January 31

Today's Reading

Deliverance! What do you think was going on in the hearts of the Hebrews as they left Egypt in Exodus today? Notice that God immediately gives them some rules to live by. He wants them to yield themselves totally to Him. Isn't it the same with us?

Matthew today contrasts Jesus' compassion for the hurting with His anger at the religious people whose hearts were far from God. If Jesus were here right now, would He look on you with compassion or anger? That question scares me because of how much I need His mercy and grace.

Right after I wrote the last sentence, I read Psalms for today. Wow! It totally reflects the cry of my heart.

Dishonest transactions put us in the light of God's judgment. Proverbs today.

I have been refreshed by today's Bible reading. How are you doing? Questions? Comments?

January 30

Today's Reading

As I read this passage in Exodus, I noticed the words: Pharaoh’s officials now came to Pharaoh and appealed to him. “How long will you let this man hold us hostage?" Isn't it amazing how God turned the tables on the situation? At the beginning, it was Israel who was hostage. Systematically, God tore down the power structure of the enemy. I think He does the same with us when we sincerely cry out to Him.

The passage ends with the preparation for the first Passover. Hundreds of years later, Jesus instituted the first "Lord's Supper" in a Passover meal with his followers. It is full of significance.

Matthew opens today with a story about work and wages. What do you think it means?

11 For the honor of your name, O Lord,
forgive my many, many sins.
From Psalms today, this is often the cry of my heart.

Ants can be pesky little creatures, but they sure are diligent. Proverbs tells us to notice and learn from them. After that, at least at my house, I put out bait to get rid of them.

Hope to read your comments today!

January 29

Today's Reading

The battle between good and evil heats up in Exodus today. The powers of darkness had long kept people captive in Egypt. One by one, God had Moses take on the spirits. Pharaoh kept hardening his heart. After all, his nation had built their whole economy on slave labor. Sounds like some countries in our world today.

Matthew begins with a beautiful story about children and moves to a very sad story about a rich, young man.

Psalms (I LOVE this one!) has 3 stanzas. In the first, we are reminded that God owns all. Then, we are told who may come into God's presence for genuine worship. Finally, we cry out in praise as the King enters the gates! Wow!

Proverbs contains a dire warning: don't cosign another person's debt. That is, unless you are willing and able to pay it off when they default.

How's it going? Surely you have some thoughts to share today!

January 28

Today's Reading

When God is at work to change things in our lives, they often get worse before they get better. Today, Exodus has a great example of this. Why do you think this is part of God's process?

Jesus shares two great lessons -- one on forgiveness and one on marriage -- today in Matthew. Your thoughts and comments?

Psalm 23. If you haven't memorized it, I hope you will. Which line or phrase is your favorite? Why?

Jesus said in Luke 4 that He came to set the captives free. Today, Proverbs gives a great description of how we get captured.

I hope we can have some great moments of discussion here today.

January 27

Today's Reading

Exodus today begins the long struggle between God and Pharaoh. Before Moses arrived back in Egypt, a mysterious event takes place when it seems as if God will judge Moses because he has refused to circumcise his son. Here is at least part of the meaning...

Circumcision was the sign of Israel's covenant with God. The shedding of blood in this way looked forward to the day when blood would be shed to pay for all the sins of humankind. It was, then, a severe violation that Moses hadn't circumcised his son. It was a compromise on Moses' part. Ethnically Hebrew, he had grown up like the Egyptians. When he fled to the wilderness, he married a woman who grew up worshipping other gods. Perhaps it was Zipporah who didn't want to circumcise her son in the custom of the Jews and Moses didn't push the matter. Now, though, they were going back to be among God's chosen people and the true nature of the compromise was seen. God himself would have intervened if Moses' wife hadn't. Why didn't Moses take care of it? What do you think?

Matthew records some strong words and some beautiful promises in today's passage. Your thoughts?

Even as the first part of Psalm 22 was prophetic of the cross, today it looks forward to the spread of the Gospel and Jesus' ultimate reign as King of Kings. I think this is a beautiful passage.

With great wisdom, Proverbs today narrows on a significant temptation for men and the attitude we should have.

I look forward to your responses!

January 26

Today's Reading

An interesting note to today's reading in Exodus. The story of humans on earth had been told verbally from generation to generation until the time of Moses. He was the one who started writing down the hundreds of years of human history. Consequently, he is now telling us his own story.

We receive some beautiful detail about Moses' birth and a small story about his flight from Egypt. The encounter with the burning bush begins a journal of many significant events. By this time, Moses was 80 years old. He was in Egypt for about 40 years, in Midian for about 40 years and leading the people for his last 40 years. I believe it was Dwight L. Moody who said, "Moses spent the first 40 years of his life thinking he was somebody, the next 40 years of his life finding out he was a nobody, and the last 40 years of his life discovering what God can do with somebody who finds out he's a nobody."

It seems that almost everything Jesus said and did in today's Matthew passage has to be pondered to gain understanding. Even after reading and studying these passages over much of my life, I find myself discovering new facets as I grow older. What do you think?

Psalm 22 is prophetic. Written hundreds of years before Jesus, it describes many occurrences on the cross. What do you see?

Proverbs. Again, we are warned about the dangers of yielding to temptation. In this case, it's especially the temptation of immorality.

I anticipate your questions and your insights.

January 25

Today's Reading

I am always intrigued by the interaction between Joseph and his brothers after their father died (today's Genesis reading). If revenge is a dish better served cold, Joseph had every opportunity to force-feed it to his brothers... but he didn't! What a powerful picture of forgiveness!

This concludes a Bible book for us. It is one of the longer books, but it is also mostly told as a story and easy to follow. We will have some challenges ahead.

The story continues, though, as we begin Exodus. The Bible hits the fast forward button here and we jump about 400 years ahead. Notice the change in status for the descendants of Jacob. Notice the care of God as He continues His redemptive plan in the midst of such human indignity.

What do you think He meant when Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build my church?" Matthew today includes that and other very interesting lessons. I can't wait to hear your questions and comments!

King David was a warrior. In today's Psalm, he rejoices in God's victory over his enemies.

Proverbs today contrasts the "sweetness" of temptation with the reality of the consequences. It's a great lesson, no matter what tempts you.

Please comment. Your participation is what makes this community work!

January 24

Today's Reading

The Bible has much to say about words of blessing. Today in our Genesis reading, Jacob blesses his family just before he dies. In more ways than we can imagine, his words of blessing came true in the generations that came later.

Matthew again shows us the lavish grace of Jesus as he cares for the hurting of his generation. His actions contrast with those of the religious leaders who said they cared, but didn't show it.

I am reminded in Psalms that God knows me and loves me even when I feel like a failure. Sometimes it's easy to believe that I don't ever please God, but that's not true...

2 May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
3 May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

We all fail sometimes, but Christ in our hearts keeps changing us. That means that we also have times when things are "right." Thank God that He remembers those times even when I don't.

The easiest way to conquer evil is to avoid it. That's our teaching today from Proverbs.

I hope to hear from you today!

January 23

Today's Reading

A dad and a son are reunited today in Genesis. It always intrigues me that God appears to Jacob and confirms that Joseph is alive AFTER Jacob has been told the news by his other sons. We think of those years between Joseph's enslavement and his rise to power as his time of testing. It was a testing for Jacob, too, and -- in a different way -- for the other sons.

What do you observe about the series of events after the family arrives in Egypt? Your thoughts on how Joseph used Egypt's food to enslave the people to Pharaoh?

Jesus once again says deep and mysterious things today in Matthew. It helped me to learn that many of the religious leaders had their own corrupt gambit going on. Their moral law clearly required that they take care of their elderly parents -- no Social Security there! However, many would take the money that could have met their parents' needs and designated it as a gift to God. Then, as religious leaders, they took those "gifts to God" and spent them on their own luxuries. They did all this in the name of their law! No wonder Jesus was so angry at them.

I love Psalm 19. Especially the end,

"May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Notice in Proverbs today the contrast between the wicked and the righteous. In 1 John in the New Testament, we are told, "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." That theme of light contrasted with darkness runs throughout Scripture.

I really enjoyed today's reading and can't wait for your comments!

January 22

Today's Reading

I always read today's Genesis passage with tears. The story of reconciliation is, I believe, the most powerful story of all. God sent His Son Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus' ancestor Judah took the front position so that Joseph could be reconciled to his family. I deeply hope to hear many of your responses to this today!

Our Matthew passage includes two familiar stories today. What insights do you have as you read them?

Psalms today is the rousing crescendo at the end of David's prayer. Notice how he has moved from acknowledgment of God's strength to a commitment to destroy his (David's) enemies. In the New Testament (Ephesians), we are told that our enemies are not flesh and blood, but from hell itself.

Proverbs again reminds us to walk in wisdom. We are near the end of these foundation preparations and will see them built upon with the formidable material of wise principles.

If you find your initial enthusiasm for this task waning, you are normal. I encourage you to move through this stage. Someone explained it to me long ago that we move from Desire to Discipline to Delight. It will take another week or two for the daily discipline to be cemented in your life. Hang in there!

Feedback time!

January 21

Today's Reading

Today, Genesis stirs so many thoughts and emotions in me. Take a moment if you can and put yourself inside Joseph. What do you think he is experiencing? Do the same with his brothers.

Notice that their father didn't let the brothers take Benjamin to Egypt until Judah offered his own life in exchange. He had refused to accept the offer of Reuben to give up two of his sons. Judah, the direct ancestor of Jesus, showed us a picture of salvation. It is not by our own works, but because God offered Himself, through Jesus, as our substitute.

Matthew once again reminds us that the Bible contains some stories that are beautiful and some that are grotesque. What do you think of this passage?

Psalms today shows us that we tend to view God through the lenses of our own strengths/weaknesses. How do you see Him?

Wisdom, according to Proverbs, is the path to effective living. Dear God, please help me live according to wisdom!

How are you doing? Please share your thoughts about what you are reading.

January 20

Today's Reading

In today's Genesis passage, Joseph meets Pharaoh. Pharaoh was almost certainly the most powerful ruler in the world at the time. What do you think about their meeting and the results? The next chapter describes Joseph facing his past. He puts his brothers to a test. Your thoughts?

In Matthew today, Jesus uses parables to teach. What a great tool to help us remember. Still, we often struggle with the parables, trying to figure out what Jesus was saying to us.

Sometimes God uses passages of Scripture to open our eyes to "see" more of the kingdom of heaven. I think that may be what we read in today's Psalm.

Proverbs today shares a beautiful picture of the love of a dad for his son.

Haven't heard from some of you lately. How's your reading coming along?

January 19

Today's Reading

So much about this story in Genesis rivets me. Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, blessed by God in Potiphar's house, betrayed by Potiphar's wife and blessed by God in prison. After all that, he is forgotten by one of Pharaoh's servants. All that pain! Yet, God always has a purpose.

What do you think of this story so far?

To me, Jesus answer when his mother and brothers came to see Him -- in Matthew today -- is one of His most mysterious sayings. What does it say to you? Following that event, He teaches through parables. These word stories paint powerful mental pictures and help us remember truth.

I find today's Psalm powerful and challenging.

Proverbs today is 3 verses that each contrast the lives of the righteous and the wicked.

What are you learning? What leaves you "scratching your head"?

January 18

Today's Reading

In Genesis today, we begin with a chapter about sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers. This, by the way, is the opening of my favorite story in all the Bible. We will be reading it for the next several days. Where do you think Jacob learned how to play favorites with his children?

Before we complete Joseph's story, we take a side journey. It's an important detour. Why? Jacob/Israel had 12 sons and only one of them would be the direct ancestor of Jesus Christ. That son was Judah. Jesus lineage came through Judah and Tamar, and you read about it in this mysterious story today.

You will notice in Matthew that the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders is heating up. Why do you think they despised him so much?

We have a choice to either worship God or the gods of this world, as our Psalm makes clear today. Let's ask God to show us the ways our hearts turn away from Him.

Our entire lives are built on the foundation of how we love God and how we treat others. Proverbs gives some great instructions.

I hopefully await your input today!

January 17

Today's Reading

The first part of our Genesis passage today is -- to me -- very challenging. They got rid of their idols and God's power among them was very evident. What does that say to you?

We learn yet another name for God today. Why do you think we are given so many names? (Hint: I have mentioned this in previous days.)

The last part of the passage today in Genesis is a long list of the descendants of Esau (aka Edom). You should feel free to skim this passage, with its long list of names. For you history buffs who like to know how this people group ended up, I googled "modern day Edomites" and found that the descendants of Esau pretty much intermarried and assimilated in to the Jewish people near the time of Christ.

Matthew today poses an interesting question: how does a person become so legalistic they he/she cares more about endless laws than about helping hurting people?

I love Psalm 15, though it challenges me. It describes what it's like to really prepare for meeting God in worship.

Proverbs contains a powerful double-edged truth. Following God's ways will prepare us for trouble coming down life's road. Following God's ways will prepare our hearts for God to protect us when we can't see trouble coming.

I loved today's passages. How about you? What are your questions and comments?

January 16

Today's Reading

We read about a reunion in Genesis today. I was blinking back tears as I read it. What do you think about this part of the story? What must have been going on in the hearts of Jacob and Esau? What happened after Esau left?

The very next part of the story turns dark in many ways. How does it affect you? What do you think of what Jacob's sons did?

Your footnotes say that "Israel" means "God fights." I think another meaning is "one who strives with God." Either way, Jacob gives us another name for God: God, the God of Israel. God reveals Himself to us through His names. I encourage you to write them down and think about them.

Matthew is literally stuffed with important truth today. Jesus once again mentions Sodom. What do you think He meant with His comparison?

How does it strike you today in Psalms, when David says...

"2 The Lord looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
all have become corrupt.
No one does good,
not a single one!" (Psalm 14:2-3 NLT)

Just how important and powerful is wisdom? Read a beautiful word picture in Proverbs today.

I pray that you each grow and find personal enrichment in today's reading. Questions? Comments?

January 15

Today's Reading

In Genesis today, Jacob says goodbye to Laban. What lessons and/or questions does their farewell bring to mind? Based on Laban's history, do you think he would have let Jacob go if Jacob had simply asked?

Later, Jacob prepares to meet his future. That means he must face his past and his brother Esau. Have you ever experienced a moment like that?

Jesus describes the steep cost of discipleship in Matthew today. How do His words challenge you?

Psalms describes times when we are hurting, concluding with the choice to trust in God's unfailing love. How are you doing?

What does it mean to embrace wisdom (Proverbs today)?

Yesterday, we passed the two week mark this year. That means we are already about 4% of the way through the Bible. How's it going? Remember, if you lose a day or two, just pick back up with the group. This is a life-long process.

January 14

Today's Reading

Deception, conniving and selfishness are all present in today's Genesis story. What do you think? What do you question?

Matthew today contains Jesus' commission to his closest followers. How do you think it relates to us today? Also, what are your thoughts about his comparison of judgment for those who refuse His message to the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah?

As you pray today's Psalm from your own heart, what is your attitude about the poor? I confess that I have often been critical of the poor, thinking it's just their own fault. Do you think that reflects the way God sees them?

Today's Proverb takes us back to the overall value of wisdom. What does it say to you?

I am touched by your daily comments. Please keep it up!

January 13

Today's Reading

What do you think of Genesis today? It's a story of romance. It's also a story of deception. I would love to hear from those of you who are reading this for the first time.

If you can take a few moments, read Matthew and put yourself in the story as one of the characters. For instance, imagine that you are the little girl's dad. What happens as you walk through the story? What do you feel? What are your concerns? Reading the Bible this way has helped me internalize it far more than I did by remaining detached as I read.

I love today's Psalm because it's so real. We can start a perfectly beautiful day and suddenly have things coming at us from all directions. In the chaos, it's easy to forget who is in control. What do you think?

Proverbs today fits the message in Psalms. How do you interpret difficulties? If you see them as enemies you have to conquer, you may never experience the full transformation of your character. If you learn to see them as friends that God allows because He loves you and wants you to grow, you will be amazed at how He changes you from the inside out.

Questions? Comments? Keep them coming!

January 12

Today's Reading

Today, Genesis begins with tribal conflict and shows how a covenant changes the situation. The covenant meal was in important part of the process. It indicated a brotherhood between the former enemies.

The second part of our Genesis passage is about another meal. It's also about deception and family rivalry. It was always God's plan that His people come through Jacob. Do you think He needed the deception that occurred in order to accomplish that plan?

Matthew includes several great stories of Jesus' life and ministry. Which one speaks most to you? Why? What questions arise from them?

Psalms promises that God knows the hopes of the helpless. That promise often ministers to me because I know what it feels like to be helpless to change some things. How about you?

It's as if this Proverbs passage were written specifically for our culture. In good times and hard times, God tells us to honor Him first with our finances and He will care for us.

I hope you will keep me up today with your thoughts, comments and questions.

January 11

Today's Reading

Today, Genesis begins with one of the classic questions in Scripture: "Will you go with this man?" After all the bargaining and arrangements were done, the choice still lay with Rebekah. The future of God's people was permanently marked by her choice. When she and Isaac had twins, it immediately set up something that happened numerous times in the Bible: sibling rivalry. Notice the damaging effects that happen when each parent has a favorite.

Notice today that Isaac picked up a very bad habit from his dad. Then notice how the growth of the population started numerous conflicts over who got to live where. The ancient Philistines and the modern Palestinians...same people!

In Matthew today we meet people who, like us, start to follow Jesus. But the way is often difficult. Almost as if to demonstrate Jesus' words about the cost of discipleship, the storm came up on the lake and Jesus was asleep. When have you felt that He was sleeping when a storm came up in your life?

In the last part of the passage, Jesus sends some demons into pigs. On the one hand, pigs were "unclean" and Jews didn't eat pork. On the other hand, those pigs were worth money to these people from the other side of the lake. What do you make of that?

Psalms today talks about life's difficulties. "The wicked" might be compared to difficulties we have with a company or our workplace or someone we do business with. Try to think of a time when you felt out of control and uncared for.

Proverbs introduces us to the idea of "fearing" God. This doesn't mean to cower, but to have a deep, awesome respect for Him.

Many of you are really getting in to this. Remember, if you lose a day, let it go and join us on the current day. Little by little you are learning the character of God.

Questions? Comments?

January 10

Today's Reading

Sarah didn't have Isaac until she was 90 and she lived to be 127. In today's Genesis passage, notice the bargaining that goes on when Abraham bought her burial place. We had discovered Abe to be a bargainer when he talked to God about the imminent destruction of Sodom. Now he bargains over property. This was very typical, by the way (think Algodones). Ephron's offer to "give" him the property followed by a price was a way of haggling and saving face at the same time. If Abe had accepted the property as a gift he would have lost credibility and if Ephron had required payment, he would have lost credibility.

Genesis 24 gives the details of finding a wife for Isaac. You may have many questions about them, but don't overlook the faithfulness of God to take care of His people.

The Palestine of 2,000 years ago was a largely uncivilized place -- even according to the standards of the time. Take a moment and reflect on what it must have been like for those who sought and received healing from Jesus in today's Matthew passage. Without Him, most of them were without hope. Put yourself in their thoughts and imagine approaching Him for help.

As you reflect on today's Psalm, contrast God's love for the humble with His judgment of the arrogant.

Proverbs 3 seems to move from the personification of wisdom as the speaker to a parent speaking to his child. Proverbs 3:5-6 is an awesome passage to write down on 3x5 card and memorize. You will refer to it time and again.

Our comments seem to open up a bit more each day. Keep it up!

January 9

Today's Reading

Abraham may have a new name in today's Genesis passage, but he's still up to his old tricks. His explanation at least helps us understand his cultural setting a bit more. Ladies, I know it's offensive and it was never God's design, but Abe had grown up in a nomadic time and place when tribal chieftains collected wives like they collected sheep. That in no way excuses his deception, but perhaps we can see a bit more of why he thought it was necessary.

You will also read a powerful story about Abraham's commitment and trust level. I think it's probable that he took Isaac up for sacrifice to the very mountain that Jesus was sacrificed on hundreds of years later.

In Matthew, Jesus reminds us that storms come, no matter how we build our spiritual lives. Why is it important, then, to obey? Look at the results for those who do and those who don't.

The older I get, parts of David's personality mystify me. He was a great and powerful king who lived in endless conflict (just like Israel today). He seemed to take every possible opportunity to proclaim God's faithfulness. See today's Psalm.

"Wisdom will save you..." So begins today's Proverbs passage. What a compelling reason to digest and live by the words in this little book.

On a personal note, life has been moving at interstate speed for me this week. I have read each of your comments and questions, often on my Blackberry while I'm on the way. I answer as quickly as possible and hope my delays aren't too frustrating.

In the meantime, your interest fulfills a joy in me. Thanks and please keep it up. Sam

January 8

Today's reading.

Welcome to an intriguing day of reading. I hope we have LOTS of questions and comments today.

Genesis starts out with a dialog between Abraham and God. It's a fascinating window into a part of God's character. What do you see? What do you question?

At the same time that Abe is interceding on the mountain, a spiritual war rages in the valley. No doubt you will be amazed and perplexed by what happens in Lot's house. After they leave the city, some things happen in his family that are almost beyond our imagination. Read and let us know what you think.

Matthew's passage today is still from the Sermon on the Mount. You will find it both comforting and challenging. Do you have questions about what He says? Comments?

Anyone who thinks that man is just an animal and no different than other animals should see God's perspective in today's Psalm.

Finally, Proverbs is again as if wisdom is speaking directly to us. In today's reading, wisdom points to God as the Author.

January 7

How is your reading coming along? We have made it through the first week of 2009 -- can you believe it? If you miss a day, forgive yourself and pick up with the next day. Really knowing the Bible is a lifetime adventure so lets stay at it, tiny steps at a time.

Genesis today is so rich that we could spend a week just on these chapters. Here are a few highlights...

1. God reveals his character to us through His names. We discover two of them in today's reading.

2. God enters a deeper covenant with Abram and changes his name to Abraham. Then God gives Sarai a new name.

3. God's requirement of Abraham in this covenant is circumcision and Abe responds obediently.

4. Sarai tries to help God along and get a family through her own manipulations. Thousands of years later, the world still reels from the conflict that started there.

Matthew today includes more instructions about how to truly follow God. Which one of these means the most to you?

In Psalms today, David (the man after God's own heart) wonders if his problems are all his own fault. If not, he asks God for justice. Surely you have been there!

Proverbs contains the words of a parent longing for his child to know and follow God's ways. Some of you are praying that for your little ones. God bless you for it!

Questions and comments are welcome. Yours may help someone else on this journey.

January 6

First, my apologies because this post is a bit later than normal.

Genesis today includes a vivid picture of the type of tribal conflicts in the Middle East that still make the headlines today. Notice that Abram goes after a coalition of kings using trained men from his own household. It says much about the level of their training and trust for each other.

When he returns, Abram meets a mysterious person named Melchizedek. This meeting has great significance and we will see it referred to much later this year when we read the New Testament book of Hebrews. Some scholars think that this may have been the first time in his life that Abram met another person who believed in only One, true God. Everyone around him worshiped many different gods, but not Abram. He is so moved that he presents a tenth of his battle spoils to this "Prince of Salem." Salem means peace and was also the name for ancient Jerusalem. What do you think about that?

At the close of the Genesis passage, Abram enters a blood covenant with God. Remember, forgiveness of sins requires blood to be shed.

Matthew is from the Sermon on the Mount and shows a deeper view of God's true standard. It's not enough that we outwardly try to obey. Our hearts must be changed. My personal blog today talks about that, if you care to take a look.

If Psalms doesn't express your heart experience today, I'm sure you can remember a time when you were broken because of your sins and failures.

In Proverbs, wisdom is crying out for attention.

Great comments yesterday! Dive in!

January 5

Okay, Genesis today is FULL of important stuff! To help you get started...

Why do you think God was so concerned about them building the tower of Babel? (modern day Iraq)

What do you think it was like for Abram to follow God to a place he had never been before?

How do you feel about Abram's lie that Sarai was his sister?

Matthew's passage contains the Beatitudes. I heard a teacher one time who said that the best meaning of "blessed" is "the well-being of." Either way, Jesus says some important things about how we should live in the world. It's not always easy.

Psalms also contrasts the life of those dedicated to God with "the wicked" in today's passage.

In Proverbs, Wisdom issues us a warning.

How is your reading coming along? Questions? Comments?

January 4

In Genesis today, you will find the reason for, then the separation of Noah's three sons. Here are a few "clues" to help you understand how the people of the world came from them.

Japheth's descendants moved north from what we now call the Middle East. They settled in what today is Europe, including Russia. Scholars believe that modern Moscow is ancient Magog.

Ham's descendants include what we today think of as the Arab people groups. That means modern Iran and Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Shem's descendants will ultimately include Abraham and, centuries later, Jesus. The descendants of Shem were known as Shemites, later changed to Semites. We get our term "semitic" from it -- a term used to describe them when they were primarily nomads.

Matthew's passage today shows the powerful simplicity of Jesus' call to "Follow Me!" Notice their response. The older I get, the more convicted I feel every time I think about it.

Proverbs today is as if wisdom is pleading with us.

January 3

First off, yesterday was the day of the unexpected for Cathy and me. It was to be our last day of vacation in NM before traveling home today. We started checking weather Thursday evening and a storm was predicted for Flagstaff today. Therefore, we left yesterday afternoon and arrived home just before midnight.

Otherwise, I would have sent you a few brief words before now.

Genesis today includes a long list of people. Do you see any you recognize? Any comments or questions about Noah and the ark?

What do you notice about Jesus' encounter with the devil in the wilderness?

Every question is a good one. Every comment will be respected. I encourage you to jump in.

January 2

So, how did your first day go? Were you on familiar territory or was it all "Greek" to you?

IF you have time today, take a long look at Genesis 3. See how many hidden objects you can find in the story.

For instance, can you find...

Lucifer,

The Fall of humans into sin,

The Virgin Birth,

Jesus' sacrificial death,

The final judgment of Satan and sin?

They are all there. And more. Just in chapter 3.

Want to talk about it? Leave your questions and comments, then keep following along.

January 1

Our journey begins where it should: at the beginning. The beginning of four -- count 'em -- 4 books! Here's a quick breakdown of each...

Genesis

The first book of the Bible is attributed to Moses, who wrote approximately 2600-2700 years after the arrival of humans on the planet (based on the timing listed in the Bible). Why is Moses the one who wrote it down? Early civilization didn't have written communication so history was passed down verbally from one generation to the next. For whatever reason -- probably because he believed that God wanted him to -- Moses preserved that history in written form.

Today's Genesis passage is the original story of creation in Chapter 1 followed by a more extensive retelling of a portion of it in Chapter 2.

Matthew

Matthew was a Tax Collector who started following Jesus during His earthly ministry. Even though Mark, the next Gospel in your New Testament, was written earlier, Matthew is found first. Why? The entire Old Testament exclaimed, in different ways, "Messiah is coming!" Matthew, from a Jewish point of view, declared, "He's here!"

Psalms

Remember that Psalms was the hymnbook for God's people for hundreds of years. I encourage you to read it aloud as praise and prayer unto God.

Proverbs

Today's passage is, I think, the clearest explanation of the reason for Proverbs. Read it slowly. Soak it in.

That's about it. At least until you start making comments and asking questions. Come back often and follow the discussion.