Bible in a Year Blog

Genesis 8:1-10:32 + Matthew 4:12-25 + Psalm 4:1-8 + Proverbs 1:20-23
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Old Testament – Yesterday’s Flood readings in Genesis were about judgment – today’s readings are about redemption!  Chapter 8 verse 1 stood out to me: “But God remembered Noah and all the animals in the boat.” I like that phrase “But God remembered” – but I have a hunch that it is a bit understated in God’s love and compassion for Noah and all of creation.  Verse 11 is interesting in that if you were ever wondering where our modern day peace symbol of a dove with an olive branch comes from originally – now you know – God’s peace symbol to Noah here in Genesis 8:11!  “This time, toward evening, the bird returned to him with a fresh olive leaf in its beak.”

Below are a couple of great NASA images of where Noah’s ark landed, as we read in verse 4: “the boat came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.” (Note that Bruce Feiler’s incredible nonfiction archeology-type book “Walking The Bible: A Journey by land through the Five Books of Moses” opens up with him searching for Noah’s Ark near Mt. Ararat in Turkey.  This is a highly recommended book!) Images below courtesy of & copyrighted by ebibleteacher.com:

 

In Genesis chapter 9 verses 8 through 17 we are reading about the first major covenant of God’s in the Old Testament called the Noahic Covenant.  There are 6 more major covenants that we will get to later this year – The first Abrahamic covenant, The second Abrahamic covenant, The Sinaitic Covenant (Moses on Mt. Sinai), The Phinehas Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and the New Covenant.  So – Covenants are a big deal!  God is a God of covenants!  This one is laid out in all 10 verses but can basically be summed up in verse 11: “I solemnly promise never to send another flood to kill all living creatures and destroy the earth.”  And the rainbow is given as a sign of The Noahic Covenant.

Genesis chapter 9 verse 3 is intriguing.  I forgot to mention this in previous day’s posts – but, I read a commentary on the Garden of Eden and even thereafter that early descendants of Adam & Eve were strictly vegetarians – God had given Adam & Eve the fruits & plants in the Garden to eat – and then Adam’s son’s cultivated the ground for plants / food.  But here in verse 3 God is now saying that it is okay to eat animals’ meat for food: “I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables.”  Very interesting.  We’ll get more details on clean and unclean animals per the Law in our OT readings early this year.

In the remainder of chapter 9 we read about Noah’s son’s Shem, Ham and Japheth. Initially I asked myself, why is Noah so upset with Ham?  The answer lies in verse 22: “Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and went outside and told his brothers.”  The last 3 words of this sentence were the issue – Ham told his brothers his father was naked.  Instead of discreetly just covering up his father on his own, he broadcast the issue to his brothers.  Are there times in our life where we could discreetly take care of problems of others, or could confront the individual directly about the problem, but instead we broadcast what someone else’s problems are?  Is this the right thing to do?  Is this the godly thing to do?

There is a lot of interesting stuff going on in the genealogy in chapter 10, which is typically called The Table of Nations, but I’ll just quickly point out verses 21 & 22: “Sons were also born to Shem, the older brother of Japheth. Shem was the ancestor of all the descendants of Eber.”  Shem becomes translated in the future as Semites – i.e. Semitic peoples.  And Eber is translated in the future as Hebrew.  So, you can see that Shem’s lineage is going to be the one from where Israel comes from.  Below are two maps that help to visualize where Shem, Ham & Japheth’s descendants listed in this genealogy end up:

 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Genesis titled “The Noahic Covenant” is at this link and “The Nakedness of Noah” is at this link.

New Testament – Matthew chapter 4:12 begins Jesus’ public ministry!  Verse 17 is of note: “From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.””   You’ll note that Jesus is echoing earlier words of John the Baptist – turn from your sins – repent.  The message is obviously of utmost importance – then and now.  And then you’ll see several times in the gospel of Matthew the term “the Kingdom of Heaven.”  You’ll later see in Mark and Luke’s gospel’s a similar term, “the Kingdom of God.”  They basically mean the same thing – but Matthew was using the term “Heaven” instead of “God” because he was writing for a Jewish audience, which did not like to verbalize God’s name (out of respect).  Per Zondervan’s NIV Study Bible, the Kingdom of Heaven is essentially brought about through the ministry of Jesus and those that have faith in Him – the establishment of God’s rule in the hearts of people, the overcoming of evil, the removal of the consequences of sin, and a new order of peace.  The idea of God’s kingdom is mentioned nearly 50 times in the gospel of Matthew. How have you seen God’s Kingdom manifested in your life? How have you seen that the Kingdom of heaven is near? What does repent meant to you? Is repentance a one time thing or an ongoing thing our lives?

Verses 18 through 20 is something that I think all of us should reflect upon in our own lives: “One day as Jesus was walking along the shore beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers–Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew–fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen. Jesus called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and went with him.”  What would you do if you were at work today or tomorrow and Jesus came to you and said – “Come, be my disciple, and I will show you how to fish for people!”  Like Peter and Andrew, would you go at once with Jesus?  This is not an easy question for us to answer. But I think it is worth asking.  I have a great friend who indeed felt the call of Jesus to leave his very nicely paid architect job in the U.S. and to become a missionary architect in Asia – building primarily hospitals for communities that need them.  The point of this passage I think is this – Jesus is indeed calling each one of us to follow Him.  We may not need to leave our jobs.  (But some of us may…)  The call may entail leaving some of our luxurious ways or lazy behaviors behind to truly follow Him.  The call to follow Jesus certainly entails leaving our sinful ways behind.  Will you follow Jesus?  Has he called you?  Do you believe he is calling you now?  Will you go at once and follow His Call?

Verse 23 nicely encapsulates Jesus’ 3 main ministries that we will see over and over again in the gospels – 1.  teaching, 2.  preaching, and 3. healing.  “Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed people who had every kind of sickness and disease.” Will you allow Jesus to teach you this year?  Will you even allow Jesus to preach to you this year?  And, this may be the toughest to surrender to – will you allow Jesus to heal you this year?  My friends, we all need some healing from Jesus!

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Commencement of Jesus’ Ministry” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 4 is a wonderful Davidic Psalm.  Verse 7 stood out to me today” “You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine.”  Do you believe that God’s Spirit can give you greater joy than any amount of money or material goods or even human love can give?  Will you seek a deeper relationship with God this year and ask God for this holy joy?

Proverbs – Proverbs 1:23 is beautiful to think about: “Come here and listen to me! I’ll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.” Do you want the spirit of wisdom this year?  Do you want to be wise?  Do you believe studying the Bible can give you the spirit of wisdom? Will you pray to God for the spirit of wisdom in this new year?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Proverbs titled “The Two Ways” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Reading about God remembering Noah in Genesis 8:1 and reading about Jesus calling the disciples in Matthew 4 today reminded me of the song “I Still Believe” by Jeremy Camp: (which is a great movie too!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZPMZV9MVVY

Do you Believe?  Click here for Belief!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Based on Matthew 4:19 above, pray to Jesus about any ways He may specifically be calling you to follow Him in this new year. Pray to Jesus that he would make you a fisher of men and women this year.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  We read about Jesus calling Peter and Andrew in the Gospel of Matthew today.  Do you think Jesus still calls people today?  Can you share with everyone in the Comments section below a time in your life when felt that you were called by Jesus?  Maybe it was a time when you were called to follow Jesus for the first time or maybe it was a call to love or serve others in a new way for you?  Do you think that Jesus is calling you to something new in your life now in this new year? Do you know what Jesus is calling you to do?  Will you do it?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Genesis 8:10-32
Mike – In your comments regarding Noah, the dove and the olive branch, I, for the first time see an example for us in how to walk by faith and not by sight. I believe that in every part of the Bible, Old and New Testament redemption, salvation, righteous living and holiness that point to the Messiah and His Work on the cross, can be seen. It just takes time and persistence to see it or have it revealed.
When Noah, sending out the raven that flew back and forth until the earth was dry and then sending out the dove, did this, he set an example of how to walk by faith. The text shows us that even thought there was a window on the Ark his eye sight was blocked. He knew that the earth was out there but he was not able to use his five senses to determine the condition of the ground. We are told by the apostle Paul not to walk in or after the flesh especially in his letter to the Romans. Moses relied on two birds that feed on and live amongst two entirely different food sources.
The raven is a carrion, it feeds on dead things, dead flesh. The dove, which is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit, does not hang around death. Paul states:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(Romans 8:1 KJV)
The olive branch represents the anointing, the Anointed One. The raven flew back and forth feeding on flesh, the dead things of this world. Moreover, there would have been a lot of “flesh” floating on the water and the raven had a field day. But the dove can’t hang out with the dead, she/he needed the “Annointed One,” the Olive Branch, in order to live upon the earth, so too those called by His Name.
Please note the above may just be the product of a very fertile imagination.
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
(2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Thomas:

Hello all!
I agree with what Mike wrote about chapter 9 and Ham telling his brothers outside. Compare Ephesians 5:11-13, ‘Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.’
This says to me that we mustn’t join in the deeds of darkness, but we musn’t run away from them either – rather we are to shine on them. So, not exposing to the light, as in the cold light of day and exposing to the public, but rather exposing to the true Light! Like photographic film – we can’t be exposed to the Light and not be changed by it. I have no idea what Noah’s sin was, and I think the writer has left it out on purpose. It isn’t the important part of the story. Perhaps good to compare Luke 6:39ff here too, regarding specks and planks.
Man, how I need to learn these things myself!
Thomas

======= Nancy:

The verse that jumped out at me today was Psalm 4:4. “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.” This is a verse I need to memorize.
Also Psalm 4:5. “Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.” This made me think about Cain. It could have been his offering, but it also could have been how he offered it.
I am in such awe that God gives us all this information we need in one book. No sequel. And it applies as much today as it ever did.
Blessings,
Nancy

======= Londa:

In answer to the question – where is God asking me to serve? For me, it is serving my adult children – especially my daughter and my grandson (9 months old) by having them live with us and caring for him while she works (though her heart’s desire is to be home with her son) and goes through this hard time in her life…consequences of poor choices. I would much rather be just the Granny rather than the daily care-taker, but that isn’t what I believe God is calling me to right now. I pray I’m discerning this call correctly…
Londa

====== Penny:

Today’s readings stirred something in me. I sense the Lord is speaking to my heart. I’m not sure what it is, but I want to listen and learn. Perhaps it’s a call to be a student rather than a teacher, sitting under the wisest teacher in the world. Perhaps it’s a new kind of assignment, or a new kind of healing inside. Something is stirring – a new call.
Reflecting on Mike’s comments and questions about the call of God, I definitely believe God stills calls people. He calls us into His kingdom and then uses us to invite others into his kingdom. When I was in my twenties, I couldn’t look at a map of Africa without crying and praying. God was preparing my heart to go to Africa – and I wanted to go to Haiti. After I decided He was calling me to Kenya, He closed that door and opened the door to Nigeria. When missionaries asked me to teach their children in Nigeria. I didn’t even know where the country was. I said I’d pray about it. I forgot to pray, but the Lord graciously placed some Nigerians in my path. A year later I was in Nigeria.
I share this because I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Lord is calling one of the readers into a new territory or field, and it’s scary and there are so many unknowns. Trust Him. He has a wonderful plan. It may not make sense to you, but if you cooperate with your Good Shepherd, He will lead you into green pastures.
Penny

======= Grant:

I certainly believe God still calls people today. I was working in a successful Engineering career when I sensed the call of God for full-time ministry. I trained for 4 years, and then entered Christian Schools Teaching, and have been doing so for the past 6 years with His grace guiding me every step of the way.
Grant

======= Henry:

God calls each of us to follow Him. But do we? We like our comfort zone and we often don’t listen to God’s calling. We tell God want we are called to do, because it suits us. I believe any change in our lives is God’s doing, if we like or not. Indirectly God controlls our future. We can plan what we want to do but God allows it or not allows it. One thing I am trying to do this year is listen to God more and not “tell” God what I want, but what He wants me to do.
Henry

======= Joanna:

Ps 4:7-8
I have God’s more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day Than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, For you, God, have put my life back together.
I’ve been feeling kinda rotten when I see other people still able to shop and buy what they want to buy. Me, I’m on a tight self imposed budget… I cannot continue spending the way I have been. Its just not acceptable at all. So a strict no-buy is in play and I’m feeling rather grouchy. But these verses remind me that I really have no reason to be as long as I allow my God of more-than-enough to fill my heart with Him. Plus with all the new clothes my darling dear hubby has been buying me, its really not like I don’t have new things. I just have a covetous heart. Sigh…
thanks Mike for walking through the Bible with me and asking the right questions to get me to think.
Joanna

======= Trudy:

I found it interesting that before the flood the earth was corrupt and filled with violence.
“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. ” (Gen 6:11-13)
In today’s reading, after the flood, we see God warning against such violence.
“And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.” (Gen 8:5b-6)
As we look around at our world today, we see the same conditions that were in the times of Noah. Today the earth is corrupt and filled with violence. This wickedness will cause the love of most to grow cold. “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13)
Indeed, we do live in perilous times. May our Lord Jesus Christ draw us ever closer to Himself, and may our hearts beat one with His. May He grant us the strength and power to endure to the end.
Trudy

======= Jeff:

Great posts!
Our OYB journey this year is starting off with a bang – and a Flood 
In Luke 17, Jesus tells us about how things will be at the time of His Second Advent:
26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
The hearts of humans were evil continually in the time of Noah. What must God see in the hearts of human beings today as that day nears?
Thank God for the forgiveness of sins through His Son, Jesus and for the work of the Holy Spirit in us. It is only through the holiness of God’s Spirit working in our hearts that Jesus righteousness is imputed to us!
Peace
Jeff

======= Frederick:

Re: Meat for Food
In Genesis 4, it was mentioned that Abel kept flocks and Abel offered fats of his firstborn flocks.
I guess human at that time has already eaten meat, although God had not ‘officially’ granted animals to humans as food.
Frederick

======= Christy:

I was touched by Genesis 8:13 “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” I am just so thankful to God for this sign. One that spoke to me of love and beauty as a child, way before I knew God as savior and Lord.
I also took comfort in 8:23 “But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid in across their shoulders; then they walked in backwards and covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father’s nakedness.” I pray that I would have compassion when my fellow brothers and sisters fall into sin. That I would not run out to gossip about their failure. I also pray that my family would cover me with love and understanding when I fall.
Psalm 4:8 “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” I praise God for this has come true in my life. That in my running to you Lord I have found strength to stand up for what is right. I am confident that no weapon formed against me will prosper.
Christy

======= Lily:

Every time I see a rainbow after a storm, I am always reminded of God’s mercy and love for us. This is also true when we have storms (trials) in our lives. God is always there for us just as He was with Noah and the disciples (when Jesus calmed the storm).
Thank you Mike for your take on Noah’s anger when Ham saw his father’s nakedness. It was not the sight of Noah’s nakedness but what Ham did with the information. I see us (myself) knowing or witnessing our brothers and sisters troubles and sins (not that we sinless) and telling others. Our human nature most of the time prevails in taking delight telling others of our fellow men’s misfortune or misgivings. It is hard sometimes for us (me) to stay away and not be a part of the gossip. I pray that I will be able to stay away and not delight on gossip.
I am praying hard that God grant me wisdom especially in dealing with my daughter’s problem this year
God bless.
Lily

======= Dee:

I very much believe Jesus still calls people into His ministry and service. WE are all His disciples! Each and every one of us to perform a unique service and workmanship. He instilled it in us, that unique talent. For me it was teaching. I didn’t know that would be where I would be led until about 6 years ago. However, from a small child I had loved to play school and Christ slowly but surely showed me my unique gifts and passion and that was in the elementary field. I currently work at a small Christian private school working on my teacher certificate to teach full time where ever God may call me. Who knows where God may lead me this year, but what I do know is that it is His leading I am after and not my own. Those who labor in vain, are missing out on so much, because it is so much better to be wise and labor patiently, hungrily, passionately into God’s rest and let Him direct our paths, our visions, our dreams into something far better than you or I could imagine! God bless all of you.
Dee

======= Ray:

Jesus christ calls people all the time in many ways. I Gave my Life to him 2 years Ago. i felt his spirit in me while i was at church. and i Got up and came forward to the Alter call. and gave him my life.
Jesus christ has always been there for me. i just wish i could of Gave him my life 15 years ago. but i can’t look at the past. i could only Look at the future
Also what stood out to me in Todays readins was the covenant between God and Noah and the Rainbow as a sign of this Covenant. God never goes back on his word. when he says he is going to do something he does it.
Ray

======= Phoebe:

I know God has a “calling” for my life. Do I know what it is? NO! Do I want to obey and honor Christ Jesus? Of course. Do I want to make an impact on others absolutely! I love Jesus have been a Christian for many many years. but I have not felt God move in my life in along time. Totally my fault because I closed the door. I am ready for that door to fly open and fill my spirit with God so others will see God in me. My favorite verse for today is Answer me when I call to you O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress: be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1. God Bless us all
Phoebe

======= Diane:

Jesus is calling me to minister to single moms. Although I hit a roadblock in this last year and essentially gave up on it, he recently brought it back up to me and I really feel like I was given the challenge to see it through. I still have no idea how, when, or where it will all happen, but I have recommitted myself to seeing that it does become a reality.
Diane

======= David:

I cannot remember being called by Jesus but I served Jesus as a musician in the church even as a child. It was fun and it made me feel important and it still does. I believe most people serve Jesus for the social benefits as well as it being fun and making them feel important. When I was much older and married and I felt really burdened by the guilt of sin and no one would forgive me, I received forgiveness from Jesus and this changed my life. A true connection with Jesus can lift you out of depression and a state of being unforgiven. I cried and felt the burden of sin being lifted. I am still learning to be a better person but now I serve Jesus because he is real.
David

======= DeeDee:

HI, Mike,It took me 25 years and almost 15 years of school back and forth for me to see what God has called me to do and that is to teach and be a Kindergarten teacher in a Christian atmosphere. I truly love it and know that this is my calling because I wouldn’t trade it for all the silver or gold in the world and would even do it for Free* I just know that this year, God has pressed on my heart to just serve! Serve Him to the best of my ability and walk in Love, the Love that He has shown me to show to others. Once I do that, I know that I will be alright. I am blessed with a wonderful husband of 13 years marriage, an 11 yr old son and a 9 yr old daughter who are so fruitful and have such a purpose and plan for their life and I was discussing with my husband the fact that I was reading the Bible and studying with my kids and going over this blog read last few days and my son and I were talking about Noahs Ark and how it rested on the Mount of Ararat. I spoke miscorrectly that it was in Greece(we were in the car-rehearsing from what memory I could contain!!lol..), and my son immediately said, No mom, it is in Turkey, and he went on to talk about how the people of Turkey don’t like lot of travelers because they want to travel where the ark landed..and he just went on and on..I was like Wow! God has given him a gift and when you can see it in your child..it was like nothing else!! Well, I pray and hope that all who read your blog will allow the Spirit of God to manifest their hearts and lives and they too will see their purpose and plan that God has called for their life: Jer 29:11.
Be Blessed!
DeeDee

======= Virgil:

Hi Mike,
I believe God is still calling people today but we need to be attentive and willing. One pastor says the thing you are most passionate about or that frustrates you the most when not done right is basically where you are being called. I always knew that I had a calling for helping children and have finally this year accepted that calling and started a charitable organization to help educate poor children in Zimbabwe. It’s taken me 3 years to finally do it but I’m glad that God is merciful and a God of second chances.
The scripture that really stood out for me was in Genesis 9 the story of Canaan being cursed because of Ham. I believe he was cursed because he had caused shame to his father. It really made me think of how I have handled situations in the past when people go wrong. Powerful teaching and reminder that I am to help my brethren come back in alignment and avoid any embarrassment or shame for them if possible. I ask the Lord to increase His love and compassion in me for his people.
Virgil

======= Jill:

I was wondering the the same thing why Noah was so mad st Ham. Even after you explained it it still didn’t justify if. Just goes to show more non perfect people in Gods world! How often do people lay into us or are having a bad day and snap at us? The people we live with? I agree that Noah wished ham covered him instead of proclaiming it. I once saw someone do something I didn’t approve of. I went to someone else who told someone else then it escalated. Boy did I learn my lesson. If you have a problem. With something someone did . Go to that person whether you get shut down or not! It saves a mountain mess.
This past year has been a year of redemption for me. None of us are past reproach but nor are any of us past redemption. Watch and see what God can do this year in your life.
Love reading others comments. Blessings.
Jill

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
Thankful to read all of the comments this morning!
Genesis 8 mentioned many passages of time: After 150 days (vs 3), Two and a half months later (vs 5), After another forty days (vs 6), After waiting another seven days (vs 10), waited another seven days (vs 12) — all these waiting, waiting, and more waiting, yet it did not mention a word about Noah being impatient, no pacing back and forth inside the ark!
Genesis 8:14-16a, 18, 20 NLT
14 Two more months went by, and at last the earth was dry!
15 Then God said to Noah,
16 “Leave the boat …
18 So Noah, his wife, and his sons and their wives left the boat.
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose.
Amazingly, when at last the earth was dry (after a year in the ark), the order of the event was –
God told Noah to leave the boat, and only then would he leave!
Where did Noah get that kind of patience?
Then it dawned on me – it came from his obedience to God and his trust in God’s timing.
I admire him very much in that the moment he came out, after being cooped up for so long – was not to busy about building his own house, or settling his family, but to build an alter – to remember God, to thank God for His deliverance.
What a remarkable man!
He is not perfect of course, as we see in Chp 9, he’s a sinner just like us. But I am grateful to learn from his faithfulness!
Genesis 9:22-25a NLT
22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and went outside and told his brothers.
23 Then Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent to cover their father. As they did this, they looked the other way so they would not see him naked.
24 When Noah woke up from his stupor, he learned what Ham, his youngest son, had done.
25 Then he cursed Canaan, the son of Ham …
What a test it is on our humility when we see others sin!
One of the sermons I read quoted Galatians 6:1 NASB
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
The sermon said the word “restore” is a medical word meaning to set a broken bone. We should do that with gentleness, the reason being – it might be us next time!
May God teach us how to treat others when we see them make a mistake or sin – may He remind us to be gentle, loving, and align with His Truth, so that we may truly bring others the healing & restoration that they need.
sincerely,
Joyce

======= Jeff:

Food for thought:
God chose Noah because he was a “righteous” man. God was so fed up with people that he only saved Noah and his family. I’m asking myself if Noah was the ONLY righteous person on earth or was there some added reason he chose Noah? This is an unlikely possibility, but do you think it could be that God knew that Noah was the ONLY person that would be willing to do whatever God asked, even committing whatever time God needed of him (probably 50+ years) for building this huge ark?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Noahs-ark-questions.html
Any other ideas why God chose Noah?
Today, God must be nearly as fed up with people as he was in Noah’s time. So, I suppose we should be grateful for his promise (covenant) with us that he won’t cause another earth-wide flood.
Godspeed,
Jeff

======= Renee:

Yes, Jesus is still calling people. That is the heart/core of the Father. To be reconciled and have relationship restored with Him. God loves and calls each of us, intimately, to commune with Him. Mind blowing…
I love how Jesus calls out to the disciples and they all automatically stopped what they were doing or left who they were with and followed Him.
My prayer is to be exactly like that: to hear and know the sound of His voice and instantly obey.
Blessings to all,
Renee

======= Robert:

Two important things came to Mind from the reading today. ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION. I became aware of a “simple” reason we go down these paths.
Psalm 4:4 brought to mind how anxiety can cause all sorts of problems and can keep us up all night.
Genesis 9:22 is a good example of what depression can do to you. A great perspective of Noah’s struggle with the weight he carried in his past is when you watch the 2014 Movie “Noah” with Russell Crowe as Noah. Here is the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/UAfJulXFYlc?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

With Jesus help (Wisdom Proverbs 1:23) we have a means to combat these feelings or ways of thinking.
If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.
Robert

======= Mae:

Genesis is such a great book to read!
9:16 “When the rainbow is in the cloud, I will look upon it to remember the agreement that will last forever between God and every living thing of all flesh that is on the earth”. My feelings will never be the same when I see a rainbow!!!
Matthew 4:17 stood out for me today “From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near”. I indeed noticed that Matthew used the term “Kingdom of Heaven”. I never knew that has to do with the Jewish audience. Can someone explain to me what ‘verbalizing God’s name’ means? I know what verbal is … so does it mean that the Jewish never said God? But in the first part of the sentence Jesus said ‘turn to God’… However, in the Dutch translation it doesn’t say ‘God’ at all, so I just don’t get it … Yes, I’m confused, and I hope I’m not confusing you guys. I sometimes suffer from a “language barrier” LOL.
Psalm 4:4 stood out for me “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent”. This is exactly why my loved ones can see that I’m living with Jesus in my heart now. I used to have the worst temper in the world. No kidding! I didn’t have any patience and I would get angry over nothing! So guess what happened when I would get angry over something! The little things bothered me and I would burst into flames!!! Now I think things over and I can control myself. Which makes me feel so much better AND the people around me of course! Well, you know it … only fools loose control over themselves, right?
Proverbs 1:23 “Come here and listen to me! I’ll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.” Amen!!! I absolutely believe that God’s word will make me wiser! YES!!! Everything started out in the Bible!!! All sayings today, started out in the Bible!!! Reading the Bible really gives me the spirit of wisdom! I always pray and ask God to give me the full understanding from His word. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I really want to understand it! I’m working on it really hard!
Mae

====== Gina:

There is so much swimming around in my head today from these readings and from a couple of devotions I read this morning, I could probably write all day! My journal was quite full this morning!
I didn’t see it until this morning, even though I’ve read it several times, about the dove and Noah sending it out and then waiting a week, sending it out again and waiting a week…then when the dove did not return, Noah waited even longer…until God said get off the boat. Noah must have realized the waters were going down. I don’t know about you, but I would have definitely tried to get off the boat sooner! But Noah showed extreme patience and waited on God! There are a several things in my life right now where God is only saying “wait”. I hope I can continue to be still and wait on God like Noah did…I know if I try to make a move before God says to, I’m in for big trouble!! But I’m a bit of a control freak! Waiting is not something I do well!! Thank goodness for Jesus!
I love the fact that God shows us Noah’s human side after he gets off the boat. He gets drunk! Not that it gives us a license to go out and get drunk…LOL…but it shows that God’s grace is BIG and that if we mess up, He will still love us. We can ask for forgiveness and know that it is forgiven. On the other hand…Canaan did what I know I am guilty of sometimes. Gossip! It’s so easy to fall in to that trap. This issue with Canaan and his dad is a great reminder that we need to keep our mouths shut!
In Matthew, Jesus calling the disciples…it’s awesome to see how they drop everything for Jesus. I again am guilty of questioning things first when God says “Go”. A time in my life when Jesus called…well, there are several, when I got saved, when I was called out of one ministry and into a different one…but one most recently, that has nothing to do with ministry but everything to do with love and obedience….and probably isn’t what you would expect when talking about being called…but…
About a month ago. I went shopping with a friend and bought a necklace and earring set to match a new blazer. The next day I wore it and happend to be at a deli for lunch with my husband. The cute little girl behind the counter could not stop telling me how much she loved my necklace and earrings…she was even pulling other employees over to show them. So we ate lunch and when getting ready to leave, I clearly heard God say “give your new necklace and earrings to that girl behind the counter”. WHAT???? Of course I questioned it for what seemd like an eternity. Went to the ladies room to stall for time – to make sure I really heard God tell me that – then even went to the car to leave. I made my husband stop the car, I told him what I thought God said and he just laughed and told me to go do what I had to do. So I went back in and hugged her neck and gave her the new set. She cried, I cried, I told her Jesus loved her and left. I haven’t seen her since….
Sometimes Jesus calls us to do little things…it’s not always going to be a BIG revelation or a big task. It could be as simple as go give someone a hug, pick up the phone and call that friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile, or give something away that means a lot to you! We need to be ready to GO when Jesus calls…and able to hear His voice!
Psalm 4 is awesome! “when you are on your beds, search your heart and be silent” – we really need to be quiet in front of God and let Him speak…so many times our quiet time with God is one sided…I know I like to do all the talking!
Prov 1:22 – “How long will you simple ones love your simple ways” – This is big for me! There needs to be a sence of excellence in everything we do….don’t be mediocre…don’t be lazy…do everything as if doing it for the Lord!
Gina

======= Ramona (2nd post today):

Matthew 4:12-25
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” (Matthew 4:12-16 NLT)
Jesus left the land of Judea a land filled to the brim with Jews, God’s people and went to live amongst the Gentiles, yet his message was for the Jews. Jesus was in the “world” but not off the world and he positioned himself to be in a place where non-Jews could see how he ministered, to the Jews. In Psalms, there is a verse that states:
Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!
(Psalms 34:8 NLT)
I think Jesus was giving the Gentiles a chance to taste and see. I think our greatest witness is to walk in such a way that unbelievers can see the light of Christ in our lives so that they can taste and see how good He is.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Kitty:

I certainly believe that Jesus still calls people today.
He has said to me, “ the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. “
I remember that in a Missionary Convention more than 10 years ago, Jesus called me to go forward and to serve Him. That moment I was moved to tears, and responded to God’s calling and committed my life to His service.
I have had many opportunities to serve God in my church and it was through my serving Him that made me become more aware of my own responsibilities in involving in the Kingdom of God (Kingdom of Heaven).
After studying at Bible College, I have been working in my church and in World Team as a mission mobilizer.
This year, as well as continuing my role as a mission mobilizer, I believe God has also called me to be a missionary in sub-cultural groups (in the network business world as well as amongst artists). He has time and time again spoken to me through His word.
I am committed to following Jesus my Lord in all circumstances, and know that He will make me fishers of man through my work and business (Matthew 4:19)
Kitty

======= Jenny:

I love the story of Noah (my nephew’s name <3). its amazing, how God provided food for all the ppl and animals…they were in there a long time! not to be gross, but it must have stunk in there, haha. I love how God loved all the animals he made, aaw. I hope we all go back to vegetarianism in heaven! =) . I love seeing rainbows, its seeing God’s promise from 1000s of years ago….He still shows that symbol…its still amazes me.
yes, i agree its not good to make a public display of others’ sins. We should be careful lest we fall into the same snare.
I love in Matthew how Jesus just loved people so much, He loved to heal, touch and restore…and we cant forget He still does today! He didnt go call the rich, the super smart, He called the simple; the fishermen, the tax collector, the ‘unremarkable’ so that He could do a remarkable act in their life! Same with us today…He’s just looking for the willing hearts.
I love Ps. v.3″ Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself”. I love that…I feel so safe, I am set aprt for Him! thats incredible!
v.7 “You have filled my heart with greater joy”….He definately provides that deepest joy and peace. I had an experience, or a vision once and i sat at His feet in heaven…the peace, joy, and love I felt are indescribable! I remember thinking, ‘all the pain I’ve ever gone through in life, its all worth it to be at His feet.’ Sometimes i forget this…but i was there, i felt it, so i know one day I will feel that and more…forever!
There’s a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is of man, wisdom is of God. A person can be brillaint, a genius, filled with knowledge, but have no wisdom from God, he is counted a fool in God’s eyes. (knowlede will perish). A person can be not so knowledable, but have a tremendous about of wisdom…the latter is from God. I beleive we can do things to invite wisdom, like reading the word, studying, but it really comes from God alone. We cannot attain it on our own. I have met men who are sooo knowledgable about the Bible…they know every word, but they are not beleivers, they have not receieved Christ…they have obtained knowledge, but true wisdom is veiled to them. Its very sad to see. Lets pray for wisdom every day and just see what God will do in our lives. Didnt Solomon pray for wisdom and end up writing the majority of the Proverbs. Ask and you shall receieve!
Jenny

======= Angie:

Hi, I’ve never blogged in my life before but I am so thankful that I found your site as my family is embarking on reading the Bible through this year. In just one week it has made a remarkable difference at home (we have 4 boys who are absolutely loving this much to my surprise)
Anyway, I had something to add about Ham and the whole tent ordeal. I have often wondered what the big deal was that he saw his father naked and at our Bible study last Friday asked our pastor. He said that Noah’s nakedness was his wife–that the sin involved Ham having sexual relations with Noah’s wife while Noah was passed out. And that the produced child from that was the cursed race.
Oh he also said that the geneologies there are for us to know that Noah’s line was pure. It didn’t involve sons of God mingling with daughters of men. He was chosen not only because he was a good man that found grace in the eyes of the Lord but he had to be of pure race to enable Christ to be from a pure race. Satan was trying his best to mess the family trees up with his fallen angels to interfere with Christ being born.
And with people living so long it is interesting to ponder…Noah’s grandfather would have known Adam.
If you think about it there wasn’t salt water on the earth before the flood. Possible reason why the life span now is shorter.
Angie

======= Jit:

I try to perceive a common theme in each’s day reading assignment.
I see that the common theme of today’s reading is SEPARATION or
DISTINCTION;God picking out Noah and Jesus picking his disciples to be and to do God’s work.
The psalm reading responds in verse 1 “Answer me when I call..” and in proverbs, “the call of wisdom”
Jit

======= Delores:

A time in my life when I feel I was called by Jesus:
When I was four years old I would want to watch Day of Discovery every Sunday. God was drawing me to Himself and He was irresistable. I would ‘come’ to Jesus every time. I loved to watch the worshippers. They looked so peaceful and happy and I wanted what they had. Every time there was an invitation to receive Jesus, I would close my eyes and clasp my hands together really tight in prayer and with all my heart ask God to forgive me of my sins and ask Jesus to come into my heart. It still takes childlike faith, because without it you cannot enter the Kingdom of God. I was called out of darkness into the light at 4 years old without Christian parents, without anyone turning on the TV for me or turning me on to Jesus by taking me to church. It was God.
Delores