Genesis!

Ok, I'm not really as far behind as this looks. I've just been really procrastinating on blogging about each book that I've read so far. I have a little bit more of a time trying to articulate my thoughts onto "paper" when it comes to things like this. Sometimes I get discouraged because Mark can write exactly what he's thinking and it makes sense and looks good. But, I've resolved myself to the fact that we're going to write different and I am just going to accept that. My posts make sense to me even if they don't make sense to you...

I'm more of a detailed oriented person so sometimes I miss the "big picture" on different things. I read through the Bible and try to take in every person, place, and event and then find myself overwhelmed at all the different information. This is why I've tried to read the Bible from front cover to back cover so many times and failed. This time is a little different. While I'm still trying to take in as much as I can, I am continually asking the Lord to point things out to me... So instead of my synopsis being the "big picture" of what I take in about each book, it'll probably be more of a bullet type and explain to you what the Lord has pointed out to me.... With that being said, let's move on to GENESIS!!!!

I've read this book a ga-zillion times but it felt like when I read it this time, I really read it and soaked it all in. It was exciting to read all of the big and bold stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and to learn of their faith. I think one of the things that stuck out to me the most in Genesis was the life and story of Abraham. He was a friend of God. I was encouraged by his faith. Do I have the kind of faith that he did? Would I be willing to give up someone I love? WOW! My faith has been enriched after reading about Abraham. I'm encouraged. I'm excited. Abraham didn't understand what was going on but that didn't stop him from obeying God. He trusted in Him!

And then Joseph... What a life he lived also. But he stood strong in his faith in the Lord through all kinds of trials and temptations. He was obedient to the Lord even when he was thrown in prison for something he did not do. I'd like to think my faith would still be as strong if that happened to me. I can't imagine what Joseph was going through. All I do know is that I can only grow closer to the Lord and desire Him more every day!

Reading through Genesis, I was reminded that faith is so important! Even though times may get weary or hard, I have a God who loves me and who knows what is best for me no matter what I think is right. He knows the situation and the outcome better than I do and I must trust in Him. I must obey his callings ans listen to His voice. I must have faith!

Leviticus

Leviticus is a great book. One of the great themes of this book is on the cleansing of sin and uncleanliness. Moses goes into great detail regarding how the Isrealites were to purify themselves in the event that they touched something unclean or committed a grievous sin.

I think God looks at us today in the same light. He sees the things that we have done as a direct rebellion to Him, and we bring upon ourselves separation from Him. The good news is that a greater Moses has come, and with Him, he brings a perfect cleansing. No longer is needed the sacrifice of bulls and goats or other atoning sacrifices, but Christ came and died once for all. The key verse for me in the book of Leviticus is found in 22:32 "Do not profane my holy name. I must be acknowledged as holy by the Isarealites. I am the Lord, who MAKES you holy and who brought you out o Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord."

I was reminded very clearly that in order for the purification process to take place or for the breaking of bondage to occur, it is God's doing. He is the one that makes me holy. He is the one that breaks the iron chains. He is the bondage breaker (whatever that bondage might be). I cannot do anything on my own. He is Lord, it is His doing. I must remember that.

Exodus

Exodus is a book on movement. I saw lots of movement throughout the book. I saw the physical movement of God's people out of the Egyptian bondage. I saw the movement of Moses as he walked with God. I saw the movement of the Israelites towards God spiritually, and then spontaneously moving away from God. I saw the movement of God. The cloud by day, the pillar of fire by night. He meets with Moses on the mountain top and returns to the throne room. I also saw how God wants to move freely in my life. He wants me to be lead of him. He doesn't want me to be in bondage, he is the great bondage breaker. He wants me to be free, to serve him, to not be a stiff-necked individual, void of judgment and discernment. He wants to use me to serve His people and to be a blessing wherever I go. Where he leads, I am to follow. He has a plan for my life and I don't want to waste years in a desert place wandering aimlessly...I want to live a bountiful, productive life.

Genesis

I was reminded of some interesting themes throughout the book of Genesis. I saw that there has always been an ever present desire for status in the heart of man. From man wanting to be leader, to man wanting to own land, to man wanting to have more possessions, it's not something new. Man has always wanted to have domain, to shown domination. He shows it towards other men and with God. I also saw the reoccurring theme of sexual impurity and fornication. This theme wasn't just visible, it was rampant. Men sleeping with any woman, men sleeping with other men. Even the flood was greatly due to sexual impurity that was prevalent throughout the land. My favorite old testament character is Joseph. I've often found that I can relate to him a lot in my life. He is tempted beyond comprehension, and then unjustly thrown in prison for something that he didn't do. I would have hit the roof. He stood fast, knowing the will of God, and the Lord richly blessed him. God reminded me that even through the cloud of sin, the light of God can still shine through. Whether it's Melchizedek, Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob or Joseph, God's representation will always continue. He is victor, and he will prevail.