Starting a new path

Carl and I are starting to take a new path with our walk with Christ.

WE kind of came to the conclusion we weren't having enough time with Him together and as individuals and we are beginning to learn what it means to truly put Christ first in our marriage.

I find it interesting how that one change affects the dynamic in our relationship. How placing Christ first as the head of our household and our hearts effects how we treat one another. I find how I am more patient with him and I'm more loving. More concerned about him and more willing to follow his leadership when I am more willing to follow Christs leadership.

It has been a refreshing change but it will continue to take discipline to place the right things in the proper order.

Now days we'd think a person was crazy

In the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:

"Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.' "

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. .......Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.- Mark 1: 1-4, 6

Sex God

I thought that title might grab some attention and before i let your minds wonder to far you should know that it is the title of a book that Carl and I are reading together. You know out of all of the pre-marital counseling book recommendations this one has been a good one so far.

It isn't a 'how to' book on sex, it isn't about the anatomy of the male and females and or the differences in how our bodies work but instead it focuses on how Christians should think about sex.

It's a book that talks about sex in marriage and created for marriage, but it also talks about how we as sexual beings, created such by God, can focus are energies towards other things as singles.

A book about sex talking about sex for singles? Doesn't sound good I know but it is...

Don't get me wrong this book IS NOT advocating for pre-marital sex but it advocating that we as singles view our sexuality in a healthy light, so that we realize that our sexual desires in and of themselves are not evil things...We do in fact have the ability to take those "good desires" and use them for other things other than sex itself that will still help us to re-connect with those around us.

This book like all books should be read with discretion and there are some things that even i don't fully agree with but as I told Carl try to take the good things away from this book...you may find some things very enlightening.

Today we read a chapter that talked about lust. And the main point of this chapter was that lust seems to start in a persons heart when they are not satisfied or content or at peace with their lives and what they are doing...so what happens is they go searching. Searching for something that will make them satisfied...and this is where lust can easily begin to sink in.

It should be noted that we as humans can lust after many things, we can lust after sex, we can lust after money, we can lust after clothes, we can lust after cars, we can even lust after education. Lusting is rooted in the lie of "If i just had..."

"If i just had .....

him,

her,

that,

(fill in the blank.)"

"Then I would be....

cool,

beautifiul,

sexy,

hip,

respected,

(fill in the blank.)"

When the truth is lust rarely ever satisfies and it rarely ever fulfills it's promise. But it always leads us to wanting more and then we seem to be caught in a web of deception and we aren't sure how we got there in the first place.

Instead of lusting we must learn to be content with our surroundings, with our lives, and we must find something good to pour ourselves into, to give our desires to, but what ever that something is it needs to be good and beneficial to not only us but to those around us and glorifying to God.

So then my question becomes which the book does not answer is...how do we find that something? How do we find that one thing to give our lives to? And how do we know when we've found it and in the mean time how do we stay content and at peace with our surroundings? How do we not lust while we're searching for that something?

I think there will be more thoughts to come later.

The Lord must always be our continual source of comfort and strength...

-just a little something that i'm learning

hello?

It has been almost a month since Carl or I have posted and so much has happened since then i just thought i would update anyone who may read this.

1. God has been so gracious and has slowly kept revealing to me his plan for my life and he has done things above and beyond i could have ever imagined. Wow!

2. Carl and I are engaged to be married on the 25 of August sometime in the early afternoon but no later that 1:30 for sure...( yes Carl i upgraded the time by a half hour...lol but i'm sure that this will be pushed to 2:00 now...lol)

I am not like my fiance' when it comes to posting about God but i can't help but express how amazed i am at how God has worked in my life and in the lives around me.

So i just would like to give a big YEAH GOD! to God...

Joshua 3-5 Part 2a-Chiastic Structure, introducing a memory

My last post, back in the beginning of April, was brief and far too provoking to leave you hanging. Unfortunately, I will be refering to that post in this one because it contains brief contextual information to this story. If you wish to understand the rest of the context I would recommend reading the Exodus of the Israelites in the early chapters of the Book of Exodus--specificly chapter 14, when they cross through the Red Sea.

To understand this post you will at least want to read Joshua 3-4, which is one synergistic passage linked by Chiasm. (Chiasm is literary structure used to join thoughts together in a fashion that emphasizes what is in the middle and compares what is done on either end. Click the link to find out more.) The middle of the Chiasm is at the end of Chapter 3 and beginning of Chapter 4. Notice they are the exact same sentance: "All the nation had finished crossing the Jordan." After that "middle point" there is type of segway in thought, picking up from Chapter 3:12, which was a break in sentance. The passage is emphasizing the segway about 12 memorial stones. God wanted them to remember who He was/is and what He did for them because of it.

Sara posted her thoughts quite well on this part of the chapter awhile ago. I will simply seek to add on to it from the surrounding text.

Around and inside of that centeral part of the passage are key words that frame what God wanted the Israelites and us to understand. Two of them were already introduced by the officers (c.f. previous post). I will pick up on the other two in my next post.

Lots of Thanks Giving

No, I'm not talking about the big meal feast, all though I can't wait till the next coming one...

I don't have any verses to write and try to explain my take on them. Sometimes i'm just not as good at it as Carl is but instead I will write about what I have been extremely thankful for lately.

I have been thankful for many phone conversations that have resulted in some type of praise/adoration for our Savior. These conversations put a hope and a joy into my soul again. I think sometimes my days can get long and discouraging but it always seems more complete and fulfilling when someone else gently reminds me that i have much to be thankful for.

I have been thankful readings of Winnie the Pooh, and while some out there in the blogging world would see this to be quite childish it is very peaceful for me. The 'silly o'le bear' has a way of bringing me back into a child like wonder. It reminds me that everyday things can be an adventure. For example, my work environment can be a place of great place of refuge and significance when i imagine and begin to believe at times that i really do do something that can change lives.

FIO..my favorite Pooh story so far has been the one about Eayore (? i can't spell) having a birthday...that cracked me up.

I have been thankful for morning and evening prayers. For days that i get to begin with God reminding that every day counts and is significant.

I have been thankful for a week of continuously surrendering those that are most important to me back to God and walking away with peace and comfort knowing that they/he is indeed the best hands that I could place them/him in.

I have been thankful for silly chats with my roommate and for superhero images.

I have been thankful for all of the continual peace and grace that God gives me even when i don't deserve.

I am thankful to have such a wonderful Savior, a beautiful God, and a loving Spirit.

Overdue Gratitude

Life is a blink and this thanks is too short for the people who have commented on a blog long left uncultivated.

Many thanks, I hope the few upcoming posts will be thankful response.

A Second Chance, A Second Passover (Chps 3-5: Part 1)

Three days at the edge of the promised land, the edge of battle, the edge of a muddy overflowing river, the people of Israel wait.

It's been awhile since I posted last. M'lady had posted awhile ago on Chapter 2 of Joshua focusing on the core thoughts and the core statement of faith Rahab. "For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" stated Rahab in midsentance. All the people of the land were terrified but Rahab was afraid enough to believe. And through the spies, God extends his grace (Chesed) to Rahab.

That Chapter (Chapter 2) splits up the path of commands from chapter 1. Previously, God had commanded Joshua and Joshua had commanded the Officers. Now after three days by a smelly river the commands will be carried out and the people will cross over.

So before the people cross over (עבר) the elders pass through the camp (עבר). Not only do they pass through the camp but through the midst (קרב), meaning all amoung the people. The Hebrew word is often used for the inards of somebody or something in their heart/mind. The officers have "Started" something that will be so amazing as the day moves on.

But I will have to write that more later :).

Hope, be Un- Dismayed: Joshua Chapter 8 vs 1

" Now the Lord said to Joshua 'Do not be afraid nor be dismayed;...' "

The title of my personal Blog is Hope be Undismayed; which i entitled after a song by Jars of Clay. Reading Joshua 8 has put a bit of conviction in my heart because somewhere in these past 8 months my hope has been lower, my faith challenged, and i have indeed at times been dismayed.

Lately God has gently and yet at the same time abruptly been reminding me that He is with me. That he hasn't left me to walk through this world on my own. That i can hope for 'good' things to happen even if those good things only come after hard times. Even if those good times never come. I know that the Lord was "with " Joshua in a different way than he is "with" me but no matter the diffrence He is indeed still "with" me.

Thank you Carl, for gently reminding me of this truth through out our 2 and 1/2 month courtship and for gently reminding me of this truth through out our 2 and 1/2 years of friendship God has used you mightlily in my life.

War Strategy: Joshua chapter 8

As i read this passage i remembered the importance of having a 'strategy.' Strategies that will help us defeat sin in our lives, or that will give us targets to help us stay on the right path even when obstacles stand in the way.

I am such a "gone with the wind" kind of person and no I'm not talking about the movie. I have often in my life just gone where-ever the wind has blown me and while that has had its advantages from time to time and has definitely been quite the adventure; I have also been able to look at the times in my life where my lack of 'strategies' or as my boyfriend likes to say "planning" has made the adventure some what more difficult at times.

It is not that i am completely opposed to having a plan but i have often been discouraged by things that have not gone according to plan that i've so very often reached the conclusion better just to go with the flow than to paddle up river.

And the more that i have reflected on it the more that i realize that even i must find the balance between going with the wind and planning how to paddle up stream.

I have often given Carl a hard time for always 'planning' things out but the more that i think about it he's not that far off track :) a slong as he keeps a balance between having a stratgy and walking by faith ; which sometimes includes not knowing which way the wind will take you (oh the irony of it all)

Got to love insecurity

Today has been one of those days that no matter how hard I've tried I've still managed to feel very insecure about myself.Those of you who know me real well know that i've come along way from where i was in my 'self-image' a year or two ago but i still have days like today where i just feel 'ugly.'

Days where i feel too fat, to tall, too hairy, that my teeth are too yellow, that i'm too out of shape..ect. ect and i try to to my best to focus myself off of me and on to something else and i lose the fight.

So on days like today (that will soon be over and tomorrow will begin a new day) I just try to make it by reminding myself of God's goodness and love for me even if my eye brows do need to be plucked...lol.

Oh and I also read one of the most encouraging passages i think any woman could read
I may not be married but i like to think that this verse still applies to me :)

1 Peter 3:3-5

"Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as "my dear husband." You'll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated." -The Message

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands," -NIV

3"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:"- KJV

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands," _NKJV

Beginning a War on a Promise and Command

Joshua begins his leadership and his campagin life just like every other man God selected throughout all of the Torah. God gave him a promise to trust and a command to keep. The war did not start because of politics, envy, or Joshua's oversized ego (the ego which God had to tell to be strong six times--three times in person, two times through the people, and once implied through a native harlot!) If it was up to the Ancient Israelites or Joshua, the Holy land might not be so contested in today's modern world.

God's commands to conquer are baffling to a modern mind entrenched with or against the war on terror. The modern day Islamic terrorist are labeled as militants with a destructive ideology(paraphrasing President Bush). Would the Israelites be labeled the same?*

Nevertheless, The first chapter does not deal with the justness of this war campaign, it simply assumes it. As Sara and I discussed priviately, you cannot miss the many times Joshua is told to be strong and very courageous. But not to simply be "mighty warrior king", God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous to keep the commands of the Torah, the Law. Why? Because that is the way he will be sucessful (otherwise translated wise, prudent, circumspect). So he must have it in his mouth (memorized, the only way to read the Old Testament unvoweled text**) and to meditate on (digest) it. Then he would be prosperous like the tree planted by the rivers of water.

Oh but the promise--the promise is better. The promise that stems all the way back to Abraham, the forefather and receipient of the gift Joshua is about to inherit. "I will be with You just as I was with Moses." Was this an unconditional promise? I would like my other theologically inclined friends chime in. Either way, it was the foundation for God's command, Joshua's courage and obedience, and the great Israelite invasion.

(*I will post on this further when we reach the battles described in Joshua)
(**Questions welcome, I will post a link to info on this topic eventually)

Ouch!!!!!

Joshua chapter 5 is a chapter that made me say "ouch!" I can't imagine what circumcision felt like for these men who were not circumcised in the desert.

Now i am sure that this chapter must have been significant in some way but my mind can't get beyond the "ouch!" Mainly because i know what the process of circumcision is and that it is usually performed on babies not on grown men and for obvious reasons a little child is not going to remember that kind of experience.

Maybe this was a way to help all the men of Israel remember exactly who the LORD is and what HE had done for them.

Carl, i need some of your 'old testament' studies on this one.

Memorial Stones:

Sometimes we need to just take a walk in the woods with Jesus as "Boss Man" from Bayouca would say and today was one of those days with me. But since there really isn't any quite woods around this area, at least none that I've been able to find, i settled for a park with an old trail and a log on the side of it. On that log, on that trail, in that park I met with Jesus and the God of the universe and we read from the book of Joshua chapter 3 and 4 the story of the Israelites crossing the river Jordan.

I've read this story before but what really stood out to me was what God commanded the Israelites to do after the crossing chapter 4 verses 2-3 says: "Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, 'Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests feet stood firm, You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.' "

When i first read those verses i was said to myself "Why would God command them to take stones? Why would that be important?"Then as i continue to read i noticed in vs 6 that Joshua gives them a reason "that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be fore a memorial to the children of Israel forever." God commands his people to take something with them as a memorial of his wonderful work in their lives so that they won't forget (as people have a tendency to do) and they can pass down to generations that come the wonderful and mighty acts of the LORD of the heavens and of the earth.

As i finished reading these chapters I spoke with God and said "But you don't dry up rivers any more for a crossing, and you don't work in those ways any more to prove to others that you are God. So then how do we speak of you? What do we tell others about you? How do we proclaim your wonderful and mighty acts if you don't works in those ways anymore?"Then God speaks softly as he usually does "I do other things in your life don't I?"

It's true, he does do other things in my life that deserve just as much praise and remembrance that His work at the river Jordan does. But like the Israelites i can easily forget the ways that he has proven himself to be LORD.

So today I asked myself, why don't we have things, symbols, that remind us of a period of time where God changed us. Where he did something great that only he could do in our lives, like salvation, or providing through others love, mercy and grace. Why don't we have our own "memorial stones" laying in our houses or apartments that when we walk by remind us of God and what he has done. Things that when someone comes over they look at and say "What is that, and why do you have it in your house." Things that provide us opportunities to share with others Gods wonderful and mighty works in our own lives. Things that as verse 6 says may be "a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, "what do these stones mean to you?'

I'm not saying that we all go grab a pile of stones to set in a corner of our living rooms every time God does something in our hearts but maybe we should look for a small random object that doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of our belongings so that when people see it they will ask "What is this to you?" and then we can share with them.

I have a small stick from my time spent with God today sitting on top of my t.v...my own little "memorial stone" what can you do to help you remember God's faithfulness and deliverance in your own life?

Movies, letters, emails, and prayer (oh my!)- this is not the usual bible study.

So i stole that headline title from an email Carl sent me and added a little something extra to it (lol.) But that is still the basic concept of this post today.

Last night Carl and I spent over 3 hours on the telephone with one another, we made it our 'date night' spending the time in front of the television watching a movie 'together' (well as closely as together we could be) chatting about our day, thoughts of letters we received from one another the exact same day and emails we had reflected on; and some short time in prayer.
We had some great conversations as well as just fun knowing that all though we were apart we were still close.

Praise God for Cellular phones otherwise I'm not too sure how this relationship would be working for us lol!

Overall it was exactly what my heart needed (bear with me now this really does have a point to it.) Truth be told for over a week I've felt distressed and as if their was something lacking in my relationship with Carl and not because neither of us weren't doing the right things or talking enough but just because I'm a woman and have too many emotions to deal with all at once..lol.

Their is definitely stress in a long distant relationship. It isn't all exactly a bed of roses. Carl and i have our ups and we still have our down and even times when we get annoyed with each other things that are common in every relationship, but what makes it really hard for at least me is the fact that we don't get to have 'date nights;' where we go out and do something fun to relieve the tensions that can come during a week of leading two different lives. And even though Carl and i have talked just about every single day this week there was still a gap between us. And Friday night helped to close that gap.

We may not have been in the same room but we were both still sitting down, watching the same movie in different places, on the phone with one another not having to speak much but just laughing and having a good time. It was a night where we just 'were still' with each other. And it was good....very good. What my soul was longing for.

Now all of this as I've said before does have a point. Sometimes we can spend every day with God. We will read our bibles, pray, have our time of worship but even in the midst of those things be distracted by what we've got next to do on our list; whether it be to get ourselves out of bed and go to work or to get ourselves to bed so we can get up and go to work the next day. We can still spend time with God and not feel like it was enough, and not be satisfied with that time but always wondering when a day would come where we wouldn't be surrounded by those distractions that keep our minds from him.

Then that time comes when we don't have something left to do on our list when we can just go be with God and have fun. Where we laugh with him or we cry with him or just tell him what he means to us and we spend minutes and even hours doing so with him. Not having to worry about the phone ringing or having to get up early for work the following day. We feel completely in his presence even when physically we are so far away from him.

I look back to last night and the time that i spent with Carl - just being still, not in a hurry, not worrying about having to go to work the next day, not wondering what else i should have gotten done before he called me but just being still with him, listening/watching a movie together, listening to him play the piano, chatting until we both couldn't keep our eyes open and praying that God would help bring us peace - and i think to myself how often i need that same kind of fun, laughing, praying, crying, peaceful time to just be in God's presence and not having to want more.

There will be times in the coming months where talking on the phone with Carl is not going to be satisfactory and i would probably be concerned if it was. But the same will come when reading my bible, and praying and being at church will not be satisfactory to my soul. Because just like i ultimately long to be with Carl in his physical presence i long the same to be with my Lord. I long for heaven, i long for real live personal conversations with Christ, i long for his hugs, and for his touch, i long to hear his voice and my soul won't be completely satisfied until it fully rests in Heaven with My SAVIOR. Just like i won't be fully satisfied with the telephone in my relationship with Carl. And i don't think i should settle....

Relationships just like life take time...and time isn't bad...it is just what it is. So as i continue to find ways to relax and have 'dates' with my boyfriend...i will continue to talk, pray, worship my savior from a distance...(in the physical aspect)...but just as Carl and my relationship grow from a distance, so will my relationship with Christ and all that time spent on the 'phone' will someday have its sweet reward in heaven and I will hug my savior, and i will kiss him and worship him and laugh with him and cry with him and

just be with Him.

From my heart to yours.

What do you do when your heart is aching and you feel helpless?

Pray......

A beautiful transformation

My boyfriend and I have started reading through the book of Joshua together and all though i may not be far along in our studies i must say i have benefited greatly through the experience.

I was reading Joshua chapter 2 the other night and the story of Rahab. I must admit the story of Rahab intrigues me.

I've heard plenty of sermons on Rahab and her faith and how many scholars believe Rahab to be a prostitute and that is why the Israelite spies went to her. I've also heard sermons preached on why many scholars believe that Rahab was trying to get out of the life of a prostitute, but what fascinates me most about Rahab's story beyond the linen she was hiding on her roof is what she had to say to the Israelite men after she hid them from the guards.

Verses 9-11 say " I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath...."

In that last verse in that last phrase Rahab expresses her own faith in the God of the Israelites...

I've heard many people question whether or not Rahab was sinning in lying to those guards but i think Rahab knew she would be sinning against the God of the Israelites if she would have turned them over to the city. By that last phrase i think rahab realized that it would be far better to lie to the guards than to sin against the God that enabled the Israelites to destroy all that stood against them. I think Rahab really understood the phrase "the fear of the Lord" but it was more than just fear that drove Rahab to hide the Israelites it was her faith that the LORD was exactly who he claimed to be...GOD.

I often think of the times that i run away from my adversaries, where i choose to hide my fears and my problems from those around me and how that isn't living in Faith, nor is it living by faith...Rahab acted in Faith...she made a decision of Faith that ultimately saved her life...had the guards found out that Rahab had lied her life would very well be endangered...she risked herself because she had faith...

I often wonder what areas of life i need to take a risk in, what areas i need to walk out in Faith and say and believe that the "LORD is the God of heaven above and on earth below"

This passage challenges me not to hide from my fears, not to run away from my adversaries but it also challenges me to by faith walk this journey of life with others, to align myself with the right allies, to go to people and turn to people in my weakest and darkest time and ask them for help. To ask them for prayer, to ask them for love and to have the faith that they will love and help me despite whatever sin i may have committed.

Whether or not Rahab was getting out of prostitution or still laying in it when the Israelites came to her she underwent a beautiful transformation of Faith...and wasn't afraid too stand by it when that knock came at the door.

I hope that i will continue to stand with faith whatever adversaries life may throw at me and i hope to continually find others standing with me to and helping to strengthen me but even when they aren't there and i find just myself standing alone i hope that I will continue to stand no matter what the odds may be, no matter how difficult the circumstance I want to find myself saying and proclaiming...

''The LORD your GOD, HE is God in heaven above and on earth below."

Often left hanging, never out to dry

Exodus 15:22-27

My girlfriend and I have two months to wait until we see each other again. Long distance relationships are hard; One of the hardest parts is the waiting. In our culture of instant access and direct T.V., patience is not a virtue. Of course, in this world, it never was.

Whether you have everything or nothing, it is easy to grow impatient and distrusting. The Israelites had just come out of decades of slavery and oppression where they were forced to "live without". When they were finally freed from slavery and miraciously saved from the most powerful army in their acient world, they still had an impatient spirit. You don't learn patience just by experiencing hard times. My Grandma who lived through WW2 in Paris as teenager said "I've suffered enough in my life," or "I've already been through Hell." Her attitude made her bitter and resentful against many other hardships she experienced in the "promised land" of America.

I'm not knocking or those who have been through those times, which were much more horrific than my own.

Three days after they saw the most powerful army be destroyed without them lifting a finger, they start grumbling about their thirst. Now let it be granted, they had a real need. Three days journey in the wilderness with 600,000 men (not counting Women and children) can deplete water sources pretty quickly. A man can die of dehydration in one day without water hiking in extreme heat. At most, a man can't live without water for three days. So, delusional and exhausted they come to a spring of undrinkable bitter water.

Is this some kind sick joke, God? Are you up there laughing pretty hard now? Are you just going to leave us hanging in the wilderness to die of thirst? (Questions courtesy of conversations with a friend of mine)

God heals the waters and gives the command every Israelite and every person needs to hear in those trying times. "Give earnest attention to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight". He even promises, for their obedience, a greater provision then what they were grumbling about--no diseases, plagues, or judgments. "For I, the LORD, am your Healer." He's the one they needed the whole time and for the future. And He wouldn't leave them out to dry.

Then they stumble upon the anti-climatic and understatedly stunning scene. 12 clean springs of water, one for each tribe, and 70 date trees provide for all their needs for weeks!

Just one more day everybody....just wait one more day....

Introduction to Bible Studies

This is an experiment and certainly not a stable one. Anything experiment where the Bible and man are combined is bound to be volitle and dangerous. Thankfully God is a lot better at controlling life than us humans.

I will use this site to post my studies/thoughts on the Bible and it's imput into life. I hope to work out many thoughts, provoke discussion, and perhaps reach to others who need to grow in Biblical thought. For those friends and acquintances who will be disposed to reading my posts, please do not be mistaken. I do not regard these musings and discussions as the whole of Christianity nor this as the only way to grow. As I see it, there are ways/times to grow deep (more complexity) and ways/times to grow wide (long endurance in the same direction)--always in the love and knowledge of Christ.

I hope this experiment proves profitable.

Thank you

Thank you for all who left comments on my first entry. I know all is well :). I didn't know I had that much of a starting audience :).

Bresheit Blog

I will not enter anything of substance for this entry it is mearly a test. If any friends end up checking this blog please leave me a comment or two so I know all is well.