I’m still working my way through the Bible in a year; today’s Old Testament readings are from Exodus 8 and 9. We learn that God is sending more plagues. Egypt is overrun with frogs, gnats (or lice, depending on your version), and flies. Then, in 9, the livestock are wiped out, festering boils break out…
This morning, while reading Genesis 50, we learn that Jacob has died. Joseph threw himself on him and wept and kissed him. He tells the physicians to embalm him, a process that takes 40 days. Then we read the Egyptians mourned Jacob for 70 days. That stopped me in my tracks. In Genesis 46, we…
Pharaoh had 2 disturbing dreams in Genesis 41, and none of his magicians or wise men could interpret them. The chief cupbearer knows a guy, and Pharaoh sends for Joseph. Pharaoh tells Jacob, I heard you can interpret dreams. Jacob, in verse 16, says, “It’s beyond my power to do this, but God can tell…
Reading Genesis 22, we learn of Abraham’s extraordinary faith and obedience; The story challenges us to trust God in the most difficult circumstances. God tells Abraham to take his son, his only son, Isaac, up a mountain and sacrifice him. He loads the wood onto Isaac’s back; he’s carrying his knife and the fire, and…
In today’s reading and studying of Genesis 19, the story of the destruction of Sodom is told. Earlier in chapter 18, God reveals to Abraham that their sin is so flagrant and in-your-face that it will be destroyed. The two Angels visit Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and decide to spend the night with him. After the…
The Walk to Emmaus The empty tomb! Jesus has risen. He’s back! Two fellas who followed Jesus encounter the risen Lord on their walk to Emmaus. They don’t know it’s him (verse 16). He talks with them, they fill him in on what’s been happening in Jerusalem, like he doesn’t know. Then, in verse 27,…
I had been thinking about my old church and my time as a youth pastor. I drove by the old church last month, and it was now someones house. Well, I was looking in an old folder that I haven’t used for at least 12 years. It’s a nice leather organizer that I got from…
Job gives his final plea. We know from Job 1 that he was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. Whenever I got into trouble in middle school, the principal sent home a pink slip for my parents to sign, which I had to return the next day….
Job longs for the good old days. We never know when a disaster will strike. This reminds me to be thankful for now—the time I have with my family, friends, and all my many blessings. I just had to replace an outdoor hydrant. Working in the cold and wet ticks me off — my beard…
Job 28:28 tells us that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is fundamental understanding. Fear is a powerful motivator. I work because of the fear of losing my possessions. I work on being a better Christ follower, husband, dad, and friend because I want good relationships and a deeper, divine…