Romans 11-12

• God chose by grace in the past (11:4), now he still chooses by grace (v5).

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

-- Romans 11:6

• If grace flows to God's non-chosen people, how much greater would it be for his chosen. (v12)
• Used grafting to describe the relationship of Gentiles and Jews. God being the root. If If decides to nourish both, it is a matter for him to decide. Remember He loves and provides, he is the source (v17-24)

• We as living sacrifice (12:1)
• Put down earthly desires and be transformed to what is good and acceptable and perfect in God's eyes (v2)
• Limbs of the one body (v4-5)

Characteristics of a True Christian:

• Genuine love (v9)
• Honour (and respect) (v10)
• Not slothful but serves the Lord (v11)
• Rejoice in hope (v12)
• Helping fellow brothers and sisters (v13)
• Blessing enemies (v14)
• Care (v15)
• Live in harmony (v16)
• Do not avenge (v19)
• Overcome evil with good (v20)

Matthew 14-16

• Death of John the Baptist (14:1-11)
• It all arose from revenge for John not agreeing Herrod with wife, hence wife asked the daughter to behead him. (v8,11)
• Did Jesus want some time out? (v13)
• He had compassion on them though. (v14) Putting others' need first.
• Five loaves two fish became twelve basket-full always is facinating if you think closely. (v16-21) 5000 men excluding women and children
• Only now did he get some time to himself (v23)
• Jesus walks on water (v24-32): Often we are like Peter when we are walking our Christian life. We ask for Jesus' approval (v28), he grants (v29), we step forward to do it but often get clouded by the worries (winds) around us (v30) and we lose confidence. Jesus assures that he is there to reach us if anything happens (v31)

it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.

-- Matthew 15:11

• Jesus explains: But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (v18-19)
• Why did Jesus reject the Canaanite woman? She acknowledged him as Lord and son of David. Why was Jesus so exclusive here? (v22-24) Was he just making it clear that he is the Savior promised for Israel, hence he said this?
• Israel = children; Gentiles=dog? (v26)
• Her faith was tested. (v28)
• Performs miracle again (v31-39)

• No sign is to be given except of Jonah (16:4)
• Is he indicating the parallel of his resurrection?
• Many people get asked the question of who Jesus is. (v13) Peter gives a general answer (v14) but Jesus is concerned about what his personal response is (v15). That goes with us too.
• The most debated verse between Catholics and Christians (16:18) - The focus is on Jesus with the "I" and "my", not Peter. (Ephesians 2:20)

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

-- Matthew 16:24-26

Isaiah 29-33

• Fall of Jerusalem into the hands of enemies (29:1-8)
• God closes Jerusalem's eyes (v9-10)
• Appears that even when Isaiah prophesies, no one will understand (v11-12) [certainly what I am thinking right now! :P]

And the Lord said: Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, 14 therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.

-- Isaiah 29:13-14

"You turn things upside down!
Shall the potter be regarded as the clay,
that the thing made should say of its maker,
He did not make me;
or the thing formed say of him who formed it,
He has no understanding?

-- Isaiah 29:16

• God speaks to those who do not follow God's plan (30:1), and those who do not consult him for directions (v2), and warns them of the consequences of going down the wrong path (v3-7)

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

-- Isaiah 30:18

• Consequences of those who do not rely on God but go for Egypt (Chapter 31)

• Is Isaiah prophesising Jesus? (32:1-4)
  

Job 11-12

• Job's friend assumes that it is just for God to punish Job (11:1-6), in fact God is punishing him less than what he deserves. Tells Job to stop complaining. Complaining won't change anything.
• His friend still thinks he is not right with God, that is why he is facing all these punishments (v13)
• Tells Job to repent (v14)
• Then, you will be made good and you can face God (v15)
• Shows Job that life will be much better if he repented (v17-20).

Psalms 15-17

Psalms 15

Qualities that we should aim for:

• Blameless;
• Right;
• Speaks the truth;
• Does not slander with tongue;
• Does no evil to neighbour;
• No reproach;
• Honours and fears the LORD;
• Does not burden by charging interest; and
  
• No bribes.

So much qualities, only the Holy Spirit may help us achieve.

Psalms 16

• Comes to God for refuge.(16:1)
• Acknowledges he is not whole. (v2)
• God protects (v5)
• God guides (v7)
• God is of utmost priority (v8)
• All these brings assurance which in turns bring joy (v9)

Psalms 17

• David appears to be very confident that he is whole-heartedly with God. His prayer is from tongue free from deceit (v1). He claims that he has been tested by God but has passed and his mouth will not transgress (v3)
• Throughout, David has been able to distant himself away from the violence (v4) and keep to the paths of God (v5)
• He know God will answer (v6-7)
• What is "the apple of your eye"? (v8) Is it supposed to be good? Why are apples good?

----
edited: (thanks to Sharon)
according to Wikipedia, the phrase "apple of my eye" is:

The saying originally meant the central aperture of the eye, presumably because apples were the most common sphere-shaped object around. The apple and apple tree were also a sacred symbols for the early British peoples. This is reflected in such stories as the Island of Avalon (which literally means Apple Island). Now, this phrase is usually figurative meaning something, or more usually someone, cherished above others.

----

• I wonder under what situation he wrote this psalm? He seems to be attacked around (v9-13)
• God delivers (v14-15)
  

Judges 1-6

• Were they supposed to drive the Canaanites out completely? (1:27-34) Was there a direction from God to drive them out completely and it did not happen?
  

• It is revealed in 2:2 that Israel has disobeyed God's command. Israel has chosen not to follow God, and hence God departs from them in v3.
• Often, we only do so much when it comes to following God. We often sit back and relax when we feel we have done enough. We never thought of thinking whether God thinks that is enough done from us. Israel would have thought we now have control over the land, who cares if the Canaanites are slaves or whether they get driven out. They never thought back to see whether that is what God intended.
  
• Israel served Baals (?) (v11) and abandoned the LORD (v12). They have chosen to serve gods and abandon the LORD God. Reminds me of Romans 1:21-23
  
• One god (Baals) was not enough, they had to bring on Ashtaroth! (v13)
• The Almighty God just gave them over to plunderers. It is not because he was not capable of protecting Israel, he had the capability but just handed them over. (v14)
• God gives them a chance by raising up judges (v16), but they do not repent (v17) and still continue to sin.
• God loves for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them (v18b)

• Asheroth vs Ashtaroth (2:13 vs 3:7 - typo or two separate Gods)
• God was loving (v9, and v15, 4:3, 6:7-10), whenever they came back to Him, He would save.
  
• Gideon sees angel of God, thought he was going to die (6:22, Exodus 33:20), but God decides that he lives on.
  

Genesis 20-23

• Why does Abraham love to declare Sarah as his sister? (20:2)
• God intervenes (v3)
• Abimelech acknowledges God by calling him Lord. (v4) He pleads for being innocent from the heart (v5)
• God knows and explained that is why He has intercepted. (v6) Why does people assume when God shows up, He is to bring punishment? Or is that the characteristic of being God fearing?
• Is he not trusting God again? Does not apologise but seeks to find excuses to cover up. So much for the father of faith (v11-13)
• And he still gets blessed with land being given to him. (v14-15)
• All God said to Abimelech was that he was a dead man, when did He curse the women in not being able to bear children? (v17-18)

• God delivers His promises (21:1-2)
• Sarah wants to get rid of Hagar and Ishmael. (v10)
• God sees Abraham displeased but promises God that they will be protected (v11-14)
• When they felt left alone and not wanted, God brings assurance and peace (v15-21). God is with you and provides your needs (v19)

• Abraham teaches his son well. Being young, he already knew to sacrifice a lamb as burnt offering (v7b).
• v12 - the ideal role-model characteristics for a follower of God: (1) Fear God; and (2) nothing between God and yourself (eg family members and other earthly attachments).
• God delivers a ram (v13) is answer so that Abraham may fulfill what he has promised his son saying that God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering in v8.
• This is a sign where Abraham has matured into a God-fearing person. He understood that God was the one who gave him Isaac at such an old age, but yet only gave his only son as a sacrifice back to the Lord without reservation. God blesses (v17-18)

• Sarah lived 127 years: wasn't there a cap of 120 years? (23:1, cf Gen 6:3)
• What was the whole thing about burying Sarah? (rest of Chp 23)
  

Genesis 12 and 20

12:14-20

Egypt - Sarai was taken to Pharaoh - Pharaoh gave Abram many things - God sent diseases to Egyptians - Pharaoh sent Sarai back and asked Abram to go away

14When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. 16And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

17But the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18So Pharaoh called Abram and said, "What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her, and go." 20And Pharaoh gave men orders concerning him, and they sent him away with his wife and all that he had.

20:2-18

Gerar - Abimelech took Sarah - God warned Abimelech - Abimelech returned Sarai to Abram - Abimelech gave Abraham many things - Abraham prayed to God and Abimelech and his family - Abraham stayed

2And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, "She is my sister." And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, "Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife." 4Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, "Lord, will you kill an innocent people? 5Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'He is my brother.' In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this." 6Then God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. 7Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours."

8So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid. 9Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done." 10And Abimelech said to Abraham, "What did you see, that you did this thing?" 11Abraham said, "I did it because I thought, There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. 12Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. 13And when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, 'This is the kindness you must do me: at every place to which we come, say of me, He is my brother.'"

14Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him. 15And Abimelech said, "Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you." 16To Sarah he said, "Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated." 17Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. 18For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Is there anything significant about the two situations?

Week 6

Mon 02 Jun 2008	Genesis 20-23
Tue 03 Jun 2008	Judges 1-6
Wed 04 Jun 2008	Psalms 15-17
Thu 05 Jun 2008	Job 11-12
Fri 06 Jun 2008	Isaiah 29-33
Sat 07 Jun 2008	Matthew 14-16
Sun 08 Jun 2008	Romans 11-12

Week 5 Summary

Praise the Lord we have been blessed to follow our commitments in reading the bible for a little over one month now! May the Lord continue to guide each and every one of us to continue our journey in reading God's word in the remaining of our 365 days!

Jot has embarked on his Europe holiday trip yesterday at around noon with Chun, Lisa, and Wei (is there more?) We shall continue to remember them in our prayers so they may have safety, guidance, and health throughout the entire trip. Also to keep in prayer that Jot may continue to read his bible readings every day so he does not have any "reading-debts" to pay off when he returns?

Speaking of "reading-debts", work has been very busy lately. Studying for the exams which is just round the corner has made this commitment more the challenging. This would also apply to Sharon as well. Hope the Lord will provide us guidance in utilising our times wisely. Do you think I can go on "credit" just for the next few weeks?

Very tempting.

馬太福音 11

8-9
你們出去到底是要看甚麼？要看穿細軟衣服的人麼？那穿細軟衣服的人是在王宮裡。
你們出去究竟是為甚麼？是要看先知麼？我告訴你們，是的，他比先知大多了。

It used to be very meaningful to me. and it still is...

28-30
凡勞苦擔重擔的人可以到我這裡來，我就使你們得安息。
我心裡柔和謙卑，你們當負我的軛，學我的樣式；這樣，你們心裡就必得享安息。
因為我的軛是容易的，我的擔子是輕省的。

Romans 9-10

• Paul says do not take it for granted by through being a descendant that you are God's chosen, for 'not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel (v6).
  
• Paul clarifies that it is not anyone born after Abraham are chosen, but those through Isaac are chosen (v7, cf Gen 21:12). The emphasis is still God's plan, the focus is not on some person's descendants.
  
• Again, Abraham or Isaac did not "earn" their way to be chosen by God through their works. They were called upon by God (v11).
  
• It is not our will, but God's will (v16).
• God's the creator, are we to question what the creator has made, as creation? Compares ourselves as the 'moulded' with God as the 'moulder', or God as 'potter' and we as 'clay'. The relationship does not render us a chance to be eligible to question (v19-21)
• Paul addresses the question where if the Gentiles who has not been chasing for a righteous life attain righteousness by faith, how would it be fair for Israel not to be able to gain righteousness when they have practiced all the laws to gain this righteousness? (v30-31)
• Paul answers the above by saying Israel missed it by not doing what God has told them to do by faith, but thought doing it will earn it by salvation (v32).

• Paul said that Israel missed it by thinking if they practiced good enough, they establish their own righteousness, not the righteousness that comes from God (10:2-3). They did not follow what God intended them to do.
  
• Christ ended that confusion with the law (v4).
• The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (v8) - You declare it and you acknowledge it and accept it in your heart
  
• you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (v9) - God's assurance of salvation if that is what you have declared and believe.
  
• Mouth confession - Salvation; Heart believes - Justified. (v10)
• For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him (v12-13)
• Unbelievers don't just call on someone whom they not yet know! Paul challenges us to go out and spread the gospel (v14-15, cf Isaiah 52:7)

Matthew 11-13

• Jesus looked after the apostles as well as reaching out to those who have not heard the gospel (11:1). Likewise, we should also make sure we look after our fellow brothers and sisters as well as spreading the gospel.
• John the Baptist hears of Jesus (v2), and Jesus answers by fulfilling the prophecies (v4-5)
• Jesus puts John in perspective: John the Baptist may seem to be a righteous one, more righteous than all (v11a), but he is still not the solution for heaven as the "least in heaven" is greater than he (v11b).
• Confirms Jesus is Elijah by saying all prophets including John has prophesised the coming of Elijah, v4-5 confirms that (v13-14)
• He pleads that those who has ears listen (v15), but says the generation he is in is not responsive to this fulfillment of the prophecy (v16-17). In return, they do not acknowledge his real identity, but call him a glutton and drunkard (v19)
  
• The Judgment of Tyre and Sidon would have been bad (unfortunately I didn't understand much of it in Isaiah 23:1-18), but the Judgment to come on us if we do not repent would be worse! (v22)
• The message can only be understood not by wisdom and understanding (knowledge) (v25), but by revealing the message to those chosen by the Son (v27)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

-- Matthew 11:28-30

• Pharisees tries to find fault with Jesus eating on Sabbath. Jesus says if they know who they are talking to, that is, to someone who is so great (v6), they would not have questioned his authority. Is v8 suggesting lord of Sabbath as the one who created Sabbath? If so, how can the one who created the rules be bound by the rules?
  
• Is rules more important to abide and not do anything? (v9-14)
• There were many who already was thinking whether this is the Saviour they have been expecting by asking whether he is Son of David (v23), but Pharisees lead them astray (v24), but Jesus saves (v25-29)

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

--Matthew 12:30

• Reminder that Jesus looks into the heart. You may not speak good if your heart is bad, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (v34b)
• Often people ask for signs, but Jesus said there will be no signs, and refers them to a parallel case of Jonah (v39), and warns people to repent or face Judgment (v40-42)
• Is it a warning for us to constantly equip ourselves to prevent ourselves from doing things that are worse? (v43-45)
• v50 - whoever does the will of the Father (God) is part of family.

• Parable of the Sower: 4 seeds:
  
1. Seeds that fell on the path (13:4), and devoured by the birds;
2. Seeds fell on rocky ground, sun scorched it (v5);
3. Seeds on soil but amongst thorns which choked (v7);
   
4. Seeds on good soil (v8)

• Explanation (v18-23)
• Parable of the Weeds (v24-30) explains why there are good and evil living on earth. At the time of harvest (i.e. Judgment), that is when the reaper (Jesus) picks out the good from the bad, and the bad will be burnt. Explained in v36-43.
  
• Kingdom of Heaven is worth selling everything you got to possess it. Describe through 2 parables (v44-45).
• Parable of the Nets - like the Weeds parable (v47-50)
• People close to you are always the hardest to work on to bring them the message of salvation (v57-58). That does not mean there is nothing to be done. Jesus did not do many mighty works, not NO works!
  

Week 5

Joshua 21-24:

A good reminder to obey our Lord our God:"Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now. "

Psalm 12:14:

When we are in hardship, the bible reminds us that God is a faithful God with unfailing love for us. We must look upon Him with a joyful heart for we know everything works well for His purpose.

Matthew 11:13

Praise to our God, how merciful is He to sent Jesus to tell us that many parables.
Where have we planted our seeds? Have we planted it in good soil so that when that day comes we may receive the crown from God?
Are we the wheat or the weed? Be mindful not to let the weed choke the wheat!

In Matthew, it also tells us to be mindful of what we speak, for anyone who spoke careless words must be account for and judged on the day Jesus returns!

Isaiah 23-28

• Empty the earth (24:1) - is this a term to break up Israel ("he will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants"), or Judgment day as we know it? If it is the latter, inhabitants would not scatter, but perish?
  
• There are no exception (v2) - all will be part of the Judgment
• The reason for Judgment: "The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant." (v5)
• The severity of the punishments (v7-9)

• Glorifies and praises God (25:1)
• God is almighty (v2)
• People should submit to him because we are powerless compared to God (v3-5)
• God loves and brings salvation (v8-9)

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

-- Isaiah 26:4

• For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city (v5) - Reminds me where Jesus has said: those who are humble will be exalted, those who exalt themselves will be humbled.
  
• Patiently wait (v8)
• God will justly punish (v10)
• Other gods compared to you is not a living god like our God (v13-14)
• Telling the message of repentance (v20-21)

• Leviathan (?) (27:1)
• Israel will be return and bear fruit to the whole world (v6) - refers to Israel as God's people(?)

• What is "LORD of hosts"? (28:5)
  

Job 9-10

• Job remembers and still acknowledges that God is more superior and almighty over man (9:1-10)
• Job knows God is in control (v12)
• But he is of the view that he is right (v15)
• Does not understand why God will inflict pain on him (v17)
• Knows he is not good enough to front God even if he is righteous (v20)
• Reaffirms he is righteous (v21)
• Is it righteous for Job to say that God mocks at the calamity of the innocent? (v23)
• Is it righteous to ask has God delivered us to the evil? (v24)

• Job hates his life and does not know why God has condemned him (10:1-2)
• Has God become evil like the wicked? (v3)
• Although he is righteous against God, but he still cannot escape the punishment from God. (v7)
• He says God is in full control and says he is the creator (v8-9)
• Still acknowledges God is the creator (v10-13)
• Is life supposed to be like this? If it were to suffer like this, why was Job created, he asked. (v14-19)
• Life is short anyway, Job wants God to leave him alone (v20)

Psalms 12-14

• There is a contrast between those not with God being wicked (12:1-4), with God's perfectness and protection (v5-8) for those who are in need (spiritually)

• Sometimes God seems very distant and not with you. Things don't seen right. (13:1-4) But David's trust has been steadfast (v5-6)

• Refers to those who deny God's existence as fools. (14:1)
• God tried to look for the righteous. He was not on the back seat not doing anything (v2)
• The famous Romans 3 verse quotes from here
• They may seem to be in control and cause grief, but God provides refuge (v6)
• Zion? (v7)

Joshua 21-24

• I thought the Levites did not get to own land. Why did they want a share? (21:2-3)
• Land allocation in v4-40.
• The Levites scattered over 48 cities. (v41)
• God's promise fulfilled (v45)

• Obeyed God's commandments (22:2-3)
• God delivers (v4) and reminds the most important commandment about loving the Lord your God ... (v5)
• Was the altar not to worship God? (v10)
• Reminds the dire consequences for sinning (v17)
• Reubenites explains themselves (v22-28)

• Joshua honours God (23:3)
• Don't yoke with non-believers (v7)

Week 4

Job 7-8

Job continue to experience physical pain in his body and start to grumble to God:
"If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why have you made me your target?Have I become a burden to you? "

But the angel said to him,
"But if you will look to God and plead with the Almighty, Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be."

Are we all easy to lose faith when God is testing us?
God understand that our soul is willing but our body is always weak.

Psalm 9-11

God is a righteous God, He is almighty and is powerful.
He sat on His throne and “judging righteously”.
He “rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked”.
He will even wipe out those names “for ever and ever”.

We know that God is sitting “on his heavenly throne”
And watch our every acts – “He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them”.

Let us learn to be righteous, so when that day comes we “will see his face”.

Matthew 8-10

After reading Matthew, its encouraging to see the many miracles that Jesus performed while he was on earth. After each episode, the news will be spread across the nation. I wonder when this has stopped spreading!!

In Matthew, Jesus tells us if someone were to prosecute you because of the gospel, the one who stand firm to the end will be saved. He will be the man whom God will be given the crown to.

It was Jesus’ command for us to carry our cross to follow him, to love him more than we love our friends and family even to our own life. That we must live to testify about Jesus in front of others, so that we might be acknowledge before our father in heaven!

Genesis 16-19

• Sarai did not trust the Lord of what he promised (16:2) Was it lawful for Abram to be with the Egyptian slave?
• Harsh treatment by slave to Sarai. How should the Lord judge for Sarai not rtusting His word? (v5)
• Sarai asks that God judges but what does Abram do? He goes and let Sarai do whatever she likes to Hagar (v6)
• But the Lord intervenes and gives Hagar a chance for repentance (v8-9)
• God promises (v10)
• Abram and Hagar's son, Ishmael (v15)
  

• Is Abram "blameless"? (17:1) - Not trusting God will deliver and choose to bear child with Hagar, lying to Egyptian king ...
  
• Name change from Abram to Abraham (v5)
• Again, promises a fruitful nation (v6) - is this a reminder? We constantly need to remind ourselves what God has prepared or promised us.
• God's covenant with Abraham (v7-10)
• Circumcision is just to remember God's promise/covenant with Abraham (how the process is to be done - v12-14)
• Name change from Sarai to Sarah (v15)
• Abraham laughs and asks how could someone be born to a man 100 years old? Is he doubting God's ability? (v17) Is it Ishmael? (v18)
  
• Affirms it is Sarah who is going to give birth (v19)

• Who are these three men? (18:1-9)
• Sarah has stopped having her periods and how possibly can the Lord say that they will have a son? (v10-11)
• Further doubts (v12)
• Lord questions why is she asking these questions (v13), is she doubting God's capabilities (v14)
• Sarah - lied about not laughing (v15)
  
• Abraham intercedes for Sodom - Abraham is trying hard to spare Sodom by saying surely there will be someone righteous in the city. God is telling him there isn't (v23-32)
• Did Abraham just get the point God is getting at that there is no righteous in Sodom, or He is just going ahead regardless because He knows He is just in doing this. (v33)

• Lot faithfully serves the angels (19:1-3)
• Men of Sodom wanted to "know" the angels (v5) (know = have sex)
• Wicked act (v7)
• Offered two virgin daughters to them (v8), but they chose the angels instead (v9)
• Lot spared in God's wrath (v12-15)
• Told them not to look back (v17)
• Lot could not trust he could flee because he doubts his own personal ability (v19)
• Angels allow Lot to flee to nearby town Zoar (v22)
• God destroys (v24)
• Lot's wife breaks commandment in v19 and turns into a pillar of salt! (v26)
• Selfish thoughts make the daughters perform disgusting acts (v31-32)
• Elder: Moabites (v37)
• Younger: Ammonites (v38)

馬太福音10

"我來並不是叫地上太平，乃是叫地上動刀兵。"

What do you read in that statement?

"人的仇敵就是自己家裡的人。"

Surely, we are not to make enemies within our own families!

I can understand how families will split because of Christ. But family is family whether they believe or not. So what do you do?

Jesus makes the statement that parents will be agains children.

I'm not sure what to make of it. but one thing is for sure. Christ is above family.
"愛父母過於愛我的，不配作我的門徒；愛兒女過於愛我的，不配作我的門徒"

When Jesus calls, he's duty is above duty to your parents. he says let the dead bury the dead.

The Law however puts Parents at about the top of the list. but always under God.

Week 5

Mon 26 May 2008	Genesis 16-19
Tue 27 May 2008	Joshua 21-24
Wed 28 May 2008	Psalms 12-14
Thu 29 May 2008	Job 9-10
Fri 30 May 2008	Isaiah 23-28
Sat 31 May 2008	Matthew 11-13
Sun 01 Jun 2008	Romans 9-10

Week 4

It's been nearly a month since we've started the "God's word in 365 days" plan! I'd like to thank my fellow co-bloggers in updating the blog regularly. And a special thank to Ivan's active contributions in blogging :) and thanks the Lord for leading me and giving me wisdom in trying to understand the Bible and in time management.

This week, the most difficult parts are still in Joshua, Job and Isaiah, in terms of historical background and the meaning of the passages. In this NT era, what's the point of knowing how people receive their inheritance? What should we focus on when reading Joshua 16 - 20? With Isaiah, I'm totally lost...

To me, Matthew 8-9 tells me different 'levels' of faith.
The ability of JC to heal those people and the willingness of JC to help them do not depend on how much faith they have

8:2 And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean."

8But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 10When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith."

26And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.


9:2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."

28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."

There are people who have stronger faith (the leper, the centurion, the paralytic, and the blind men) and weaker faith (the disciples). What difference does it make to have the different level of faith?
It is also quite surprising to see the people who have little faith are the disciples, who stay with Jesus day and night. However, the people who have strong faith are the people with illness, whose loved ones are dead or sick. It reminds me with the passage from Roman 5:3 from last week

we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope

I've read 10:34-39 many times, but still find it very challenging

34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

It is so great that, however, we read Roman 7 - 8 the next day

8:31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written,

"For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 7-8

• We have died to the old way of living (ie live in accordance to the Law to show our hearts towards God) by Christ Jesus (7:4)
• (v5-6(?))
• We cannot say the Law is the source of sin, it is what reveals sin. (v7)
• "Apart from the law, sin lies dead" (v8b) - suggest that if we lacked the indicator of what is sin, we would not know what is separating ourselves in our relationship with God. (see v13)
  
• The Law is holy (v12) as it tells us what will separate us from God.
• Sin explained (v15-20) - when you do something when you know it is not good to do it. In v14, Paul says that the Law is spiritual and we are only flesh. Does that suggest we appreciate we are sinning (doing wrong) when it does not match the God's standard (ie Law)?
  
• Sinful nature (v21) - We know what is right, but our sinful nature sways us away from right. We know what is right (v22), but we constantly fight against temptation (v23). How can I resolve this? (v24)
• Jesus is the answer (v25).

• No more condemnation - assurance of salvation - also no helplessness (8:1)
• God has done the impossible through Jesus in our place. Although done perfectly, he took on the condemnation of sin for us (v3)
• All this was so that we could be righteous (v4), not by flesh (works?) but by Spirit (Jesus)
• Assurance of life/salvation if the Spirit of Christ is in you (v9-11)
• We no longer live in fear, but with the unification of God's Spirit with ours, we are the heirs of God (v12-17)
  

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

-- Romans 8:15-16

• We should not be bogged down with current sufferings because the glory in the future is great! (v18)
• Paul says we must hope with patience. We may not be able to see it now, but don't get impatient. If we seen it, then there is no need for hope (v24-25)
• We may be weak, and we may not know what to pray, but the Holy Spirit will guide us through according to the will of God (v26-28)

God's Love for us

• If God loves us so much in giving His son's life for us, how would he not be gracious to provide us all things (v31-32)
• Nothing can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (v35-39)
  

Matthew 8-10

• The faith that the leper had on Jesus: calls him Lord rather than Teacher (8:2) and truly says if he will
• V4 - is it because he is humble or he did not want to attract attention? If latter, wasn't he suppose to make these fulfilment obvious to everyone?
• Jesus goes to serve. He did not just sit there waiting for people to come to him to be saved. (v7)
• Centurion humbles himself (v8)
• Centurion acknowledges the authority Jesus has (v9-10)
• Fulfilment of prophecy (v16-17)
• Another issue on faith. Jesus had no doubts but the apostles didn't trust Jesus (v24-26)
• Even demons acknowledge the authority of Jesus over them (v29)

• Jesus shows his ability to forgive sins and explains if he can do the harder, why can't he heal someone? (9:2-6)
• Jesus came to help the needy not righteousness (v10-13)
• Is Jesus saying we can't selectively patch ourselves with bits and pieces of new things (ie our new life with God) we either are completely new or old. (v 16-17)
• Believes and says Yes Lord (v28)

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

-- Matthew 9:37-38

• It is not our work that is done, but God's work through us (10:20)
• No carefree life. Followers of Christ will face persecution (v22)

Isaiah 18-22

• Who is the promised saviour and defender who will deliver the Egyptians? (19:20)
• Egypt and Assyria are both blessed in the midst of the earth (v21-24). Christians are persecuted in Egypt today. How is that blessed? (Another interesting link on Ancient Christian Churches)

Job 7-8

If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind? Why have you made me your mark? Why have I become a burden to you? 21Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I shall lie in the earth; you will seek me, but I shall not be.

-- Job 7:20-21

Is there a struggle in Job's thinking? He seems to be aware that he is perfect with God by asking "If I sin ...", but then asks in v21, what was the transgression that could not be pardoned? How could there be transgression and perfectness? In Romans 3, weren't we told that no one was righteous except Jesus? Where does Job fit in?

Psalms 9-11

• Thanksgiving heart - wholeheartedly. Not forgetting all that God has done. (9:1-2)
• Reminds up that God is just and everlasting (v3-8)
• He provides when we have troubles (v9)
• Where our trust should be placed (v10)
• There are times that we are not happy, but we remember how gracious you are and you are the one that is above everything who may be afflicting pain to us (v13-20)

• God seems so far away when the wicked seem to be unjustly getting what they want. (10:1-2)
• Those who are Self-centred are the wicked ones (v3), or those who reject the existence of God (v4)
• The wicked things that they do (v5-11)
• David trusts that God hears and understands the hearts of those who consequently suffer. (v12-18)

• For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. (11:7)

Joshua 16-20

• There is a consistent theme where land promised to be alloted to the people but somehow could not drive out the Canaanites (16:10, 17:12-13)
• Are the people complaining God is not being just? (v14) people not content with what God has given.

• Levites inherit not land, but priesthood (18:7)

• Cities of refuge. (20:1-6) What is it for? To prevent endless revenge for a mere mistake that had a serious consequence. Rather judgment by aggrieved party through revenge, it is left for congregation (third party) to decide.

Genesis 12

Abram was afraid that the king in Egypt would kill him because his wife Sarai was beautiful (v11-12)
The king took Sarai as wife and terrible diseases was sent on the king and the people of his palace (v17)

Now.. it was Abram who lies, who uses his own way to protect himself, who sends his own wife to another man, and receives many gifts. Abram is the one who sin. Why the king got punished? He does not know Sarai is Abram's wife but thinks she is his sister.
I don't understand, didn't we just read yesterday, that sin is not counted where there is no law? (Romans 5:13)

Genesis 12-15

• God's call on Abram to depart and promise this will be the start of a great nation blessed by God. (12:1-3)
• Abram trusts and departs without question (v4-6)
• God provides land (v7)
• Abram loses faith and forget what God's promised in v3 and resorts to lying to save his own life (v12)
• God still protected (v17)

• God's abundance and first signs of a nation sprouting (13:7-9)
• God's promise to Abram in greater detail (v15-17)

• All these huge battles (14:1-11) and Lot was captured. With God's blessings, all Abram took were 318 men! (v14) Lot was saved plus all possessions recovered. (v16)
• Abram gives one tenth as offering (v20)

• Questions God about the future. He does not know how there will be successors apart from maybe the stewart of the house. (15:2)
• But God promises his heir is not through adoption and reassures that the generations following will be countless (v4-5) He believes (v6)
• What was the vision about (v12-17)

Week 4

Mon 19 May 2008	Genesis 12-15
Tue 20 May 2008	Joshua 16-20
Wed 21 May 2008	Psalms 9-11
Thu 22 May 2008	Job 7-8
Fri 23 May 2008	Isaiah 18-22
Sat 24 May 2008	Matthew 8-10
Sun 25 May 2008	Romans 7-8

Romans 5-6

• Peace with God is a fruit of our faith. It is our faith in Christ Jesus that God's wrath has been 'nullified' (5:1)
• What "character" is Paul referring to? (v4) Why does character lead to hope? Is it God's character (thinking back to Genesis - Man is created in God's image ... )
  
• We are referred to as weak (v6) - cannot do anything for ourselves, and it is Christ who has saved us.
  
• Dying for someone righteous is already something that is very hard to achieve (v7). God's love for us is far greater! While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (v8). Who would possibly die for someone who deserves to die? Only Jesus does it.
  
• Verse 10: (1) Death of Christ brings reconciliation with God; and (2) Resurrection of Christ brings us life (after reconciliation).
  
• Verse 13: Sin was in the world before law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. What is law? Was the first law God's command to Adam not to eat the fruit? Does that mean Sin/Satan existed after God declared the world to be perfect but before he commanded Adam not to eat the fruit? Sin only existed after the command of God.
  
• Although our sins are different to Adam, we were all sinners (v14).
• A comparison between Adam, being the one man that caused sin and punishment, and Jesus, the righteous one that brought salvation and justification. (v15-21)
  

• Baptism: union with Christ, death to sin, and resurrect to a new life (6:3-5). Water is like a burial.
• Unifying with Christ is a decision to end your old sinful life. Compares it with Jesus's crucifixion, our sinful life should be severely nailed to an end! (v6)
• Our freedom from our sin is like Christ's resurrection (v7)
• If death no longer have control over Christ (v9), our sins, after our unification with Christ, should no longer have control over us (v11)
• We are freed from our sinful nature, and are made righteous. (v15-23) So do not do things that are still sinful.
  

Week 3

I have never thought of anything religious when I see a rainbow on the sky other than praising its beauty and the scientific explanation behind it.
But the bible tells us, God has created the world and He was also the creator of the rainbow!! Before you think our God is a romantic God…He tells us that the rainbow is a covenant made between all kinds of living creatures on earth and God that flood will never again be destroying all life on earth. (In genesis, God has flooded the whole earth and wipe out all mankinds and every living creatures except for the family of Noah and some animals)

Another important message from the bible this week was - do not act our righteousness and pray in front of people with the intention that we will be praised. But to do this in secret and wholeheartedly for God. So that your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:4)

reading reading

This week we read 羅馬書 5-6. This section of scripture is spectacular!

The logic and reasoning is clear and striking. It leaves no room for misinterpretation.
羅馬書5-6 States the Christian gospel better and any summary or notes written by man.

I read Matt 5 in chinese. I'm not sure if it's my chinese problem. but that passage doesn't make sense. This passage, from my previous readings, is a very soothing, comforting, joyful passage. REally brings tears of joy to my eyes. 哀慟的人有福了! 因為他們必得安慰。

Matthew reignited a certain passion in me. Jesus' teaching targets the heart and not action. Not killing someone doesn't mean that you are not a murderer. Fix first your heart, otherwise all your entire efforts are just for show.

Isaiah in chinese was more drifty than ever! there are many vocabulary which i needed to recognise. of course i still don't recognise the words. I'm still unsure if it is talking about past or future events and who exactly the audience is.

I would like to meet Joshua. I think if i were not a believer, I would have to give him the title of the Biggest Mass Murderer in History. By the command of God, he single handedly wiped a few human races off the face of this planet. He killed people as if they were dogs or insects. Chasing them down and chopping their heads off. Men Women and Children! Many hk ppl who studied in religious schools would use this image of God as an excuse for their denial of God.

But there is a logical flaw here:
You think God is Cruel. This must be because you believe that God ordered all these peoples to be killed. If you read the accounts, the events that took place Must have been a military Miracle. God Kill all those men women and children in their fortified cities and in their full military strength. All done using a bunch of homeless nomads that had just finished roaming the desert for ages.

If you believe God is Cruel, you must have believed that God killed many innocent people.

If you believe that God is capable of bringing such calamity on people, then you would be very very extremely extremely foolish to reject and rebel against Him.

If you rebel and reject God, it must mean that you don't believe God is capable of bring disaster on you and wiping your shadow off the face of this planet. You must believe that God is incapable of deleting your very existence.

If you think that God is incapable of doing that, then you must think that God could not have killed all those people in Joshua. If God did not do these things, why now do you believe he is Cruel?

Matthew 5-7

• The true blessings of Heaven referred by Jesus are not those that us humans perceive blessings to be. We would ask how could a poor be blessed when the most obvious way may be to lift them out of financial difficulties (5:1-11)
• Salt used for flavouring and preserving purposes. If it did not serve its purpose, what are the consequences? (v13-16)
• People argue the old testament no longer applies in a Christian day and age. Jesus tells us that he has come to fulfill the Law and prophecies. (v17-20) I think he has come to clarify how the Law actually operates. Jesus defines that to get into Heaven, you must be more perfect than the Pharisees. Jesus explains below.
  
• In the Law, murderers only get judgment. Is Jesus setting the bar higher by saying anybody who is angry, insults and accuse people by calling them fools will face judgment? (v21-22) Is he just letting us understand that we all have done wrong things, whether big or small, and because we are imperfect, we are not whole in God's eyes, and we will all be judged.
  
• Rather than just doing things to appear good (by making gifts to the altar), you must also reconcile, fix the heart (v23-24). Do everything from the heart. No good for us to look like a good Christian but remain relationships or anything we do in tatters. No good to kneel and pray and have a nice Christian image on Sundays but do a bad job during the week!
  
• Fix up the wrongs before it is too late, otherwise the consequences are heavy! (v25-26).
• Again, Jesus focuses on the heart, not just the tangible or visible superficial aspects. (v28)
• Try to distance yourself from activities that will cause you to sin (v29-30)
• Divorce only on sexual immorality (v32). Let not man separate what God has put together. Divorce was not something that was designed to be readily available at man's convenience.
  
• Do not swear/take oath to promise that certain things will be performed. How can someone imperfect make promises in something they have no control of? (v33-37)
• An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. I remember I once heard that this was set down so that revenge would just stop, so any revenge would not go out of hand and just get worse and worse (ie a finger gets chopped off, and to revenge, the hand gets taken, and because that revenge was not just, the arm gets chopped off and so on). Jesus already dealt with anger above and says we should just forget it. (v39-41)
• "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (5:44) - if that could be done, v45 suggest that you have transformed into a whole being to be sons of Father in heaven.
  
• How would it make you different if all you did was to just love the people who loves you? That is not hard to do at all. (v46-47)

• It is the heart that God is concerned, not to make helping the needy a big fuss to gain attention (6:1-4)
• Do not pray rubbish and flowery words with God, God knows what we need and what we want before we pray (v7)
• Your will be done (v10)
• He provides (v11)
• Repent and ask for forgiveness (v12)
• Keep us from temptation (v13)

No one can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money

-- Matthew 6:24

• Why worry about your life? What can worry do? What control does worrying give you? (v25-33)

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble

-- Matthew 6:34

• Spec vs. Log (7:3-4)
• Ask and it will be given, Seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you (v7). Notice it is use of "will", not "shall".
  
• God, who created us, will not hide the truth from us and point us down a bad path. (v9-11)

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them"

-- Matthew 7:12

• Tree and Fruit: in v15-20, we are told good trees will bear good fruits, bad trees will bear bad fruits. Through the actions of people, we should be able to detect whether they are Christians / Non-Christians.
  
• Again, stress the heart of people who take Jesus as Lord: those who submit themselves to Jesus to be their true Lord and does the will of God will be recognised by Jesus. (v21)
• Does "Part-time Christians" get excluded into heaven (v22-23)?
• Indicates that God's word are the foundations in life. (v24-27)

Matthew 5

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scirbes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20

This was a very hard teaching for the Jewish in that time, when everyone thought the Pharisees were the 'most righteous' group of people in the world, whereas Jesus told people that your righteousness needs to exceeds the 'best of the best'. What Jesus wanted to convey to us was that sin is not about doing 'wrongs', but how we truly feel and think deep in our heart, as he continued to say:

21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insult his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5:21-24

Jesus teaches us that what's important is not about how much you are going to offer at the altar, but what you are going to do to reconcile the relationship with your brother/sister who has done somethings against you.
In v24, "First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Here I guess it also indicates that we should first forgive our brother/sister before coming back to the Lord. And indeed if we want to be forgiven by the Lord and receive His grace, we should learn from Him and do the same.

For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

5:26-30

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are usually described as different parts of the same body and everyone has different purposes but the same 'head'. Keeping in mind this metaphor, how applicable is this to the situation where there is a person in Christ who has sinned. Is it better to 'cut it off and throw it away', or to help him/her to come back to Christ?

5:16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

AND

6:3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret.

The above verses seem to be contradicting. After collaborating with Ivan, we came up with the following conclusion: when we are helping others, we should do it with our heart and truly love others, but not because of a particular 'purpose'. To illustrate this, we came up with an example:
As people give food to the needy, we do not go everywhere and tell people we will do this 'good thing' because we are Christians. We do not purposefully give food to people because we want to 'make' them Christians, but because of love we do all those. And due to love (from Christ), people will see us as 'light' and hope of the world, and therefore we can share the gospel to others. Therefore the reason for helping other should not be mainly due to sharing the gospel, but the key reason is because of love...... (does it make sense....?)

Isaiah 12-17

For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the Rock of your refuge; therefore, though you plant pleasant plants and sow the vine-branch of a stranger, 11 though you make them grow on the day that you plant them, and make them blossom in the morning that you sow, yet the harvest will flee away in a day of grief and incurable pain.

-- Isaiah 17:1-11

I must admit Isaiah is very hard to grasp hold of. Although this week, it is comparatively better than the last, it is so hard to understand why God is declaring prosperous cities will be ruined in the prophecies. At the end of the day, they are God's creation. I don't know the background of these cities, but how worse were they that made God painfully destroy His own creation?

In Isaiah 17:1-11, we are reminded that to anchor ourselves in the right place with God. If we don't, although our lives may seem to be prosperous, but at the end of the day, if it is anchored in the wrong place, will just bring grief, incurable pain, and I guess in context today, eternal separation with God in Hell.

Job 5-6

• Suggesting to Job that pain and punishment comes with a reason, Job must have done something wrong (5:6), so repent (v8) to the one that is full of wisdom and mercy (v9-15)

• Job's complaint never blames God. He just hopes God ends his life so pain could cease (6:8-9)
  Humbles himself as he could not understand all this happening to himself. (v24) He asks for revelations of his wrongs (v25-30)
  
  

Psalms 6-8

• David knows he is not whole even with his status. Knows God's right and David needs correction. (6:1) Asks God to lead him in a merciful way (v2)
• Appears to be very weak but still has no doubt in God's love for him (v3)
• Being Christian does not have carefree life (v6-7). While we are down trust without doubt that God listens to our prayer and keep the devil away. (v8-10)

• Knows God has to power to protect (7:1-7)
• God is just and righteous (v8-11)
• Man constantly bound in sin bearing sinful fruit if he does not repent (v11-16)
• Remembers to praise the Lord for believing He is righteous. (v17)

• Full of praise and acknowledge he is majestically in control (8:1-2)
• Acknowledges He is the creator (v3-4)
• Acknowledges we are so small but are made to rule the rest of His creation (v5-8)

Joshua 11-15

• The Kings knew the power of almighty God and did not underestimate Him by combining forces and had so much people like sand on seashore (v4). They did not repent.
• God promised (v6) and it was God who delivered, Israel did not win it by their own works (v8)
• Capturing cities: did ALL have to die? (v10-15) Would the righteous have fled the city before annihalation?

• List of Kings that were defeated by Israel. (12:1-24)

• Joshua is old and God promises that God Himself will conquer the remaining land for Israel (13:6)
• The tribe of Levi did not get any land, they had God as their inheritance (v33)

• God promises and delivers to faithful Caleb (14:6-15)

• Boundaries and Distribution of land (15). Why couldn't the Jebusites be driven out? (v63)

Genesis 8 -11

Sorry for not posting in week 2. I've found it really difficult to understand last week readings in the OT, because 1) my knowledge about the Bible is extremely poor, and 2) I'm confused with the people, the place and the events written in the Bible..

Some thoughts on today's Genesis:

8:15
Noah was obedience - He left the boat only when God asked him to do so, even thought he knew the water was gone.

9: 20 - 27
Ham saw Noah was drunk and naked, and Canaan, son of Ham, was cursed.
It doesnt really make sense to me as I think that Noah was the one who did something wrong; 1) he was drunk, and 2) he was naked. But why was Ham's son cursed? Shouldn't Noah be the one who should be punished?
And it also reminds me that even as obedient and righteous as Noah, there are chances for us to make wrong decisions and the consequences of that decision could be quite influential. It does not only affects yourselves, but also the people around you.

Ayi sigh ayi

Reading Isaiah is drifty.

I am getting lost. The sentences don't mean much.
It seems like it's trying to predict something. I can't tell if it's trying to prophecy an event or if the event has already occured.

It makes vague comparisons and you don't know what it's being figurative or factual.

So far from my reading and limited knowledge, I understand that Israel is stuffed cos it did some bad things. I wonder if the reader at that time knew that they were stuffed. If they actually listened to Isaiah's words, they would be shaking in their boots.

Every now and again, I can pick up references to Jesus the Christ. But these references seem to be voiced among a whole bunch of other incoherent and non-relating topics and events.

It would certainly help if I knew the History behind this book.

Genesis 8-11

• Water receded and Ark rested on Mount Ararat (8:4)
• After 12 months without seeing land, he was still patient and did not get off Ark before God told him so (v13-16).
• First thing he did after getting off the boat is to give thanks to the Lord. (v20)
• God promises not to punish mankind like this again (v21-22)

• Meat becomes a food available for mankind (9:3) but do not eat live (v4)
• But said man cannot kill man because God made man in His own image (v5-6)
• Rainbow being the covenant between God and Noah (v12-17)
• Noah sins and goes naked (v21). Why was Canaan cursed and Shem (who covered Noah's nakedness up with Japheth) blessed? (v24-27)

• Different languages (10:5)

• Before the language barriers, people wanted to build a tower that could reach the sky (11:1-4) God understood this was the begining to furthe rebellion and showed them their limitation by mixing up language. Has this to do with not being humble? (v6-8)
• Sarah and Abram (v29-31)

Week 3

Mon 12 May 2008	Genesis 8-11
Tue 13 May 2008	Joshua 11-15
Wed 14 May 2008	Psalms 6-8
Thu 15 May 2008	Job 5-6
Fri 16 May 2008	Isaiah 12-17
Sat 17 May 2008	Matthew 5-7
Sun 18 May 2008	Romans 5-6

Week 2 Summary

It has been a wonderful experience in the second week in our journey but the pressure is on! The number of chapters that have been planned for reading seemed to grow from week 1 to now (Tuesday and Wednesday's readings have both increased). Chatting with Jot.. we both agree after our little complaints, the readings thankfully subsided.

My biggest struggle was reading Isaiah. I had difficulties keeping on with my much loved ESV and had to drop back down to the more approachable Good News Bible.

Last week, I reported that we had a 50% hit rate with the blogging experience, in the end, we picked up game and achieved 75%. One more hour to go and we are again at 50%. Can we hit a higher statistic again?

Busy lives we have been, and I have found that our brother Jot.. has fallen behind in a few days of readings after serving our Lord in his many roles in church this week and after a very tiring week at work. May we all remember to pray for Jot.. so he stays on with the plan.

Exams are coming up for me and Sharon. I really hope that God will continue to provide us wisdom and will guide us to utilise our times efficiently so we could study as well as munch on the spiritual food!

Week 2

Do you believe when God created us, He has created our mood also?
Our mood of feeling joyful, feeling angry, lonely and frightened.
Christians aren’t guarantee to be joyful all the time, but God has promised to help us get through it. Most importantly, God protect us like a shield!!

In Psalm 4-5:
In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
with you the wicked cannot dwell.
The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

When we are angry, satan tempt us to feel jealous, unloving and impatient in our action.

In Matthew Chapter 4, it tells the story of Jesus being tempted by satan. Couldn’t Jesus be rude and say inappropriate things to satan to make him go away? Couldn’t Jesus lose his temper and tell the angels to come and serve him right away?

Jesus didn’t sin in his trial. Jesus has once been made in the form of human, he has tempers like us, but Jesus demonstrated his faithfulness in God even more, he made himself totally submissive under the power of God.

Let us learn to be like Jesus when we lose our joyful heart, rely on God and not lose our faith in Him.

Romans 3-4

• What is good about Jews? They were still God's chosen whom God entrusted with the words of God. (3:1-2)
• Discuss doing bad things to show the good. (v5-8)
• Paul goes on to say although the Jews had advantage, they, like the Gentiles, are still sinful (v9)

as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."

-- Romans 3:10-12

• The Bible reveals that everyone will be judged (v19). Following the bible will not make you righteous on Judgment (v20)
• Reveals the way to righteousness is by the grace of God through Jesus (v21-25)
• By faith not by works (v27)
• The faith is for all, not just for Jews (v30)
• Why then do we still have to uphold the law? (v31)

• Was Abraham righteous because of works? No, it was because he believed in God (4:3)
• Circumcision was only a sign of Abraham's faithfulness (v10-11)
• We are reminded that are faith should only grow stronger that God will do what He promises through Abraham's story (v19-21)

Matthew 3-4

• Repent (3:2)
• Uses Isaiah's words in fulfilling prophecy and also description for clothing in fulfillment (v3-4)
• Are the people believing and repenting because prophecy is being fulfilled? (v5-6)
• Why did John reject the Pharisees? Could even he see that are not repenting from the heart? Pharisees must have said we are saved because of being children of Abraham. But He that was so, why would they bother baptising? (v7-10)
• Did OT say there will be baptism?
• Someone mightier is coming. He humbles himself and say the real person that can save is coming. (v11-12)
• John acknowledges Jesus no need to baptise but Jesus says it is to legitimize and to give him "authority" in people's eyes (v13-17)

• 40 days of temptation (4)
• I remember it mirrors the temptation Israel faced in their 40 years outside Canaan. They failed but Jesus conquers
• Shows us if we meditate and remember God's word, then we can overcome temptation
• What did fishers of men mean to the apostles? How could they immediately dropped everything and just go? (v19-20)

Isaiah 7-11

• Wanted to in against Judah (7:1-6) but God promises that plan will fail and explains the falls. (v7-9)
• Prophesised when Immanuel is to come. (v10-25)

• God reminds He is Holy. (8:13) Fear will make people fall and will lead people astray (v14-15) but we should constantly remind ourselves of God's word (v16) Wisdom won't help because God reveals only through trust (v17). There will be those in uncertainties that will start trusting other things (v19). Those with strong faith with God should lead people back (v20-22)

• Further prophesised about their King (Jesus) (9:6-8)
• V10 ?
• Contrasts God's love in providing a King but also contrasts God's wrath will not be dealt with. Something will be done for not repenting (v11-21)

• God will use Assyria to punish but because Assyria is not righteous, It'll be punished in due course. No one get's away. (10:5-12)
• Assyria does not honour God (v13-14), but God uses axe analogy to say they don't know who they are when seen in perspective.
• Fire will destroy Israel. (v16-19)
• But fire refine and the righteous 339 of Israel will survive and continue to honour God. Similar to the parable Jesus uses in the gospels (v20-23)
• This also shows God is serious about punishment of those in His wrath.
• He promises to the faithful bunch that Assyria will get their punishment (v24-27)

• Promises new kingdom, new rule: It will be a descendant of David (11:1-9)
• God promises the exiled people scattered all over the world to return. Is that the country Israel today or Christians today uniting as one body? (v10-12) If so what about v13-16?

Job 3-4

• Job curses his day of birth. Compares it with darkness. Gould not be seen and not remembered (3:1-8) Do not see morning, does not have hope? (v9)
• He is suffering so much why he did not die earlier or at birth (v10-13)
• He is mind baffled why the world has turned upside down. (v20-26)

• Eliphaz says God is hope (4:6), but then goes on to say that something must have been done wrong and hence bad outcomes resulted. (v7-11)
• Prompts the question: Who can say they are righteous before God? (v12-21)

Its my privilege to spend the next 365 days reading the bible with Ivan, Sharon and Jot. Its not easy to be committed, on top of a full time job and church ministries, I thought I have spent more time talking to satan than to God.

Hey satan, you seem to have fun tempting me same time everyday to tell me to do my bible reading and praying tomorrow. And you came back same time the next day saying exactly the same thing to me!! Im sick of hearing your voice, just leave me alone…

This week I have learnt to ‘meditate on his word day and night’ and not let my thoughts depart from His way.

It was interesting to see how God allows satan to go and tempt Job for God knows he is one righteous man!! Job’s heart and faith for God did not change despite he was ‘strike in the flesh and bones’ (Job 2:5). It was even more courageous to see how Job was being called foolish in the worldly eyes while being praised by God someone who has ‘maintain his integrity’ (Job 2:3).

Are we like Job that the world has called us foolish while God saids well done?
Or are we the other way around?

Psalms 3-5

• Many people against David are rocking his faith with God. (3:1-2) However, David is conscious that God is protecting him (v3-4), and he is assured that he could sleep all night to revitalise even when the whole world seems to be against him. God is the source of peace (v5-6)
• His faith is steadfast. Although the pressure is on, there are no hint of David doubting his own faith. (v7-8)

• David knows God's existence. He does not doubt that God does not hear prayers (4:1). He knows his source is the truth (v2)
• The joy and peace you get is much more compared to the earthly ones. (v7)

• Seeks God to listen to his prayers 27 he only seeks God (5:1-2)
• He does not doubt whether God listens to prayer or not. (v3)
• Knows God's will that He dislikes evil. (v4-6) and seeks God humbly for leading him into righteousness. (v7-8)
• The righteous will be protected (v12)

Joshua 6-10

• God fulfills that Jericho is in Israel's hands as promised. (4:2)
• God tells Joshua how God would got Jericho for Israel. (v3-5)
• Joshua and Israel patiently waited and obeyed God's commands for seven days. With their power they could have attacked. (v6-16)
• Joshua warns not to covet when they invade and only do what pleases God. (v17-19)
• God shows His works. To the non-chosen people, they may have thought how powerful, but for Israel, they are well aware that they did nothing in their part. We, 27 Christians should humble ourselves and acknowledge that it is God who provides. (v20-27)

• Achlan sinned. (7:1)
• God leaves Israel (v5) and Joshua does not understand (v6-7)
• Has Joshua lost faith in God? He questions the failure damaging their future success. He already forgot how God did everything to defeat Jericho. If he remained faithful, does image really matter? (v8-9) He should have reflected on whether Israel have done something wrong.
• God gives chance for repentence (v12) but there is still punishment for God's wrath (v15)
• Archan suffers consequences. (v20-26) He didn't own up to it, only when Joshua comes to him.

• Their faith is tested after losing previous battle. Can they pick themselves up and trust God? (8:1)
• Joshua is revealed God's intentions and he warns the chosen men to follow God's way. (v2-8)
• Joshua trusts and obeys God's command. (v18)
• Joshua continued to obey God's word by not sparing Ai (v26-27)
• Gave thanks to God by what he has done for Israel. (v30-35)

• Gibeon thought their earthly wisdom can deceive Israel. (9:3)
• Wineskins (v13)
• They were suspicious (v7) but they did not consult the Lord (v14). Found out in v 16.
• The Gibeons feared death and knew they had to be with God in Israel to spare their lives. (v24)

• Gibeon was better than Ai and still feared (10:2), so Jerusalem was scared too.
• The five kings tried to go against God. (v3-5)
• God reveals his will for Israel to battle the Kings (v8) He fulfills his promise in being with Israel. Again it shows it is God at work, not by Israel's strength. (v9-11)
• The Lord fought for Israel (v14)
• Is there a thing to hang Kings on trees? (v26) Is it the worst form of humiliation?
• Victory because of Israel obeying God's command. (v40)

Genesis 4-7

• First forms of offerings (4:3-4)
• God did not like Cain's offering. Was it because it is just an offering? And not the first harvest?
• God teacher Cain to overcome his sin (v7). God has given Cain a chance to repent. But Cain has chosen to kill out of jealousy (v8)
• Again, God have him another chance but Lies to God and says he doesn't know Abel's whereabouts are. Shows lack of care too. (v9) God punishes (v11) and he thinks it's not just by saying it's too much for him. (v13)
• Enoch (v17)
• Why didn't God say anything about polygamy? (v19)
• Seth (5:3)
• Geneology from Adam to Noah. (v1-29) Promise to save them from God's curse of the land.
• Our age limited to 120 years (6:3)
• Nephilim were evil and God was sorry to see this (v4-6) and wanted to wipe everything out (v7). Noah was found righteous in God's eyes. (v8-9)
• God directs Noah to build ark with all the details. (v14-16) and further revelations and directions (v17-21, 7:1-4)
• Noah followed God's direction. (v22, 7:5)
• Details of flood. (v10-12)
• Fulfilment of what God has said about cursing the earth (v13-24)

Homework

Yes, I am attempting to read it in Chinese.

It's taking a lot of time for two main reasons.
1. my chinese is extremely poor.
2. the chinese version is overall a poor translation.

Some thoughts for the past week's reading:

Why did God make Eve? Because "那人獨居不好" (it is not good for man to be alone).
It's not good for man to be alone??

Curses for the human race:
1. Man is cursed because of Adam's sin. We have to work our butts off.
2. Pains in child birth, And, "你必戀慕你丈夫". Is that a punishment too??

God asked Joshua to bring his people across the River in the strangest way. There were many ways to cross, but God picked a way which tests very very much the faith and trust of the leader. Being of a strategic mind, Joshua must have thought of a thousand strategic ways to cross. Yet he choose to have faith, and obey against his own judgement.

It seems that the gods are playing around with human lives. Like dolls in a plastic house. How can God let Satan do such terrible things to Job? God doesn't need to prove anything to Satan. What was the purpose of this? To the reader. this book seems very very fictional. I had to sit back and remind myself that "this happened to an actual person called Job." Think Again!

In Isaiah, the people made some very bad choices. Is the problem that they are not turning back? God is very angry with them. I wonder if all the people realised this...

The story of Jesus' Birth is amazing. I heard that the name Jesus is common in those time. I didn't know that. and I found it hard to believe. Is it true?? Out of all the people in the bible, only one person is called Jesus. Doesn't seem to me that it's a common name.

I had a debate in small group about the Jews requiring permission from the Roman Government to Stone people to death. I disagreed that they needed permission. Herod ordered all those children to be killed. I don't think he asked the Romans for permission.

Matthew concentrates very much in matching jewish "prophecies" with what is happening on the person of Jesus. i wonder how the jews over the past two thousand years say about these things.

You can see genuineness in Paul's letters. The language he uses is full of love and enthusiasm and excitment. Man ate from the tree of knowledge. He has the ability to differentiate good and bad. All Man kind knows inherently that they have sinned against God. Can anyone claim ignorance on the day of judgement? If you've heard the gospel. you have no excuse.

(some of the chapters I read in English cos I didn't have time to spend on the Chinese.)

Week 2

Mon 05 May 2008	Genesis 4-7
Tue 06 May 2008	Joshua 6-10
Wed 07 May 2008	Psalms 3-5
Thu 08 May 2008	Job 3-4
Fri 09 May 2008	Isaiah 7-11
Sat 10 May 2008	Matthew 3-4
Sun 11 May 2008	Romans 3-4

Week 1 Summary

Praise the Lord we have all been able to stick to our commitment in reading bible in a year in our inaugural first week! Give thanks that we have been able to prepare our hearts, set time aside so we can read, think and let God guide us through His word. I'm glad that in my "spot checks" with my fellow co-bloggers throughout the week, everyone has been staying on path despite the many commitments we already have in our busy lives.

It appears our Friday readings were the greatest challenge this week. It was by far the longest. RL anticipated that and took a head start and read 3 chapters the night before, whereas I took a head start since Wednesday but only managed to read Isaiah 1 in the 2 days leading up, and also having to wake up another 15 minutes earlier on Friday to read chapters 2-5. Sharon resorted to reading the more comfortable Chinese for that particular day.

Jot.. by far has been embarking on the greatest challenge. He is determined to read CUV throughout the year and has already started to re-invent the wheel by creating some 'excel-dictionary'. He has already brought in his actuarial expertise in our 1st week of bible reading. Every part of his life has now officially got some connection with excel somehow or other!

My biggest challenge was Mum plunging into my room Monday morning and seeing me reading my bible, something that she believes is a 'waste of time' (for now). A nice coincidence and a present 'suprise' for her on my first day on this trip of reading the bible in 365 days.

As to blogging, we have informally agreed that we should make an effort to post an entry at least once a week. At least 50% have managed to stick to this arrangement (There is still 2.5 hours to lift the statistics up!). As far as I am aware, there is no agreement for a rolling-average, so counters should reset at the beginning of each week! :P

1 week has passed! A very great start! May our Father in Heaven continue to guide us in the 51 weeks ahead of us in this journey.

Romans 1-2

• Describes himself as servant of Christ for the gospel. (1:1)
• Constantly remember his fellow brothers and sisters in prayer (v10) and to remember to encourage each other. (v11-12)
• Reaping harvest is for BOTH christians and non-christians (v13-14)
• People often to scared to share the gospel because they are afraid of criticisms and rejections, but Paul expresses his attitude towards the gospel by saying he is not ashamed of what he believes. (v16)
• Shows how God has revealed himself (v17- 20) but does not repent. What today has become:

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

-- Romans 1:21-25

• Because of this, man's way of living is no longer longer in accordance with God's intentions. (v26-27) Ungodly qualities revealed: unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness, gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless.
• Acknowledging what God said is not enough. You have to accept it in the heart and let in of yourself to allow God to change your bad habits, otherwise you are no better than non-believers. (v32)
• Since we all do Ungodly things, Paul affirms what Jesus has said in not judging others and reminds us God will judge fairly. (2:1-2, 11)
• Warns the outcome for those who are self-seeking (v8)
• Would Catholics use this section to justify God's judgment is based on works? (v9-20)
• Challenging us not to be hypocrites, by upholding something and not doing it yourself. (v21-23)
• Paul assures us that what God wants is what comes from the heart, not what deeds are done. (v29)