Fasting for Marsha Fox

Today, a few will be begin 24hours of fasting for Masha Fox - Marsha is such a strong Christian, humble, and always available/active for church services/projects.

Marsha found out she had cancer and the little I know about her specific situation, it seems relatively aggressive - has already been in/out of hospital for surgeries, and starting all of the follow-up measures already, and this is just week #2.

I've never participated in fasting and am learning more about this (more reading for us all in the comments) but starting 1pm today, we'll start the process of substituting food/substance with prayer for Marsha and her family.

We sing "Our God is an awesome God he rains on Heaven and earth" - I know greater things have happened thru prayer and over time, I have not doubt that the healing of this affliction is within His power. Requesting we collectively keep them in our prayers for a focused 24hours.

Side note: this idea just came up.. we will do this again for Marsha (and others) over time.
Thanks for taking time to read this personal note! csb

Just click comments below for more!

Monday April 30, 2007

Exodus 29-30/Mark 2
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 31-33/Mark 3:1-19

Exodus - preparation of the priest

Mark - Pharisees trying to find fault in Jesus

Ran out of time this a.m. - add your thoughts/details as time permits

Just click 'comments' below to read more or add your thoughts

Sunday April 29, 2007 - Addison get Baptised today

Exodus 27-28/Mark 1:23-45
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 29-30/Mark 2

For you locals, John Bailey West getting Baptised today as well during early service.

Exodus
wow, reading is a little slow - not sure I pulled out all the significance of the details. If you've got something to add, please do. May not be a lot of significance other than just the fact God is one of details/exactness and this is what He wants.

Mark
Jesus heals sick, cast out demons, etc..

Just click 'comments' below to read more or add your thoughts...

Celebration/Praise - Addison Getting Baptised Sunday!

Addison has had a 'solid walk' for several years now, even though he just turned 7-years old. I always like to tell the story when he was only four.

We were flying a kite one day and he said 'Dad, I'd love to be able to fly'. I told him he did know, as we had flown to Orlando Florida for a Disney trip. He said no, not that - I'd like to be on top of the kite, way up in the sky, and see the face of God. Wow.. huge for dad.

We've always had talks of God/Jesus and their roles in our lives and the world around us, but typically I had initiated those discussions.

We have a festival on the square with Keith Cook last year and while I was talking to friends and enjoying the music, Addison walked down on his own and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Dec31, he made his public profession of faith at our church, and this week, he asked for baptism.

Just amazing, the minds of children understanding the importance of living a Christian life - just awesome!

UPDATE: see updated pictures below of Kevin's run and Addison Birthday party - side note: Addion scored 4 goals today 'for Kevin' he said - I guess he just keeps those 'in his pocket' for special occations.

Saturday April 28, 2007

Exodus 25-26/Mark 1:1-22
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 27-28/Mark 1:23-45

Exodus
Detailed instructions for building the ark and Tabernacle.

Mark
We'll see lots of repeat from Matthew, but from a different point of view/perspective. Mark talks about John the Baptist and his role, as well as Jesus journey to Cranium (as you know, they spend a lot of time there).

Click comments below for more and/or to post your thoughts/insights...

Let's hear if for Kevin - Marathon AND Birthday.

Kevin is running in the Music City Marathon today (so are several thousand others) - what an accomplishment to reach this point in his training. Good luck, brother - proud of you!

Today's posting will follow late this morning/this afternoon - headed over to see him finish race.

We'll.. I had to walk at least 2 or 3 blocks to get this shot, and I'm exhausted. Not only did he run in/finish this event today, he finished strong (still smiling and not blowing snot) at 2:13:00 (or something like that).

And to top that, his birthday is today - he just turned 63 (I may be off a little) and looks great!

Friday April 27th, 2007

Exodus 23-24/Matt 28
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 25-26/Mark 1:1-22

Exodus - Moses and others ascend to the mountain to talk w/God to celebrate this new OT covenant. When reading this for the first time, the fact that Moses was standing "face to face" to God's glory on a slab of sapphire, was just awesome.

Matthew - finished Matthew today. Jesus dies on cross and is risen on 3rd day - Pharisees devise a plan to tell all His body was stolen and was not raised. Jesus is raised and is alive today - Jesus gives us the Great Commission, go out to the nations and be a witness.

What an awesome God we have! As a new learner myself, this has yet to be boring - I get excited every time I read thru this.

Click comments below for more..

C. - I just wanted to say you're doing a great job keeping up with these posts! Keep up the good work!!!!!

Thursday April 26, 2007

Exodus 21-22/Matt 27:51-66
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 23-24/Matt 28

Exodus
God giving instructions to Israelites at foot of Mt. Sinai - today's reading is one of those that take patience.

Matthew
Jesus dies on the cross and placed in the tomb - Pharisees once again are a little 'insecure', having tomb sealed and guards placed to prevent his body being taken, giving the appearance Jesus would arise on the third day.

Jesus shows us that he cant be kept in a box, there are no limits to his greatness. Do we try to place limits on Him in lack of trust, sometimes? Pray today... 'lay it down at the cross'; prayerfully give unresolved problems/troubles/pains/concerns/sorrow's, etc.. over to Him - and don't 'pick them back up'. He will give you peace.

Wednesday April 25, 2007 (Happy Birthday Addison)

Exodus 19-20/Matt 27:27-50
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 21-23/Matt 27-51-66

Exodus
Israelites are at the foot of Mt. Sinai, gathered around viewing God's glory as he descends in the form of a cloud. Reminds me a little of the movie 'Close Encounters of the 3rd kind'

Matthew
Jesus is beaten/flogged, mocked, and goes to the cross. In our reading, Jesus is paying the price for our sins. We hear that often,... but today, we get an idea as to what that price is.

As we're tempted today, try to associate each failure to another minute of suffering He endured, possibly you (and/or me) standing in the crowds as one of the mockers, or another lash on his back. This is what it's all about guys... our faith that he suffered/died/arose for us!




UPDATE: Addison's party was great - Shawn, Balloon Guy, was just unreal. All you 'locals', you gotta hire this guy for your kid's party!

This is Amelia - our 3.5 year-old... just wanted to give her some 'air time' too!

1000 Hits to this website!!!

Wow.. today, we passed the 1000-hit mark on this website. Can't say that is an over-whelming response but considering that this reading-plan started between two guys, me and Kevin Wood, and all we were doing was text-messaging most every day about our reading.. this has come a long way.

I'm not sure of the exact count of people that we've reached out to and are reading - but I know we had somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-30 that had committed. I'm thinking that number had declined, but there are still many that are reading with us.

I've used this website as a 'door opener' to talk to people, either Christians or not.. just in passing.

This is a great thing for me.. and I hope it continues to be for you as well. Suggestions on how to make this site/posting/project even better, please don't be shy.

Tuesday April 24th, 2007

Exodus 16-18/Matt 27:1-26
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 19-20/Matt 27:27-50

Exodus - Israelites continue to complain about food/water and God provides. Just think for a moment the massive amounts of food/water it would take to feed over a million people every day, for 40 years.

Matthew - Jesus is now held captive and faces Pilate, a Roman Governor. You get a feel of a blood-thirsty crown that must have been stirred by the Pharisees. Their burning anger came from somewhere.. but Jesus has been nothing but kind to all; healing their sick loved ones, etc..

Today... let's think about the provisions/gift we each have received from God and what a blessing they are. Gifts aren't random, I don't think - but thru our faith in Him. Right now in our reading, we really get an appreciation for the sacrifices that were made for our sins - we should honor/respect that sacrifice/suffering thru our actions today. Ok.. what does that mean? Dunno.. will mean something different to each; a choice, a decision, an intervention,.. hmm

Monday April 23, 2007

Exodus 14-15/Matt 26:36-75
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 16-18/Matt 27:1-26

Exodus - Egyptians pursue Israelites across Red sea and die, as sea walls crash on them. God performs miracle providing drinking water thru Moses.

Matthew - Jesus now captured and the beatings/mocking begins. Peter, James, and John identified as being closer to Jesus then the other 12 - Peter denies Jesus three times.

Comments for more...

Why should we trust the bible?

All words in the bible are 'God inspired' - so why would we choose to believe some of the things in the bible, and not others?

Please assist with convincing thoughts/truths as to why you think all stories in the bible are 'actual events' and not just stories... or not? I've heard now from a few that are unsure - some on this reading team and, as I had originally intended, wanted this 'platform' to be a point of discussion not of just what we read, but to voice/post some of the questions that you've always had but just haven't asked.

And really, I'm not sure why we would choose one account in the bible over another to be true,... or not. Personally, I hold the bible as a book of true events/truths... and the faith that I have in Christ, is a faith built on the truths from His book/Word. That's gut, but wanted to toss that out there to be exhausted.

Oh.. be sure to read today's 'reading posting' below too - just needed to get this discussion-trail out there this a.m. too.

Post your comments speaking to this topic... don't be shy. Thanks.. csb

Sunday April 22nd, 2007

Exodus 12-13/Matt 26:1-35
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 14-15/Matt 26:35-75

Exodus/Matthew

Here we go - jumping into the most referenced reading in entire bible with both books; Israelites set out on their long (40 years) journey and Jesus hosts 'the Last Supper', leading into his coming death.

Comments for more... (good stuff today - take your time to relate)

Saturday April 21st, 2007

Exodus 9-11/Matt 25:31-46
Tomorrow’s Reading: Matt. 25:31-46

Exodus
God continues to bring the plagues - we're up to the 9th plague and 16th'ish day - tomorrow's reading will be huge in many references thru-out reading rest of the year.

Matthew
Jesus really 'going deep' with discussions about the final days - and setting the stage for 'are you prepared'. Today's reading in Matt was about God's judgement and consequences to those who won't pass.

NOTE: getting questions about 'is there really a Hell'. Would our God really be cruel to His own creations. Seems in Matt 26:41 it pretty clear, but why is this a question?

Comments for more..

Friday, April 20th, 2007

Exodus 7-8/Matt 25:1-30
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 9-11/Matt 25:31-46

Exodus
We start seeing the miracles of God performed thru Moses and Aaron. Pharoah's heart is hardened by God and in today's reading, doesn't allow God's people (Israelites) to have 3days of worship in the desert.

Matthew
Jesus talking to the 12 on Mount of Olives, just East of Jersalem. He tells parable of those unprepared in 'Ten Virgins' and the 'Parable of the Talents' (may need help here).

Please read comments for more..

Thursday April 19, 2007 (Happy birthday to Scott)

Exodus 4-6/Matt 24:29-51
Tomorrow’s Reading: Exodus 7-8/Matt 25:1-30

Note: all gifts that are larger that 100lbs, please have delivered to 'back deck', as it's easier for me to get them into the house.

Moses is faced with many challenges and soooo has to get outside his comfort zone. He heads back to Egypt to plead with Pharaoh for a 3day Prayer journey to the desert. God asking you/us to do something that puts you outside the 'comfort zone'.

Be sensitive to that today and see if anything materializes... hmmm.

Jesus continues to speak to the end of times. Bottom line here is to live a life pleasing to God now, for ‘it will be good for that servant whose mater finds him doing so when he returns’ 24:46.

See comments for more..

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Exodus 1-3/Matt. 24:1-28
Tomorrows reading: Exodus 4-6/Matt 24:29-51

Long post - Moses flees to Median, gets married, works for father-in-law and unknowingly being prepared for the Exodus, God's calling to remove Hebrews/Israelites (different name/same people) from Egypt.

Jesus talks about the end of times - worth more discussion than I've posted.

Comments for more...

Tuesday, April 17 2007

Gen 49-50/Matt. 23:23-29
Tomorrows Reading: Exodus 1-3/Matt. 24:1-28

Genesis
Setting: Egypt
Jacob is soon to die - before his death, he details/outlines the ‘12 tribes of Israel’ (Jacob’s son’s) and their characteristics. We’ll be seeing these tribes/land regions in the coming readings many times. Jacob does die and request to be buried in the same place as his fathers – in the land of Machpelah, which was purchased from the Hittite Ephron, back in Caanan.

The brothers were afraid that not Jacob is dead, Joseph at power in Egypt, that he [Joseph] will hold a grudge against this brothers for throwing him in a well, leaving him for dead, selling him into slavery. But Joseph assures them in 50:19: I am in a place of God. You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish [his will].

Live note: Kevin/Ron (new to the team – welcome Ron) were discussing this yesterday – you may think your success came from choices YOU made, but thru God’s grace and His mercy, we see all gifts are from Him.

Jesus, once again, lays the ‘smack down’ on the teachers of the law/Pharisees; again, he tells them they are hypocrites comparing to a shined up cup, but dirty on the inside, a white-washed tomb – may look great on the outside, but dead on the inside. Not sure I got vv29-33. Never associated before v34 – the suffering those to come will endure for Him.

NOTE: thanks Jeff for the encouragement to get this reading done! We all have to lift each other and keep supporting each to stay on track.

Monday, Apri 16, 2007

Gen46-48/Matt 23:1-22

Tomorrow: Gen 49-50/Matt 23:23-48

Thank you Kevin for stepping in (and to Chris earlier) - and no, I do not mind. Rather, I prefer to share/encourage others to do the same. This being a working/living reference from ALL points of views - that's what makes it 'healthy and meaningful', all of us participating.

Gen 46-48
Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream has really become quite profitable, thru Joseph, for Pharaoh. Storing up grains during the predicted 7years of bountiful harvest was used during the following 7years of famine. All from Egypt and Canaan came to Joseph for food; he sold what was stored up for all their money first, then livestock, and finally their land.

Jacob, because of this famine, travels to Egypt after God calls to him; Jacob! Jacob! (I am here, he responds). Life lesson; how well do we respond to God’s call, shouldn't’t we be ready and willing? NOTE: Goshen was the fertile land just on the edge of Egypt and Sinai

Not real clear why Jacob wanted to adopt Joseph’s son’s Manasseh and Ephraim, and why the younger received blessings over the older – as with Jacob and Esau? Thoughts?

Matt 23:1-22
In v15, Jesus is speaking further of the hypocritical nature of ‘the teachers’; Jesus’ reference to Hell: derived from Greek word ge(h)eena, Hebrew hinnom. The valley of Hinnom… this was the south Jerusalem where heaps of trash was thrown/burned, children were burn/sacrificed. It represented the eternal fire.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Gen 43-45/Matt 22:23-46

Tomorrow's (Monday) Reading: Gen 46-48/Matt 23:1-22

C. - Hope you don't mind. Know you been busy last week.

Gen 43-45

Seems to me the whole deal behind Joseph returning his brothers silver, keeping Simeon hostage, demanding to see Benjamin, and hiding his silver cup in Benjamin's bag was his (Joseph's) attempt to see if his brothers had changed. They certainly showed they were willing to do just about anything to keep/return Benjamin to their father.

Matt 22:23-40

I've run into people who were like the Sadducees and Pharisees in this scripture. They make every argument they can come up with to disprove (not believe) the gospel of Christ. It's hard to understand why they don't or won't get it.

Gen39-40/Matt. 21:23-46

Tomorrow's (Saturday) Reading: Gen. 41, 42/Matt. 22:1-22

Place holder for comments if you get here before I do..

Gen36-38/Matt 21:1-22

Tomorrow's (Friday) reading: Gen39-40/Matt. 21:23-46

Place holder for today's reading (Thursday)

Joseph is born/introduced and the stage is initially set for Exodus - you seen the movie. Now read 'the book'. eheh. Good stuff.

The events of Jesus' crucifixion are starting to play out per prophesy.

Add comments if you got'm:

Gen33-35/Matt 20:17-34

Tomorrow's reading: Gen36-38/Matt 21:1-22

Jacob deceives Esau once again.. God names Jacob Israel. Jesus and the 12 head to Jerusalem from Capernaum.

Double click map - will see Edom (named after Esau - meaning Red, I think), Judah one of Jacob's sons, land of Israel (Jacob), notice Penuel where Jacob wrestled with God!, Galilee where Jesus and the 12 were hanging out..

Comments for more..

Gen 31-32/Matt 20: 1-16

Tomorrow's (Wednesday) Reading: Gen33-35/Matt 20:17-34

Just a place holder so you guys can post if you like.. catching up soon. Thanks Chris (wow!) for stepping up - I appreciate the assist! As we say in Church, In a small 'valley' right now and a helping-hand is always appreciated . :)

Troy, wow! Welcome - Looking forward to you being part of our group now or just dropping in from time-to-time to share. (As we talked today, I know you said you were doing another study)

Add comments to this reading if you've read (I have not yet.. hehe). Thanks..

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Today's reading in Genesis is just huge in 'connecting the dots' with both old and new testaments. As Chris pointed out, this is were we learn about the naming of the nation Israel, and the significance of the name Israel.

And equally as exciting (yeah.. I'm still new), in Matthew - I finally got it about the parable of the land-owner: It's never too late to trust in Him!

Hope you have time to read comments..

I'm behind

I will get our readings posted asap, but this week has been a 'white knuckle' week. Don't be shy, if someone else wants to do initial posts for next day of so, that would help the 'team' and those that are caught up. Else, I'm sure to get this caught up soon.

Life's point: may not have time everyday to read and spend the time that I/we do most every morning reading. Not sure that is too terribly bad?, being 'choked out by the thorns' (parable of the seeds) sometimes - but we/I can still have our 'daily cup' in prayer/meditation to keep our communion with God, allowing him to guide our paths, I'd say.

Keep the faith!
csb

Gen29-30/Matt 19

Tomorrows Reading: Gen 31-32/Matt 20: 1-16

Jacob takes his wife Rachel and Jesus speaks to giving it all up for him...

Comments for more..

Gen. 27, 28 Matt. 18:21-35

Tomorrow’s Reading : Gen 29-30/Matt 19

Jacob deceives father Isaac, Esau gets a raw deal (it seemed.. I know, this is all part of God's plan). And in Matthew, Jesus speaks to forgiving from the heart.

Comments for more...

Prayer Request

Today is a day that for many, will be the first time all year they'll attend church - we need to pray for those that they're 'eyes and ears' will be wide open... and hearts will be prepared to receive.

For those of you in the Springfield area (my home town), we're having a large event at The Center this a.m., which is a building right across the street from our church were 'special events' are held (basketball games, local concerts, etc.. ). Please be in prayer that this event will be inviting to others that normally don't attend church and this will remove any 'road blocks' that are keeping some away.

Gen 25-26/Matt 18:1-20

Tomorrow’s Reading: Gen. 27, 28 Matt. 18:21-35

Abraham dies, Isaac moves to Gerar - almost on the coast of the Mediterranean, west of Dead sea/Beershebia. Isaac is blessed with riches which is a threat to people of Gerar.

Long post in OT - but understanding the history provides a foundation to the rest of the bible. Exodus is huge and referenced many, many times in both old and new testament. So, we'll spend a lot of cycles there too.

In Matthew, we're still in Capernaum (NW tip of Sea of Galilee) where Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the kingdom in heaven.

Comments for more..

Gen 23-24/Matt 17

Tomorrow’s Reading: Gen 25-26/Matt 18:1-20

Reading plan update: I'm 1/2 way complete in migrating our reading plan to match the days were on. I know it's been tough to follow.

Today: Out of Job now and reading requires a little more ‘association’ with names and places. Take your time.. it pays off to make these associations early. Setting; we’re in the Hebron, just west of Salt Sea (Dead Sea). Last reading in Genesis was when Abraham was tested to sacrifice Isaac in the region of Moriah – today known as the Dome of the Rock.

Matthew reading is the Transfiguration - wow.

Comments for more..

Job 41-42/Matt 16

Tomorrow’s Reading: Gen 23-24/Matt 17

Wow.. very long post today; we're done with Job and in Matthew 16 is the starting point of the Jesus' death - he describes to his deciples in Caesarea Philippi that he must die then he would rise again.

Comments for more...

Job 38-40/Matt 15:21-29

Tomorrow’s Reading: Job 41-42/Matt 16

God speaks to Job and its one of my favorite places in the bible - God outlines his mighty power and all the thing of His creation. Job can do nothing - and has a quite humbling response; 'I am unworthly'. Aren't we all... wow.

Jesus feeds a crowd of 4000 (plus women and children) - didn't realize/remember there were two mass feedings, that were nearly identicle in nature; 7 loaves, and 2/1 fish; the first was chapter 14. Thoughts?

Oh.. Sea of Galilee of 'today' - thought this would be a 'good share'.

Job 36-37/ Matt 15:1-20

Tomorrow’s Reading: Job 38-40/Matt 15:21-29

Elihu continues on – Elihu seems a little full of himself concerning his knowledge and/or his relationship with God. Elihu maintains that Job’s actions were the cause of his afflictions. He then speaks to ‘how great is God – beyond our understanding’. Then Elihu start to preach of God’s mighty creations and ‘to persuade him [Job] into cheerful submission to his providence’ or fate (pretty good read, actually)

Jesus/disciples land at Gennesaret, just below Capernaum on the North West side of Sea of Galilee (click to enlarge map). Jesus accuses the Pharisees of being hypocrites for ‘nullifying the word of God for the sake of tradition’. Does vv8-9 speak to today’s churches as well? Jesus outlines that it’s not what goes in your mouth that makes you ‘unclean’, but what comes out. Do you think Jesus getting a little upset in v16 'Are you so dull'. (snicker)

Job34-35/Matt14:22-36

Tomorrow's read: Job 36-37/Matt 15:1-20

Elihu continues on, addressing 'you wise men', how God has his eyes on 'evil doers' [ie Job], then he addresses Job directly questioning his righteousness.

After Jesus feeds the 5000, he heads to the top of a mountain to pray, he then dismisses his disciples, puts them in a boat to head back to the other side of Sea of Galilee (wonder what Jesus' original intentions were to get back himself - thoughts). Storms come, Jesus walks on water, Peter walks on water, but begins to sink.

Lots of symbolism here... 'points to ponder' - let me know what you're thinking today. I'd love to type stuff all day, but have an appointment this a.m. and gotta run. Good luck!

Job 32-33Matt 14:1-21

Elihu the Buzite (from desert of Buz in the ‘east desert’ – same general area of Arabia, I’d guessing... didn’t have time to look it up this a.m. See map below) joins the scene. He is much younger than the three elders before him (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar).

John the Baptist is beheaded and Jesus feeds the 5000.

Lend eyes and ears today for the opportunities God puts us/you in....

Comments for more..