Always on My Mind?

I love reading through the Bible. I am enjoying the manner in which the editors apportioned the readings of Old and New Testaments, Psalms and Proverbs.

As I think back over this week, I was struck by Joseph, one of my favorite people in the Bible. I love the drama of his life, the authenticity of it, the triumph and tragedy, the way it ended. And I love the way he fears God. God is at the center of his thoughts.

When people need dreams interpreted, he makes sure that they know the Dreamgiver. When he is pursued and tempted with lust, his continuing thought remains, "How can I do this and sin against God?" Regardless of what anyone else thinks, he voices his passion for pleasing God.

God is not "first" in his life. Instead, God is at the center of who Joseph is and what he does. God is his consuming passion. In a very simple way, I glimpse 24/7 worship.

That's what stayed with me this week. What stayed with you as you read and prayed over God's Word?

Always at Work

Someone sent me this picture a few years ago. I believe it is from Iraq, early in the war.

When I gaze at it, I wonder if this is what Moses saw on Mt. Sinai. Did God manifest Himself this way in the wilderness? It is almost as if God has pulled back the curtain without revealing too much. He has made it known that He is there and He is not silent.

A picture like this one reminds me that God is always at work. Sometimes I see Him clearly. Sometimes I notice His work upon reflection. And sometimes I may not understand His handiwork until heaven.

Have you seen anything, like this picture, that made you think of God this week?

What Stayed with You?

We are nearing the completion of our first week in the One Year Bible. As you think back over the last week, what one word, phrase or verse has stayed with you?

The first verse that jumped out at me was Genesis 4:7. "Sin is crouching at your door." Michael Benefield said, "It's like you walk out on the front porch and there's a mountain lion waiting for you." That's vivid!

I read that verse and I was struck by the thought, "Nothing has changed since the inception of mankind." Sin exists. Sin seeks to master. Satan tempts us toward sin in order to steal, kill and destroy. All sin has consequences. Do not let sin master you.

Sounds like Paul in Romans 6. The power of sin and of death is broken through the death of Christ. However, we still have to choose each day whether we will submit to sin as its slave or submit to Christ as His servant. I've been thinking about that verse all week, seeking God's grace to avoid sin.

What one word, phrase or verse has stayed with you this week?

The Name Game

How have you handled the tough pronunciation of names in Genesis?

Lee Fox reminded us last week that these are people that God thought were worth mentioning in His Word. The living God of the universe knows them intimately and elevated their dignity by naming them in Scripture. Mary Craig said in staff meeting, "I can't wait to meet some of these people and hear their story!"

Knowing their story is one thing. Pronouncing their names is another. Sometimes, I go with the phonetic pronunciation. Other times, I shorten the name to "E" or "H." Once in a while, I give that person a nickname. Some names do not transliterate well from Hebrew to English.

Of course, you could do what people do with Coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke basketball coach). His name is pronounced, "shih-SHEV-skee." Most people simply call him, "Coach K."

How have you handled the names?

Excitement Abounds

Do you love a good adventure?

I do! The earliest years of my life were filled with adventures in the backyard building forts, playing Cowboys and Indians with friends and riding bikes around the block. My Jr. High years were filled with building forts under the house (pier and beam), watching the Cowboys on a Super Bowl quest and riding bikes around White Rock Lake. My college years were filled with educational adventures, as my mind was fortified with knowledge, examples and experiences. I begged rides to Colorado to snow ski and rode trains throughout Europe. I took greater interest in the adventure of wondering if God had a mate out there for me.

Whether it is adventures in my mind, around the globe or simply the adventure of getting to know someone, I enjoy the stimulation of an exciting experience.

I view reading through the One Year Bible as an adventure. I can't wait to see how God will reveal Himself to me. I long to gain a greater understanding of Jesus Christ. I desire to encounter His transforming grace throughout Scripture. I look forward to a great sense of community as our church family interacts throughout the year.

What about you? Is this adventure exciting or intimidating for you? Why are you looking forward to it? What are you concerned about? Share your thoughts.