Monday: Numbers 11, 12, Psalms 41, 42
Tuesday: Numbers 13, 14, 15
Wednesday: Numbers 16, 17, 18
Thursday: Numbers 19, 20, Psalms 43, 44
Friday: Numbers 21, Psalms 45, 46
Saturday: Numbers 22, 23, 24
Sunday: Numbers 25, 26, 27
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Numbers 1, 2, 3
Comments:
Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and is the account of the 38 year period of the nation of Israel’s wandering in the desert following the establishment of the covenant at Mt. Sinai. The term “numbers” is based on the census found in chapters 1 and 26. The Hebrew title is “in the desert” and is descriptive of the action of the book.
Chapter 1 is basically the census. Chapter 2 talks about how the people are arranged in tribal camps. Chapter three talks about one of the tribes – Levi – and how they are set apart as the priests.
In Numbers we are going to read of Israel’s journey toward the Promised Land. There will be murmuring and rebellion along the way. And we will see how God deals with all this.
Numbers 1, 2, 3
Comments:
Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and is the account of the 38 year period of the nation of Israel’s wandering in the desert following the establishment of the covenant at Mt. Sinai. The term “numbers” is based on the census found in chapters 1 and 26. The Hebrew title is “in the desert” and is descriptive of the action of the book.
Chapter 1 is basically the census. Chapter 2 talks about how the people are arranged in tribal camps. Chapter three talks about one of the tribes – Levi – and how they are set apart as the priests.
In Numbers we are going to read of Israel’s journey toward the Promised Land. There will be murmuring and rebellion along the way. And we will see how God deals with all this.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 25, 26, 27
Comments:
What strikes me in these last readings from Leviticus is how God designed us. Our bodies are designed to have rest on a daily basis. I remember in college pulling a few "all-nighters." We can go for awhile without sleep, but eventually our bodies must have rest.
The Sabbath (Saturday) is God's gift to us of having a day of rest. The Christians eventually transferred the idea of "Sabbath" to the Lord's Day (Sunday, or the first day of the week.) But regardless of what day we take as a day set apart as "different" from the other days of the week (rest or worship, etc), God has designed us for creativity and recreation. People can't go very long with "working" before they need a break in routine.
In Leviticus 25, we have the idea of a Year of Jubilee. It's an incredible gift! It's wild! It's crazy. And we have no record of God's people (or anyone) ever observing it.
What happened in the Year of Jubilee? Not only were slaves freed and debts cancelled, but people were to return property!
This concept was rooted in the idea that the land was not "owned" by anyone - it was God's land! People were to take care of the land - but whatever happened in that fifty years everything was to be restored in the year of Jubilee.
What do you think - did God intend for his people to really observe this? What was the message? What is the meaning for us today?
Leviticus 25, 26, 27
Comments:
What strikes me in these last readings from Leviticus is how God designed us. Our bodies are designed to have rest on a daily basis. I remember in college pulling a few "all-nighters." We can go for awhile without sleep, but eventually our bodies must have rest.
The Sabbath (Saturday) is God's gift to us of having a day of rest. The Christians eventually transferred the idea of "Sabbath" to the Lord's Day (Sunday, or the first day of the week.) But regardless of what day we take as a day set apart as "different" from the other days of the week (rest or worship, etc), God has designed us for creativity and recreation. People can't go very long with "working" before they need a break in routine.
In Leviticus 25, we have the idea of a Year of Jubilee. It's an incredible gift! It's wild! It's crazy. And we have no record of God's people (or anyone) ever observing it.
What happened in the Year of Jubilee? Not only were slaves freed and debts cancelled, but people were to return property!
This concept was rooted in the idea that the land was not "owned" by anyone - it was God's land! People were to take care of the land - but whatever happened in that fifty years everything was to be restored in the year of Jubilee.
What do you think - did God intend for his people to really observe this? What was the message? What is the meaning for us today?
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 25, 26, 27
Comments:
What strikes me in these last readings from Leviticus is how God designed us. Our bodies are designed to have rest on a daily basis. I remember in college pulling a few "all-nighters." We can go for awhile without sleep, but eventually our bodies must have rest.
The Sabbath (Saturday) is God's gift to us of having a day of rest. The Christians eventually transferred the idea of "Sabbath" to the Lord's Day (Sunday, or the first day of the week.) But regardless of what day we take as a day set apart as "different" from the other days of the week (rest or worship, etc), God has designed us for creativity and recreation. People can't go very long with "working" before they need a break in routine.
In Leviticus 25, we have the idea of a Year of Jubilee. It's an incredible gift! It's wild! It's crazy. And we have no record of God's people (or anyone) ever observing it.
What happened in the Year of Jubilee? Not only were slaves freed and debts cancelled, but people were to return property!
This concept was rooted in the idea that the land was not "owned" by anyone - it was God's land! People were to take care of the land - but whatever happened in that fifty years everything was to be restored in the year of Jubilee.
What do you think - did God intend for his people to really observe this? What was the message? What is the meaning for us today?
Leviticus 25, 26, 27
Comments:
What strikes me in these last readings from Leviticus is how God designed us. Our bodies are designed to have rest on a daily basis. I remember in college pulling a few "all-nighters." We can go for awhile without sleep, but eventually our bodies must have rest.
The Sabbath (Saturday) is God's gift to us of having a day of rest. The Christians eventually transferred the idea of "Sabbath" to the Lord's Day (Sunday, or the first day of the week.) But regardless of what day we take as a day set apart as "different" from the other days of the week (rest or worship, etc), God has designed us for creativity and recreation. People can't go very long with "working" before they need a break in routine.
In Leviticus 25, we have the idea of a Year of Jubilee. It's an incredible gift! It's wild! It's crazy. And we have no record of God's people (or anyone) ever observing it.
What happened in the Year of Jubilee? Not only were slaves freed and debts cancelled, but people were to return property!
This concept was rooted in the idea that the land was not "owned" by anyone - it was God's land! People were to take care of the land - but whatever happened in that fifty years everything was to be restored in the year of Jubilee.
What do you think - did God intend for his people to really observe this? What was the message? What is the meaning for us today?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 19, 20, 21
Comments:
I've sat down three times to write some thoughts on these chapters from Leviticus and I've become distracted every single time.
So many of these laws may seem foreign to us while others seem to resonate with us. God had a purpose for his people to follow these laws. We try to figure them out - the "why" of the laws. Why could they not eat certain foods but we enjoy them today? Growing up I was taught that they didn't have refrigeration back then. Food would spoil. Surely this was God's reasons for telling the people to not eat certain foods. However, the basic idea, the bottom line really, is that God was calling his people to be DIFFERENT from the other peoples. They were to be "holy" which is to say they were to be "set apart." Certain things were not to be mixed - thus you couldn't wear clothes made of two different kinds of materials. Obviously we DO wear clothing today made of different kinds of materials. Are we breaking God's laws?
Each of us has to decide what God's word means to us today and how we apply it to our lives today. Certainly the New Testament will speak to this issue of the "law."We know, for example, that the food restrictions are abolished in the book of Acts. That may explain why we don't think we are sinning today if we eat bacon. But what of the rest of the law. Some laws are ceremonial. Some laws are about relationships. Some laws are reiterated in other parts of the bible, including the New Testament.
Which laws are the most confusing to you?
Which laws make sense?
Which laws appear to be laws we should follow today?
How do you decide if the law was meant "for then" or "for now" as well?
Leviticus 19, 20, 21
Comments:
I've sat down three times to write some thoughts on these chapters from Leviticus and I've become distracted every single time.
So many of these laws may seem foreign to us while others seem to resonate with us. God had a purpose for his people to follow these laws. We try to figure them out - the "why" of the laws. Why could they not eat certain foods but we enjoy them today? Growing up I was taught that they didn't have refrigeration back then. Food would spoil. Surely this was God's reasons for telling the people to not eat certain foods. However, the basic idea, the bottom line really, is that God was calling his people to be DIFFERENT from the other peoples. They were to be "holy" which is to say they were to be "set apart." Certain things were not to be mixed - thus you couldn't wear clothes made of two different kinds of materials. Obviously we DO wear clothing today made of different kinds of materials. Are we breaking God's laws?
Each of us has to decide what God's word means to us today and how we apply it to our lives today. Certainly the New Testament will speak to this issue of the "law."We know, for example, that the food restrictions are abolished in the book of Acts. That may explain why we don't think we are sinning today if we eat bacon. But what of the rest of the law. Some laws are ceremonial. Some laws are about relationships. Some laws are reiterated in other parts of the bible, including the New Testament.
Which laws are the most confusing to you?
Which laws make sense?
Which laws appear to be laws we should follow today?
How do you decide if the law was meant "for then" or "for now" as well?
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 22, 23, 24
Comments:
I'm not going to lie: It's difficult to read Leviticus. Remember, for those who may be reading the Bible for the first time, we are trying to get a sense of the "the grand sweep" of the story. We can't get bogged down into too many details. But keep a list of verses, stories, and sections you want to study in greater detail at a future time.
Just a few more days, and we will be into Numbers.
Leviticus 22, 23, 24
Comments:
I'm not going to lie: It's difficult to read Leviticus. Remember, for those who may be reading the Bible for the first time, we are trying to get a sense of the "the grand sweep" of the story. We can't get bogged down into too many details. But keep a list of verses, stories, and sections you want to study in greater detail at a future time.
Just a few more days, and we will be into Numbers.
Monday, February 20, 2012
This Week's Readings
Monday: Leviticus 19, 20, 21, Psalm 37
Tuesday: Leviticus 22, 23, 24
Wednesday: Leviticus 25, 26, 27
Thursday: Numbers 1, 2, 3, Psalm 38
Friday: Numbers 4, 5, 6
Saturday: Numbers 7, 8, Psalm 39
Sunday: Numbers 9,10, Psalm 40
Tuesday: Leviticus 22, 23, 24
Wednesday: Leviticus 25, 26, 27
Thursday: Numbers 1, 2, 3, Psalm 38
Friday: Numbers 4, 5, 6
Saturday: Numbers 7, 8, Psalm 39
Sunday: Numbers 9,10, Psalm 40
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Comments:
The story of Nadab and Abihu may surprise us. But the story is a reminder that the worship of God is serious business. What went wrong that they died? Perhaps they were intoxicated. All of us know we should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle if we have been drinking alcohol. The same is true for all we do – whether it be making important decisions or whether we are in charge of others or whether we are leading others in the worship of God. We are called to be level-headed.
What about the unclean and clean foods? I like how Dr. Elsworth Kalas puts it: holiness is not just a matter of how we worship God in a formal setting, holiness is about all of life. In our day people might act one way in church, but act quite differently just an hour after church. We may fool other people, but we certainly don’t fool God. And it seems God is concerned with every detail of our lives.
What is holiness? Holiness is the quality or state of being holy. And “holy” means to be set apart. We think of things that are holy as being “pure.” An object that is holy is said to be set aside to be used for religious or spiritual purposes. When we call the scriptures holy (as in “Holy Bible”) we mean these words (or this book) is a sacred book, a special book, a book that is used in our religious life.
We are called to holiness because God is holy (Leviticus 11:45). Jesus will echo this call to holiness. What does that mean to us? We are called to be holy people. Does it mean we are “pure” or that we are better than others? Or does it mean we are to be different, set apart for God’s purposes? Do you think of yourself as holy?
Some of the concerns of these ancient people do not concern us today. There may be people today we try to keep all these ancient laws. We know as Christians we are not bound by the laws concerning what we can eat or not eat. There are some who say it is very wise to still follow these laws. We know, for example, that pork is not the healthiest meat for us to eat. Should we refrain from eating pork simply because it may not be healthy for us, or should we refrain simply because God told people to not eat pork?
Over time, these were issues God’s people had to deal with especially after the time of Christ as the new community called the church was forming.
We must be careful when reading these ancient laws. We may see laws that we agree with and want to hold others to these same laws today. At the same time we will see laws we know we don’t follow today nor do we want to or feel that we need to in order to still follow God and be obedient to God.
So how do we determine what is what? That is a very good question!
We must seek the wisdom not of single verses taken from the Bible but of the whole Bible in the context of history and the wisdom of the community in which we are a part. That wisdom comes to us down through history as well as from contemporary sources. We look to the wisdom of the church as a whole today. And even then, we know that the church as a whole does not always agree on everything.
Leviticus 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Comments:
The story of Nadab and Abihu may surprise us. But the story is a reminder that the worship of God is serious business. What went wrong that they died? Perhaps they were intoxicated. All of us know we should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle if we have been drinking alcohol. The same is true for all we do – whether it be making important decisions or whether we are in charge of others or whether we are leading others in the worship of God. We are called to be level-headed.
What about the unclean and clean foods? I like how Dr. Elsworth Kalas puts it: holiness is not just a matter of how we worship God in a formal setting, holiness is about all of life. In our day people might act one way in church, but act quite differently just an hour after church. We may fool other people, but we certainly don’t fool God. And it seems God is concerned with every detail of our lives.
What is holiness? Holiness is the quality or state of being holy. And “holy” means to be set apart. We think of things that are holy as being “pure.” An object that is holy is said to be set aside to be used for religious or spiritual purposes. When we call the scriptures holy (as in “Holy Bible”) we mean these words (or this book) is a sacred book, a special book, a book that is used in our religious life.
We are called to holiness because God is holy (Leviticus 11:45). Jesus will echo this call to holiness. What does that mean to us? We are called to be holy people. Does it mean we are “pure” or that we are better than others? Or does it mean we are to be different, set apart for God’s purposes? Do you think of yourself as holy?
Some of the concerns of these ancient people do not concern us today. There may be people today we try to keep all these ancient laws. We know as Christians we are not bound by the laws concerning what we can eat or not eat. There are some who say it is very wise to still follow these laws. We know, for example, that pork is not the healthiest meat for us to eat. Should we refrain from eating pork simply because it may not be healthy for us, or should we refrain simply because God told people to not eat pork?
Over time, these were issues God’s people had to deal with especially after the time of Christ as the new community called the church was forming.
We must be careful when reading these ancient laws. We may see laws that we agree with and want to hold others to these same laws today. At the same time we will see laws we know we don’t follow today nor do we want to or feel that we need to in order to still follow God and be obedient to God.
So how do we determine what is what? That is a very good question!
We must seek the wisdom not of single verses taken from the Bible but of the whole Bible in the context of history and the wisdom of the community in which we are a part. That wisdom comes to us down through history as well as from contemporary sources. We look to the wisdom of the church as a whole today. And even then, we know that the church as a whole does not always agree on everything.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Growing up, I kept every greeting card ever given to me. I had cards from my early birthdays. Cards from other occassions such as graduations, Christmases, Valentine's Day. Eventually I had to start throwing cards away. But I kept special cards and they are in box somewhere. Most of them are from people who are long gone such as grandparents and great aunts and such. Occassionally I will come across those cards and look at them. I cherish those cards from people such as my grandmothers.
The Bible is often referred to as a "love letter from God." We come back to it and read it and re-read it because it's God's word to us. Re-reading words I have already read... I see new insights... I have more knowledge now than before (hopefully!) and I glean new information each time I read the words.... some parts obviously mean more to me than others.... But I cherish the Bible as I cherish cards and letters from family and friends.
How do you approach reading the Bible?
.
The Bible is often referred to as a "love letter from God." We come back to it and read it and re-read it because it's God's word to us. Re-reading words I have already read... I see new insights... I have more knowledge now than before (hopefully!) and I glean new information each time I read the words.... some parts obviously mean more to me than others.... But I cherish the Bible as I cherish cards and letters from family and friends.
How do you approach reading the Bible?
.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 8, 9
Comments:
These readings are about the priesthood. In many ways foreign to us. But we can see the detailed ways they worshipped. And in many ways they appear much more formal (or even what we might call "high church") than we worship at Albright.
Keep reading!
Leviticus 8, 9
Comments:
These readings are about the priesthood. In many ways foreign to us. But we can see the detailed ways they worshipped. And in many ways they appear much more formal (or even what we might call "high church") than we worship at Albright.
Keep reading!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Comments:
Okay, Leviticus can be a rather boring book. It’s about ancient ways of worshipping God and living in community a couple thousand years ago. Times have changed. Why is it important for us to read this?
It’s important because it’s God’s word to us! We may not read it in order to follow it 100%, but we look for the overall meaning and how we can apply it to our lives today.
First, Leviticus takes place at the foot of Mount Sinai where Moses has received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God. The people of God have escaped from Egypt. And they are on their way to the land God has promised them. It’s going to take them awhile to get there.
As we read through Leviticus, it’s important to not get bogged down in details. Don’t get discouraged at what you don’t understand. Just skim. Get a feeling for the overall picture and the big ideas.
We can divide Leviticus into two parts: WORSHIP (1:1-17:6) and INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIVING A HOLY LIFE (18:1-27:34.)
In this first section on worship, we have instructions for offerings, for the priests, for the people, and for the altar itself.
These first seven chapters we have read yesterday and today are all about the offerings.
Offerings were made for different occasions and different purposes.
How are these offerings similar to our offering in worship today? How are they different?
Leviticus 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Comments:
Okay, Leviticus can be a rather boring book. It’s about ancient ways of worshipping God and living in community a couple thousand years ago. Times have changed. Why is it important for us to read this?
It’s important because it’s God’s word to us! We may not read it in order to follow it 100%, but we look for the overall meaning and how we can apply it to our lives today.
First, Leviticus takes place at the foot of Mount Sinai where Moses has received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God. The people of God have escaped from Egypt. And they are on their way to the land God has promised them. It’s going to take them awhile to get there.
As we read through Leviticus, it’s important to not get bogged down in details. Don’t get discouraged at what you don’t understand. Just skim. Get a feeling for the overall picture and the big ideas.
We can divide Leviticus into two parts: WORSHIP (1:1-17:6) and INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIVING A HOLY LIFE (18:1-27:34.)
In this first section on worship, we have instructions for offerings, for the priests, for the people, and for the altar itself.
These first seven chapters we have read yesterday and today are all about the offerings.
Offerings were made for different occasions and different purposes.
How are these offerings similar to our offering in worship today? How are they different?
Monday, February 13, 2012
This Week's Readings
Monday: Leviticus 1, 2, 3
Tuesday: Leviticus 4, 5, 6
Wednesday: Leviticus 7, 8, 9
Thursday: Leviticus 10, 11, Psalm 33, 34
Friday: Leviticus 12, 12, Psalm 35
Saturday: Leviticus 14, 15, Psalm 36
Sunday: Leviticus 16, 17, 18
Tuesday: Leviticus 4, 5, 6
Wednesday: Leviticus 7, 8, 9
Thursday: Leviticus 10, 11, Psalm 33, 34
Friday: Leviticus 12, 12, Psalm 35
Saturday: Leviticus 14, 15, Psalm 36
Sunday: Leviticus 16, 17, 18
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Exodus 37, 38, 39, 40
Comments:
Sometimes parts of the Bible repeat. Often we can tell why. Sometimes it's because the same story is being told from different perspectives or from different story-tellers. Sometimes we are not sure why.
In reading about the details of the furniture and objects used in worship of God, I am struck by the details. Is it important to us in our worship that our baptism water is placed in a certain area in the worship space? Is it okay for the baptistry or bowl to be empty? Or should it always be full of water? What about the Communion Table? Are we careful about where we place it? What we set on it? Do we make sure it is free of dust and other markings?
Some churches are very particular about where objects are placed, how they are used, and how we treat them. Others are less concerned. Some churches use a Commnunion Table to place brochures in the entry to their church on Sundays that they are not observing the Lord's Supper. Other churches would throw a fit if anyone set anything on the table other than objects used in worship.
What does our worship say about our view of God and our relationship with God?
The last few verses of Exodus tell us that God's presence filled the worship space. God's presence, in the form of a cloud, let the people to stay put or set out on their journeys. What is the evidence of God's presence in our lives and our community of faith today? How does God lead us?
Exodus 37, 38, 39, 40
Comments:
Sometimes parts of the Bible repeat. Often we can tell why. Sometimes it's because the same story is being told from different perspectives or from different story-tellers. Sometimes we are not sure why.
In reading about the details of the furniture and objects used in worship of God, I am struck by the details. Is it important to us in our worship that our baptism water is placed in a certain area in the worship space? Is it okay for the baptistry or bowl to be empty? Or should it always be full of water? What about the Communion Table? Are we careful about where we place it? What we set on it? Do we make sure it is free of dust and other markings?
Some churches are very particular about where objects are placed, how they are used, and how we treat them. Others are less concerned. Some churches use a Commnunion Table to place brochures in the entry to their church on Sundays that they are not observing the Lord's Supper. Other churches would throw a fit if anyone set anything on the table other than objects used in worship.
What does our worship say about our view of God and our relationship with God?
The last few verses of Exodus tell us that God's presence filled the worship space. God's presence, in the form of a cloud, let the people to stay put or set out on their journeys. What is the evidence of God's presence in our lives and our community of faith today? How does God lead us?
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Exodus 27, 28, 29, 30
Comments:
These chapters in Exodus can be tedious reading since they give us details of a way of life that are far removed from our life in our Ponca City.
But we do know that our worship space is also sacred and holds meaning. The Communion Table, the Pulpit, the Baptistery and the Baptismal Font, the Communion Rail, the Stained Glass – each holds special meaning and we treat these objects with dignity and respect.
One item that stands out to me is that the priest wore clothing that had the twelve stones on the breastplate which bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The priest was always carrying the names of the people before God in prayer. The names of the people were never far from the priest’s heart. So too a pastor holds his or her people in the church before God in prayer. A pastor has the people of the church always on their minds and near their heart.
As church members we not hold every single church member in prayer. But we do belong to smaller groups in the church. Many of us belong to a Sunday School. Prayer requests are shared there that are not shared in worship or with the whole church. We know all the names of those in our Sunday School class. We can pray for them on a regular basis. When someone in our small group is in need, the whole group is there for them. When one rejoices, the whole group rejoices. The small group is a place for deep learning – we cannot learn all we need to learn about the Christian life by listening to the pastor’s sermon each week – we need more. And many of us fail to learn solely by ourselves. We need each other. That is why it is important to be a part of a small group.
Who is on your heart and mind today? Who are you holding in prayer?
Exodus 27, 28, 29, 30
Comments:
These chapters in Exodus can be tedious reading since they give us details of a way of life that are far removed from our life in our Ponca City.
But we do know that our worship space is also sacred and holds meaning. The Communion Table, the Pulpit, the Baptistery and the Baptismal Font, the Communion Rail, the Stained Glass – each holds special meaning and we treat these objects with dignity and respect.
One item that stands out to me is that the priest wore clothing that had the twelve stones on the breastplate which bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The priest was always carrying the names of the people before God in prayer. The names of the people were never far from the priest’s heart. So too a pastor holds his or her people in the church before God in prayer. A pastor has the people of the church always on their minds and near their heart.
As church members we not hold every single church member in prayer. But we do belong to smaller groups in the church. Many of us belong to a Sunday School. Prayer requests are shared there that are not shared in worship or with the whole church. We know all the names of those in our Sunday School class. We can pray for them on a regular basis. When someone in our small group is in need, the whole group is there for them. When one rejoices, the whole group rejoices. The small group is a place for deep learning – we cannot learn all we need to learn about the Christian life by listening to the pastor’s sermon each week – we need more. And many of us fail to learn solely by ourselves. We need each other. That is why it is important to be a part of a small group.
Who is on your heart and mind today? Who are you holding in prayer?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Exodus 24, 25, 26
Comments:
We now read about the details of God’s people creating worship space called the “tabernacle.” The details might be boring to us, since we don’t worship the same way. However, it’s important for us to see the evolution of how God’s people worshipped throughout the Bible. We see here that God is greatly concerned with the details of the furnishings and how the people were to approach God. What we need to do is not focus on the details but look for the meaning behind how the Hebrew people were worshipping. What is the symbolism of these ancient ways of worshipping?
Imagine if we wrote down why the sanctuary at Albright was built the way it was. How would you explain to someone what takes place in our sanctuary on a Sunday morning? What would be the most important? What do our actions on Sunday mornings say about God, about us, and about how we approach and interact with God?
Do we approach God casually? With respect? With great intention? Do we take God for granted?
All of these are very important questions! Worship is the one time every week when the most people are gathered together. For many worship is at the heart of what the church is about. What does our worship say about us and our beliefs about God?
Exodus 24, 25, 26
Comments:
We now read about the details of God’s people creating worship space called the “tabernacle.” The details might be boring to us, since we don’t worship the same way. However, it’s important for us to see the evolution of how God’s people worshipped throughout the Bible. We see here that God is greatly concerned with the details of the furnishings and how the people were to approach God. What we need to do is not focus on the details but look for the meaning behind how the Hebrew people were worshipping. What is the symbolism of these ancient ways of worshipping?
Imagine if we wrote down why the sanctuary at Albright was built the way it was. How would you explain to someone what takes place in our sanctuary on a Sunday morning? What would be the most important? What do our actions on Sunday mornings say about God, about us, and about how we approach and interact with God?
Do we approach God casually? With respect? With great intention? Do we take God for granted?
All of these are very important questions! Worship is the one time every week when the most people are gathered together. For many worship is at the heart of what the church is about. What does our worship say about us and our beliefs about God?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Exodus 21, 22, 23
Comments:
So far we have mostly been reading a story with a few genealogies thrown in. Now we begin a trek through the “laws.” It is easy to get discouraged if the laws seem so far from the situations we encounter on a regular basis. However, these laws, remember, were given to a people who for the first time in hundreds of years are living “on their own.” They are no longer slaves in Egypt. How are they to now live together and govern themselves? They are to be governed by God’s laws. And we see a respect for truth. There is also a restraint of power. If a slave owner breaks a slave’s tooth, the slave is set free in compensation (21:27). Where else do we see restraint of power in regard to people’s relationships – with men and women, with the alien among us, with the those with money and those without money? Can we see among all these laws God’s concern for fairness, for justice?
Exodus 21, 22, 23
Comments:
So far we have mostly been reading a story with a few genealogies thrown in. Now we begin a trek through the “laws.” It is easy to get discouraged if the laws seem so far from the situations we encounter on a regular basis. However, these laws, remember, were given to a people who for the first time in hundreds of years are living “on their own.” They are no longer slaves in Egypt. How are they to now live together and govern themselves? They are to be governed by God’s laws. And we see a respect for truth. There is also a restraint of power. If a slave owner breaks a slave’s tooth, the slave is set free in compensation (21:27). Where else do we see restraint of power in regard to people’s relationships – with men and women, with the alien among us, with the those with money and those without money? Can we see among all these laws God’s concern for fairness, for justice?
Monday, February 6, 2012
Exodus 19-20
Readings:
Exodus 19
Exodus 20
Psalm 31
Psalm 32
Comments:
I have not kept up with my readings on a daily basis, and it’s obvious I have not kept up taking notes each day. It’s easy to do that. And once it happens, it’s easy to get discouraged. But I’m not going to bother with discouragement. I’ll just pick back up and keep going.
God delivers the people from their slavery in Egypt. Once free, the people of God begin to complain and grumble. But God provides for them in the desert. Food. Water. God is with them. And because this is a community of people, they have to learn to live together. Additional leadership is needed. And we all need rules and guidelines to live by.
Exodus 20 contains the “ten commandments.” The first four have to do with our relationship with God. The last five with our interaction with other people. The fifth commands, the only one with a promise attached, deals with how we treat our parents. The ten commandments are often seen as the basis for our society and how we govern ourselves. However, there were more than just ten commandments that God gave this people. As we will see in the rest of Exodus and in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, there are over 600 laws given to the people.
Some people feel that laws inhibit what we can do. Laws are restrictive. But in reality, laws help provide order and also help us avoid chaos. Laws are also meant to protect us.
Some people might think of God as a “killjoy.” What about you? How do you view the ten commandments? Can you name all of them without looking? Which ones are easy for us to follow? Are these ancient commandments still relevant for us today?
Exodus 19
Exodus 20
Psalm 31
Psalm 32
Comments:
I have not kept up with my readings on a daily basis, and it’s obvious I have not kept up taking notes each day. It’s easy to do that. And once it happens, it’s easy to get discouraged. But I’m not going to bother with discouragement. I’ll just pick back up and keep going.
God delivers the people from their slavery in Egypt. Once free, the people of God begin to complain and grumble. But God provides for them in the desert. Food. Water. God is with them. And because this is a community of people, they have to learn to live together. Additional leadership is needed. And we all need rules and guidelines to live by.
Exodus 20 contains the “ten commandments.” The first four have to do with our relationship with God. The last five with our interaction with other people. The fifth commands, the only one with a promise attached, deals with how we treat our parents. The ten commandments are often seen as the basis for our society and how we govern ourselves. However, there were more than just ten commandments that God gave this people. As we will see in the rest of Exodus and in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, there are over 600 laws given to the people.
Some people feel that laws inhibit what we can do. Laws are restrictive. But in reality, laws help provide order and also help us avoid chaos. Laws are also meant to protect us.
Some people might think of God as a “killjoy.” What about you? How do you view the ten commandments? Can you name all of them without looking? Which ones are easy for us to follow? Are these ancient commandments still relevant for us today?
This Week's Readings
This Week's Readings:
Monday: Exodus 19, Exodus 20, Psalm 31, Psalm 32
Tuesday: Exodus 21, 22, 23
Wednesday: Exodus 24, 25, 26
Thursday: Exodus 27, 28, 29, 30
Friday: Exodus 31, 32, 33
Saturday: Exodus 34, 35, 36
Sunday: Exodus 37, 38, 39, 40
Monday: Exodus 19, Exodus 20, Psalm 31, Psalm 32
Tuesday: Exodus 21, 22, 23
Wednesday: Exodus 24, 25, 26
Thursday: Exodus 27, 28, 29, 30
Friday: Exodus 31, 32, 33
Saturday: Exodus 34, 35, 36
Sunday: Exodus 37, 38, 39, 40
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Comments:
If you were to ask United Methodists what is the central act we do based on our history, some might say “worship” while others might say “singing” or “missions” etc.
For the Hebrew people Passover is an annual celebration which recalls their freedom from slavery in Egypt as described in the book of Exodus.
For followers of Christ, we also have a sacred meal which recalls our freedom from slavery! What are (were) we slaves to? The scriptures tell us we are slaves to sin and death. Followers of Christ believe that we have been set free by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sacred meal is called by many names – the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, Holy Communion.
Tomorrow at Albright we will celebrate this sacred meal. Listen for images of the Passover. Listen for images of slavery. Listen for images of freedom.
All are welcome! Please come.
If you were to ask United Methodists what is the central act we do based on our history, some might say “worship” while others might say “singing” or “missions” etc.
For the Hebrew people Passover is an annual celebration which recalls their freedom from slavery in Egypt as described in the book of Exodus.
For followers of Christ, we also have a sacred meal which recalls our freedom from slavery! What are (were) we slaves to? The scriptures tell us we are slaves to sin and death. Followers of Christ believe that we have been set free by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sacred meal is called by many names – the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, Holy Communion.
Tomorrow at Albright we will celebrate this sacred meal. Listen for images of the Passover. Listen for images of slavery. Listen for images of freedom.
All are welcome! Please come.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Through the Bible in 2012
Readings:
Exodus 8
Exodus 9
Exodus 10
Psalm 29
Comments:
God's people were slaves in Egypt and God had heard the cries of his people. And God met Moses in the burning bush. God called Moses to be the one to lead the people to freedom. But Moses had his excuses, didn't he?
"Who am I to do this?"
"Who will I say told me to do these things?"
"What if the people don't believe me or pay attention to me?"
"Hey, God, I'm not very good at speaking in front of people!" (I hope God didn't notice how well Moses was at speaking up and protesting what God was asking him to do!)
"God, PLEASE just send someone else!"
What excuses to do we give when we have been asked to serve God? Is it possible God wants to stretch us, to push us out of our comfort zone, to cause us to grow?
What is God calling YOU to do right now? This month? At Albright? In our community? In your spheres of influence? In this world?
Exodus 8
Exodus 9
Exodus 10
Psalm 29
Comments:
God's people were slaves in Egypt and God had heard the cries of his people. And God met Moses in the burning bush. God called Moses to be the one to lead the people to freedom. But Moses had his excuses, didn't he?
"Who am I to do this?"
"Who will I say told me to do these things?"
"What if the people don't believe me or pay attention to me?"
"Hey, God, I'm not very good at speaking in front of people!" (I hope God didn't notice how well Moses was at speaking up and protesting what God was asking him to do!)
"God, PLEASE just send someone else!"
What excuses to do we give when we have been asked to serve God? Is it possible God wants to stretch us, to push us out of our comfort zone, to cause us to grow?
What is God calling YOU to do right now? This month? At Albright? In our community? In your spheres of influence? In this world?
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