pursuit of relevancy.

It's not as if the Athenians are actually worshipping the living God. They are "worshipping" an unknown God...and Paul sees this as a bridge to preach the gospel.

Paul starts his gospel "presentation" with teaching on Creation. Would they have readily believed this? Probably not. I notice throughout this section that the God that Paul is proclaiming is a massive contrast to the gods that they were so passionately worshipping.

I think the full meaning of verse 27 escapes me.

Paul also bridges with common things in their culture. But notice what he uses is "morally neutral". It's not as if Paul goes to the sex temples or engages in idolatry with them. He uses morally neutral things that can bridge the gap.

Repentance is a command. v30

Is it significant that Paul only speaks of this unknown God and does not refer to Jesus by name but merely describes Him?

Genesis 19:

I lost an angel somewhere. Earlier there were three now two. Where did the third go?

v.5 has always astonished me at the audacity of these men to make such a request. It beautifully shows the depth of our depravity (although I am sure that even these men were restrained from being as wicked as possible).

Lot's solution has always bothered me as well. Rather than having them sleep with his angelic guest he offers his daughters. Yet even this does not appease them. They want the angels.

Before I chide the sons-in-laws for thinking Lot was jesting, I have to confess I see myself in these men. I am so turned away from emotionalism that sometimes I would not listen to such a "prophecy". Again, as I prayed earlier--I need balance and growth in this.

I wonder if men that are so passionate about preserving man's "free will" (that's in quotation marks because it is typically a misunderstanding of true biblical freedom) see these men as being dishonoring and unloving to Lot and his family. I can see myself again here. If the Lord had not "seized me" with his mercy and brought me "outside the city", I would still be in my sin. I am glad that the Lord's mercy is so powerful that it changes me and keeps me from treasuring my sin and causes me to delight in Christ.

I think there is a type in Lot escaping to this city of refuge. I am jogging my memory but I think this is spoken of somewhere else in a more profound way.

What would sulfur and fire rain have been like?

Why a pillar of salt? Is this literal? Does this stem from the destruction? Those are not as significant as the message of this text. We must never look back after the Lord has delivered us. I would not go so far as to make this a type of those that "lose their salvation", yet I do believe we need to heed the warning.

It looks like Lot ended up moving out of Zoar and living in the hills, even though at first he made the request not to.

Esther 1:

v4 Kings of earth even in all their splendor are exhaustible in 180 days. It will take the Lord all of eternity to "show the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness."

I wonder was Queen Vashti only lovely to look at because the king was "merry with wine".

It's pretty neat that the King's consul (even though not acting the most merciful) is thinking through the ramifications of his decision. If he lets her get away with this it will have adverse affects. We as leaders should always think through the outcome of our decisions. Our disobedience has a counter effect on others as well as ourselves.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Nehemiah 9:

What a day...1/4 of the day spent in confession and worship, another quarter spent reading the Word.

What are the stairs of the Levites?

This is such a great proclamation. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. In other words we are going to bless you with everything that we have for all eternity and that will not put a dent into the amount of blessing and praise that you are worthy of. I wonder if I really believe this? Lord, give me more faith. Give me faith to believe and treasure your supreme worth.

It is amazing to see how Nehemiah sees God in every aspect of history. It is important for us to praise the Lord for all of his acts in history. It seems like many of the greatest doxologies come in response to reviewing all of God's mighty acts in history. Something about seeing that God is in control and glorious over all creation that causes us to abound in worship.

v.20..."you gave your good Spirit to instruct them" The Holy Spirit was active even in the OT.

"delighted themselves in your great goodness"...I wonder if they were delighting in God Himself or the goodness of his gifts?

This cycle that we see in the history of Israel breaks my heart and sickens me...because it all too often is a reflection of my own relationship with the Living God. He blesses, I enjoy, I rebel, He rescues, I enjoy, I rebel, He rescues...and on and on.

I love Nehemiah's heart in verse 32-33. He is praying that God not forget them in all their struggle yet he never accuses the Lord of injustice. "We've got what we deserved, therefore our only hope is your mercy".

Nehemiah 10:

You have to respect the dedication of these men, but knowing the history of mankind, they are signing their names to a curse. They will not be able to keep this covenant. Yet by faith many will be delivered because Jesus Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.

You can see in this covenant, though good and pleasing to the Lord, seeds of the Pharisees.

What is the wood offering?

"We will not neglect the house of our God". Something about this statement catches my attention, but I am not sure what yet.

Nehemiah 11:

A huge list of names comprises this chapter. Two questions come to my mind. What is the significance of living in Jerusalem, and why are they praised for moving there? Is it because this is what communicated that they were faithful to rebuilding the temple and city of God? The other question is what are the diverse stories behind all of these people?

Nehemiah 12:

More people that I have no clue who they are.

I bet dedicating the wall was a very fun and significant thing for the people.

I wonder what songs they sang.

"...for God had made them rejoice with great joy...and the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away." Certainly when the Lord makes us rejoice it will spread far away. Lord, cause us in our day to rejoice with great joy!

Nehemiah 13:

v.3...the sounds incredibly racist, but we must remember that foreign people came with foreign gods. It is more a rejection of these gods than the people. Yet, we must understand that the Jewish people were often times very ethnocentric. Was this good or bad? It depends. Is it at the expense of evangelism? Then it is bad. Is it for the sake of holiness and purity? Then it is good.

v.8 This furniture throwing must have been something to behold.

It is refreshing to hear of someone that sees something going awfully wrong and quickly labors to make things right.

What was wrong about lodging outside the wall?

One thing that seems to be throughout this is the prayer of Nehemiah that God might remember his works and grant him mercy.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Matthew 16:

I wonder if they had the "red sky at night sailors delight, red sky in the morning sailors take warning" saying back in Jesus' day? I'm not certain that they would have had "sailors" so I doubt it. But nonetheless, I've always found this verse kind of neat because I've heard sayings about a red sky at night and in the morning.

What is the sign of Jonah?

I love these little narrative interjections. "The disciples forgot to bring bread". Certainly it serves as a fitting transition and teachable moment, but it does a wonderful job of showing the disciples humanity and Jesus' patience with them.

The disciples continue to view things extremely literally. We should be cautious of doing the like.

In what way should we warn people as Jesus did to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Who are these groups in our day?

I wonder if Jesus' question, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is", would have sounded weird. Is he referring to himself or the "Son of Man" spoken of in the Scriptures? Is this the same as asking "Who do people say that I am" or is it asking "How do people describe the Son of Man spoken of in Scripture? I prefer the latter. I believe Jesus is saying, "How do people interpret the OT Son of Man". They then respond by the common beliefs in the day. (Jeremiah actually seems strange in this context). Then Jesus says, but who do you say that I am. Again the stress would not be on who do you...but rather who do you say that I am. I could be wrong though. He could be contrasting the "peoples" reception of Jesus with that of the disciples.

Peter replies that Jesus is the Christ the son of the Living God, and apparently knowledge of this only came because God revealed it to Him.

This verse (18-19) has been the subject of much debate. Is the rock Peter or faith? What are meant by the gates of hell? (Since when are gates active, so that the rock must withstand it?) What are the keys? What authority is given? Is it given to Peter? Is it given to His successors? Is it given to all those people of faith? It is not the place here to answer these questions.

It has always seemed strange to me that Jesus is so passionate about the disciples not telling people that he is the Christ. I know that we are not to conceal him now. It's painfully ironic that when Jesus urged people to conceal Him they could not do so. When Jesus commands us to spread His fame to the nations we eagerly desire to obey his first instruction to tell no one. Lord, help us to be faithful in proclaiming you in your fullness.

It is so funny that Peter rebukes Jesus. After he makes this amazing confession, we know that he knew who Jesus was. What boldness to rebuke God. But I wonder, how many times have I done the same? Am I not doing as Peter did whenever I question His wise counsel? Am I not rebuking God when I whine at his sovereign actions? And Peter's problem is ours--thinking of the things of man instead of the things of God.

After Jesus tells of His suffering He urges us to follow Him in this. As I look over this text I am forced to wonder whether or not I have "lost my life" for Jesus' sake. Can I be said to be a doulos?

Why is it that sometimes it sounds like works play a very important role? Why is it that we will be repaid for "what we have done"?

I've never understood how verse 28 is fulfilled? I think it is speaking of either Jesus' death, resurrection, or ascension.

Acts 16:

"A Jewish woman who was a believer"...does this mean believer in Christ? It seems from here and other places in Scripture that Timothy's mom was a follower of Jesus.

Why did Paul circumcise Timothy because of the Jews but not Titus?

We are still seeing churches increase daily. Lord, bring this movement to us!

"Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the work in Asia." Many questions arise from this. How do you know when the Holy Spirit is forbidding you? Why did He forbid them to "speak the Word"? Did he have a specific place for them to go? We should always be waiting for the Spirit's urging to know where to preach the gospel and apparently where not to.

Again Paul begins his ministry at a religious place. Synagogues, places of prayer, etc. seem to be where he preached the gospel first in a city.

The Lord opened her heart...unless He had certainly Lydia would not have believed. Lord, open hearts in our community, and help us hear the cries of them when you bid us to proclaim the gospel.

Why do we see households baptized when one believes?

Divination is probably a reality. It's not as if people are faking (though many probably are). It's just that they are demonized.

I find this story funny about Paul being annoyed. I wonder why it was so annoying. Why did he wait so long to cast it out? Why only after annoyance?

Certainly Paul's experience of affliction here in Philippi will serve a great purpose later in comforting them when they are afflicted.

Even after beatings and imprisonment the joy of the Lord (and perhaps even the desperation of the situation) draws Paul and Silas to sing hymns. Nonetheless these were clothed in Scripture and probably many Psalms. The guards listen and were certainly influenced.

Again we see "believe, and you will be saved "and your household". But the next verse says the word was spoken to them and your household. "He rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God". Let us rejoice in our salvation Lord.

This seems really stubborn of Paul. Is he being stubborn or does he see a greater purpose of God in this. Certainly Paul is not infallible. I think sometimes we read Acts and everything Paul did and assume that everyone of his actions is right.

Genesis 18:

Is this three the Trinity? I am a little confused by this dialogue. How did Abraham know it was the Lord?

A new term for menopause..."the way of women has ceased to be with her". I like reading some of the euphemisms in the Bible.

I wonder what this dialogue between laughing Sarah then embarrassed and fearful Sarah was like. What was God's response in this. Is he a little angry at her unbelief? Understanding and almost laughing Himself?

This chapter for some reason seems really strange to me. God is walking to Sodom to see if its as bad from this angle as it is from heaven.

Now, verse 22 really confuses me. The men leave, Abraham stays before the LORD? Are these men incarnations of God or not (there is a theological word for this, but for the life of me I can not think of it)?

We see the display of God's righteousness in sparing Sodom if one righteous man is found. He is doing this through all of history and the book of Revelation even as he pours out his bowls of wrath and offers more and more time for repentance (all the while knowing that many will never repent, yet still showing mercy and offering grace to display his mighty justice).

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Matthew 15:

Apparently the disciples were not very hygienic. Maybe Jesus never taught them proper hygiene, since they do not wash their hands before they eat.

I love this dialogue between Jesus. "Why do you not obey tradition?" Jesus, "Why do you not obey God?" Ouch.

I wonder how often because of our tradition we "make void" the Word of God.

verse 12. It is easy to sympathize with the disciples here. It would have been difficult to go against the established authorities and leaders. "Hey, Jesus you are offending the Pharisees, shouldn't you be careful?" We must be careful not to give undue offense but when the truth of God is being dishonored we must not care about offending those who hold to tradition over the Word of God. Even if it means church conflict because we change an unbiblical tradition to the disapproval of a "Pharisee".

Apparently there are "plants" that are planted but not so by the Father. Is this similar to the parable of the wheat and tares?

It's quite obvious to us today what Jesus is saying. But I wonder how often we do not understand truly what Jesus is saying. I think of the big "NO's" of Christianity today and few are on this list. We are very harsh on some things (and some which perhaps do not even defile) and others on this list we ignore. How often have people been censured for false witness and slander?
I have never really understood the story of the Canaanite woman. It seems so uncharacteristic of Jesus. It sounds as if Jesus does not have a concept of Gentile inclusion. Is this tongue in cheek? He saying it almost sarcastically to the disciples to teach him that he was not sent only to the lost sheep of Israel? Nonetheless, her persistence "wins Jesus over". What are your thoughts on this passage?

True biblical healing will result in glorifying the God of Israel.

Imagine being so dedicated and passionate about hearing what Jesus has to say that you do not eat for three days.

Acts 15:

Do stories of conversion strike joy in my heart as it did these brothers?

There are Pharisees still in the mix. It seems as if the Jewishness of Christianity in his seminal stages was quite prominent. Acts 15 will prove to be a major turning point. I imagine it must have been a very big debate. You can certainly sympathize with the thought that they must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. This had been their entire life. It is not as if they are meaning to denounce Christ. They are wanting to be faithful to their heritage and all that they have been taught. Christ and His gospel was so revolutionary that it had to come with such difficult questions as these.

verse 7, (If I am reading it correctly) certainly seems that God made a choice to save certain Gentiles. This certainly sounds like the type of election described by Calvinists, but perhaps because I am one I am reading this into the text. Lord, help me to read your word for what it says and not put doctrine into it. Rather I pray that my doctrine find its source in the Holy Scriptures and the glorious God of which they reveal.

"cleansed their hearts by faith". This is very significant. The Jews are wanting a cleansing of the Gentiles. Peter is saying the Spirit of God has already done this.

I wonder why James gives these four instructions. Did Gentiles have a huge problem with these things? In reading some of the ancient literature it appears so. Are we still today to follow this?

Why is James concerned with men "proclaiming Moses"? There is a sense in which we must proclaim the Law, but certainly not at the expense of proclaiming Christ. May we never proclaim only the Law!

"gone out from us"...does this mean that they are heretics and it is synonymous to saying "gone away from us"? Or is this saying they are brothers (albeit confused) that are fruits from us as if he is saying "came from us"?

May it be said of us, "Men who have risked their lives for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ".

I pray that I might write, teach, and preach with such grace that those that hear the Word might, "rejoice because of its encouragement".

Even sharp disagreement can be used by the Lord. I have, however, always been saddened by this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas.

Nehemiah 8:

"And the ears of all the people were attentive..." Dear Lord bring that to our church. Bring that to my heart, that I might ever be attentive to your Holy Word and the preaching and proclaiming of it.

I would like to begin having the people in the congregation stand at the reading of the Word. I would love to see congregational reading of the Word instilled again into our church. I would like to begin this at youth group next time we meet. Not for the sake of the practice itself but to revere our hearts to God's precious Word.

I am told that verse 8 is pointing to expository preaching and I believe it so. The Word must be read "clearly", and we as expositors must "give the sense", and our goal must be that "the people understood the reading".

I asked an earlier question about the authority of Nehemiah. Here it says he was a governor. How he got this title I am not certain. But this is why he is able to speak with such authority.

Verse 9-12 Something about this section of Scripture is still floating around in my head. The Word is read the people are weeping. Weeping for sorrow it appears. Why are they sad? Is this sadness not mourning and good? Why are they commanded to celebrate? So, then should we not celebrate instead of mourn when we understand the Word? Are there times when a clear understanding should cause weeping? Are these general principles or specific to the story?

Isn't it ironic that we have to be commanded to celebrate and party? It seems like lost people get celebration a little better than we...and it is we that have the most to celebrate. Yet, perhaps this is our time of mourning and fasting because our bridegroom has not yet came back. Oh, but one day we will out celebrate any drunkard in Times Square on New Years Eve!

Day by day he read from the book of the Law. I wish we still had such assemblies daily. It seems to me that in times of the Great Awakening and in the ministry of many dear saints that they meetings about every day. We struggle now to have an evening service or a few days in a row. Lord, cause us to hunger and pant after You and Your Word.

Genesis 17:

Is this a separate covenant? I think it is. This time Abe has conditions. Walk before God and be blameless. (What exactly does it mean to walk before the Lord)? It does sound very similar to the prior covenant. Is this one different?

It is neat that many times when men have an encounter with God he changes their names. We are indeed a new creations-this is a cool reflection of this glorious truth. It seems as if this covenant is conditional whereas the prior one is less so. I should study these more.

Again as we read such things in verse 14, I see why the early Christians had a problem with doing away with circumcision.

Circumcision would have to take a lot of faith.

Even after Abraham messed up with Hagar, God's grace and promise are still going to come to fruition. This is very comforting for those of us that mess up in many diverse ways. There are certain things in God's plan that cannot and never will be jacked up! That's wonderfully freeing.

It must have been a huge gut-buster to fall on his face laughing. And to think that he is doing this with the Almighty. What a relationship they must have had. But we see that part of this is unbelief, and God certainly is not pleased with this laughter. Abraham is begging for God's blessing to be given to Ishmael. But God's plan is through Isaac. The Child of Promise not the Child of the Flesh.

You get the idea that God is not surprised by the spreading of Ishmael's descendants. Yet, he cannot be pleased with their damnable doctrines. But as a fulfillment of this look at the world's supply of oil....much of the riches come from descendants of Ishmael.

I will probably have our son circumcised (for medical not religious purposes) before the age of 13. Is there significance in the fact that Ishmael is circumcised? Do Muslims get circumcised? Even Abraham's servants are circumcised. Does this mean that the promises and blessings are extended to even them? If so, then we can see God's inclusive nature even here.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Genesis 12:

"Go to a land I will show you". How often is it that God calls us to do things with only a few details. Truly, the only detail that we should need is this: "Follow me".

Is this the first time that Abram has "called upon the name of the Lord"?

What would Abram's calling Sarai his sister entail? Would they take her captive? Would they seduce her? Is her being "taken into Pharaoh's house" a not so subtle way of saying that he "made her his"? It seems that since he "took her for [his] wife" that this is exactly what happened. This is horrible that Abram out of fear would let his own wife be given to Pharaoh. Meanwhile he gets all of these gifts. Horrible. I am sure that the culture was much different then, but still. So, this makes me wonder...have I ever dealt in such a horrible way to my wife? Have I ever been so selfish or afraid of man that I honored them or my own security over her? Never to this extent, but I am sure I have. Lord, forgive me of this and make my heart more faithful to my wife.

Genesis 13:

Now that we are told of Abram's great wealth it helps us to see even more the depth of his "sacrifice" in leaving his country.

This "town isn't big enough for both of us"...literally in the case of Abram and Lot.

I am sure there is some significance (dare I say allegorical) in the separation of Lot and Abram.

Verse 14-15. I'm really glad that God doesn't give such a promise to me when I have my contacts out or glasses off; I would be trapped in a small space. I know it is only metaphor but it is amazing how many people in Abram's offspring are being promised. Certainly this is not only the Jewish people. Certainly this is speaking of those who will be in Jesus Christ. Certainly, I am one of those specks of dust that cannot be counted.

Genesis 14:

I wonder if there are any extra-biblical sources that speak of these battles.

I think this is the first time Abram is called a Hebrew.

Had Abram already built up an army? Is that what the "trained men" is a reference to?

I never think of Abram as a military guy, but it sounds like he was a pretty good war strategist. Certainly he was outnumbered.

Melchizedek is familiar from Hebrews. He's a priest, and here even before the Levites. I wish I knew more about ancient cultures and their history.

Abram would take nothing so that the King of Sodom could not take glory. Either Abram was prideful and wanted the glory for himself or he wanted it all to be given to God.

Genesis 15:

I cannot help but sympathize with Abram in his "doubting". By the looks of things everything that he had been blessed with would certainly go to a member of his household. How could an old man have an heir?

Verse 6 is extremely important in NT theology. Was Abram considered righteous up until this point? Was this the moment of his salvation? Is this when God imputed to his account righteousness?

Even after Abram "believed the Lord" we still see doubts and questions. He is still looking for a sign to show him that this will be so.

Why did God have Abram bring this sacrifice? What is the significance of Abram driving away the birds of prey?

Is the darkness here spoken of the "depression" of knowing what his offspring will have to face? Or is this something else?

"The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete". What a mighty God that we serve that even restrains and knows the amount of evil that a nation will accomplish. Lord, speed your coming in justice and doing away with all evil...even mine.

What is the smoking fire pot and flaming torch?

Genesis 16:

I can't believe that Sarai suggested this. Even more I can not believe Abram took her up on the offer.

This is such a confusing exchange. Why is Sarai mad at Abram? Is not this what she was wanting to happen? Why is she mad at Abram now? Certainly this is what a mess we make when we try to come through on God's promises by our own defiled means. Sin on top of sin.

I have always felt bad for Hagar in this story. It is nice seeing the angel of the Lord comforting her. (Is this a reference to Jesus?)

There is a lesson to be learned here about staying with those even when they are harsh with you. Submission to authority (this would include presidents and other leaders) is even to take place when they "deal harshly" with us. This principle must be used with much wisdom and discernment though. I am sure it is not a cookie-cutter doctrine.

verse 12 certainly does sound like the Islamic peoples. They seem to have their hand against everyone and everyone's hand against them.

How comforting it must have been to know that the Lord looked after them. He looks after the mother of the peoples that have massacred countless Christians. What a gracious God that we have.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Today I hope to get caught up on Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 1:

v5...Wow! What a big view of God Nehemiah had. He acknowledges the sovereignty of God. His greatness. His power. His faithfulness. His love. His conditions. His authority. His justice. All of these in one very profound sentence.

Also, I am struck by the specificity and depth of Nehemiah's confession. He does not candy coat his words. Yet even while he is confessing deeply and brokenly he has faith in God's promises of restoration.

"delight to fear your name". You normally do not see "delight and fear" so closely mingled.

Nehemiah 2:

This "prayer to the God of heaven" must have been quite short. It seems as if he is praying as he is thinking of what to say.

Again we see "the good hand of my God was upon me".

What is the significance of saying that the only animal with him is the one he rode?

How does one "strengthen their hands for the good work"?

Nehemiah 3:

"but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord". How pathetic. It's ironic that Nehemiah even says "stoop". What a noble thing it is to serve the Lord. It is far more noble than any other form of service. Yet these men see getting their hands dirty to serve the Lord as something well "below" them. Lord, help me to not have this spirit. Sometimes I know that ministers can be high and lofty and not "stoop" to serve.

"and his daughters". What a sharp contrast between these women and the "nobles" that would not stoop.

Nehemiah 4:

They take the insults of the opposition quite serious. What a strong prayer they offer.

"And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work". Oh, Lord grant us a "mind to work" for your glorious kingdom.

The solution to opposition? Remember the Lord, fight for your family!

I love their determination. Half are working on the walls, half are protecting the city. I wonder how quickly we would have given up such an endeavor.

"none of us took off our clothes"...I bet at this point the people of Israel really stunk.

Nehemiah 5:

It seems like anytime there is a mighty movement of God like this (seeing all the people working toward one great cause), if there is not turmoil outside the camp there will be inside. Here it seems that as soon as all of their forces where united to stop the outside risings came from within.

I am not certain that the pain and heartache of verse 5 is able to come through. That must have been horrible to be fighting to rebuild the walls of your city and see your daughters enslaved. Certainly they would have felt that they were doing God's will, and had to wonder why this was happening. This teaches us that sometimes following the Lord does not solve problems but rather adds to them.

Again we find that the cause of this is that the nobles are being jerks. There is no better way to put that. It kind of reminds me of the struggles of Scotland in the movie Braveheart.

Nehemiah gets to the root of the issue with the nobles. "Ought you not fear the Lord". If they feared the Lord they would not be oppressing their own people.

It is great to see such a quick and thorough repentance. Praise God for this. May the Lord raise up men as bold as Nehemiah and stir the hearts of sinful men to repent and make things right.

What kept Nehemiah obedient? Fear of the Lord.

Verse 19 seems to be a strange prayer. "Remember for my good". Shouldn't our prayers be more for the glory of God and his good and not ours?

Nehemiah 6:

Something about Nehemiah's response to Shemaiah strikes me. He is more concerned with the holiness of God than he is with his own life. I find it ironic that he says he will not go into the temple because he would not live, yet the reason for his going to the temple would be to preserve his life.

What wonderful discernment Nehemiah was given. It sounded like this guy was wanting to help him out, but because Nehemiah knew it contradicted the Law of God he discerned that it was not from the Lord.

"fell greatly in their own esteem". Oh, Lord, that I would do the same.

Nehemiah 7:

I'm not certain why I am asking this question only now. Why does Nehemiah have the authority to do all of this? I know that his authority comes from the Lord, but why did all of the people seem to unquestionably follow him? Was he in a position of authority?

God puts even things like putting together genealogies into people's hearts.

Again, the genealogies would be interesting to study, but not in this place.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Today I plan on getting caught up on Acts. I will go to Chapter 14, now and perhaps be able to do 15 and 16 a little later. As it looks I will be caught up by next Tuesday if I keep following the schedule I have set. Regardless of whether or not I am caught up, my goal is to experience God.

Acts 8:

verse 4, "those that were scattered went about preaching the word". Even persecution does not stop the preaching of the word; in fact is begins the spread of the gospel to the nations.

verse 6....what preacher would not want this: "And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said". What was so arresting of their attention? Was it simply (simply is not nearly a big enough word) the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in power, accompanying His preaching? Is it the preaching that is accompanied with signs and wonders? Why does it seem that God accompanied His Word with such outward signs in the early church?

What happens with a manifestation of God's glory and kingdom? "So there was much joy in that city". But I'm certain that is not always the case.

verse 13, Luke seems to be careful as does John in displaying "signs-faith" as inferior to "saving-faith". Those that only believe the gospel because it's "cool" or seems to have awesome benefits are usually not legit converts. We must be careful how we preach the gospel. But this story is proof that even biblical Holy Spirit inspired preaching will sometimes result in false converts like Simon.

I've always been a little confused about the Holy Spirit not coming upon the believers in Samaria until Peter and John laid hands on them.

Even though I look at Simon's request to buy the Holy Spirit as utterly stupid, I must confess I've tried the same. I don't try to buy His favor and "anointing" with money but sometimes by my personal performance. Therefore, when this happens I must heed the apostles warning and repent and pray that God might forgive the sinful intents of my heart.

I wonder how sincere Simon is in verse 24. First of all I see that he himself doesn't pray. But that does not necessarily mean its not sincere. But it does seem that his fear is that the punishment might not come on him. He seems to have no desire to change. Nor does he see his sin for what it is.

"And the Spirit said to Philip"...I can only think of a handful of times when "The Spirit said to Mike" or at least in such a way that I heard and listened. Why is that?

It's awesome seeing how the Spirit leads men to salvation in the glorious Christ. He truly does seek to always exalt Jesus. If I were constantly aware of this desire of His I am certain I would be more bold in preaching the gospel to the nations. I must remember (as "duh" as it is) that the Godhead is more passionate about spreading His glory and exalting Jesus than I am.

If baptism is but a symbol and witness to the church and the world, why was the eunuch baptized with only he and Philip?

Acts 9:

Encounters with the Lord always knock us off our horse.

You get the idea that God was not going to take no in the salvation of Saul. I don't see much of a "choice" here, as far as "choice" is termed in modern language.

That would have been tough for Ananias to obey the voice of God. I'd have to make sure it was God, before I followed something like that.

As soon as Paul got saved he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues. It appears that it is okay for new converts to "preach Jesus" but not necessarily to be pastors. (1 Tim. 3:6)

Every time I read verse 25, I remember Dr. Morgan's cheesy joke. "At this point Paul is literally a basket case".

Can you imagine the greeting of Paul and these believers in Jerusalem? That had to be scary, but once found out that he was legit it had to be a great cause for rejoicing.

How could you not believe the gospel when it is accompanied with the raising of the dead? (See Luke 16:31)

Acts 10:

"He stared at him in terror". Apparently he was scared half to death, but so arrested he could not turn his head.

"What God has made clean, do not call common." If I understood this verse I would not slander those that God has made clean, nor would I desire that which He has not cleaned.

This happened three times...why does it always take Peter 3 times to get something? I feel as if some times it takes me 300.

I wonder if Peter was tempted with much pride and self-glorification when Cornelius began to worship him.

verse 28...is that really unlawful or had Peter stretched the Law?

All the prophets bear witness...Amen!

Oh, that the Holy Spirit might fall on the preaching of the Word, even tonight in New London!

I am really confused with the practice of baptism in Acts. This is a dangerous statement but it does not seem very Southern Baptist.

Acts 11:

Ugh, legalism. (verse 2-3) Yes! Rescued from legalism (verse 18)

Verse 21 is phrased strange to me. "A great number who believed turned to the Lord". That sounds redundant. Is believing and turning to the Lord separate? Is it possible to believe without turning to the Lord?

"saw the grace of God". That's a pretty weighty statement. I wonder if people "see the grace of God" at our church.

It's pretty neat that as this man named Agabus had a prophesy the people listened and began preparing for the famine.

Acts 12:

I wonder if an angel striking you in the side hurts.

Really weird question--did Peter sleep naked (or at least almost naked)? I know they didn't have pj's back in the day. Does the angel here stop Peter from dashing into the street naked (or at least almost so)?

I bet Peter was a heavy sleeper. He's already passed a couple of guards and is yet to "come to himself". He still thinks he's having a vision.

It's so funny that they were praying for Peter and when he showed up he got a door joyously slammed in his face and the men thought it was an angel instead of Peter. I am so ridiculous sometimes. I pray for things and then when God brings them to fruition I am surprised.

I bet a guy named Blastus has an amazing beard and huge muscles.

If I were struck with worms every time I took the glory instead of giving it to the Lord, I would have been dead a million times over. Thank you Lord for your grace!

Acts 13:

They seem to have always started in the Jewish synagogues.

What amazing power was attended to Paul's preaching. And what bold words he spoke with. That is such a contrast from much preaching today. Certainly, we must be convinced that these "harsh" of words are from the Lord and not our fleshly hearts.

verse 13, is this John Mark leaving them?

It is certainly significant that many of the Acts sermons begin with a historical narrative of the OT. Is this how we should preach to those knowledgeable or should we do it with everyone? Does Paul do this in Acts 17?

"freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses". What amazing relief if you feel the weight of the Law.

verse 42. Again, what preacher would not love for the people to beg them to hear the word again!

"continue in the grace of God". There is something really significant about this statement and a sharp contrast to our quickly leading people to "pray the prayer".

verse 44. Almost the whole city was there. Bring that to New London, Lord! But through your grace we pray for different results. May the people not revile the Word as the Jews did here.

"We are turning to the Gentiles". Would this have been accompanied with an ouch to the heart, or with a prideful good riddance? We know the Gentile response. Woohoo! God's Word is given to us now. "as many as were appointed to eternal life believed". (That sounds like election to me).

Filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. Bring that to us, dear Jesus!

Acts 14:

"poisoned their mind against the brothers". What a great statement.

"who bore witness to the word of his grace". How did he bore witness? By granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Is this still necessary? How does God bear witness now? Is this just because the apostles where establishing the spread of the gospel, and now we are not granted this?

I keep seeing things like, "they continued to preach the gospel". That is so inspiring to me. May I always, "continue to preach the gospel" no matter where God takes me.

A true preacher of the gospel will "tear his clothes" whenever men worship them instead of the Triune God! May I always do the same.

What a sharp contrast. One moment Paul is being worshipped and they have to restrain people from offering sacrifices to them...the next moment Paul is getting stoned and dragged out of the city.

Thought to be dead one day, preaching the gospel the next!

Appointed elders. Notice the plurality. Even at the churches inception.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Today I will try to finish Ezra, and start Nehemiah

Ezra 8:

I like the way that Ezra phrases (as God inspired) this statement: "And by the good hand of our God on us". You can see from this that God's hand is good. God's hand is necessary. God's hand is a blessing to be upon us. God's hand makes things happen. Therefore, I pray, may God's hand be upon us.

I can really relate to v21-23. Verse 22 really shows the humanity of Ezra. He has told the king that the hand of God is upon them. But now he is scared that God might not come through. He knows that he cannot go back to the king and ask for protection. Therefore, Ezra and his company are brought to "implore God for this". I want to "stick my foot in my mouth" like Ezra did here. Put myself in such situations that I have no hope but to trust God. I wonder what I would have done? Would I have went back to the king and defamed God's glory for my own personal comfort? I would like to think not, only the Lord knows the depths of my heart.

God answers their pray in verse 31. Again we see that God's hand was upon them.

Ezra 9:

Verse 3. Ouch! These men took sin serious. Beard pulling hurts. Sin should hurt more.

I absolutely love Ezra's prayer here. We see our appropriate posture before God (even though told to approach his throne of grace with boldness). Ashamed and blushing to lift our face to God. I too have felt like Ezra, that I'm drowning in the filth of my sin. God has granted mercy, and here are the people again, drowning in the filth of sin. I wish that many downtrodden Christians might turn to Ezra 9 to see the great mercy of God in forgiving sin after sin after sin. Can you feel the heart behind verse 10? "What shall we say after this?" I've got nothing to say. We've messed up. We are silence before you. All we have left is your mercy. It would be a marvelous grace to have this posture before the Lord rather than continual excuse making.

Verse 13, "You have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this". You've punished us less than we deserve (mercy) and you have lavished upon us your kindness and blessings (grace). Wow! I pray dear Lord that I might live in light of this great truth. That I am doing far better than I deserve. Help me to see your grace in EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, and at ALL TIMES!

Verse 15. If we really thought like this we would be far more thankful for the Cross. "We are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this."

Ezra 10:

Something about verse 1 stirs my heart. Ezra is crying out to God, confessing, weeping, casting himself down...and a great assembly come and join him. This is the type of manifestation of the grace of God that I believe our church needs. God in his great wisdom knows exactly what we need. I pray that he might apply it speedily. If it be this, then let me weep, confess, and cast myself down before our people.

verse 2...even now there is hope. God is so merciful!

Is divorce here permitted? What does he mean by putting away wives? I guess their marriage was never valid so now it is permitted. (NOTE: If you are harboring a thought that this is speaking against intermarriage in our culture, please do not. Intermarriage for us is much different than for the people of Israel. It is not sin for us; unless by intermarriage you mean a believer and an unbeliever).

verse 8..."church" discipline

"Trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain". That verse makes me laugh. It almost like Ezra is saying, "I'm pretty sure they were trembling because of the weight of our sin was upon us and we were in fear before a holy God....but it could have been the rain". (In the context, I really doubt the validity of this interpretation...but at first it struck me as funny)

How great would it be if people in our churches said, "We need to repent for a few days"?

How would you like to be Jonathan, Jahzeiah, Meshullam and Shabbetahi? The only four people in all Israel opposing the work of God. Sometimes being in the minority is right (the Reformers). Sometimes being in the minority is plain stupid and obstinate.

I wonder how they put away their wives and children. This hardly seems right to do, but the Lord's ways are much higher than mine. Certainly it is never wise to continue in sin. What are your thoughts on this?

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

I am trying to catch up on the McCheyne Reading Plan without making this a legalistic burden. Therefore, I will pace myself in getting caught up. Today I will try to catch up on Matthew.

Matthew 8:

You don't touch lepers. You don't spend time with sinners. You can get defiled being around the refuse of the world. That is unless your Jesus. Jesus touched lepers. This story has always inspired me to "touch the lepers" of our world. I bet the touch of Jesus would have been phenomenal to this leper that probably hadn't been touched in years. I am so glad that Christ touches the untouchable.

"I'm not worthy, but your word is powerful." Oh, that we had the faith of the centurion.

I've often wondered why Jesus rebuked the disciples for little faith in the midst of the storm. They knew they were in trouble, they cried out to God to save them. Is not relying on Jesus in times of distress a good thing? It's not like Jesus' was known as a skilled sailor. They aren't necessarily calling on their ship captain to help them. They are asking for a miracle. Perhaps, the problem is that their faith was just like the waves of the sea (James 1:6). Their fear displayed their weakly trusting hearts.

Miracles are fun unless they kill our pigs. God's will is wonderful unless it interferes with our comfort and luxuries. We want to see God move and do miraculous things...unless of course it means personal loss. Show your glory Lord...even if it kills our pigs.

Matthew 9:

I've always found it a little strange that the faith of another healed this man. It would be unwise to develop an entire system of theology on this one point, but I do believe it is significant. It should teach us to fervently pray and "work" (if that's the correct word) for other's salvation.

Are we more like the Pharisees or Jesus? Do we attract tax-collectors and sinners or the religious elite? If Jesus' ministry was to "not call the righteous, but sinners" then what should ours be? I realize the danger in this line of thinking. Much of our 20th and 21st century weak theology, seeker-sensitive, watered-down, barely able to be called gospel, Christianity is attributed to us trying to be more like the world (tax collectors and sinners) than like Jesus. Lord, show me the biblical balance. Help me to be a friend of tax collectors and sinners while not aspiring to be one.

12 years of suffering and this woman still has faith. Not that she had faith for 12 years, but it is surprising that she is not so hardened by her condition that she has given up hope. Lord, grant me this type of steadfast faith.

It's kind of ironic that when Jesus tells men to "see that no one knows about it" they are motivated to spread "his fame through all that district". And now that we are commanded to take the gospel to the nations we are passive about spreading his fame. May I be more faithful in spreading His fame.

I love seeing the heart of Jesus in verse 36. "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd". This text speaks to me in two different ways. First of all I pray that the Lord might help me to be faithful and feed his sheep. I pray that I might have the type of compassion of Christ for the sheep that God has entrusted to me. As pastor I pray for the heart of Jesus. But the second thing speaks to me as a common sinner. I see myself in this text as one that is "harassed and helpless". Now certainly I am one that has been redeemed and I do indeed have a great shepherd. So, as I read this text it causes me to rejoice that the Lord has taken me from harassed and helpless to rescued and freed.

Matthew 10:

Verse 11 is phrased in an unusual way. "Find out who is worthy". That is interesting. I'm not sure at this point I can understand its full meaning, but something about it strikes me. What makes one "worthy"? It seems to be the receiving of Christ's disciples.

"Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Oh, the wisdom that this takes.

Verse 23 confuses me. "You will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes". Didn't they do this? Does "Son of Man comes" mean something different than I think? Are all the towns of Israel different than I think? Is "going through" different than I think? I would say this is not a reference to the Second Coming but possibly something else...but that's just a guess. Any help?

It is interesting that Jesus comforts the disciples in the midst of speaking on persecution with the sovereignty of God. It seems that many times when the sovereignty of God is spoken of it is in the context of persecution.

Ironic that the Prince of Peace came not to bring peace but a sword.

I am convicted by verse 38, and honestly sometimes a little scared. Do I take up my cross? Do I follow Him? I want to scream out after reading this verse--I am not worthy of you Lord, I never will be worthy of you Lord. Jesus, make me worthy.

Matthew 11:

Is there significance in Matthew referring to Jesus as "the Christ" in verse 2. You would have thought given the context he would have said Jesus. It's almost as if he is answering the question posed by John the Baptist before he even asks it.

Why does Jesus say "born of women" instead of "born of men"? I am sure it is cultural. Wasn't Jesus born of a woman? I know he is not saying John is greater. John was born of woman; Jesus was born of God.

Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. This reminds me of something C.J. Mahaney said in a sermon I listened to recently: We are just a justified of the most distinguished saints, even the apostle Paul.

Something about verse 20 hit me. I read it like I never had before. Jesus does mighty works and really displays his glory. They do not repent. So Jesus denounces the cities. Wow! When we see the glory of Christ displayed we ought to be quick to repent.

What things were hidden in verse 25? Is it the "mighty works" of verse 20? Has the Lord hidden the significance of these things from the wise and yet revealed them to simpletons? How unsearchable are his ways!?!

Matthew 12:

Something greater than the temple is here! That statement sends chills down my spine...and I've never even seen the temple nor been idolatrous of it.

"And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless". I wonder how often I do not know what that means. How often have I condemned the guiltless because I am more passionate about sacrifice than mercy.

It really frustrates me that the Pharisees are not enjoying Jesus but a rather questioning him and trying to trap him. Does it annoy me so much because I see myself in them? Nonetheless, I want to scream, "Get over yourselves!" What type of heart do these men have? A man gets healed right in front of them, and rather than rejoicing they are ticked off because Jesus did not do it the way they thought it ought to be done. So, rather than enjoying Christ they conspire to kill him. Kill a guy for healing a man! Wow! How darkened is my heart, that my righteousness (apart from Christ) does not exceed that of the Pharisees.

Many have stumbled over this "unforgivable sin". It seems to me in the context that it is having such a wicked heart that it attributes to Satan what the Holy Spirit is doing. I would love to have more understanding on this verse.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What then should the language be like of those that are redeemed? I am not convicted here of "foul" language as much as I am of prideful, self-exalting, others demeaning language. If I am prone to tear down, what does this say of my heart? Lord, help me!

"By your words you will be justified, by your words you will be condemned." What? I thought it was by faith that I would be justified? What do words have to do with it? The words are a reflection of the heart. If my heart is good my words will be good. If my heart is bad my words will be bad. So, if my heart is changed then I will be justified. If my heart is not changed then I will be condemned. Our only hope is a renewed heart.

How was Jesus 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth? Does Jesus go to "hell" as some say? Or is it the grave? Is this a reference to something else?

Something greater than Jonah is here! That's a huge understatement, Jesus! Jonah's preaching brought about the repentance of the Ninevites. Jesus' preaching is not bringing about the repentance of the Pharisees. If they repented at the veiled preaching of Jonah and the Pharisees do not repent at the unblemished truth of Jesus, woe to them. And yet for us today, that here the gospel how much more will be condemned if we do not heed its call!

v43-45 escapes me. This talk is not very Southern Baptist of Jesus. I want to know more about this.

Matthew 13:

The Parable of a Sower has always spoke to me as a minister. I know that even faithful preaching of the Word only has a 25% success rate.

Verse 12 makes me pray that the Lord might give me more, and more, and more, ad infinitum of Himself!

Why do we have "weeds" in our church? The enemy has sown them there. How do we "get rid of the weeds"? It's not by going through your church pulling up all suspected weeds. We should let both grow together. I know this is not saying to not do church discipline but perhaps this will keep us from going on witch hunts trying to pull up weeds.

There is something to be said about Jesus speaking in parables to the crowds. It seems like Jesus made pains to "not be understood" accept by those that had "ears to hear". Then why do we water down the gospel so that "lost people can understand it". Or is he speaking in parables so the people CAN understand? I tend to think its the former.

Do I find the gospel of Christ such a treasure that I give up all for it?

I do not fully understand verse 52.

Matthew 14:

Why would he jump to the conclusion that it's John the Baptist raised from the dead? That's weird.

The king was such a nancy. He had to kill a man just to "keep his oaths and his guests". Sometimes its better to not be true to your word if your word was stupid. Why add murder on top of putting your foot in your mouth. How many times have I added sin on top of sin because of my fear of man?

The disciples solution to the people's needs: take care of yourself. Jesus' solution to the people's needs: you give them something to eat.

I wonder what would have been more weird--Jesus walking on water or inventing a speed boat. It's neat to me how Jesus improvises. It's night. Nobody is around. He decides to walk on water. He knew the disciples would see him. He had to know it would freak them out. I would say that he wanted to make this a teachable moment for Peter and the other disciples.

We should always wait to be sure it is God's command before doing something as foolish as walking on water.

Even with a wavering faith Christ is readily available with his saving hand.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Here is the plan for getting caught up on the McCheyne Reading Plan. Rather than doing one day at a time, I am going to catch up on Genesis, then Matthew, then Ezra, then Acts. Today I will be posting on Genesis and then tomorrow get as much done as I can.

Genesis 8:

The first four words of chapter 8 lept off the page, "but God remembered Noah..." There is so much in that statement. Had God not remembered Noah, he'd have drowned. Had God not remembered Noah we would have never been born. Had God not remembered Noah everything would have stopped there. But because of His glory and His marvelous love God remembered Noah.

I am sure there is a significance with Noah setting forth a raven first and then a dove, but my sleep deprived mind cannot figure it out. Is it significant that it was a female dove?

It seems to me as if God is saying in verse 21, that he will not curse the ground or strike down every man again--EVENTHOUGH every intention of his heart is wicked. I am not certain that you can say this of regenerate man, but an unregenerate man you certainly can. This is an amazing contrast. Man=exceedingly wicked. God=exceedingly gracious and merciful. Sounds like Dr. Pelleteir had it right when he said the Bible presents the story of Man's Ruin and God's Remedy.

Genesis 9:

God initiates and establishes His covenant with Noah and his offspring (that's us). A couple of months ago (even while in the womb) I began reading The Jesus Storybook Bible to Isaiah. I really like how it tells this story:

"It wasn't long before everything went wrong again but God wasn't surprised, he knew this would happen. That's why before the beginning of time, he had another plan--a better plan. A plan not to destroy the world, but to rescue it--a plan to one day send his own Son, the Rescuer.
God's strong anger against hate and sadness and death would come down once more--but not on his people, or his world. No, God's war bow was not pointing down at his people. It was pointing up, into the heart of Heaven.

The story of Ham not covering Noah's nakedness reminds me of Proverbs 17:9. "Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends." Ham should have done what his brothers did, covered up Noah and covered over the offense. This leads me to wonder, are there areas where I should "cover things up" instead of confronting them for other to see? This will certainly take much wisdom!

Genesis 10:

I would love to take time and research all of these names. It is neat seeing how the world was populated. Some of these names (nations) are very familiar from studying the Minor Prophets. It's fun knowing where these nations came from.

Is Nimrod a good guy or a bad guy? I've heard both. I've heard that he was a mighty hunter of God (meaning that he was going after God) and I've also heard that he was a great leader or something of the sort.

Genesis 11:

I wonder how advanced these people actually were? It is an excellent example of man-centeredness. They are really trying to make a name for themselves. The problem with man is not that he is incapable of doing great and significant things. Notice that God says, "nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them". That's a pretty stunning statement. So what is the problem with that? Every intention of their heart is wicked. When you combine those two things (a successful lust for self-promotion and a wicked heart that opposes God) you have a deadly combination. Just as he kicked Adam and Eve out of the Garden as an act of grace, so here he disperses man as an act of grace.

I wonder why they stopped in Haran and did not go all the way to Canaan? (v31)

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Genesis 7:

One thing I found significant in this narrative is not what IS there but what is not. Perhaps I am missing another place in Scripture, but in this account I see nothing of Noah preaching to people. Usually when I have heard the story told it involves Noah telling people what God is going to do and them laughing. Therefore, it seems more just that God gave them a chance to repent and they did not.

The truth of the matter is that God would be completely just in blotting out the whole earth again. Now certainly we know that He promises to not do that. But if it were not for the promise and His mercy He would certainly be just to blot out everything once again.

Verse 21 is another example that "all" doesn't always mean every single one.

Matthew 7:

Why does my prayer life so often struggle? Do I not believe the beautiful promises in verse 7-11? Lord, help me to trust that you delight in giving good gifts to your children. I pray Lord for a passion to earnestly pray for others and for your glory. As John Piper encouraged us a couple of days ago, help me to pray globally as well.

There is much to be said to our contemporary mass evangelism strategies in v. 13-14. What is the broad gate? We know it is wide and easy. And we know it leads to destruction. And it seems to be where the majority are going through. Are we foolish for telling sinners that salvation is "easy"? Are we leading them through the broad gate? Jesus said that his yoke was "easy" and his burden "light", did he not? What then is this broad gate? The narrow gate we know is hard, but it leads to life, and few find it. Is it possible that the "difficulty" of finding the narrow gate is the same "impossibility" of salvation? Is it possible that finding the narrow gate only comes from a regenerate heart?

Verse 23. It is more significant that Jesus knows me than that I know Jesus.

I want to build my house on the rock.

Ezra 7:

Can verse 10 be said of me? Do I set my heart to study the Law of the LORD? (Certainly that would be more than the Law now, and would include the whole counsel of God). Do I do it? Do I teach it?

Artaxerxes fears the wrath of God. But certainly this is not the trembling at the word that Isaiah 66:2 speaks of. It is not accompanied with repentance. It is trembling at God as if he were but another "god". It seems to me as if he is making sure all of his bases are covered. Nonetheless, the Lord uses him to lavish grace upon the people of Israel.

I wonder, do we still see the mighty God moving the hearts of kings? Do we often thank the man or thank the God that moves the man? What is this steadfast love of which Ezra speaks? Is it none other than the call to preach and teach His Word? Do I see my calling as such?

Acts 7:

I wonder if the Jewish people were bored with this history lesson? Certainly it would have been very little new information. Is Stephen trying to gain common ground?

What a sharp turn in verse 51. "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you." Ouch! Stephen does not mince any words. A man before the people that hold his life in their hands ought not talk this way. Yet Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit.

They accuse Stephen of blasphemy but are doing so themselves by their rejection of Jesus.

It seems that being full of the Holy Spirit means being full of mercy and grace that is accompanied with boldness. What powerful effect this must have had on "a young man named Saul".

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Genesis 6:

This chapter is a wonderful synopsis of Scripture. Man is exceedingly messed up and God is exceedingly merciful. He should have (if that's okay to say) blotted man out after he sinned in the Garden. Yet he shows mercy. Fast forward quiet a few years and we get the same story. Man has gotten worse. "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Oh, painfully true is this of my heart and flesh apart from Christ! God does decide to execute justice as everything will die except those he saves.

We are not told how Noah found favor with the Lord, but he did. Thankfully for us, he did.

Where Shem, Ham, and Japheth triplets?

I am extremely thankful for the Lord's mercy in not only saving Noah, but also saving me.

Matthew 6:

I think of McCheyne in verse 1. "Perish my honor." I know that sometimes I do my acts of righteousness in order to be seen by men. Lord, forgive me. I want your reward and not the reward of man.

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors". So....what happens if you refuse to forgive your debtors? May God grant us a forgiving heart. This is a very serious matter. It seems as if our own forgiveness is pending on following this. How can a wicked heart do such? Indeed he cannot. We must have a regenerate heart. The Lord must work it.

How many treasures do I have on earth compared to those in heaven?

Is my only Master the Lord?

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you". I have seen the truth of this verse displayed numerous times in my own life. God certainly is good and gives us everything we need.

"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble". Why do I think it an anomaly if I experience tough days?

Ezra 6:

How amazing that even though others meant ill, God used this to speed the building of the temple. The Lord is certainly passionate about His glory, His name, and worship. He controls the hearts of men to do just this. Even when they intend evil, God turns it for His glory and our good.

Again we see them celebrate with joy. I pray that we might have this great joy. God has done far greater things than the rebuilding of his temple. (See Haggai 2:9).

Acts 6:

What should a minister of the gospel be about? "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word". It is so sad that often ministers have to spend so much time doing such work as "waiting on tables" to the neglect of administering the word. I pray that the Lord might bring about in my life a steadfastness in prayer and ministry of the word.

"Full of grace and power." Could that be said of me? Certainly, not my own fleshly power--but the power of the Spirit flowing through my life. I'm not sure it could. Lord, for your name sake, fill me with grace and your power.

We need more men like Stephen!

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Genesis 5:

A long genealogy. One thing that kept sticking out to me was this statement: "and he died". The only aberration to this was Enoch who "walked with God". I am not certain how he came to an end, all I can say for sure is that "God took him". Perhaps this is pointing us to the eternal life that God grants those that walk with Him.

Matthew 5:

Entire books have been written on this section (The Sermon on the Mount). I will only mention the things that speak to me today. I think I have always read verse 23-24 the wrong way. I have always thought if I have something against my brother I should be reconciled (which probably also true). But the text says that if I remember that my brother has something against me. I do not think I obey this. Lord, help me to seek reconciliation when I know that people "have something against me".

I like the way the ESV phrases verse 28; "lustful intent". I think the reason put the tear out your eye section next to lust for a reason. If you flirt with lust/adultery it will kill you. I'm thinking also of Owen's statement that sin always aims to the utmost. I must make certain to take sin very seriously. If I see it in the least I should be very quick to "tear it out" through the power of the Holy Spirit. I take Jesus' warning about "throwing your whole body in hell" quite seriously.

I cannot help but think of many of the political battles Christians get themselves in with verse 38-42. I know there are times when I am more concerned about not being taken advantage of than with following and trusting Jesus in these things. Going the extra mile really speaks to me. This was something that I read in high school and really tried doing. Now I think I try to see how little I can get away with doing. Father, forgive my foolish heart. Help me to see the beauty of these verses and give even when it hurts and it is difficult.

"Pray for those who persecute you". God has really been rebuking and disciplining me concerning slander and gossip. Might I take it another step and pray for those people. I also should remember that God shows grace even to His enemies. Might I do the same. Help me to be gracious Lord!

Ezra 5:

The people are following God instead of Artaxeres. Looks like they have learned their lesson of trusting in and/or fearing foreign nations. One other thing that leaped off the page to me was the statement in verse 1. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied in the name of the God of Israel "who was over them". I would pray that it may be said of me as a minister that I speak in the name of the God who is over me. The truth behind this does something to a man. If we fear the Lord we have no need to fear anything else. This is not an "anti-authority" statement but it is saying that because we are under the authority of the Lord we will fear Him and not man!

Acts 5:

As I read the story of Ananias and Sapphira I have to wonder what would happen in our churches if God would start doing this same thing. I would hope that I would not be struck dead. How wonderful it would be if it could be said of our church, "And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard these things". Certainly, not a crippling fear but a fear that trembles at the Word of God.

Looks like "discipline" curbed spurious members. "None of the rest dared join them". Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Since, it was God who did it we have to conclude that it is good. Yet we see in verse 14, "And more than ever believers were added to the Lord". Would it be possible that a holy fear of the Lord would actually add to our number? Oh, that we would be more God-sensitive than seeker-sensitive. May we fear Him!

I am sensing a theme today (along with what I read in Burroughs' Gospel Fear this afternoon). Again in verse 29 "We must obey God rather than men". Lord, cause my fear of your to become healthier and deeper.

Gamaliel teaches us an important lesson. If something is from God it will not be overthrown. If something is of man then eventually it will fail. Leave it alone and it will come to its fitting end (or it will be fruitful as God causes it to be). Perhaps, lest we oppose God we should be more gracious in our questioning of other ministries. I know I have been guilty of being quick to judge other ministries (Saddleback, Willow Creek, etc.). Certainly, if it is outright heresy (Osteen) then we should oppose it. But maybe some things we should let them run their course. Remember, God is sovereign.

Verse 41 and 42 cut my heart. Rejoicing in suffering. Preaching and Teaching Jesus every day. Lord, make these things evident in my life. For your name's sake and for your glory. Embolden my tongue and toughen my skin!