Week 9 - 2013

Week 9 - 2013

1 Corinthians 1-2


1Co_1:1  Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

Sosthenes - who is this?


Act_18:17  Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

Is it the same?

Gill:  and Sosthenes our brother. This seems to be the same man, who was the chief ruler of the synagogue of the Jews at Corinth; and was converted to the Christian faith by the Apostle Paul whilst there, as appears from his favouring the cause of the apostle, for which the Jews beat him before the judgment seat, and yet Gallio the Roman deputy took no notice of it, Act_18:17, in the Syriac dictionary (a) mention is made of one Sosthenes, governor of a city, one of the seventy disciples, who was educated at Pontus, and cast into the sea by the order of Nouna; and is also said to be bishop of Colophon in Ionia; see Gill on Luk_10:1; but without any reason. This person the apostle joins with him, not as in equal office with him, but as a brother in Christ, and very probably a ministering brother, and a companion of his; and the rather, because he might be well known to the Corinthians, and respected by them; wherefore he chose to join him with him, to show their agreement in doctrine and discipline, and in advice to them, which might have the greater weight with them; see Act_18:17. 

Genesis 32-35

Gen 32:14  Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,

Gen 32:15  Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals. 

9 droves?

She Goats ~ He Goats ~ Ewes ~ Rams ~ Camels ~ Kine ~ Bulls ~ Asses ~ Foals

The she goats and ewes to their male counterparts is 10/1 - the camels, no males? Kine 4/1.  Donkeys (Asses) no males either?

Gill on the droves (verse 16):  every drove by themselves; there seems to have been three droves, see Gen_32:19; very probably the two hundred and twenty goats, male and female, were in the first drove; and the two hundred and twenty sheep, ewes, and rams, were in the second drove; and the thirty camels, with their colts, and the fifty cows and bulls, with the twenty she asses and ten foals, which made in all one hundred and forty, were in the third drove: though Aben Ezra thinks there were five droves; nor is it improbable, the goats in one drove, the sheep in another, the camels and colts in a third, and the kine and bulls might make a fourth, and the asses with their foals a fifth: 

Jamieson, Fossett and Brown: 

every drove by themselves — There was great prudence in this arrangement; for the present would thus have a more imposing appearance; Esau’s passion would have time to cool as he passed each successive company; and if the first was refused, the others would hasten back to convey a timely warning.

Judges 17-21

Jdg 17:5  And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated (H4390) (H853) (H3027) one of his sons, who became his priest.

Jdg 17:12  And Micah consecrated (H4390) (H853) (H3027) the Levite; and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.

H4390 - A primitive root, to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively).

H853 - Apparently contracted from H226 in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely).

H3027 - A primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from H3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote.

Jdg 21:25  In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. 

Isn't that where civilization stands right now?  Everyone doing what they 'think' is right.  Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Psalms 24-26

Job 17-18

Job 18:21  Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God.

Interesting reflection back on what was previously written - though Bildad's assessment of Job being wicked was completely off mark.

Isaiah 45-50


Isa 48:5  I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

I have no idea why I tagged this verse...and with a note to cross reference...which my Bible has none. Idols?  Maybe because of the passage above where Micah had a house of gods?

Matthew 23-25

Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees, blind, fools and hypocrites, not to mention listing out woes against them in Chapter 23.

woe - G3759 - A primary excamation of grief; “woe”: - alas, woe.

hypocrites - G5273 - From G5271; an actor under an assumed character (stage player), that is, (figuratively) a dissembler (“hypocrite”): - hypocrite.

• G5271 - Middle voice from G5259 and G2919; to decide (speak or act) under a false part, that is, (figuratively) dissemble (pretend): - feign.

blind - G5185 - From G5187; opaque (as if smoky), that is, (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally): - blind.

• G5187 - From a derivative of G5188; to envelop with smoke, that is, (figuratively) to inflate with self conceit: - high-minded, be lifted up with pride, be proud.

fools - Probably form the base of G3466; dull or stupid (as if shut up), that is, heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd: - fool (-ish, X -ishness). Noted - that the Greek word is 'moros' - wonder if that is the root of our English word moron?

• G3466 - From a derivative of μύω muō (to shut the mouth); a secret or “mystery” (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): - mystery.

Week 8 - 2013

Romans 15-16

Chapter 16 - became intrigued with the translation of greet vs salute - so are they the same?

Greet/Salute - G782 - From G1 (as a particle of union) and a presumed form of G4685; to enfold in the arms, that is, (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome: - embrace, greet, salute, take leave.

• G4685 - A primary verb; to draw: - draw (out).

Used 60x in 49 verses - in Romans 16!  :-)

And because I was browsing all the instances of G782 - the phrase 'holy kiss,' kept popping up...so inquiring mind...how many times is it used?

Rom 16:16  Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1Co 16:20  All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

2Co 13:12  Greet one another with an holy kiss. 

1Th 5:26  Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

What is a holy kiss?

Gill:

Christian salutation is a wishing all temporal, spiritual, and eternal happiness, to one another; and which, as it should be mutual, should be also hearty and sincere, and this is meant by the "holy kiss"; the allusion is to a common custom in most nations, used by friends at meeting or parting, to kiss each other, in token of their hearty love, and sincere affection and friendship for each other; and is called "holy", to distinguish it from an unchaste and lascivious one; and from an hypocritical and deceitful one, such an one as Joab gave to Amasa, when, inquiring of his health, he took him by the beard to kiss him, and stabbed him under the fifth rib, 2Sa_20:9; and as Judas, who cried, hail master, to Christ, and kissed him, and betrayed him into the hands of his enemies, Mat_26:49. I say, it is an allusion to this custom, for it is only an allusion; the apostle did not mean that any outward action should be made use of, only that their Christian salutations should not be mere complaisance, or expressed by bare words, and outward gestures and actions, either of the hand or mouth; but that they should spring from real love and true friendship, and be without dissimulation, hearty and sincere: 

Genesis 28-31

Gen 28:21  So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:

Pondering upon how Jacob 'appears' to make his profession for God conditional...when in reality he has already been chosen.

Gen 25:23  And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

Rom 9:12-13  It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 

Predestination - ah, how some kick at the goads of God's sovereignty - truly for unregenerate man an unfathomable issue.  When we are in our spiritually dead state, the Lord and Master of our Soul, whom we believe to be ourselves, but in reality is the false god, satan, convinces us that we can chose our fate.  Reality (Bible version) is that we are already fated...some to God's eternal glory with Him, others to eternal damnation.  All based upon HIS will, His choice, His sovereignty.

Gen 29:33  And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.

It is hard to read this...to hear the lamentation of Leah's soul...thinking, nay, knowing that Jacob hated her...that he was not the preferred wife.  *sigh*

hated - H8130 - A primitive root; to hate (personally): - enemy, foe, (be) hate (-ful, -r), odious, X utterly.

Wow!  Used 146x in 139 verses - first usage:

Gen 24:60  And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them. 

A few in Psalms:

Psa 5:5  The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 

Psa 11:5  The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 

Psa 26:5  I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. 

Psa 34:21  Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. 

Pro 1:22  How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 

Pro 8:13  The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 

Judges 12-16


Jdg 14:17  And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.

Jdg 16:16  And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;

This makes me think of these passages:

Pro 21:19  It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 

Pro 27:15  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 

As a woman it is soooo easy to nag...and not just a husband...we tend to be talkers...sometimes more than we ought...I need to think more before I speak.  Admonition from the Word:

Jas 1:19  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 

Regarding the tongue (translated 129x in 126 verses):

Psa 52:2  Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. 

Pro 10:20  The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. 

Pro_15:2  The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 

Pro_18:21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 

Would that we all would be as the Proverbs woman:

Pro_31:26  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 

Psalms 21-23

Psa 22:3  But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Does He inhabit our praises - our our lips speaking to His glory?

Job 15-16

Job 16:2  I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. 

Miserable comforters - indeed, there go those wayward tongues speaking harshly!

miserable - H5999 - From H5998; toil, that is, wearing effort; hence worry, whether of body or mind: - grievance (-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable (-sery), pain (-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness.

• H5998 - A primitive root; to toil, that is, work severely and with irksomeness: - [take] labour (in).

comforters - H5162 - A primitive root; properly to sigh, that is, breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, that is, (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself): - comfort (self), ease [one’s self], repent (-er, -ing, self).

Isaiah 40-44


Isa 40:3  The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Echoed:


Luk_3:4  As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Mar_1:3  The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 

Mat_3:3  For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 

Mal_3:1  Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 

This passage captured my attention with 'circle of the earth' and pondering upon.

Isa 40:22  It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in

circle - H2329 - From H2328; a circle: - circle, circuit, compassive.

• H2328 - A primitive root (compare H2287); to describe a circle: - compassive

earth - H776 - From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land): -  X common, country, earth, field, ground, land, X nations, way, + wilderness, world.

Gill: Or, "the globe (z)" of it; for the earth is spherical or globular: not a flat plain, but round, hung as a ball in the air; here Jehovah sits as the Lord and Sovereign; being the Maker of it, he is above it, orders and directs its motion, and governs all things in it: Kimchi rightly observes, that the heavens are the circle of the earth, which is the centre of them, and around which they are; and so it signifies, that the Lord sits or dwells in the heavens, from whence he beholds the children of men: 

Only used 3x:


Job 22:14  Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit (H2329) of heaven.

Pro 8:27  When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass (H2329) upon the face of the depth: 

A couple of brief articles can be read here and here about the circle of the earth.

Matthew 20-22


Mat 20:16  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Mat 22:14  For many are called, but few are chosen.

And we end with election, foreknowledge, God's sovereignty, His choosing those whom He will.

For the curious or inquisitive a few articles to 'oil' the tracks:

Grace to You - What is the Doctrine of Election

Got Questions - Who are the elect of God?

Founders Ministry - Election Stated and Defended (I haven't read this one - quite lengthy.  I don't recall having any issues with this ministry; however if you find something, drop me a note.)

And my favorite resource - Chapel Library!  :-)

A. W. Pink - Doctrine of Election

Spurgeon - Election

A.W. Pink - The Foreknowledge of God

Week 7 - 2013

Romans 13-14

This portion of the verse resonated within me:

Romans 14:23b - for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Browsed the commentaries...

Jamieson, Fausett and Brown:  for whatsoever is not of faith is sin — a maxim of unspeakable importance in the Christian life.

Matthew Poole: Whatever a man doth with a wavering mind, without being persuaded that it is pleasing to God, and warranted by His word, he sinneth in the doing of it. Though we may nourish doubts and scruples, yet we must not act against them. An erring conscience binds us to act nothing contrary to it: he sins that doth any thing against it, though the fact or thing done should not be sinful.  (He then references this passage:)

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Cross reference in my Bible:

Tit 1:15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Which brought to mind this passage:

Jas_1:8  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 

Genesis 24-27

Genesis 24 - Servant qualities - I think I've 'camped' on these before, but obviously I need a refresher course!

Hand Under Thigh (Gen 24:2, 9)
Swear by the Lord (Gen 24:3, 9)
Go/Went (Gen 24:4, 10)
Pray (Gen 24:2 H4994; Gen 24:14 H4994)
Take (Gen 24:4, 61)

H4994 - A primitive particle of incitement and entreaty, which may usually be rendered I pray, now or then; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjugation: - I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh.

Something else which 'caught' my eye was this verse:

Gen 24:16  And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

I would assume that virgin meant never known a man...so why the clarification?  Gill's commentary on the verse:

And the damsel was very fair to look upon,.... Of a good countenance and beautiful aspect: a virgin: 

neither had any man known her; not only was reckoned a virgin, but was really one, pure and incorrupt:
Judges 7-11


Jdg 8:27  And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

Sooo...what in my life is an idol?  What is an idol?

The word is first used:

1 Kings 15:13 - And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. 

H4656 - From H6426; a terror, that is, an idol: - idol.

• H6426 - A primitive root; properly perhaps to rend, that is, (by implication) to quiver: - tremble.

Quick definition from GotQuestions:  Idolatry extends beyond the worship of idols and images and false gods. Our modern idols are many and varied. Even for those who do not bow physically before a statue, idolatry is a matter of the heart—pride, self-centeredness, greed, gluttony, a love for possessions and ultimately rebellion against God. Is it any wonder that God hates it?

Chapter 9 - noted about Shechem in verse 3 - wondering if this is the same place as Hamor which raped Dinah.

Next verse...vows.  Oh...Lord, help me to be very careful with my words!

Jdg 11:31  Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. 

Jephthan used this phrase: opened my mouth

Gill: for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord; in a vow; not only had purposed it in his heart, but had expressed it with his lips: 

Vow - H5088 - From H5087; a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised: - vow ([-ed]).

• H5087 - A primitive root; to promise (positively, to do or give something to God): - (make a) vow.

Psalm 18-20


Psa 18:25  With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

Psa 18:26  With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward (H6141) thou wilt shew thyself froward (H6617).

H6141 - From H6140; distorted; hence false: - crooked, froward, perverse.

• H6140 - A primitive root; to knot or distort; figuratively to pervert (act or declare perverse): - make crooked, (prove, that is) perverse (-rt)

H6617 - A primitive root; to twine, that is, (literally) to struggle or (figuratively) be (morally) tortuous: - (shew self) froward, shew self unsavoury, wrestle.

Gill on the froward: and with the froward thou wilt show thyself froward; or "thou wrestlest" (b), or wilt contend with them until they are destroyed: the same word is here used which Naphtali has his name from, Gen_30:8. The froward are such as are of perverse dispositions, and of stubborn and obstinate tempers, and whose ways are crooked and distorted; and such were the people of the Jews in the times of Moses, and of Christ, Deu_32:5; and who seem here to be designed; even the Jews in Christ's time, who were just the reverse of the above characters, were cruel and unmerciful, faithless and hypocritical, filthy and pure, disbelieved the Messiah, rejected and crucified him, were contrary to God, and to all men; and therefore God walked contrary to them, as he threatened, Lev_26:27; the same as showing himself froward to them; for God is not froward and perverse in himself, nor in his ways, which are all equal, just, and pure: and though there is one and the same word used in our version, yet there are two different words in the Hebrew text; the same word that is used of the froward is not used of God; that which is used of God, as before observed, signifies wrestling, and designs God's contending with the people of the Jews, in a way of wrath and fury, which came upon them to the uttermost, and issued in their entire ruin as a people and nation; the words here had their fulfilment in the destruction of Jerusalem. 

Psa 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 

Psa 19:8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 

Psa 19:9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 

Some of the words which 'jumped' out at me in this passage:

Law - H8451 - From H3384; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch: - law

• H3384 - A primitive root; properly to flow as water (that is, to rain); transitively to lay or throw (especially an arrow, that is, to shoot); figuratively to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to teach: -  (+) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach (-er, -ing), through.

Testimony - H5715 - Feminine of H5707; testimony: - testimony, witness.

• H5707 - From H5749 contracted; concretely a witness; abstractly testimony; specifically a recorder, that is, prince: - witness.
• H5749 - A primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication).

Statutes - H6490 - From H6485; properly appointed, that is, a mandate (of God; plural only, collectively for the Law): - commandment, precept, statute.

• H6485 - A primitive root; to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.

Commandment - G4687 - From H6680; a command, whether human or divine (collectively the Law): - (which was) commanded (-ment), law, ordinance, precept.

• H6680 - A primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin.

Judgments - H4941 - From H8199; properly a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (particularly) divine law, individual or collectively), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly justice, including a particular right, or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style.

• H8199 - A primitive root; to judge, that is, pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication to vindicate or punish; by extension to govern; passively to litigate (literally or figuratively)

Job 13-14

Job 13:15  Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Maintain mine own ways?

Gill: but I will maintain mine own ways before him; or "to his face" (n); though I die on the spot instantly, I will stand by it, and make it appear that the ways I have walked in are right, that I have behaved as a sincere upright man, a man fearing God, and eschewing evil; a character which God himself has given of me, and I have not forfeited it: "I will argue" or "prove" (o) it before him, as it may be rendered; that my life and conversation has been agreeable to my profession of him; that my ways have been according to his revealed will, and my walk as becoming the character I bear; and this I will maintain and support as long as I live; I will never depart from this sentiment, or let go my integrity to my latest breath; see Job_27:5; but the marginal reading seems best, "yet will I trust in him" (p)? verily I will, though I am under cutting and slaying providences, under sore afflictions, which may be called killing and slaying, or death itself; though there is an addition of them, one affliction upon another, and sorrow upon sorrow; though I am killed continually, all the day long, or die by inches; yea, though in the article of death itself, yet even then "will I trust" and hope: God only is the object of trust and confidence, and not a creature, or any creature enjoyment, or creature act; and great encouragement there is to trust in him, seeing in him is everlasting strength, to fulfil his promises, to help in time of need, and to save with an everlasting salvation; he is to be trusted in at all times, in times of affliction, temptation, desertion, and death itself: it may be rendered (q), "I will hope in him", since there is mercy and plenteous redemption with him, and he delights in those that hope in his mercy; his eye is upon them, and his heart is towards them: or "I will wait for him", or "expect him" (r); wait for deliverance by him, wait all the days of his appointed time, till his change come; wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, expect all needful grace from him now, and eternal glory and happiness hereafter: "but" notwithstanding his trust was alone in God for time and eternity, yet, says he, "I will maintain mine own ways before him"; that I am not an hypocrite, or have behaved as a bad man; but have acted under the influence of grace, according to his mind and will revealed.

Isaiah 34-39


Isa 35:4  Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Thank GOD!

Matthew 17-19

Mat 18:3  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

converted - G4762 - Strengthened from the base of G5157; to twist, that is, turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively): - convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).

• G5157 - From an apparently primary word τρέπω trepō (to turn); a turn (“trope”), that is, revolution (figuratively variation)

Mat 18:35  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

brother - G80 - From G1 (as a connective particle) and δελφύς delphus (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like [H1]): - brother.

• G1 - Of Hebrew origin; the first letter of the alphabet: figuratively only (from its use as a numeral) the first. Often used (usually “an”, before a vowel) also in composition (as a contraction from G427) in the sense of privation; so in many words beginning with this letter; occasionally in the sense of union (as a contraction of G260)
• H1 - A primitive word; father in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application:

Lord, help me to retain what I've learned as I've 'plowed' through this week's reading.  Help me Lord to be diligent to hear You in Your Word, to be examined by Your Word, to receive correction, admonishment, clarification, encouragement.  Help me Lord to be a willing vessel in Your hands.

Week 6 - 2013

Romans 11-12

Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

This made me think of this passage:

Matthew 22:39  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Which doesn't mean we don't love ourselves NOT enough - it means we don't love others as MUCH as we already love ourselves.

Romans 12:9 - Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

dissimulation - G505 - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G5271; undissembled, that is, sincere: - without dissimulation (hypocrisy), unfeigned.

• G5271 - Middle voice from G5259 and G2919; to decide (speak or act) under a false part, that is, (figuratively) dissemble (pretend): - feign.

affectioned - G5387 - From G5384 and στοργή storgē (cherishing one’s kindred, especially parents or children); fond of natural relatives, that is, fraternal towards fellow Christians: - kindly affectioned.

• G5384 - Properly dear, that is, a friend; actively fond, that is, friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.): - friend.

Genesis 20-23

Genesis 21:14 - And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

Genesis 21:19 - And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. 

This captured my attention - AGAIN - because of Hagar and water...He always provides...even to those who are outside the camp.  It rains on the just and the unjust.

Judges 1-6

Judges 5:24 - Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.

Made me think about the other times women and the word blessed are used together:

Ruth 4:14  And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

Luke 1:28  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 

Luke 1:42  And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 

Psalms 15-17

Job 11-12

Isaiah 29-33

Isaiah 29:1 - Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

Ariel means?

H740 - The same as H739; Ariel, a symbolical name for Jerusalem, also the name of an Israelite: - Ariel.

• From H738 and H410; lion of God, that is, heroic: - lionlike men.
• H738 From H717 (in the sense of violence); a lion: - (young) lion, + pierce [from the margin].
• H717A - primitive root; to pluck: - gather, pluck.
• H410 - Shortened from H352; strength; as adjective mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity): - God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might (-y one), power, strong. Compare names in “-el.”
• H352 - From the same as H193; properly strength; hence anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or other strong tree: - mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree.
• H193 - From an unused root meaning to twist, that is, (by implication) be strong; the body (as being rolled together) also powerful: - mighty, strength

Isaiah 29:13  Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 

Is this us? How oft do people claim to be Christians, yet are only so in words, when convenient.  How often do those who are truly His cause His name to be blasphemed among the heathen?  O' Lord, correct us, mold us, cause our ears to hear and our eyes to see and help us to give a proper estimate of You in all areas of our lives.

Matthew 14-16

Matthew 14:1- 11 - At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.  And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.  Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

Killing the messenger because the message wasn't acceptable.  Could I be guilty of the same?  Not actual murder, but thoughts and/or words which 'kill?'

Week 5 - 2013

Romans 9-10

Rom 9:21  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Potter - G2763 - From G2766; a potter.

• G2766 - Probably from the base of G2767 (through the idea of mixing clay and water); earthenware, that is, a tile (by analogy a thin roof or awning).
• G2767 - A prolonged form of a more primary word κεράω keraō (which is used in certain tenses); to mingle, that is, (by implication) to pour out (for drinking).

Used 3x, once in this verse and then in Matthew 27:7, 10 to describe the potter's field.

Potter made me think of this passage in the OT:

Isa 64:8  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Potter - H3335 - probably identical with H3334 (through the squeezing into shape); (compare H3331); to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively to determine (that is, form a resolution).

• H3334 - A primitive root; to press (intransitively), that is, be narrow; figuratively be in distress.

Used 15 times in 12 verses - Psalm 2:9; Isaiah 29:16, 41:25, 64:8; Jeremiah 18:2, 3, 4, 6; 19:1, 11; Lamentations 4:2; Zechariah 11:13.

Genesis 16-19

Genesis 16:7 -  And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

Her = Hagar

I found/find it interesting that both times the Lord speaks to Hagar it involves water.

Genesis 21:19  And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

Reflecting (as a mother) how even though Ishmael's descendants are a thorn in the side of Israel, the Lord heard the lad, saw the mother, provided for them. Provision given by the Lord to those who had/have no inheritance with the Lord.  Some would call it common grace.  The Lord says He rains on the just and the unjust.

Matthew 5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Joshua 21-24

Joshua  21:45  There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

failed - H5307 - A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitively or causatively, literally or figuratively).

not - H3808 - lo; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abstract negation); by implication no; often used with other particles.


Joshua 22:2  And said unto them, Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you:

These caught my attention - the Lord kept (provided) all that He had spoken to do...and then the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh kept all that Moses had commanded via the Lord.

kept - H8104 - A primitive root; properly to hedge about (as with thorns), that is, guard; generally to protect, attend to, etc.

Used 468x in 440 verses - first one is Genesis 2:15 Adam was to 'keep' the garden.

Psalm 12-14

Psalm 13:6  I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

sing - H7891 - The second form being the original form, used in (1Sa_18:6); a primitive root (rather identical with H7788 through the idea of strolling minstrelsy); to sing.

bountifully - H1580 - A primitive root; to treat a person (well or ill), that is, benefit or requite; by implication (of toil) to ripen, that is, (specifically) to wean.

Job 9-10

Job 9:33  Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.

daysman - H3198 - A primitive root; to be right (that is, correct); reciprocally to argue; causatively to decide, justify or convict.

Used 59x in 55 verses - translated as: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct (-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove (-r), surely, in any wise.

Isaiah 23-28

Isaiah 25:9 - And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

glad - H1523 - A primitive root; properly to spin around (under the influence of any violent emotion), that is, usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear.

Used 45x in 44 verses, translated as: be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice.

rejoice - H8055 - A primitive root; probably to brighten up, that is, (figuratively) be (causatively make) blithe or gleesome.

Used 155x in 148 verses, translated as cheer up, be (make) glad, (have make) joy (-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, X very.

salvation - H3444 - Feminine passive participle of H3467; something saved, that is, (abstractly) deliverance; hence aid, victory, prosperity.

Used 78x in 77 verses, translated as deliverance, health, help (-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare.

Matthew 11-13

Matthew 13:43b - Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Interesting - how the passages flow:
Potter

Found by a fountain of water

God did not fail to bring anything to pass

Sing unto the Lord for His bountiful provision

Daysman (mediator)

Glad and rejoicing in His salvation

Ears to hear

Week 4 - 2013

Romans 7-8
Romans 7:23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.


This verse resounded within me, reminding me of our 1st Peter study - which has segued into an extensive study - we've recently covered the parts of man, the difference between being controlled by the old nature versus the new - this is the handout which we've used:

If you are interested in an inductive study - God Behind the Book - I don't always agree with everything she teaches, but believe overall she is lined up and on mark.  Always be a Berean!

Genesis 12-15

Genesis 14:17  And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

Genesis 14:18  And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Genesis 14:19  And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

Genesis 14:20  And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Genesis 14:21  And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

Genesis 14:22  And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Genesis 14:23  That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

Genesis 14:24  Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.


This portion struck me, because not much later on Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed. Yet, they witnessed, benefited from Abram rescuing them, so much so that they were willing to surrender any rights to the 'booty.'

Joshua 16-20

Psalms 9-11

Psalm 9:17  The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

This is a chilling thought, especially as we observe the state of the nations, the total depravity of man unleashed and willing to indulge in every form of vice and wickedness.  The wicked are turned into hell - the nations, have they all forgotten God?

Psalm 11:3  If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

This seems to coincide with the verse quoted above - the foundations of the nations, the family, faith in God, moral laws, uprightness, are all under attack.  What can the righteous do?  Pray, pray, pray. Seeking HIM and HIS strength during troublesome times.  He has sworn He will never leave nor forsake His people.

{laugh} - I'm reviewing my notes and wondering WHY I wrote down, poor, innocent, humble and said to do a word study...when the verses above have NONE of those words.  Here is one of the verses which does include those words:


Psalm 9:12  When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

Psalm 9:18  For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

Psa 10:2  The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

humble - H6035 - The second form is by intermixture with H6041; from H6031; depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly).

• H6041 - From H6031; depressed, in mind or circumstances (practically the same as H6035 subjectively and H6041 objectively).

needy - H34 - From H14, in the sense of want (especially in feeling); destitute.

• H14 - A primitive root; to breathe after, that is (figuratively) to be acquiescent.

poor - H6041 - From H6031; depressed, in mind or circumstances (practically the same as H6035 subjectively and H6041 objectively).

H6035 - used 21 times, translated: humble, lowly, meek, poor.

H34 - used 61 times, translated: beggar, needy, poor (man).

H6041 - used 75 times, translated: afflicted, humble`, lowly`, needy, poor

In this passage of Psalms read, I only find innocent 1x - in Psalm 10:8, which is H5355.

innocent - H5355 - From H5352; innocent: - blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. Used 43 times.

My what a journey!  I'm intrigued by the first passages I wrote down which have to do with nations...interesting how the Lord 'keeps' certain verses before us.

Job 7-8

Job 8:3  Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?

Cross referenced:

Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Mulling over that HE is always just, always judging, always merciful.

Isaiah 18-22
Isaiah 22:13b let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

Cross referenced:

1 Corinthians 15:32  If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Gill's commentary on the eat, drink, die:

let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die; which they said, not as believing their case to be desperate; that the next day, or in a few days, their city would be taken by the Assyrians, and they should be put to the sword, and therefore, since they had but a short life to live, they would live a merry one; but rather as not believing it, but scoffing at the prophet, and at the word of the Lord by him; as if they should say, the prophet says we shall die tomorrow, or we are in great danger of being suddenly destroyed; but let us not be dismayed at such words, and to show that we do not believe them, or if this is our case, let us take our fill of pleasure, while we may have it. This is the language of epicures, and of such that disbelieve the resurrection of the dead, and a future state, to whom the apostle applies the words in 1Co_15:32.

Matthew 8-10
Mat 8:8  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Speak the word only - that is all that is required - Jesus, GOD, speaking the Word is sufficient to bring those who are dead to life.  The Word, not us, not man's inventions, circus riddled 'churches' trying to 'reach' the lost.  It is not anything of, for or about us that we are doing.  It is HIS WORD which brings/gives life, to those who are the called.

Have you heard the Master calling?

Week 3 - 2013

Romans 5-6


Rom 6:14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Dominion (G2961) - From G2962; to rule.

• G2962 - From κῦρος kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller; by implication Mr. (as a respectful title).

Shall not (G3756) - A primary word; the absolutely negative (compare G3361) adverb; no or not.

Genesis 8-11

Gen 8:2  The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;


Fountains of the deep - found this at Answers in Genesis.

Joshua 11-15

Pondering upon this:


Jos 11:15  As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.

How faithful am I to do all that the Lord commands?

Psalms 6-8

Job 3-6

Job 5:17  Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

Companion verse in the NT?  Hmmm...found this:

Psa 94:12  Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

This is the one which was tickling my mind:


Heb 12:11  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Isaiah 12-17

Those *I* statements, shows intent, not just for the accuser of the brethren, but ourselves as well!


Isa 14:13  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Isa 14:14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Still in Isaiah - a few verses down:


Isa 14:23  I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

Besom?  -  H4292 - Apparently a denominative from H2916; a broom (as removing dirt (compare English ‘to dust’, that is, remove dust)).

Only used 1x in Scripture...

Isa 14:24  The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

THANK GOD!

Matthew 5-7

Blessed - 9x - how does that correspond to the fruit of the spirit?

Blessed (G3107) - A prolonged form of the poetical μάκαρ makar (meaning the same); supremely blest; by extension fortunate, well off.

Blessed:

Poor
Mourn
Meek
Hunger/Thirst
Merciful
Pure Heart
Peacemakers
Persecuted
You

Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23):


Love
Joy
Peace
Long Suffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance

Have or are you blessed and filled with the Spirit?

Week 2 - 2013

My discoveries this week:

Romans 3-4

Romans 4:4-6 - Rom 4:4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Rom 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Rom 4:6  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

No works of man can bring about the righteousness of God - only God can impute (G3049).

imputeth - Middle voice from G3056; to take an inventory, that is, estimate (literally or figuratively).

Used in 40 verses - quite an interesting read of the various ways the word is translated:  reasoned, numbered, reckoned, think (thought), counted, conclude, impute, accounted, esteemed, suppose.

Genesis 4-7

Gen 4:26  And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. 

Call upon the name of the Lord...

Call (H7121) - A primitive root (rather identical with H7122 through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (that is, properly address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications).

John Gill's partial commentary on that portion of Scripture:

then began men to call upon the name of the Lord; not but that Adam and Abel, and all good men, had called upon the name of the Lord, and prayed to him, or worshipped him before this time personally, and in their families; but now the families of good men being larger, and more numerous, they joined together in social and public worship: or since it may be thought there were public assemblies for religious worship before this time, though it may be they had been neglected, and now were revived with more zeal and vigour; seeing the Cainites incorporating themselves, and joining families together, and building cities, and carrying on their civil and religious affairs among themselves, they also formed themselves into distinct bodies; and not only separated from them, but called themselves by a different name; for so the words may be rendered: "then began men to call themselves", or "to be called by the name of the Lord" (p); the sons of God, as distinct from the sons of men; which distinction may be observed in Gen_6:2 and has been retained more or less ever since: some choose to translate the words, "then began men to call in the name of the Lord" (q); that is, to call upon God in the name of the Messiah, the Mediator between God and man; having now, since the birth of Seth, and especially of Enos, clearer notions of the promised seed, and of the use of him, and his name, in their addresses to God; see Joh_14:13.

I hadn't ever considered that there would have been 'congregations' of people set apart, those who wanted to follow the Lord and be called by His name.  I'll have to ponder upon this a bit further.

Joshua 6-10


Jos 9:14  And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

I pause each time I read this, knowing I'm as guilty of 'plunging' forward into some plan, scheme or project without fully seeking the counsel of the Lord.  God help me to be more diligent to not give into my fleshly wants/desires, but to ever seek Your face, guidance and wisdom.

Psalms 3-5

Psa 4:3  But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

Psa 4:4  Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Psa 4:5  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Which, now that I'm typing these all now, seems to draw together - set apart unto Him, calling upon Him, being called by His name, seeking His face.  Being still before Him.

Job 3-4

Isaiah 7-11


Isa 7:18  And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.

Hiss - H8319 - A primitive root; properly to be shrill, that is, to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn).

Used 12x - always translated hiss - and usually not in a positive context!  The last one seemed to imply that God would be 'hissing' for His people?

Zec 10:8  I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased. 

A promised calling forth of His people and increase?  Also noticed past tense, redeemed, from before the foundation of the world, He had a people chosen out for His own.

Matthew 3-4


Mat 4:18  And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Mat 4:19  And he saith unto them, Follow (G1205) me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Mat 4:20  And they straightway left their nets, and followed (G190) him.

Mat 4:21  And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called (G2564) them.

Mat 4:22  And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed (G190) him.

Call - again!  I hadn't noticed how interwoven the various passages I read this week were...oh, how lovely it is to sit at the feet of Jesus and read His word and draw closer and more intimate with Him.

Follow (G1205) - From G1204 and an imperative of εἶμι eimi (to go); come hither!

• G1204 - Of uncertain affinity; here; used also as an imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto.

Followed (G190) - From G1 (as a particle of union) and κέλευθος keleuthos (a road); properly to be in the same way with, that is, to accompany (specifically as a disciple).

Called (G2564) - Akin to the base of G2753; to “call” (properly aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise.

• G2753 - From a primary word κέλλω kellō (to urge on); “hail”; to incite by word, that is, order.

Soooo...have you 'heard' the effectual call (command) of the Master?  Are you following Him?

Week 1 - 2013

Reading through using the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan - though I shouldn't, I'm still impressed with the new (or recycled) discoveries that I make while reading.  Truly our Father's Word is a limitless well of nourishment.

Romans 2:24, 29 - blaspheme, circumcision

Romans 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Soooo...what in my life, conversation/conduct would or is causing His name to be blasphemed?

Rom 2:29  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Regeneration is not an outward act, an inward act of the Lord in us, causing a difference to be manifested outwardly.

Genesis 2:24 - Adam concept of mother/father; fountain of youth = tree of life

Mother/Father - amazing....seeing how Adam didn't have either that he would have been able to articulate the detachment necessary for a man and woman to become one flesh.

 

This one captured my attention because of the 'searching for the fountain of youth' stories, in addition to our culture continually seeking that which is youthful, and for the most part, disdaining the aged/elderly.

Joshua - trust/faith by priests

A raging river, overflowing its banks. How deep and wide was the river? They trusted God...reminds me of the children's song, I am continually learning to trust Him.

Job - animals not destroyed: oxen, donkey, camels, how many sheep 'offered' by fire? How long between presentations of Satan 1st and 2nd attack?

I 'caught' this for the first time - after how many years of reading through? - that the sheep were the only thing burned up!

Job 1:3  His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. 

Seven thousand sheep!  Consumed in a flash!

Scripture doesn't say - and conjecture is not valid - but one of those thoughts that surfaced while reading - hmmm, how long between the attacks of the enemy?  Instantly, one right after another, or was there time to 'breathe?'

Isaiah 3:12 - children oppress; women rule

Isa 3:12  As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. 

Makes me think of our culture - children, while not idolized (look at the abortion on demand issue) - however, they play the piper and the parents (quite a lot) dance to their tune.  Parents are precluded from properly disciplining their children due to concern that  the little tyke may report them for abuse!

Women ruling - will this ruffle feathers - probably so.  There is a reason God places everyone in their 'positions' - men are to lead, protect, provide; women to support, encourage, be a keeper at home.

Matthew 2:8-21 - young child mentioned 8x - with the Christ - mass (Roman Catholic abomination) just behind us, I found this noteworthy with the focus on a baby, when in reality it was a young child.  Lord help us to not be deceived by the traditions of man, rather to diligently search the Scriptures daily to see if WE are conforming with Your precepts and statutes.

Read Through the Bible

The Lord has blessed me with reading through His Word for many years...it all began with a daily devotional from Our Daily Bread which had an Old Testament and a New Testament chapter(s) to read daily.  From there the Lord moved me into the Chronological Bible - for 5 years - which led to posts of my discoveries (shared in a forum during 2010).  Last year I used the 52 Weeks plan, this year, well, I am not sure. :-D

I have decided to *capture* my 2010 posts and re-run them here in an effort to archive them should the original site no longer be available.  I will detail the day and year in the Post Title.

I have inquired and was guided to the information below for resources on reading through the Bible...if you are currently using a program that is not listed, please share.  If you are not, or have never read through the Bible, may I encourage you to do so?  It has been an enormous blessing in my life, giving me insight and a deeper walk with the Lord.  There is a multitude of rich marrow to be sucked from the Word of God, each and every book has gleanings to be gathered.  Be encouraged to read...to encourage others to hide the Word of God in their hearts.

Father, help us, Your children to read Your Word that we might know You more intimately...help us to be diligent to study to show ourselves approved and to exhort our brethren.

Listings courtesy of Ligonier Ministries:

Many Christians take the beginning of a new year to evaluate their Bible reading habits, and then change or begin a Bible reading plan.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. — Psalm 119:105

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of Bible reading plans for you to choose from. Maybe this year you will read more of the Bible each day. Perhaps you’ll slow down your reading and instead spend more time considering what you read. Whatever it is you’re looking for in a reading plan, you should find it below.

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52 Week Bible Reading Plan

Read through the Bible in a year, with each day of the week dedicated to a different genre: Epistles, The Law, History, Psalms, Poetry, Prophecy, and Gospels.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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5x5x5 Bible Reading Plan

Read through the New Testament in a year, reading Monday to Friday. Weekends are set aside for reflection and other reading. Especially beneficial if you’re new to a daily discipline of Bible reading.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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A Bible Reading Chart

Read through the Bible at your own pace. Use this minimalistic, yet beautifully designed, chart to track your reading over 2013.

Duration: Flexible | Download: PDF

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Chronological Bible Reading Plan

Read through the Bible in the order the events occurred chronologically.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan

Four daily readings beginning in Genesis, Psalms, Matthew and Acts.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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ESV Daily Bible Reading Plan

Four daily readings taken from four lists: Psalms and Wisdom Literature, Pentateuch and History of Israel, Chronicles and Prophets, and Gospels and Epistles.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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Every Word in the Bible

Read through the Bible one chapter at a time. Readings alternate between the Old and New Testaments.

Duration: Three years | Download: PDF

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Historical Bible Reading Plan

The Old Testament readings are similar to Israel’s Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament readings are an attempt to follow the order in which the books were authored.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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Professor Grant Horner’s Bible Reading System

Reading ten chapters a day, in the course of a year you’ll read the Gospels four times, the Pentateuch twice, Paul’s letters four to five times, the Old Testament wisdom literature six times, the Psalms at least twice, Proverbs and Acts a dozen times, and the OT History and Prophetic books about one and a half times.

Duration: Ongoing | Download: PDF

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Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan

Read the New Testament and Psalms twice and the Old Testament once.

Duration: One or two years | Download: Website

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Straight Through the Bible Reading Plan

Read straight through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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Tabletalk Bible Reading Plan

Two readings each day; one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.

Duration: One year | Download: PDFApp: Accessible in the Ligonier App (iPhone / iPad & Android)

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The Legacy Reading Plan

This plan does not have set readings for each day. Instead, it has set books for each month, and set number of Proverbs and Psalms to read each week. It aims to give you more flexibility, while grounding you in specific books of the Bible each month.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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Two-Year Bible Reading Plan

Read the Old and New Testaments once, and Psalms & Proverbs four times.

Duration: Two years | Download: PDF