Well, it's Thursday and we all know what that means. Today I get to share what I've been reading from God's word as well as the thoughts it has planted in my head.
Leviticus 6:8-13 it [the fire] must not go out
Interestingly, Leviticus and Numbers features a lot of sections where a word or phrase is repeated. I think words and phrases like that are repeated for a reason.
Here is one of those sections. The fire on the altar had to keep burning. To me, this is a representation of the eternal God and his presence in our lives.
Leviticus 8 as the LORD commanded Moses
This is almost an exact duplicate of something I shared last week. Again, we learn how important it is to follow God's commands to every last detail. We can't just pick and choose what commands (or what part of the commands) we want to obey. God wants all of us, not just part of us!
Leviticus 10:1-2 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, but fire in them and added the incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.
Speaking of following God's commands to the exact detail, we have a case in point right here. Nadab and Abihu offered an unauthorized sacrifice. I think this is the point where we see (if we haven't already) exactly how important the sacrificial system is. It certainly isn't to be taken lightly. We mustn't be lackadaisical in our obedience to God.
Leviticus 10:10 You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean.
What I find neat here is that the opposite of holy is common. We are to distinguish between the two. Remember, holy is often translated set apart. We are to be set apart, different. We aren't to be like the world (common). We need to stand up for what we believe in and be set apart.
Leviticus 11:44-45 I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
I think anything I said or commented about this verse would just take away from it's beauty.
Leviticus 20:7 Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.
The last phrase is a phrase that needs to be starred, underlined, highlighted, italicized, etc. I think it is important to note that the LORD makes us holy. We often think that holiness comes simply by "being good". Well, as we can see, it is a bit deeper than that. Although, there is certainly an aspect of obedience, we must submit ourselves to God. HE makes us holy.
Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
This is the priestly blessing. But I find this is a good verse to go to whenever thinks are "down". When struggles are surrounding us, repeat those words. If you need to, put them at a place where you will see them frequently. It's a great "pick me up" verse.
God Bless!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Highlighter [Exodus 21-Leviticus 5]
This week I read Exodus 21-Leviticus 5. Here's what stuck out to me.
Exodus 22:31 You are to be my holy people.
Ultimately, this is what God wants. I feel like many of the commands God has for us can be summarized into this one verse, be my Holy people.
He wants us to be his. He wants us to be Holy. Christlike, set apart. As we walk this earth, we are to be different.
One of the most challenging things I've ever heard comes from one of my favorite authors. Think about this question: Why has it become so hard to pick a Christian out of a crowd?
I love that quote for a number of reasons. I take that back. I'm not really sure that I love it. I love how challenging it is to my life and to others, but I don't like the truth that is embedded in that question.
As God's holy people, we need to stand out. Be in the world, not of it, as the New Testament says. But that's not until October-Novemberish :-)
Exodus 23:33b because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.
That was certainly the case for the nation of Israel. However it is also the case for you and me. It is important to keep in mind that idolatry isn't limited to worshiping golden statues. Idolatry can also be worshiping our money or addictions. We must rid ourselves of anything that keeps us from the one, true God, our father.
Exodus 29:45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them.
Exodus 33:14 My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
This verse comes right after one of the most challenging chapters of the whole Bible for me. I've always found Exodus 32 hard to read, mostly because I'm glad I'm not Moses. If I'm Moses coming down from Sinai and I see what the Aaron and the rest of the Israelites are up to (The Golden Calf) I'd probably scream and say "OK, God, just zap them dead now." Turns out, three thousand of them did die (32:28)
God took care of them and what did they do? They turned away from Him. Thankfully, God (and Moses) have (had) more patience than I do. In the chapter after that (33) we see the above phrase. It is such a comforting phrase to me. God's Presence was with them as they set out. God's Presence is with us on our journey as well.
Exodus 39-40 as the LORD commanded Moses/him
Phrases that are often repeated usually stick out to me. As I read the last 2 chapters of Exodus I underlined every time the above phrase appeared. Assuming I didn't miss one, I counted 18 times this phrase appears.
From that...we see how important it is that we follow every single command/detail/footnote that God gives us. With God, detail is important. We can't say to any of His commands "Oh, that's not important." Rather, we must follow them EXACTLY. Cross every "t" and dot every "i". Let's follow His commands with the same determination and attention to detail that Moses did.
Leviticus 5:5 When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned
I find it interesting that this verse jumped out at me. Confession was a part of the sin offering process. Obviously, because of Christ's death on the cross we no longer have to sacrifice an animal. However, confession is still an important aspect of our journey to repentance. The animal sacrificing stopped, but the confessions continue.
That's what stuck out to me this week! God Bless!
Exodus 22:31 You are to be my holy people.
Ultimately, this is what God wants. I feel like many of the commands God has for us can be summarized into this one verse, be my Holy people.
He wants us to be his. He wants us to be Holy. Christlike, set apart. As we walk this earth, we are to be different.
One of the most challenging things I've ever heard comes from one of my favorite authors. Think about this question: Why has it become so hard to pick a Christian out of a crowd?
I love that quote for a number of reasons. I take that back. I'm not really sure that I love it. I love how challenging it is to my life and to others, but I don't like the truth that is embedded in that question.
As God's holy people, we need to stand out. Be in the world, not of it, as the New Testament says. But that's not until October-Novemberish :-)
Exodus 23:33b because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.
That was certainly the case for the nation of Israel. However it is also the case for you and me. It is important to keep in mind that idolatry isn't limited to worshiping golden statues. Idolatry can also be worshiping our money or addictions. We must rid ourselves of anything that keeps us from the one, true God, our father.
Exodus 29:45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them.
Exodus 33:14 My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
This verse comes right after one of the most challenging chapters of the whole Bible for me. I've always found Exodus 32 hard to read, mostly because I'm glad I'm not Moses. If I'm Moses coming down from Sinai and I see what the Aaron and the rest of the Israelites are up to (The Golden Calf) I'd probably scream and say "OK, God, just zap them dead now." Turns out, three thousand of them did die (32:28)
God took care of them and what did they do? They turned away from Him. Thankfully, God (and Moses) have (had) more patience than I do. In the chapter after that (33) we see the above phrase. It is such a comforting phrase to me. God's Presence was with them as they set out. God's Presence is with us on our journey as well.
Exodus 39-40 as the LORD commanded Moses/him
Phrases that are often repeated usually stick out to me. As I read the last 2 chapters of Exodus I underlined every time the above phrase appeared. Assuming I didn't miss one, I counted 18 times this phrase appears.
From that...we see how important it is that we follow every single command/detail/footnote that God gives us. With God, detail is important. We can't say to any of His commands "Oh, that's not important." Rather, we must follow them EXACTLY. Cross every "t" and dot every "i". Let's follow His commands with the same determination and attention to detail that Moses did.
Leviticus 5:5 When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned
I find it interesting that this verse jumped out at me. Confession was a part of the sin offering process. Obviously, because of Christ's death on the cross we no longer have to sacrifice an animal. However, confession is still an important aspect of our journey to repentance. The animal sacrificing stopped, but the confessions continue.
That's what stuck out to me this week! God Bless!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Misc. Braves Rambling
It's been awhile since I've blogged about the Braves. But that doesn't mean I don't have many thoughts about what has been going on in Bravesnation.
A majority of the Braves sites the past month have been talking about John Smolts, the new pitchers, and/or Frank Wren's GM abilities.
But I think one of my favorite Braves links of the past several weeks is this.
I think I've made it known how feel about Terence Moore's work, but in case you missed it I'm not the biggest fan of his writing. Half of his articles feature "Cy Maddux, Cy Glavine, and Cy Smoltz" and is it really necessary to have a hyperlink everytime the word "Braves" appears? Those are just nit picky things...I could go all day on his often misled theories. Anyways, back to the article.
I'll be honest (and obvious). I miss Mazzone. McDowell has done an average job (not great, not horrible), but Mazzone is a mastermful pitching instructor. And I've always wondered deep inside if he regrets leaving the Atlanta organization.
Now we know the truth. Yes he does.
I won't repeat everything the article says, but in a nutshell Mazzone left stability and security for money and friendship.
He had a good thing going with the Braves. Mazzone's methods were often criticized but you can't argue with the results. He had pitchers throwing twice between starts, instead of usual one side session. Mazzone was also effective at keeping his pitchers healthy. He encouraged them not to throw hard during those side sessions, but to work on breaking and offspeed stuff. When his pitchers were in a jam, instead of telling his pitchers to "put a little more in this one" Mazzone would tell them to take some off. Throwing too hard too often is what tears tendons, rotator cuffs, and whatever else is inside those multi-million dollar arms.
Mazzone had a legacy. And he left it all for an opportunity to coach with his best friend, and oh yeah, a lot of zeros.
In a sport with teams that go through managers and coaches like McDonald's goes through hot cakes, why risk job security?
I realize I'm many years late by blogging about Mazzone leaving. I suppose it's just hard to know exactly how to feel about Moore's column. Am I to be happy that Mazzone regrets leaving the Braves? The Atlanta Braves shirt I'm wearing wants to say "yes." My heart wants to say "no".
Other News and Notes:
Many World Baseball Classic teams will feature Braves players (assuming they make the final roster. As I look through the teams and the players, I expect most of them will) The situations the players are in will vary, however.
Jorge Campillo will probably make the Mexico team if he sticks with the team. However, as TC notes, it might be wise for Campillo to stay with the team in Spring Training, rather than play in the WBC. Right now Campillo is penciled in the 5th starter spot of the Braves roster. It's his to lose. If guys like Tommy Hanson, Jo Jo Reyes, Todd Redmond, or Charlie Morton have a great showing in the Grapefruit League while Campillo struggles in the WBC, we might have some drama. Of course, if Campillo dominates in the WBC then nothing happens and he is a hero. It's ultimately Campillo's decision, but either way he needs a strong showing. Would it be easier for him to keep is rotation spot by throwing against minor leaguers in the Grapefruit League or by throwing against a stacked Dominican team in the WBC? I know which one I'd do.
The reporters are very wishy-washy on if the Braves will (more importantly, SHOULD) sign Andruw Jones. I've read some articles that say the Braves are talking about it. And I've read some articles that say there is no interest. What are we to think? Who knows what will happen. Personally, I'm rolling my eyes if it is anything more than a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. The last thing we need is yet another bad outfielder we feel obligated to give at-bats to (I'm looking at YOU, Frenchy!)
Speaking of Frenchy, the reports are that he has been doing a lot of work this offseason. Where have I heard this before? Last offseason? The one before that? His season's are gradually getting worse...and I fear it is because pitchers are realizing his weaknesses more and more. Not just that he swings at everything including fastballs that are forehead high, but that he must decide quicker if he should swing or not.
I'm getting tired of hearing phrases like "The Natural" or "Face of the Franchise" or anything of the like. He wouldn't be starting in RF on any other team. My patience is wearing thin with Frenchy.
And in case you are wondering, no, my future Braves posts won't be this long.
A majority of the Braves sites the past month have been talking about John Smolts, the new pitchers, and/or Frank Wren's GM abilities.
But I think one of my favorite Braves links of the past several weeks is this.
I think I've made it known how feel about Terence Moore's work, but in case you missed it I'm not the biggest fan of his writing. Half of his articles feature "Cy Maddux, Cy Glavine, and Cy Smoltz" and is it really necessary to have a hyperlink everytime the word "Braves" appears? Those are just nit picky things...I could go all day on his often misled theories. Anyways, back to the article.
I'll be honest (and obvious). I miss Mazzone. McDowell has done an average job (not great, not horrible), but Mazzone is a mastermful pitching instructor. And I've always wondered deep inside if he regrets leaving the Atlanta organization.
Now we know the truth. Yes he does.
I won't repeat everything the article says, but in a nutshell Mazzone left stability and security for money and friendship.
He had a good thing going with the Braves. Mazzone's methods were often criticized but you can't argue with the results. He had pitchers throwing twice between starts, instead of usual one side session. Mazzone was also effective at keeping his pitchers healthy. He encouraged them not to throw hard during those side sessions, but to work on breaking and offspeed stuff. When his pitchers were in a jam, instead of telling his pitchers to "put a little more in this one" Mazzone would tell them to take some off. Throwing too hard too often is what tears tendons, rotator cuffs, and whatever else is inside those multi-million dollar arms.
Mazzone had a legacy. And he left it all for an opportunity to coach with his best friend, and oh yeah, a lot of zeros.
In a sport with teams that go through managers and coaches like McDonald's goes through hot cakes, why risk job security?
I realize I'm many years late by blogging about Mazzone leaving. I suppose it's just hard to know exactly how to feel about Moore's column. Am I to be happy that Mazzone regrets leaving the Braves? The Atlanta Braves shirt I'm wearing wants to say "yes." My heart wants to say "no".
Other News and Notes:
Many World Baseball Classic teams will feature Braves players (assuming they make the final roster. As I look through the teams and the players, I expect most of them will) The situations the players are in will vary, however.
Jorge Campillo will probably make the Mexico team if he sticks with the team. However, as TC notes, it might be wise for Campillo to stay with the team in Spring Training, rather than play in the WBC. Right now Campillo is penciled in the 5th starter spot of the Braves roster. It's his to lose. If guys like Tommy Hanson, Jo Jo Reyes, Todd Redmond, or Charlie Morton have a great showing in the Grapefruit League while Campillo struggles in the WBC, we might have some drama. Of course, if Campillo dominates in the WBC then nothing happens and he is a hero. It's ultimately Campillo's decision, but either way he needs a strong showing. Would it be easier for him to keep is rotation spot by throwing against minor leaguers in the Grapefruit League or by throwing against a stacked Dominican team in the WBC? I know which one I'd do.
The reporters are very wishy-washy on if the Braves will (more importantly, SHOULD) sign Andruw Jones. I've read some articles that say the Braves are talking about it. And I've read some articles that say there is no interest. What are we to think? Who knows what will happen. Personally, I'm rolling my eyes if it is anything more than a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. The last thing we need is yet another bad outfielder we feel obligated to give at-bats to (I'm looking at YOU, Frenchy!)
Speaking of Frenchy, the reports are that he has been doing a lot of work this offseason. Where have I heard this before? Last offseason? The one before that? His season's are gradually getting worse...and I fear it is because pitchers are realizing his weaknesses more and more. Not just that he swings at everything including fastballs that are forehead high, but that he must decide quicker if he should swing or not.
I'm getting tired of hearing phrases like "The Natural" or "Face of the Franchise" or anything of the like. He wouldn't be starting in RF on any other team. My patience is wearing thin with Frenchy.
And in case you are wondering, no, my future Braves posts won't be this long.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Highlighter [Genesis 37-Exodus 20]
Since you last heard from me I have read Genesis 37 through Exodus 20. Here's what stuck out to me:
Genesis 39:21 - But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
Throughout the last 15 or so chapters in Genesis, you see the phrase "The Lord was with him [or her]" quite frequently. That especially stuck out to me in the life of Joseph. Here, God is particularly protecting Joseph for doing the right thing. I think this is a fantastic lesson for all of us. Doing the right thing doesn't mean we will never have anything bad happen to us. However, God will watch over us when we do the right thing.
Genesis 46:3-4 - "I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes."
God is speaking this to Israel [Jacob] in a vision. I mentioned last week that God's promises are particularly sticking out to me this time through. I can't really say why, but I'm sure the Holy Spirit has something to do with it.
Genesis 50:20 - You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Exodus 4: 24 - At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him.
When I hear the story of Moses talked about or preached about, this is often left out. You are reading that correctly, God was about to kill Moses. This verse shows how important circumcision was (context tells us the reason God was about to kill Moses was because his son had not been circumcised). Before Moses could go any further in his mission to free God's people, he had to fulfill the conditions of God's covenant.
Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
I preached on this verse last year, it was one of my favorite sermons that I've done thus far. Even having already preached on it though, it still sticks out to me. The LORD fights for us, we just need to be still! Being still is one of those "easier said than done" tasks in a world of constant movement. But how comforting it is to know that God will fight for us. That phrase is full of hope.
God bless!
Genesis 39:21 - But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
Throughout the last 15 or so chapters in Genesis, you see the phrase "The Lord was with him [or her]" quite frequently. That especially stuck out to me in the life of Joseph. Here, God is particularly protecting Joseph for doing the right thing. I think this is a fantastic lesson for all of us. Doing the right thing doesn't mean we will never have anything bad happen to us. However, God will watch over us when we do the right thing.
Genesis 46:3-4 - "I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes."
God is speaking this to Israel [Jacob] in a vision. I mentioned last week that God's promises are particularly sticking out to me this time through. I can't really say why, but I'm sure the Holy Spirit has something to do with it.
Genesis 50:20 - You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Exodus 4: 24 - At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him.
When I hear the story of Moses talked about or preached about, this is often left out. You are reading that correctly, God was about to kill Moses. This verse shows how important circumcision was (context tells us the reason God was about to kill Moses was because his son had not been circumcised). Before Moses could go any further in his mission to free God's people, he had to fulfill the conditions of God's covenant.
Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
I preached on this verse last year, it was one of my favorite sermons that I've done thus far. Even having already preached on it though, it still sticks out to me. The LORD fights for us, we just need to be still! Being still is one of those "easier said than done" tasks in a world of constant movement. But how comforting it is to know that God will fight for us. That phrase is full of hope.
God bless!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Freedom Writers
The Last netflix movie I watched, Freedom Writers, was one of the best movies I've seen in quite awhile. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it.
I won't ruin the movie if you haven't seen it. But I thought I might at least explain why I like it. You're not going to see the best acting you've ever seen, and it also took awhile to set this story up...but it was that story that has attracted me to this movie.
As a teacher, my wife liked it also. It's a movie that gets to the core of teaching - teaching is about the kids. These kids were integrated into one school and gang violence was not a stranger to any of these kids. Learning to diagram sentences seemed meaningless to kids that left school dodging bullets.
While I don't support everything the movie teaches (mainly...they portray Erin Gruwell as if she did the right thing by spending hardly anytime with her husband to pursue her career) the movie is overall very solid and thought provoking. This is a good movie if you like dramas about integration and status quo flaws (Glory Road, Coach Carter, Take the Lead).
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I'm not good at this...[The Highlighter Intro]
The title of this post is an understatement. I could have told you that without even looking to see that my last post was in early November.
So Happy Thanksgiving to you, Merry Christmas to you, Happy New year to you, and any other major events I might have missed.
When things get busy for me, this blog is usually one of, if not, THE first thing I cut out. It's not that I don't like to write...rather...it's probably that I spend so much of my time writing (bulletin articles, lessons, sermons, announcements) that coming over here and doing it gets a little tedious sometimes.
That probably also explains why most of the writing you see here is sports writing, which is not the way I originally planned this to be.
But here's the way I see it...I either want to do this well, or not do it at all. I'm going to try to attempt to revitalize my blogging a bit. I've got a couple of ideas stirring in my head about things to write about but the one I'm most excited about is this:
In the year 2009, I plan to read the Bible all the way through, like I did the previous 2 years (I'm not counting the times I read through the Bible in college, as that was "mandatory"). I don't tell you this because I think I'm better than others, I don't believe that's true. In fact that is very far from the truth.
Rather...I've come to realize how much of a blessing it is to spend time in God's word everyday. I've grown so much the past few years and I know that spending time in his word will help me grow towards him.
So why am I telling you this? Well, what I want to do is, probably on a weekly basis, log some of my thoughts on this blog as I read through the Bible. It might share a few passages or verses that stuck out with me...I might type out an entire sermon that came to me while reading. Some posts might be 3 verses and thats it...other posts might have one verse with 3 paragraphs of thoughts behind it. I'm just gonna do whatever the spirit leads me.
Below will be my first entry of the year doing this:
So far this year I've read Genesis 1-36. Here's what stuck out to me:
Genesis 1:2b and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Gen 12:2 I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
I don't really know why...but for some reason the spirit has led me to really focus on the promises that God has made thus far in the Bible story. So I highlighted the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob specifically, although it's more of a reaffirmation of the same promise.
Genesis 13:18, 18:1, 23:17 The great trees of Mamre
This I've noticed for the first time...and I feel kind of ashamed of that. This would make a great sermon sometime...the Trees of Mamre.
The great trees in Mamre refers to a location that featured a number of significant events in the life of Abraham. It was at this location where:
Abraham built an altar after he parted ways with Lot. The Lord promised him this land. (13:18)
Abraham bargained with the Lord for Sodom and Gomorrah (18:1)
Abraham and his wife were told they would have a son (18:9-10)
Sarah (and eventually Abraham) were buried here (23:17)
Also - I highlighted this verse: Genesis 29:20b - but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her
That's what stuck out to me thus far in my reading. I look forward to sharing my findings with you.
So Happy Thanksgiving to you, Merry Christmas to you, Happy New year to you, and any other major events I might have missed.
When things get busy for me, this blog is usually one of, if not, THE first thing I cut out. It's not that I don't like to write...rather...it's probably that I spend so much of my time writing (bulletin articles, lessons, sermons, announcements) that coming over here and doing it gets a little tedious sometimes.
That probably also explains why most of the writing you see here is sports writing, which is not the way I originally planned this to be.
But here's the way I see it...I either want to do this well, or not do it at all. I'm going to try to attempt to revitalize my blogging a bit. I've got a couple of ideas stirring in my head about things to write about but the one I'm most excited about is this:
In the year 2009, I plan to read the Bible all the way through, like I did the previous 2 years (I'm not counting the times I read through the Bible in college, as that was "mandatory"). I don't tell you this because I think I'm better than others, I don't believe that's true. In fact that is very far from the truth.
Rather...I've come to realize how much of a blessing it is to spend time in God's word everyday. I've grown so much the past few years and I know that spending time in his word will help me grow towards him.
So why am I telling you this? Well, what I want to do is, probably on a weekly basis, log some of my thoughts on this blog as I read through the Bible. It might share a few passages or verses that stuck out with me...I might type out an entire sermon that came to me while reading. Some posts might be 3 verses and thats it...other posts might have one verse with 3 paragraphs of thoughts behind it. I'm just gonna do whatever the spirit leads me.
Below will be my first entry of the year doing this:
So far this year I've read Genesis 1-36. Here's what stuck out to me:
Genesis 1:2b and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Gen 12:2 I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
I don't really know why...but for some reason the spirit has led me to really focus on the promises that God has made thus far in the Bible story. So I highlighted the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob specifically, although it's more of a reaffirmation of the same promise.
Genesis 13:18, 18:1, 23:17 The great trees of Mamre
This I've noticed for the first time...and I feel kind of ashamed of that. This would make a great sermon sometime...the Trees of Mamre.
The great trees in Mamre refers to a location that featured a number of significant events in the life of Abraham. It was at this location where:
Abraham built an altar after he parted ways with Lot. The Lord promised him this land. (13:18)
Abraham bargained with the Lord for Sodom and Gomorrah (18:1)
Abraham and his wife were told they would have a son (18:9-10)
Sarah (and eventually Abraham) were buried here (23:17)
Also - I highlighted this verse: Genesis 29:20b - but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her
That's what stuck out to me thus far in my reading. I look forward to sharing my findings with you.
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