Fulfillment

 Acts 4   Psalm 126  Exodus 11-12

As I read through Acts 4 today, I am reminded how often there is a demand that the truth be silenced when it threatens the power needed for control. As I read the story of Peter and John, the conflict with segments of the community power and the debate on how to silence them without losing the support of the people of their community I thought how little has changed.

The next thing I noticed is that Peter stood up for what he believed and noted who he would trust in making decisions where and when to speak. He doesn’t demand his way, fight those that would oppose him or debate with them. He simply leaves, goes to those who understand and trust as he does and look for ways to effectively deliver the message. His prayer was show us the way and we will put our trust in you Lord.

Psalm 126 reminds us that God delivers on his promises and brings joy to those who trust in him. We reap what we sow in so many ways.

Continuing through the story of Exodus in chapters 11 and 12 God once again shows that ultimately, He is the one in control. The power struggle with Pharaoh continues and we need to look carefully at the instructions given to Moses that require obedience in order to receive the protection and blessings of the Lord. The clear distinction between the people of God and Pharaoh is illustrated in this passage a number of times. I was reminded that that leader that demands the power and obedience to him will lead the people to destruction as well. The cost of disobedience should never be minimized. Nor should the fulfillment of God’s Word be doubted. Here was a promise that begins to be fulfilled in 430 years.

Disobedience Comes with A Cost

 Exodus 9-10  Psalm 144   Acts 3

As I continued to read about the plagues in Exodus 9 and 10 I note that god hardened Pharaoh’s heart but it was usually the people that suffered. Sometimes God has to show that the cost of disobedience increases and that some effect everyone and some just the disobedient and their people. Each step Pharaoh continues to try to make a deal giving up as little as possible and maintaining control The warning come and then ignored.

Psalm 144 reminds us that God should be praised as all times and that there is nothing about us that is worthy of his notice and yet he blesses us daily.

In Acts 3 Peter and John bring healing from Jesus to a man born unable to walk. He begins to leap and praise God. Peter is quick to point that they are just a conduit and that the healing comes from God. They also point out that suffering comes from disobedience to God and that the call for repentance and new life is what God always has called for and still does. The unrepentant will suffer and the repentant will cause others to turn from their sin.

Choosing God's Way or Not

Exodus 5-8 Psalm 75  Proverbs 14  Acts 1-2

It is always helpful to me when I read the exodus story how God was honest with Moses and Aaron and told them that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart and freeing the people of Israel would not be easy. We must remember as we read this story that God is teaching the people of Israel about trusting Him, not getting what they were promised easily and in fact their sin often caused them not to receive what God had promised them.

As Moses and Aaron begin the process of being the messenger between God and God’s people and Pharaoh that the costs would be high and that it created pain for all, conflict, accusations and a demand for trust and faithful service. It is important we note the increasing cost of disobedience to God and that slowly the people of God are separated from those that refuse to recognize God’s power and rule.

In Psalm 75 we are reminded that God provides judgement in His time and he puts down one and exalts another at His choosing. Our work it to praise God for all God does.

Proverbs 14 shows the great contrasts of that honor and follow God’s ways and those that seek their own way. The contrast between the wise and the foolish and the danger of falling into evil.

Acts 1 and 2 begins the story of the post-resurrection church. The many disciples gather together to praise God for what He has done in their midst through Jesus. I find it intriguing that they begin to reorganize and develop a structure for what will become the church as they begin to grow in number.

It is at the gathering at Jerusalem that the Holy Spirit begins a great work in them and starting there they begin to proclaim the risen Lord. The gathered for instruction and to learn from the apostles, shaping the early church. We should miss though that many that are gathered there have come from far away and when they return home begin to tell this amazing story of what God has done in their midst.

The Mission

 Exodus 3-4          Psalm 15             John 20-21

 The call of Moses in Exodus 3 and 4 begin the story of the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham hundreds of years before. Moses has been living a quiet life with his family for about 40 years far from the people of Israel. His attention is caught by a burning bush and he draws closer in an attempt to figure out why the bush is not consumed by the fire.

 God speaks to him from the fire and in one of those interesting dialogs between God and Moses the call to return to Egypt is made. Assured those that sought his death are themselves dead and he won’t be remembered Moses is instructed to return and lead the people out of Egypt and into the promised land. He finds a number of excuses because he is not the right man for the job. God meets each objection with a promise to go with him. Don’t miss the anger of God when Moses uses the voice God gave him as an excuse not to do what is asked of him.

 We should remember that Moses’s brother and sister have remained in Egypt and lived under their rule. Now they are called to work together to bring the people out of what has changed from invited guests to slaves. Moses and Aaron gather the people to being the process.

 Psalm 15 once again reminds us that those that live by the ways of God will be blessed.

 The end of the Gospel of John describes the post resurrection reaction from the women that came to complete the burial ritual. The struggle to believe that Jesus has been raised from the grave was just as difficult to believe then as it is now.

 There is also the interactions between Jesus and Peter asking if Peter really loves Jesus and then Jesus warning to Peter that the cost of continuing to fulfill his mission would be costly. It is always encouraging to me that the post resurrection disciples, even though they had lived with and learned from Jesus, still struggled to see what the future could hold.

God's Unseen Work

 Exodus 1-2          Psalm 90             John 19

 After a pause of several hundred years the story that ended at the end of Genesis picks back up in Exodus noting that a lot has changed in the intervening years. The Pharaoh has changed, several times we can be sure, the story of Joseph has been lost and is now unknown. The small band of people, the family of Israel, have grown so large that they outnumber the people of Egypt. As Pharaoh observes this he become fearful and tries to find ways of limiting that power while recognizing the importance of keeping them there because of what they bring to his kingdom, power in labor.

 First, he wants to show how powerful he is so he increases the demands that he puts on them. At the same time suppressing their rights. If you read carefully you see that they grow in power and are forced to spread out even more. This creates such fear in Pharaoh that he attempts to kill the male children of the Hebrews by demanding they be put to death on birth by the hands of those who deliver them. Their fear of God is greater than their fear of Pharaoh and they refuse and are blessed because of their faithfulness. His response is to demand that every male child, Hebrew and Egyptian be killed. We should remember that while Joseph was alive all the land and everything in it became the property of Pharaoh. They were all under his control, including life or death. We should put this in the back of our minds as the rest of the story plays out.

 Because the Hebrews, who had entered Egypt as invited guests, have become so strong to create fear of them, while at the same time the power of their labor being needed, great conflict arises in Egypt. The harshness of the suppression creates such pain that they cry out to their God, who had saved them by sending them there, to once again save them.

 Their prayers are heard and in chapter 2 Moses, who had been saved by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as her son, is in the position of power. We shouldn’t miss through that both the Hebrews and Egyptians never forget he is a Hebrew. Neither really trust him and therefore challenge him. Then we find him fleeing for his life around the age of 40 and living in the wilderness for 40 years, getting married, raising a family. Feeling safe and settled while never forgetting his family, friends and people left behind.

 Psalm 90 reminds us that God is the same from generation to generation and that time is of no meaning. While our days are numbered what we do with them will be reflected in the view of the work of our hands.

 John 19 is the story of the struggle Pilate has in trying to find a way to do the right thing, release Jesus, and maintain his own power. The crowd demands the justice they see is right and use his fear against him. In the end he is more interested in keeping his position in doing what is right. He does do everything he can to put the responsibility on others. Jesus reminds him where his power really comes from and unsaid is who he will be responsible to in the end. He hands off the problem to someone that really doesn’t want to be responsible for it either. The whipping up of popular support in the mob demand death and that is what they get.

 I always find this part of John and the crucifixion story drawing me into the drama and feeling the conflict of power. Power either comes from doing what is right or surrendering responsibility. We can’t miss the part that fear plays in this story either, from Pilate, the crowd, the Sanhedrin, and so many more. The conflict of fear and reaching to do what is right in Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. In the end all think they know how the story has ended and react accordingly.

 How often do we fail to see that God is working out his plan, now ours, for the good of His Kingdom?

Trust in Adversity

 Job 6-7                 Psalm 56             John 18

 Continuing my journey through Job, believed to be the oldest book in the Bible, I read chapters 6 and 7, Job’s first response to the challenge of his friends about faith. How often do our greatest challenges to our faith come from those closest to us? Job begins but recognizing the heaviness of his grief and the feeling overwhelmed by it at times. He also see that even in his pain it is an opportunity to examine his faith in God and challenge others to look at it has he does.

 I flipped to Psalm 56 and found it was a look at the conflict David had to endure for those that challenged his faith when things didn’t go the way they thought it should. David too struggled with the suffering of being deceptively described but keeping his faith that God saw his heart and would judge him on that inner-being.

 In John 18 Jesus is with his disciples in the Garden across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem and Judas leads the guard there to arrest him. If you look carefully when he identifies himself as the one they are looking for they shrink back from him. When they start to arrest Jesus Peter wants to fight, draws his sword and attacks, inflicting damage. Jesus stops him and reminds him that this is part of God’s plan and he shouldn’t interfere with it.

 Next we find Jesus in the middle of both the Jewish and Roman power centers and Peter and John on the fringe of the crowd. It is as the first of the process of deception that will lead to Jesus death begins that we find Peter afraid and denying he knows Jesus, just as he was told he would.

 The conflict continues in the interactions between the power of the Jewish leaders and the Roman government. It is the beginning of a clear conflict between two centers of power that are looking for ways to threaten one another and Jesus is in the middle of this conflict. Here Jesus starts to show that he can face the dangers without fear because the Kingdom is not one they understand, of this world, but one of the power of God and the Spirit.

 As they both attempt to find ways to put the responsibility on the other they become complicit in the death of Jesus. We should note that all are doing what they believe is best while serving God and maintaining their power.

 The conflict for most of us throughout today’s readings is the challenge to our faith by the conflict it often does and should bring to our lives we would rather avoid. However, our call is to put our trust in God to know the best outcome for the world even when we cannot see the part our lives play in it. Right now.

Blessings and Sins Returned

 John 17                Genesis 49-50                   Proverbs 12

 As I read through John 17 today, I thought about Jesus call to be in the world but not of the world. God’s people have always been called to be different, to stand out because of their reflection of him to the world. Jesus prayer is not for us to be taken out of the world but to be protected from evil. We are called to unity, striving for a common purpose, reflecting grace, forgiveness, and love to the world. In the end it will be the love of Jesus reflected in us that will change the world.

 The last two chapters of Genesis are interesting in that they are the final story of two generations. First, Jacob/Israel blesses his descendants, and it is important to note that the sins they tried to hide from him for so long they were still held responsible for. Joseph fulfills his promise to his father and took him back to the land of his father for burial. The brothers worry that he will take out vengeance on them for their earlier treatment but once again he shows his faithfulness in reminding them God’s plan was at work the whole time. The book of Genesis ends with Joseph’s death and preparation for burial.

 Proverbs 12 is a litany of reminders that those that lie and deceive in order to get their way will be revealed and lose the respect and ear of the righteous, those that seek the way of the Lord. The contrast is great, and the timing is God’s but the word of encouragement is to seek the ways of the Lord with integrity and truth and we will be blessed.

Whose Work is It?

 Genesis 47-48                   Psalm 33             John 16

 The story moves quickly in Genesis 47 and 48 from Joseph settling his family in the land of Pharaoh with Pharaoh’s blessing. In turn Jacob, Israel, blesses Pharaoh. They are settled in the land, fed and cared for. We can’t miss that the famine is still severe. As we see as Joseph becomes the hand that will make all the people of Egypt servants of Pharaoh as he acquires their money, their resources and finally their land. The final step is to remove them from the land into the cities where they are easier to oversee and control. While he then provides for them, they also have to provide 20% back to Pharaoh.

 When Joseph brings his sons, born in Egypt, to his father to be blessed he has an expectation of what will happen and what is proper. Israel sees something different as best for his family in the future and refuses to do what Joseph wants. The blessings stand and upset tradition.

 I turned to Psalm 33 this morning and was reminded that when we practice the ways of God we want to sing of the joy of the Lord. At the same time, we need a healthy dose of fear of the Lord that makes us stand in awe of him. He is so powerful he speaks, and things come into being and he breaths life into things he creates. His plans live on from one generation to the next and those nations that turn to God for direction are blessed by him. The Lord is watching those of us that have a healthy fear of him and get our hope, not from our work, but from the lovingkindness of God. We are called to wait for the Lord’s timing and our hearth will rejoice when we put our trust in His Holy name.

John 16 is a continuation of Jesus with his disciples after the Passover celebration as he prepares them for the days to come. This chapter begins by warning them that remaining faithful will make the outcasts in the very place they have learned and want to be most accepted. That being cast out is to be viewed as a service to God. This leads to a teaching about the cost of being a faithful disciple, losing things we hold most dear, including beliefs and being prepared for what is to come.

 Maybe the most important teaching here is one that is easily overlooked. Jesus promise a Helper will come whose job will be to convict the world concerning sin. That is not our job! When we want to create practices that bring about conviction, we are not allowing the Spirit to do their work. When the Spirit comes, he guides into all the truth because he is the Spirit of truth. That very Spirit will reveal the truth to us by pointing to Jesus.

 If you need to feel better about being confused about faith the middle of this chapter reminds us that the ones that spent the most time living with, walking with, and hearing Jesus found themselves lacking understanding of some of what he said. We are warned that times will come when we will weep and lament while the world rejoices. But, remaining faithful our grief will be turned to joy.

 When we ask for something in the name of Jesus we should pause and ask if what we desire is what Jesus desires as our Lord and gives us the right to speak in his name. When we speak in the name of Jesus asking for what would bring him glory, we will have reason to rejoice. In the end, this is the only thing that will bring us peace.

God Calls for Unity

 Genesis 45-46    Ephesians 4        Psalm 133

 In Genesis 45 and 46 Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and their shock creates dismay as they realize the one they did all they could to destroy now has their lives in his hands. Now Joseph’s lifelong faith is revealed in his response. He tells them they didn’t send him there, but God did to prepare for this day when they needed him the most.  

 This is a story of forgiveness and grace but more than that a story of trust in God to work all for the good of those that love him. He is reunited with his younger brother and sends them back to get his father and their families. There are 70 of the family that come to Egypt as the guest of Pharaoh. I find it interesting that they take the job that is most repugnant to the Egyptians and that allows them to be set apart.

 Over the last few days I have listened to a call for unity and the rejection of that call by some and embraced by others. In Ephesians 4 Paul calls the church to unity. Interestingly, it is clear they are not all called to be the same but use their God given ability for the good of the community. Like the church, community groups have the opportunity to look for those places there is agreement and work together for the good of all. It is a call to treat your neighbor with respect and lay aside the sins we commit against each other. When each of us use our skills, we can join with those that are different to make the world a better place.

 I laughed when a turned to a small Psalm since I am writing late today and looked at Psalm 133 and it opens with, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” We were created t live together and compliment each other for the good of all.

 The Biblical call to unity is not a call to agree or be the same but to work together that our combined efforts will have a positive impact on the world.

Lasting Impact of Sin

 Genesis 43-44                   Psalm 23             John 15

 In Genesis 43 and 44 we find Joseph’s bothers back home with their father and once again out of food needed for survival. Joseph and the sons are both put under tremendous stress as they think about what is ask of them and the risk involved in doing what is demanded. We can’t forget that throughout this story deception and misleading have really been a way of life in the family. There is also a touch of being selfish as each of them ask if the other cannot see what is being ask of them and the cost of doing what is demanded.

 Feeling he has no choice after listening to his son, Judah, Jacob decides he must risk the loss of Benjamin if they are all to live. Don’t miss the fact that the value of the sons become clear to all. We must also see that Jacob still has wealth as seen in the gifts he prepares to send in an attempt to show his submission.

 Reading through this interaction between Joseph and his brothers, while they still don’t recognize him, is another look at the long-term cost of deception and misleading to get what we want. The guilt that goes with it lasts and at some point, a decision has to be made on being honest. We begin to realize the cost of those long ago lies and what we assumed was hidden comes to light. The hardest part is that those confessions come not as a demand they be made but as a recognition that it hasn’t worked out as we planned. God was working to make them see themselves for what they really were.

 We have to note that the one that paid the highest cost but remained faithful and trusted God no matter where he found himself is blessed and put in a position to make a difference in the world, not just for his people.

 In another book I was reading this morning it referred to Psalm 23 and so I turned there to look at it once again. It is one of those readings we can gloss over because it is so familiar but that is a mistake. It takes us deep into our relationship with God.

 The Lord God is our shepherd. Too often I think we see a shepherd as someone that is meek and mild and walking along with the animals put in their care. In reality being a shepherd in David’s day was to be put in charge of the family wealth and responsible for protecting it, helping to increase it’s value and most of all being responsible. It was an incredible responsibility and at times very dangerous. Think about the fact that a rod was a weapon and the staff could be both a weapon and a tool to bring the flock back in line.

 David’s reflection is that like a shepherd’s relationship with their flock, when God was watching over him he did not want for anything. God gave him rest, led to quiet places, restored his soul, and guides him in the ways of God. Don’t miss that God does all those things for God’s name, not David’s. However, because David pays attention those blessings God brings to his life he feels anointed, overflowing with abundance and that the goodness and love of God will not only follow him all the days of his live but he will then be able to live in the presence of God forever.

 Every time I read the Psalms, or songs, or David I can’t help but think of the many great sins he committed while still struggling and seeking the right way to serve God. David was far from perfect but he was after God’s own heart even when he failed.

 In John 15 Jesus reminds his disciples, and there for those of us that take on the name of Christian, that pruning is a part of a healthy life. He tells the disciples the even the healthy branches will be pruned, part of what is healthy but using resources better used elsewhere, so that those same branches might bear even more fruit.

 He goes on to talk about their future and the potential to be effective disciples and disciple makers that will impact the future Kingdom of God. It starts by knowing his teaching and the Word of God so that we might know what it is to be full. He has called us friend and because of that those that follow him will even lay down their life for one another. He commanded them to love one another.

 One of the things I really appreciate about the teaching of Jesus is that he doesn’t hide the cost of following him and teaching his commandments. People will hate you and attempt to destroy you. Sometimes we would rather the Word of God not be fulfilled if we are honest. The promise we are made that in the end Jesus will testify, tell our story, because of our faith and it is our work to testify, tell his story, about his faithfulness to us. In the end we both end up glorifying God, not ourselves.

Reflecting God

 Genesis 41-42                   Psalm 56             John 15

 One of those passages that remind us that God is still at work not only in our lives but those around us is told in Genesis 41 and 42 as Joseph is finally remembered two years later by Pharaoh’s cup bearer when no one can do what he needs. We can’t miss that Pharaoh has apparently changed and that the new one doesn’t know the story of the cup bearer or Joseph.

 As Joseph meets Pharaoh’s need, he is rewarded with power while still being the servant he has been for years. As that power grows, his wisdom is used, and he finds him fulfilling his boyhood dreams as his brother’s bow before him. The interaction with them is really interesting in that they not only don’t expect him but don’t recognize him. As he interacts with them though they are reminded of their treachery so long ago and feel they are paying a price for it.

 It is clear that he doesn’t trust them, and I am sure is well aware that they have to resent Benjamin as much as they did him. The fact that he is not with them is cause for concern by Joseph. When they return not knowing who Joseph is they cannot tell Jacob why they believe they are in the position they are in. Jacob we see is not willing to risk the life of Benjamin to save one of his older sons.

 Psalm 56 reminds us even when it feels that everyone is against us not only is God still present but that all that is happening is known to Him. When we continue to be and do what God calls us to we know we are walking in the land of the living.

 John 15 describes the intimate relationship we must have with Jesus and through him with the father. Our lives are to be intertwined just as the lives of Jesus and the Father were. The love they showed one another is to be reflected in our love for one another as a follower and disciple of Jesus. When our lives are intertwined with Jesus we become a reflection of him and are testimony, our story or faith, will be true and a reflection of the relationship between Jesus and the father.

God's Way vs Our Way

 1 Corinthians                    Psalm 64            

 Today because I was preaching from 1 Corinthians 6 I decided to read the full letter to make sure I was looking at it in context. The main text I was looking at came from 6:12 in the lectionary reading for today. Being reminded that because something is lawful, whether it is in the laws of the land or God, doesn’t mean that we should do something. As I read through this letter today, I noticed the early church really delt with the same challenges we face today.

 The whole letter is filled with the conflict between those that want their own way and those that are working to understand and lead in the ways of God. Sometimes it is hard to tell them apart. As individuals and as groups we want to have the power to control. The ability to love, putting someone else above ourselves, is one of the greatest challenges we face. That is the challenge of Jesus to us.

 Reading through Psalm 64 I am reminded how often David felt under attack and at times his very life in danger. Asking God to protect him, hide him from the enemy even though they work so hard to plot to destroy him. In the end he reminds us that that those that pursue the ways of God will be glad in the Lord and have refuge in Him. The upright in heart will glory the Lord.

 How often do we think what we are going through is new? Only to turn to the Word and find out that the struggle is as old as human beings have roamed the earth. We want our way to be the right way and often work to shape God, including as shown to us in Jesus, in the image we want to be right. The righteous way will always be God’s way and should be our goal.

Trusting God in Difficult Situations

 John 14                Proverbs 2          Genesis 39-40

 As a pastor I almost always read a portion of John 14 at a funeral. For the Christian especially they are words of great hope that like Jesus those that have faced death with faith have experienced not just death but the breath of new life that is eternity.

 Jesus feels the need to first warn his disciples to not let their hearts be troubled by what they are about to hear. It is a call to trust the father and son that are one. I always smile as I read the interchange between the disciples and Jesus as he tells them they know the way to get where he wants them to go even though they don’t know where they are going to be ask to go. They want to know where he is going, in reality it is a demand to know where they will be ask to go.

 Philip on their behalf demands that he meet their expectation to see things in a way they feel they need to make the path clear. How often do we sit at a funeral wondering where their soul has gone? The truth is that question makes most of us as uncomfortable as the disciples where when Jesus challenges them to put their faith, not in what they can see, but, in the intimacy that he has with the Father.

 Jesus asks the most difficult question when he asks what they believe about his relationship with the Father. Their future relationship and ours is based on the answer to that question. It does come with a promise though that is the reason for our faith. Jesus and the Father will send one to help us know the way to where he is going that we may be with him forever.

 As now part of the oldest generation in my family and my wife’s family I have several times heard one of us say, ‘Now we are orphans.’ We have been left behind to carry on the family name to future generations. What sets Jesus apart is his promise that we will not be left feeling like orphans when he is gone because no matter where we go the Holy Spirit will make him present with us. Our faith in Jesus will be lived out in the way we reflect him to the world and put our trust in him the same way he was about to trust the Father with is future.

 We obey those we trust enough to love. We trust that what they ask of us is for our best interests even when we cannot see it clearly ourselves. This is what we demand of our children but find a greater challenge as we grow older and want our own way.

 Proverbs 2 points us to understanding the importance of whose voice we listen to and the cost of listening to the wrong voices that will tell us what we want to hear.

 In Genesis 39 and 40 we find Joseph, who has been sold into slavery by those closest to him, his own brothers, in captivity near the center of power in the kingdom. Quickly because of his integrity he finds himself the most trusted servant of the Pharaoh and in charge of his household to the point that there is no one to watch over him. Temptation is a part of life and for Joseph it is no different. He has every opportunity to take advantage of his position and abuse his power. We are told that Pharaoh was blessed, not only in the household but throughout the kingdom. God is at work here but sometimes it is hard to see. The only thing that is withheld from Joseph is Pharaoh’s wife in the house. She offers herself to him, free for the taking. Because of Joseph’s integrity and his fear of God, who also makes her unavailable to him, Joseph refuses the temptation.

 Hating being rejected, no matter what the reason, she finds a way to bring false charges against him. Note that he is not given the opportunity to defend himself but is believed and Joseph the slave is now imprisoned, double indignity. Maybe the most fascinating part of the story is that we find that even in prison Joseph’s integrity leads to leadership responsibility and his does it with honor.

 It is important as the story develops, we understand that the next to people that find themselves imprisoned with Joseph are the cupbearer and the baker for Pharaoh. Two of Pharaoh’s most trusted servants and advisors. These would be the two people responsible for the physical well-being of Pharaoh and the food and drink that he enjoyed. They are imprisoned because like Joseph, they have offended Pharaoh.  We are not told their actions or offenses.

 While in prison these two trusted officials are put in Joseph’s care. He makes sure they are cared for and pays attention to them as seen when he notices they are dejected. I find it interesting that Joseph can maintain his trust to the point of caring for others that he notices their suffering and wants to know why they are down. Their lives have been disturbed by dreams that they don’t understand. Joseph tells them that the message in their dreams is from God alone and after hearing their dreams tells them what they mean as revealed to him by God. For this to happen he had to have kept his intimate relationship alive in these very difficult situations. He put his trust in God at all times.

 All he asks for in return as when the trusted advisor, the cupbearer, is returned to his position in the presence of Pharaoh that he remembers Joseph and remind Pharaoh of his faithful service and the blessings he received through Joseph. When the cupbearer is restored to his position of trust and power, he forgets Joseph and enjoys his position once again.

 Today’s reading remind me that we must trust God even when we can see no good able to come from our current situation and trust that in the end God will bless our faithfulness in His time.

Doing Life God's Way

 Ecclesiastes 1-3                1 Corinthians 6                 Psalm 134, 135                 John 13

 The opening chapters of the book of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon David’s son and the one granted the wisdom to rule, are interesting in that the struggle is still real even from one given great wisdom. It quickly becomes clear wisdom and knowing right from wrong doesn’t mean that making correct decisions is easy. His determination is that there is nothing new under the sun as he looked back and he saw no hope the things would be different going forward.

 Even as his wisdom grew he realized the grief that came wit that wisdom because increasing knowledge results in increasing pain. This was the man who built a great temple, palaces and a great kingdom but it became a burden for him. After all that he calls all he has done vanity and striving after the wind and there was no profit to it. The seeking for the glory of people ended up empty. He notes that living to build an earthly kingdom ends in leaving it for someone else.

 The well-know chapter 3 about a time for everything, and asking what profit is there when we seek so many of these things. He comes to recognize that there is noting better than doing good in a lifetime and in the end all the labor is a gift from God. In the end we can give thanks to God for everything and worship him.

 1 Corinthians 6 challenges the early church to deal with  conflict inside the church. It is not the laws of man we should be worried about but the laws of God. When we follow the Lord we are blessed by the Holy Spirit.

 Psalm 134 and 135 give us the opportunity to praise the Lord with our whole life.

 John 13 records one of the most powerful stories in the gospels. Beginning with the gathering for the Passover celebration in the upper room with the disciples Jesus begins by taking on the role of a servant and washing the feet of the disciples. This includes Judas, who will betray him that will lead to his arrest. Sometimes we only want to serve those that are like us or we agree with, are worthy of our service.

 Jesus then challenges the disciples to be like him and do what he has done, first for one another and then for the rest of the world. He has set an example to become a part of the church to come. We have to be able become like Jesus.

 The most challenging part of this is the relationship with Judas. First he washes his feet and then shares the bread with him. It is the bread that is the signal that he is the one who will betray him. I can’t help but be reminded when I break bread that my sin too breaks the heart of God and that the blood yet to be offered covers us as well.

 Throughout today’s reading I was reminded that the struggle between good and evil is real and ongoing. The challenge today is to focus on doing what God wants us to do and not what we want God to wants us to do.

Count the Cost

 Genesis 36-38                   Psalm 18            

 Esau and Jacob find themselves separated once again but not because of conflict but from the blessings they have received. Note that Esau has returned to the way of his family and married women from Canaan that he refused to so that he could spite his father in those earlier days we saw in chapter28.

 Now the story turns to Joseph, who because he was born late in life and to Jacob’s favorite wife, was loved more than all the others. The resentment becomes so great some are willing to kill him and others see an opportunity to not only get rid of him but profit from it. There is again in this family the need for deception and lies to cover up their sin. The pattern continues.

 The story of Judah and Tamar shows how far they have gone from trusting in and following the ways of God. Deception and sinful behavior in order to get what they believe is owed to them. We see a willingness to pay a price to avoid embarrassment but that ends up becoming a part of an embarrassing story.

 As I read through Psalm 18 today I am reminded that David was far from perfect but continually recognized his weakness and his sin. He did not celebrate his sin but confessed it and ask the Lord to transform him into the man God wanted him to be. It was a long, difficult process filled with failure, repentance, change and new mistakes. God had a way of so often clearing the path before him but not without pain and suffering. The problem was never caused by God and David placed the blame where it belonged, not God or pointing to others but looking at himself and how he could become better in his desire to please the Lord. A good example for all of us.

 Working through John 12 today reminded me that sometime the voices of those closest to us have the least interest in the work of the Kingdom and will remain self-centered till the end. Judas was only interested in himself and what served him. His criticism of others was to cover up his own sinfulness.

 Some will go to any length to destroy those that threaten their power and position and demand the help of those they seek to destroy. Jesus responds by reminding his disciples the cost of following him would be greater than most were willing pay. The struggle between those that want to glorify themselves those that want to point to God is real. They demanded signs but then ignored those that didn’t point the way they wanted life to go.

 The rulers that did believe didn’t want to give up their positions of power so remained silent rather than challenging the sinful life of those very rulers that surrounded them. The decision they are making Jesus reminds them have long term impacts. Jesus wants them to concentrate on doing what he asks of them rather than seeking to please other people. If his purpose in coming was not to judge the world but to offer it the chance to be saved from their sin why should others be concerned about being anything other than an example Jesus came to speak on behalf of the father and those who choose to ignore his teaching do so at their own peril.

 Today’s reading reminded me of the cost of discipleship. Being rejected and condemned by those caught up in their own sin is part of the life of following and sharing the love of Jesus.

Vengeance

 John 11                Genesis 34-35                   Psalm 94

 As I read through the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11 I noted how each step along the way there were expectations that Jesus didn’t meet. When Lazarus’s sisters send word he tells them the end of the story will not end in death. It is a story of deep emotion, pain, questioning, timing and trust. Probably the most interesting part is that in the end some still don’t believe and some begin to plot to destroy Jesus to maintain their power.

 One of the most disturbing stories is told in Genesis 34-35 that opens with the rape of Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah. Note the immediately we are told he loved her and spoke tenderly to her. What a contrast. But it gets worse as over the rest of these two chapters there is wheeling and dealing and once again deception. The result is many deaths, worry about reputation and the need to run again from the land of birth. On a side note, we should notice that God once again tells Jacob his name is Israel and that the blessing promised to Abraham will still be fulfilled through his descendants. Even at the end of his life he experiences great pain and the hands of his own son.

 This reading ends with Jacob having another son with Rebekah, but she dies in childbirth and the pain continues. Returning to his father Isaac who dies and he and his brother, Esau bury their father.

 Plasm 94 reminds us God is one of vengeance on those that turn from him and use their arrogant words to vaunt themselves. We are reminded that God knows even our thoughts and that in his eyes we are but a breath. When we are corrected by God it is to be viewed as a blessing and one of the ways God teaches us his law. Those that band themselves together against those that seek God’s ways will be condemned to death. For those truly seeking God’s way the Lord will be their stronghold and refuge. The wickedness of that against them will be returned to them.

 Each of the reading today reminded me that we need to make sure we keep our eyes on the Lord and not become those that would rather please others. There are always great costs to walking away from God’s ways, even when we do it in his name, and even when it takes time God’s will is what will happen and those that work for anything else other that God’s glory will pay a dear price.

Conflict is a Part of Life

 Genesis 29-31                   Psalm 34             John 10

 The story of Jacob, now called Israel, returning after 20 years of exile to the land of his birth is an interesting one from a number of perspectives. In Genesis 29 to 31 the life of deception and misdirection continues. There are times that it feels like the guilty are getting away with their lies and theft. But, this story is also one of long-term fear as shown in Israel’s fear of Esau after 20 years and his wanting to buy salvation. Esau offers grace and a sense that he sees his role in this whole story too.

 As Jacob prepares meet Esau there is that wonderful story of wrestling with God and holding on in the midst of battle. There is a lesson there for each of us. Jacob was at a point that he feared the future and the sins of his past would come back to destroy him. How often do we wrestle with God but wonder if it is worth holding on?

 Psalm 34 we are reminded to praise the Lord at all times by setting him apart from all others. When we seek the Lord he delivers us from our fears. A call to depart from evil, do good and to seek peace and then pursue it going forward. All of this is true not because of what we have done, but what the Lord has done for us. We are also reminded that great afflictions comes with traveling the ways of God.

 Reading John 10 this morning I a again reminded that following Jesus and doing so with integrity will create conflict and division. There will always be those that will demand that their way is better and that their way is the only way. The truth is that only way to God is through Jesus and understanding who he is so we can better reflect him to the world.

Bible is Full of Conflict

 Genesis 29-30                   Job 3-5                 John 9                  Proverbs 27

 For those that look at the Bible as a story of good and perfect people it only takes a few pages to begin to see it is the story of the reality of the struggle between good and evil since the beginning. As I read through Genesis 29 and 30 this morning, the story of Isaac, Laban, Leah and Rachel we see the cost of deception and treachery playing out once again. Clearly, we see people looking out for their personal interest first, no matter the cost to others at the time. What they are not taking into consideration is the longer-term impacts of those very decision.

 We can’t read this story without thinking about it in context of what came before it and at times it feels like it is spiraling out of control. What we really don’t like to consider is this story is the basis for the history of the world, including the world we live in today.

When Job’s friends begin to show up and interact with him now that all that felt so valuable is gone, chapters 3 to 5 begin the dialog of examining Job’s life, the blessings he has experienced, and now the reason for his losses. Make no mistake, Job is grieving! It says he wishes he had never been born. He is hurting and the pain is real. Thus, begins the questioning of the value of his faith in God. His friend begins pointing out how his faith is worthless, and he should give up trusting in God.

 John 9 outlines why Jesus or being his follower is costly and creates division. The desire to believe what we have come to think is true, even when slowly led astray, becomes so strong that the reality of where we have ended up is hard to see. This story is one of being blind in more ways than one. There is the inability to physically see and then there is the inability to see what God wants us to the see. As I read this story, I found it interesting that the parents, what did they think of their son, where more interested in remaining a part of their social network than the health of their son. We need to consider why that is.

 Jesus once again is pointing out that following him will bring you into conflict with the very people you should be able to trust the most. The more we proclaim we see all the less we are likely to be dealing with reality and the more likely to sin.

 When I turned to Proverbs 27 this morning I was reminded I didn’t have to defend my position when I sought the Lord and that part of having faith is an openness to having what I believe challenged. I have learned to listen to those that challenge what I believe as long as I believe they have my best interest at heart. That doesn’t mean I have to agree with them since at times it tempers what I believe and makes it stronger. Are we willing to seek out the truth or only those that will tell us what we want to hear? Lastly, a reminder that all the earthly things are temporary and what is important last for eternity.

Long-term Impacts

 2021 01 10         Mark 1 Matthew 3          Psalm 2               

 Mark openings saying it is the beginning of the story of Jesus. The same story is told in Matthew 3 and in both John baptizes Jesus, the Holy Spirit is evident, and God declares pleasure with who Jesus is. Every time I read through these passages; I notice the John’s call for repentance is well received by the people but not the religious leaders because they think they have it all right. We need to be reminded that the reason there is different factions is that they couldn’t agree on what was really important in a relationship with God.

 Psalm 2 reminds us that when the people devise a vain thing the nations are in an uproar. It ends telling us to worship the Lord with reverence and to keep us our eyes on the son so that we might be blessed.

 I am often reminded as I read the Abraham, Isaac and Jacob story that good and bad get passed down to the following generations. In Genesis 27-28 Isaac is growing old and preparing for the end of his life. There are several relationships we have to look at to understand what is happening. Remember that each of the parents have a favored son, Rebekah favors Jacob and Isaac Esau and they really plot against each other. Then there is the long-broken relationship between Esau and Jacob. Once again though we see the long-term consequences and pan of deception. While getting what they want there is the loss of the intimate relationship of being together. There is also the resentment that results in vengeance in a way that not only hurts them but generations to come.

 Each of todays readings remind me that when deception or lack of understanding are part of a relationship there is pain not only for those directly involved but generations to come.

Declaring Right to Judge

 

2021 01 09          Psalm 24             Genesis 24-26                   John 8

When reading from Psalms and Proverbs each day I tend to flip to one of them and read whatever is on that page, sometimes choosing by the length of the reading and the time I have. Sometimes I will pick on that is already highlighted or has few highlights or notes written in. This morning Psalm 24 only had the first verse highlighted from a previous reading so I chose it when I opened to that page.

 As I read through it David asks a question and then poses the answer:

Who may ascend onto the hill of the Lord?

And who may stand in His holy place?

4 One who has clean hands and a pure heart,

Who has not lifted up his soul to deceit

And has not sworn deceitfully.

5 He will receive a blessing from the Lord

And righteousness from the God of his salvation. (NASB)

 

A call to integrity.

 In Genesis 24-26 the story of Isaac and Rebekah begins as Abraham send his servant to choose a wife for Isaac from the land of his birth. Rebekah returns and Isaac takes her as a wife and makes her the one that will bear the descendants promised to Abraham. We see the same characteristics in Isaac that were in Abraham as he deceives others about who Rebekah is to protect himself. When Rebekah is pregnant the twins are in conflict in the womb. God tells Rebekah they will not have the normal relationships that we would hope for in our kids.   When they are born and grow we begin to see the struggle between them and the deceit and manipulation that will become a part of there story that will cause grief between them throughout their lives.

 It was interesting to turn to John 8 and look at Jesus teaching on sin and its impact on our relationships with one another and with God. Though early manuscripts don’t include it the story of the woman caught in adultery and brought to Jesus really sets the scene for the rest of the chapter. We want to have the right to judge another by our standards but present them as God’s standards. Notice that they bring her to a public place for her humiliation but also to publicly challenge Jesus. I often picture this as a angry mob that has coming demanding that their judgements be upheld. Jesus turns their judgement back on them when he offers them the right to execute their judgement. He tells the one that wants to declare themselves righteous, following perfectly the ways of God, to take on the role of the first witness and cast the first stone. They begin to scatter, beginning with the oldest, and I often wonder how many in the crowd knew of the sin in each of their lives. If they declared themselves without sin could they find themselves placed next to the woman?

 The rest of the chapter is Jesus interaction with them as he points out time and time again that they are not the sinless people that they want everyone to believe they are. Those that declare themselves most righteous, they follow the ways of God, are the ones he challenges the most. Their reaction is to become so angry they want to destroy the messenger that is challenging them.

 In these readings today I see the struggles we continue to have even today. There are those that will declare themselves the righteous ones, without sin, and have the right to judge, condemn and carry out judgement. How many of us reflect on our life and the sin in it before we step up and declare we will cast the first stone? Would those around us have reason to put us beside the woman caught in adultery and declare our sin?

Is it Well with Your Soul?

 

Genesis 22-23     Psalm 84             John 7

When we look at the Bible as a whole there is no doubt one of the most challenging passages is the story of Abraham and Isaac after God instructs Abraham to take Isaac to the mountain and offer him as a sacrifice. As we read this story, we have to remember that Isaac is the only hope, in the eyes of Abraham and his family, for God’s promise to make his descendants the inheritors of the promised land. We cannot forget how many times Abraham and Sarah have lost that trust they had in God and tried their own way. The question is has Abraham learned his lesson.

 As I read this story, I thought about the fact that if Abraham had not been willing to do as God asked even though he couldn’t see how it could work out or refused to do what was ask of him, the story would have ended there, and we would not be reading it today. God demands absolute trust if we want the full blessing that is offered.

 The hardest decisions we will make in life will be to trust God when we feel we can’t trust someone or something else, even though we can’t see how God’s promise can be fulfilled. This story cannot be taken out of the context of what comes before it and the long-term impacts of failing to trust God is at work, often is ways we can’t see. Look back at the damage done not only to that generation but the ones yet to come. That includes the incredible divisions between tribes around the world that were formed in that story.

 Don’t miss that this finally putting his trust in God came with a cost yet to unfold in the story ahead. The only thing we see with Sarah is Abraham going to morn her death and provide for her burial in chapter 23.  It would also be the foundation to understand the cross and what God did on that occasion.

 Today Psalm 84 reminds me that when we put our trust in God and follow his ways it is often costly in human relationships. But, a day of seeking the Lord in his presence is worth a thousand outside. No good is held from those who walk uprightly in the end when we put our trust in the Lord

 John 7 is a story of contrasts between human expectations and God’s way of working in the world. Jesus own brothers demanded that he do what everyone expected should be done, a public proclamation of who he was. Jesus was in Galilee because declaring God’s way had created hate from those that thought they best understood what God demanded. There is a time for looking for attention and there is a time for quietly working in the background making a difference where the Word of God can and will be heard.

 Note that he is being sought out both by those that wish to destroy him and by those that wish to learn or experience God’s blessing by being with him. There are also many who are undecided and looking for who to believe. Jesus reminds them that his teaching is from the one that sent him, the father. The one that speaks the true word is not seeking glory for themselves but pointing to God as the one that deserves the glory.

 It is interesting to look at the conflict as the people struggle to decide whether to judge by human standards or faith in God. Shows us that struggle is nothing new. The challenge to judge not by appearance but by how it measures up to the ways of God is real and difficult because it often means we find ourselves in conflict with what we want to believe.

 When we put our full and complete faith in Jesus there is a river of living water that flows from our innermost being and it is well with our soul. Then, when we face the divisions and conflicts that Jesus promised we would face, not something we often think about, we are prepared to stand strong.

 Is it well with your soul today? From where does your spirit get fed?

Who to Trust

 

Psalm 123           Job 1-2                 1 Peter 1

Today I started with Psalm 123 the reminded me to lift up my eyes to the one enthroned in the heavens. While we have earthly masters, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and no matter how much contempt we experience as a servant of the Lord our soul will be greatly filled with the Spirit of the Lord.

 I decided to begin to look at Job today and as I read the first two chapters the first thing I noticed was that Job at some point in his life had decided that following God was the correct path in life. I found it interesting that while he feared God and turn away from evil, that opposed to God, there was still the need to offer up sacrifice and an offering for he or his children may have cursed God in their hearts.

 Living a God-fearing life had led to blessings both in his relationship with God and others as well as material blessings. These two chapters are a reminder that Satan believes our faith is so shallow that we will only praise God when our lives are filled with earthly blessings and that we will abandon our faith when confronted with loss.

 First, his most important earthly possessions and relationships are taken from him. Job’s response is that he brought nothing into the world and one day he would leave with the same possessions while believing that his relationship with God would remain intact and was worthy of praise.

 Then, his own health is taken and the attacks on his faith begin with his closest earthly relationship that quickly spread to the others close to him. The foundation is laid for a true test of faith.

In reading 1 Peter 1 I am reminded that I like all that take on the name Christian made a decision to be born anew, to turn away from the things in life that were displeasing to God and then to learn to live life as God called me to live. Since the day I made that decision almost half a century ago I have had to struggle with knowing what it means to be what God calls us to be and making sure I am following the Spirit’s leading. In that struggle I have learned to be confident in my salvation, the security of my soul, because of my faith in Jesus as the one that takes on not only my sin but the sins of the world.

 Out call is to share the Word of God, that transforms lives, and to trust God to do the work in others. Just as I am born again, I believe that the Word of the Lord will endure forever and offer me that place in eternity. My hope is to offer that hope to all that have ears to hear. Blessed it be the name of the Lord. 

Trusting God is Hard Word

 

Genesis 20-21                   John 6                  Proverbs 1

In Genesis 20-21 we once again see Abraham not trusting God to fulfill his promise and want to take control of how life is lived out. By telling a half-truth he attempts to protect himself and what he has and deceiving others. The cost to the others is great and it through them that his sin is revealed.

 In the same vein we see the cost of his earlier sin in attempting to fill God promise in a way that at the time made since to Sarah and him by using her servant to provide the decedents. Since that wasn’t God’s plan, we see the pain caused when they are sent out into the world. When we think about it we are still experiencing the pain from this separation in that the two half brothers would become the father of many nations that even today are odds and often at war with one another.

 In John 6 it begins with Jesus and his disciples, but the people follow him because they want to experience the healing he offers. It starts with a challenge to his disciples to examine their resources and ask if they are prepared to meet the peoples needs, not their purpose in coming to him. They respond with a attitude of scarcity seeing their limited resources and what seems like an impossible task. Jesus takes those resources, gave thanks for them, and distributed what they had to meet what they saw as an overwhelming need. Not only was that need met, but there was also an abundance left over!

 Jesus withdraws to avoid meeting what could be a demand of the people to have their way. The disciples go across the sea by boat and in the midst of a storm Jesus comes to them and brings calmness.

 When the crowds gather Jesus tells them they are their because they want their needs met. He challenges them to do the work of God so that they can receive the blessings of God. They ask what work they can do that is God’s work. Interestingly his response is that their work is to believe in the one that God sent, Jesus. Their desire for a sign, something they can tell others about, shows how little they understand how believing in something that we cannot see is work. It goes on to recognize their struggle with the need to believe but wanting more proof. It leads to a promise of eternal life for those that are willing to put their trust in Jesus, do the hard work of maintaining faith even in the face of the storm

 The rest of the chapter foretells the difficulty ahead of putting this faith in practice in the years to come. It is a story of the battle between flesh and spirit, mind and spirit. The difficulty in struggling with this concept led then to many walking away just as they continue to walk away today because the work is too difficult. Peters question about what the alternative is is an important one for us to consider today.

 Finally, today I turned to Proverbs 1 where we are reminded that the only place to put our trust and faith is in God. Any other person or thing we put our trust in will lead us away from the wisdom and way of God and lead to destruction. When we turn from the truth and understanding that comes from wise counsel, we become fools that despise wisdom and instruction from the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. When we look to the Word of the Lord the Spirit is poured out on us and God’s words are made known to us. When we fail to make the Word of the Lord our foundation and turn from God then call out to him, we will not be heard. We will harvest the fruit we have planted.

 When we turn back to the Lord, we are offered the chance to live securely and free of dread.

 If you are full of dread about what the future holds who has turned away from faith that leads to peace?

Choices Impact Lives

 

Genesis 14-19                   John 5                  Psalm 123

 

In Genesis 14 – 19 the story of Abram and Lot going their separate ways leads to a picture of the results of choices that are made by both Abram and Lot. Abram gave Lot the choice of where to go and live. Lot looked at the land, saw the good in that location but failed to see the dangers of that place. We next see Lot taken captive because of where he choose to live and who ruled over him. Uncle Abram would have to come to the rescue. After he is rescued, he returns to the sin filled community in which he has become most comfortable.

 

The next couple of chapters are the story of Abram, while believing and trusting in God, doubting along with Sarai leading the way, and looking for ways to move that promise along. The result is sin, hurt, division and the family being scattered. The struggle is real to believe God is good about his promises and not seeing them fulfilled in the timeframe we think works. We look for ways to fulfill the promise rather than waiting for the Lord to keep his.

 

It needs to be pointed out that Abram still struggles with believing what God promises because to him it seems impossible. When the original promise of a son that will be a fulfillment of God’s promise to him long ago becomes a current promise, he laughs because he can’t see how that promise can be possible to this old couple. Saria laughs as well. How often do we laugh when we think God doing for us what he promised don’t happen in our own time?

 

My reading today in Genesis ended with Lot once again living in the midst of sin in a location of his choosing. While he tries to uphold the family tradition of welcoming and protecting the traveler, he finds the need to make terrible decisions and again fails. When told that he must leave or face death he is willing to go but wants to control where he goes rather than following those sent to save him. In the end he ends up where God wanted him in the first place. How often are we that way? We look and decide that we know better than God what is right for us and where we out to go.

 

Turning to John 5 it is the story of one that has been waiting for someone to help him find healing and when Jesus offers it now it is gratefully received. The response to that is anger, Jesus didn’t do it in the acceptable time frame allowed. The thought turns to believing in Jesus and the offer of eternal life. The authority to judge has been given to Jesus but his desire is to turn their hearts back to God is greater than his need to judge. How often do we decide we are better able to execute God’s judgement and demand that our way be declared as right?

 

Jesus challenge was for people to dig deeper into the Word and allow it to shape their life. There is an important question ask at the end of the chapter. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? How do we answer that question?

 

Finally Psalm 123 challenges us to lift up our eyes to the one enthroned in the heavens and to continue to look to God until he is gracious to us. Then our soul will be greatly filled.

 

To whom are you looking for fulfillment today?

Forming a Biblical Perspective

Forming a Biblical perspective on the world involves an ongoing learning experience between a deepening understanding of the Bible while at the same time thinking about how it applies to the world in which we live.

This is a place I will share how in going deeper than you have before it is impacting your view of the world and shaping your walk with Jesus.

Years ago I started going deeper into the Bible through daily reading and study.

I plan to read at least 2 chapters from the Old Testament, 1 from Psalms or Proverbs and 1 from the New Testament. With a few extra OT chapters thrown in a few days it takes you through the OT once, P&P twice, and the NT once and halfway again.

The challenge is to go deeper, reading a little more, taking time to think about what it says, reading other material that brings greater understanding.

Then share what you read, what you learned, what you saw you didn't see before or a way it spoke to you.

Whatever you decide to I hope you find it fun and helpful to make the Bible story become reflected in your life as I hope it does mine.