How long will we wander, before returning to Him?

Posts tagged ‘Abraham’

89) Passing the Torch of Blessings

Today we begin with the book of Judges, chapters 1-2.

It is pretty awesome to me that we’ve come so far on our journey already (Genesis, Job, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and two chapters of Psalms) and still have such a lot to learn, read, and experience in His Living Word still to come.

The Lord is so amazing in all the ways He is working through us and through this study. I love it! It makes me happy and excited and full to the brim with joy!!!

CHECK MY MEMORY: Is this the first time in our reading that the not-long-for-this-earth leader of the people did not appoint a new leader before his death? I understand that the Lord appoints each leader, but this time the Lord doesn’t appoint one until after the fact.

Abraham blessed Isaac.

Isaac blessed Jacob (Israel), accidentally, thinking he was speaking to Esau.

Israel gave final instructions to each of his sons before his own passing and Moses rose up as a leader and servant of the Lord, out of the tribe of Levi.

Moses laid hands on Joshua in his last days even though he was still strong and able-bodied.

However, Joshua died without the Lord giving him any instruction on who to appoint as a predecessor. This is odd to me and worth keeping in the back of my mind in the reading to come. God does nothing by accident. Period.

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked he Lord, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” (1:1, NIV)

This is a thought-provoking passage of scripture, these two little intro chapters of the book of Judges. When the people have a God-appointed leader, though they sin, the return quickly to the Lord, repent and correct. But without God-appointed leaders, or when His judges passed, the people forget the Lord and return to their evil ways, and even doing worse than they had done before against Him. His anger burned against the people and their worldly attitudes took precedence over anything of the spiritual realm. It’s just as the Song of Moses foretold before he passed on. The descendants of the Lord’s chosen people would not even know of God or hear of Him or the great works He did in the lives of their ancestors, so they did not walk in His light.

Prayer path (2)It is critical that our children and our children’s children and on down the bloodline, know where we’ve been, where we come from, what we have lived through, and how we lived to tell about it all. It is critical they know He has given this life to us and all the ways He has blessed us daily in big and small ways.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Tomorrow’s scripture reading: Judges, chapters 3-5

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Judges, Trust

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88) [YOUR NAME HERE] Servant of the Lord

Let’s jump right in to today’s scripture passage, as there is so much to discuss.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua, chapters 22-24, the final chapters

First of all, I’m sure you noticed as I did the repetition within the first five verses of today’s reading of Moses’ descriptor: Moses the servant of the Lord. Moses is mentioned like that three times within the first five verses of chapter 22, and every Bible translation I checked had the verbiage exactly like that: Moses the servant of the Lord.

moses-servant-of-the-lord

Wouldn’t you love to be described that way, as a servant of the Lord? Of course, enjoying that may hinge on pride, but really I’m just speaking hypothetically. If we are on this journey together, likelihood is that we all consider ourselves servants of the Lord, but do others see that servant-hood in us? If they do not, it is my opinion that we need to work harder. We don’t need to boast about our servant-hood  but those around us should see the Lord as Master of our lives, just by knowing and living in close proximity with us. Can they see it? Is it there? Is there more we can each still do?

Try it out for size:

Marilyn, servant of the Lord.

Lisa, servant of the Lord.

Alice, servant of the Lord.

Katherine, servant of the Lord.

(Insert your name here), servant of the Lord.

Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Now, let’s back up our titles with action!

Next, the business with the alternate altar struck me as more than a bit odd, and I would really love to hear some educated guesses on this one; hopefully you can help me get my mind around this whole story.

Thus says the whole congregation of the Lord, “What is this unfaithful act you have committed against the God of Israel, turning away from following the Lord this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against the Lord this day?” (22:16, NASB)

“Did not Achan the son of Zerah act unfaithfully in the things under the ban, and wrath fall on all the congregation of Israel? And that man did not perish alone in his iniquity.” (22:20, NASB)

Then the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel. (22:21, NASB)

“Far be it from us that we should rebel against the Lord and turn away from following the Lord this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the Lord our God which is before His tabernacle.” (22:29, NASB)

The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the Lord is God.” (22:34, NASB)

I can see from a logical standpoint where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were coming from, but the feeling side of me can’t get the rationale behind having a copy of the tabernacle altar. I truly look forward to researching this topic further at a later date–as I am working through this year purposefully avoiding the outside influences that come with doing reading and research to accompany each day’s Bible in a Year passage of scripture; this year is about opening my own mind and understanding. Until then, I would love to know your thoughts or what you have studied about this particular portion of scripture.

As we come to the end of Joshua’s life, and therefore the end of the book of Joshua, I enjoy his sort of parting words and reminders and tying up loose ends.  Joshua, being older and certainly of a natural age to pass, seemed to know that he was not long for this earth, though it is not written that the Lord told him as much directly as He had Moses before him.

But Joshua tells the people of Israel: “Be very careful to love the Lord your God.” (23: 11, NIV)

“You know in your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words with the Lord your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.” (23:14, NASB)

Then, my favorite part, the recap (my husband says I am queen of the recap, which is not necessarily a compliment in his book, but is in mine):

Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River and worshiped other gods. But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the river and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I assigned the hill country of Seir to Esau, but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt.

“‘Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out. When I brought your fathers out of Egypt, you cam to the sea, and the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horsemen as far as the Red Sea. But they cried to the Lord for help, and he put darkness between you and the Egyptians; he brought the sea over them and covered them. You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the desert for a long time.

“‘I brought you to the land of the Amorites who lived east of the Jordan. They fought against you, but I gave them into your hands. I destroyed them from before you, and y0u took possession of their land. When Balak son of Zippor, the kind of Moab, prepared to fight against Israel, he sent for Balaam son of Beor to put a curse on you. But I would not listen to Balaam, so he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you out of his hand.

“‘Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands. I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you–also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods of your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods of your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (24:2-15, NIV)

Here’s what I love about this particular recap: this is your’s and my story, as well. Our versions have different details, but in the end, we are all on the same path to the Lord. My version would go something like this:

For generations, your family has served the Lord faithfully, acting in kind and serving the Lord in many ways. Through Eli and Ellen, Jack and Sherlie, the Lord has blessed your life, giving you Gary and Susan as faithful parents and role models to follow on your path. It is because of their faithfulness and good deeds in the Lord’s name that your life has been richly blessed, and through your service, your children’s lives will continue to be blessed, as well.

You have been sent around the country, meeting people and being introduced to cultures and people who you may not have ever been exposed to otherwise, with less faithful forefathers, but those experiences will serve you well as long as you walk the earth in service.

Then, through your husband’s family, you were blessed with a God-fearing husband, and through trials and tests, the Lord has been with you and protected you from the enemy, and brought you closer to Him. Together with your family, He brought you to a place where you would walk closer to God than ever before, as you progress down the path in faith, His grace is there with you always. He is leading you and directing you and your family continually, and as long as you listen to His guidance, you will continue to be blessed servants of the Lord.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (24:15, NIV)

Day 88 reading: Judges, chapters 1-2

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Faith, Joshua, Perseverance, Service

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82) Our Lord Knows Us!

It’s always a tough transition from one great leader to the next. It’s not as difficult when the first leader wasn’t quite living up to the hype, but either way there are growing pains involved.

Can you even imagine following in Moses’ footsteps? How do you think Joshua felt? Surely he was among the most faithful or this critical job would never have been passed to him, but still, there must have been some natural, human nerves involved.

Moses Joshua

I found this lovely image of Moses laying hands on Joshua and wanted to share it with you. I do not know the artist but thanks to the joys of modern technology, anything you want is always just a click or two away.

Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the Spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. (Deut. 34:9, NIV)

Today’s scripture passage: Joshua, chapters 1-4

As with every other leader God has chosen, Joshua was given specific instructions. The Lord said to him, “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.” (1:5, NIV)

And the Israelites were behind their new leader in faith, saying, “Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.” (1:17, NIV)

If we are faithful to Him, He is faithful to us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, either, and He will be faithful always to us just as He was to Moses, to Jacob, to Isaac, to Abraham, to Noah, and so on down the line. It is only when we forget him that our relationship begins to slip; He does not every forget us.

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (1:8, NIV)

I love this passage of scripture. Sometimes, when I’m feeling particularly weak, I like to carry my Bible with me wherever I go. Not to be seen by others, in fact most others rarely know I have it with me, but just to know it is there with me (even though it’s pretty huge, as discussed on Day 80). I may never open it on these days when I carry it with me all the time, but at least it’s there in case I need to find some words of strength in the Word of the Lord.

He speaks to us in so many ways, though. He speaks to us through our prayers with Him, or through the praise and worship music we crank up while driving down the road, or through a kind email from a friend at just the right time. We are instructed again and again throughout the Bible to never let Him get far from our hearts or our minds, so that we will be in constant communion with Him, our Lord and our Redeemer. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

I love to watch all of the wonderful ways the Lord works in our lives constantly. Just as the people reported to Joshua after they scoped out the land the Lord promised them and found that He was faithful to His promises, we watch the Lord make our enemies crumble and hurdles in our lives overcome by faith alone. They said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.” (2:24, NIV)

When the Lord works and wants everyone to know, without a shadow of a doubt that He is Lord Almighty, He does it up BIG:

So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground. (3:14-17, NIV)

And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet back on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before. (4:18, NIV)

Isn’t that glorious?! It is mentioned twice that they stood and crossed on dry ground. The water did not just stop flowing for a time being, He completely dried the ground, the river bed of the Jordan River, so that His chosen people could cross and not stumble, not fall, and not sink into the mud. Wouldn’t that have been an amazing feat to experience? Don’t you wonder sometimes how the Israelites could have possibly reacted against God time and time again when they got to experience His works like this?

That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses. (4:14, NIV)

In what seems to be his first act of leadership after crossing the Jordan, Joshua spoke to the people of Israel, saying, “The Lord your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” (4:23-24, NIV)

Do you know what always gets me about these fantastic signs and miraculous acts the Lord works in each of our lives? He knows us. He knows that even with all He has done and continues to do in our lives, He knows that we will fall again, maybe just a stumble or maybe we’ll fight right on our faces and take years to recover, but we will fall nonetheless. Yet, He does these things in our lives anyway. He works from love.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 83 reading: Joshua, chapters 5-8

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Joshua, Seeing God, Trust

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55) The Levites & their Service

leviDay 55 reading: Numbers, chapters 3-4

I just want to jump right in because today’s scripture passage is so interesting to me, especially on the heels of our Day 54 passage.

Yesterday, the Levites were excluded from the census…but that was a census of those males 20 years old or older for use in the Israelite army. That delineation of “army” just caught me today as I was reading. The Levites weren’t being excluded yesterday, but being saved for the most critical of jobs in God’s realm of delegating work. Yes, I knew that Moses and Aaron descended from the Levite tribe, but that didn’t register yesterday like it has today.

The Lord said to Moses, “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the Tent of Meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle. They are to take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him.” (3:5-9, NIV)

“The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine.” (3:12-13, NIV)

Would you rather serve in God’s army or as one of His priests?

The Lord said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai, “Count the Levites by their families and clans. Count every male a month old or more.” (3:14-15, NIV)

This point alone speaks volumes to me: yesterday’s census was of males 20 years old or older to serve in the Israelite army; today’s census is of males only one month old or older to serve, preserve, and care for the holy tabernacle.

These were the names of the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

These were the names o the Gershonite clans: Libni and Shimei.

The Kohathite clans: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.

The Merarite clans: Mahli and Mushi. (3:17-20, NIV)

The total number of Levites counted at the Lord’s command by Moses and Aaron according to their clans, including every male a month old or more, was 22,000. (3:39, NIV)

THE GERSHONITE CLAN

Numbers 7,500 males one month old and older

Numbers 2,630 males aged 30-50 years old

The leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael. (3:24, NIV)

THE MERARITE CLAN

Numbers 6,200 males one month and older

Numbers 3,200 males aged 30-50 years old

The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail. (3:35, NIV)

THE KOHATHITE CLAN (The clan which Moses & Aaron descended from)

Numbers 8,600 males one month old and older

Numbers 2,750 males aged 30-50 years old

The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. (3:30, NIV)

The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest. (3:32, NIV)

The Levites were given jobs within the Tent of Meeting, and specific jobs were given to those men ages 30-50. I love this because I can’t think of a more able-bodied age than that age range. Sure, 20 year olds are strong, but really aren’t usually as careful as they “should” be. And 60 year olds have wisdom but maybe after a lifetime of hard labor their bodies weren’t as steady as they once were. The 30-50 age range would ensure able bodies and even minds to handle the most precious of the Lord’s earthly possessions.

At the Lord’s command through Moses, each [male of the Levite tribe aged 30-50 years old] was assigned his work and told what to carry. (4:49, NIV)

The descendants of Abraham are the Lord’s people.

More specifically, the descendants of Abraham through Isaac are the Lord’s people.

Actually, the descendants of Jacob through Isaac and Abraham are the Lord’s people.

But to be the Lord’s chosen people, descended from the Kohath clan, through the Tribe of Levi, through Jacob/Israel, through Isaac, through Abraham–now there’s a family tree!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 56 reading: Numbers, chapters 5-6

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Faith, Genesis, Numbers, Seeing God, Service

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54) The 12 Tribes & God’s Promises

Day 54 reading: Numbers, chapters 1-2

I found some beautiful artwork based on the twelve tribes of Israel that I wanted to share with you, also. First, some stained glass that is based on the glass paintings by Marc Chagall, called “The Twelve Tribes of Israel.” I thought these were absolutely stunning!

stained-glass-windows-based-on-marc-chagalls-glass-paintings-the-twelve-tribes-of-israel

Wouldn’t you love to see these in person? I am an artist by nature and an art lover by design, and these pieces stir something in me. They are moving. I hope you feel the same delight in looking at them, even on this small scale. But can you just imagine with me, standing in the midst of all of these incredible works of art, all while studying the twelve tribes right now through our daily readings? Wow! What an experience that would be.

Today’s scripture reading has me thinking about my own family lines. I was tempted to get all nostalgic and go through decades of family pics to share, but that really doesn’t have anything to do with the Bible lesson, so I resisted the urge. But, I did do quite a bit of internet research for images and renderings depicting the 12 tribes; the most beautiful I found were the stained glass windows. I also found these praise banners, which I liked and thought I would share.

Jacob had twelve sons:

The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun.

The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.

The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali.

The sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah: Gad and Asher. (Genesis 35:23-26, NIV)

I wanted to look back and see where each of the tribes of Israel had begun and how far they have come up to this point in our reading. I believe these kinds of connections are paramount to our foundation work in the Word.

And God said to [Jacob], “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” (Genesis 35:11-12, NIV)

reubenTRIBE OF REUBEN

Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” (Genesis 29:32, NIV) **”Reuben” sounds like the Hebrew for “he has seen my misery”

Numbers 46,500

The leader of the people of Reuben is Elizur son of Shedeur. (2:10, NIV)

“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it.” (Genesis 49:3-4, NIV)

TRIBE OF SIMEONsimeon1

[Leah] conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon. (Genesis 29:33, NIV) **”Simeon” probably means “one who hears”

Numbers 59,300

The leader of the people of Simeon is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai. (2:12, NIV)

All the men who went out of the city gate agreed with Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male in the city was circumcised. Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male. They put Hamor and his son Shechem to the sword and took Dinah from Shechem’s house and left. (Genesis 34:24-26, NIV)

“Simeon and Levi are brothers–their swords are weapons of violence. Let me not enter their council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased. Cursed be their anger, so fierce, as their fury, so cruel! I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel.” (Genesis 49:5-7, NIV)

leviTRIBE OF LEVI

Again [Leah] conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. (Genesis 29:34, NIV) **“Levi” sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for “attached.”

“You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites. Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony–over all its furnishings and everything belonging to it.” (1:49-50, NIV)

TRIBE OF GADgad

Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. Then Leah said, “What good fortune!” So she named his Gad. (Genesis 30:10-11, NIV) **“Gad” can mean “good fortune” or “a troop”

Numbers 45, 650

The leader of the people of Gad is Eliasaph son of Deuel. (2:14, NIV)

“Gad will be attached by a band of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.” (Genesis 49:19, NIV)

judahTRIBE OF JUDAH

[Leah] conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. (Genesis 29:35, NIV) **“Judah” sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for “praise”

Numbers 74,600

The leader of the people of Judah is Nahshon son of Amminadab. (2:3, NIV)

“Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. You are a lion’s cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness–who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk.” (Genesis 49:8-12, NIV)

TRIBE OF ISSACHARissachar

God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son. Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar. (Genesis 30:17-18, NIV) **”Issachar” sounds like the Hebrew for “reward”

Numbers 54, 400

The leader of the people of Issachar is Nethanel son of Zuar. (2:5, NIV)

“Issachar is a rawboned donkey lying down between two saddlebags. When he sees how good is his resting place and how pleasant is his land, he will bend his shoulder to the burden and submit to forced labor.” (Genesis 49:14-15, NIV)

zebulunTRIBE OF ZEBULUN

Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. Then Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.” So she named him Zebulun. (Genesis 30:19-20, NIV) **”Zebulun” probably means “honor”

Numbers 57,400

The leader of the people of Zebulun is Eliab son of Helon. (2:7, NIV)

“Zebulun will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships; his border will extend toward Sidon.” (Genesis 49:13, NIV)

TRIBE OF EPHRAIM (descendants of Joseph)ephraim

Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” She named him Joseph, and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.” (Genesis 30:22-24, NIV) **”Joseph” means “may he add”

Numbers 40,500

The leader of the people of Ephraim is Elishama son of Ammihud. (2:19, NIV)

“Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. With bitterness archers attcked him; they shot at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of  the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb. Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.” (Genesis 49:22-26, NIV)

manassehTRIBE OF MANASSEH (descendants of Joseph)

In Egypt, Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. (Genesis 46:20, NIV)

Numbers 32, 200

The leader of the people of Manasseh is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. (2:20, NIV)

Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children to.” (Genesis 48:11, NIV)

TRIBE OF BENJAMINbenjamin

While [Jacob and his family] were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty. And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for you have another son.” As she breathed her last–for she was dying–she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin. (Genesis 35:16-18, NIV) **”Ben-Oni” means “son of my trouble,” “Benjamin” means “son of my right hand”

Numbers 35, 400

The leader of the people of Benjamin is Abidan son of Gideoni. (2:22, NIV)

“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.” (Genesis 49: 27, NIV)

danTRIBE OF DAN

So [Rachel] gave [Jacob] her servant Bilhah as a wife. Jacob slept with her, and she became pregnant and bore him a son. Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; he has listened to my plea and given me a son.” Because of this she named him Dan. (Genesis 30:4-6, NIV) **“Dan” here means “he has vindicated”

Numbers 62,700

The leader of the people of Dan is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. (2:25, NIV)

“Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan will be a serpent by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.” (Genesis 49:16-17, NIV)

TRIBE OF ASHERasher

Leah’s servant Zilpah bore jacob a second son. Then Leah said, “How happy I am! The women will call me happy.” So she named him Asher. (Genesis 30:12-13, NIV) **”Asher” means “happy”

Numbers 41, 500

The leader of the people of Asher is Pagiel son of Ocran. (2:27, NIV)

“Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king.” (Genesis 49:20, NIV)

naphtaliTRIBE OF NAPHTALI

Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, “I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won.” So she named him Naphtali. (Genesis 30:7-8, NIV) **“Naphtali” means “my struggle”

Numbers 53, 400

The leader of the people of Naphtali is Ahira son of Enan. (2:29, NIV)

“Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.” (Genesis 49:21, NIV)

These were the men counted by Moses and Aaron and the twelve leaders of Israel, each one representing his family. All the Israelites twenty years old or more who were able to serve in Israel’s arm were counted according to their families. The total number was 603,550. (1:44-46, NIV)

Isn’t that amazing?! God certainly keeps His promises. 603,550 MALE descendants aged 20 years old or older. These numbers do not include males under the age of 20 or any females.

Recall with me, if you will, this passage from day 17 of our journey:

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”

Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” (Genesis 17: 1-7, NIV)

Friends, He keeps His promises, and His love is everlasting. Praise His Holy Name!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Tomorrow’s scripture reading: Numbers 3-4

**Notes came from my Experiencing God Study Bible

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Genesis, Gifts & Talents, Numbers, Seeing God, Trust

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50) “I AM the LORD your GOD” (Leviticus, chapters 19-21)

50Oh, happy day, we have reached Day 50 of our chronological journey through the Bible. I want to take this opportunity, not only to go through my personal thoughts on today’s scripture reading, but also to do a little light house-keeping. Don’t panic…when I say “light” I mean it.

Primarily, what I want to do is tell those who may just be starting on this journey, to begin at the beginning! If you want to get in on this journey through our chronological Bible study, start today! We are reading chronologically so that we can build a little deeper understanding of the historic elements and keep everything in perspective.  So, if you’re just joining in the fun and have a mind to start this process, check out The “Bible in a Year–Chronological Study category, begin with my intro post and Day 1, and continue on through the days. I purposely numbered the posts by DAY rather than DATE so that anyone could start at the beginning without much confusion. It’s an awesome journey!

Day 50 reading: Leviticus, chapters 19-21"I am the Lord your God"

First, right from the get-go, there’s a theme that runs through today’s passage, and it’s a lovely theme.

The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (19:1-2, NIV)

We are to be holy because our Creator is holy. We are holy because we were created in His holy image. We are to be holy because we have been given all the tools and rules to be holy.

“Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” (20:7-8, NIV)

“You are to be my holy ones because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” (20:26, NIV)

How can the children of God ever do a thing or think a thought or say a word against God when He loves us so much and continually proves His love and grace over our lives time and time again?

“Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.” (19:12, NIV)

“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” (19:15, NIV)

“Do not seek revenge of bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” (19:18, NIV)

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” (19:28, NIV)

“When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (19:33-34, NIV)

“I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists who prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.” (20:6, NIV)

Friends, He wants nothing less for your life and my life than to be His holy ones.

“Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” (20:8, NIV)

I don’t know about you, but in the world we live in now full of tats and profanity and spiritualists and blatant immorality at every turn, I can certainly appreciate that the Lord gives us every opportunity for holiness and purity in His eyes.

“Keep all of my decrees and laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out.” (20:22, NIV)

Sometimes, don’t we look around and all we see is the vomit of the land. And we, you and I, our friends and strangers, we have allowed this evil to either creep slyly in or crash down the door, but either way we must have left something unguarded. We are here on this journey to guard ourselves against evil and to arm ourselves with the Word. Our foundation is greater today than it was 50 days ago, of that I am sure, so keep on stepping and we will be linked arm-in-arm against those who are trying to prevent us from our holy gifts from God.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 51 reading: Leviticus, chapters 22-23

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Creation, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Leviticus, Rules worth LIVING by, Trust

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20) Know Better, Do Better

First and foremost, let’s take a moment to celebrate 20 days together in God’s Word! Woohoo! I’ve heard that if you do one thing every day for three weeks, it becomes a habit. Well, friends, tomorrow is our three week mark together. And, whether you were already spending daily time with God, or if this is just an addition to your routine, I’m excited that we are going through this journey together. Let’s jump in to today’s Word.

Today’s reading: Genesis, chapters 25-27

God told Abraham back in chapter 21 that “it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned” (21:12, NIV), so even though he had other children from his concubines, Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac (25:5, NIV). I wonder if familial hierarchy was such then that Abraham’s other children didn’t feel slighted, or if it was much like now where being cut out of the inheritance would really hurt. There’s no further mention of it, and what it does mention is pretty matter-of-fact, so what do you think, is it more of the latter???

Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years (25:8, NIV). I imagine that Abraham had a real peace about him, particularly in his final years on earth. He and God had a true relationship, and I would even venture to say that I imagine Abraham knew when he was going. I bet he was among the “lucky ones” with no pain, he just faded into a peaceful sleep, never to wake. Wouldn’t that be the way to go? To die at a good old age…full of years, and memories, and love, and contentment, and secure knowledge of exactly what heavenly place he was going to next.

Now, Abraham and Isaac interest me in one particular way. Both had beautiful wives; apparently the kind of Miss America wives that men drool over. The father and son, when travelling, told their wives to say that they were siblings so as to spare the lives of the husbands. And, both said these things to a ruler named Abimelech. Now, I would love for someone to clarify this point for me. In Abraham’s case, in chapter 20, Abimelech is king of Gerar (20:2). Later, in Isaac’s life, in our current day’s reading, Abimelech is king of the Phillistines (26:8). I have never had a mind of geography or history, so this matter is a double-edged sword for me. Is this the same Abimelech? Gerar is mentioned later in chapter 26, so I questionably assume this is the same king, just another generation older.

This is one of those times when I may just be obsessing over something that really makes no real difference, but these similarities strike me as so odd. There is no mention of God instructing either Abraham or Isaac to lie in order to save their lives. So, why would these protected, God-fearing, God-abiding men feel the need to do anything manipulative? Don’t they know by now that God is going to protect them no matter what? I suppose this is proof that even Abraham and Isaac were only human. That’s kind of a comforting thought for me, as I tend to think I have to do this and that in my own human way, when it’s something God can easily handle and He really doesn’t need my help. In fact, like with Abraham and Isaac, our human ways usually end up throwing added wrenches into the gears of God’s plan.

Further, IF Abimelech, king of Gerar is the same as Abimelech, king of the Phillistines, is the same man…just how dumb was this guy? At what point would he learn his lesson? AND, as much as oral history was critical in the times before computers, styluses, and notebooks, wouldn’t Isaac have heard the story of the time he lied to a king and said he was his wife’s brother? Don’t our parents tell us of the stupidity of their youth so we won’t repeat the same mistakes? In both cases, God had to keep the king from consummating things between Abimelech and each of the wives. Like I said before, so often He has to fix the messes that our human errors make.

My pastor often says how much easier it is for us, as Christians, to forgive a “sinner” for doing something wrong than for us to forgive the “saved.”

It’s the “he didn’t know any betters” vs.

the “he should have known betters.”

But the truth is that we are all sinners, we all make human errors. At some time in our lives, we all make errors that make the Lord sad, but no matter what His mighty grace saves us. Just as Isaac returned to the land of Abraham and began working to re-dig the wells that his father had dug, you and I must return to the safety and direction of our heavenly Father’s care.

Maybe you were raised in the church like I was, maybe you’ve never really had a time when you didn’t know of God, and didn’t know the stories; but that doesn’t mean that, just like me, you didn’t stray. Friends, I fell off the path of righteousness with God, but I am here to tell you that I crawled back onto the path and I don’t ever want to fall away from Him again.

PATH CSLewisMaybe you have never known God until recently, maybe you were raised under a different set of guidelines or maybe you were never raised with training in any religion at all; if this is the case in your life, this is where your path begins. As the munchkins said to Dorothy, “Just follow the yellow brick road.”

No matter what your past experiences are, today is a new day in God’s house and today can be the day that you make Him priority over even your earth-bound world. We are building our foundation, and this is a great opportunity for us all to start fresh and leave all of the mistakes of our sinful past behind us. Are you with me?

Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis, chapters 27-29

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Genesis, Trust

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19) The Lord our Provider

Today’s theme (rather, the theme of our life): The Lord Will Provide.

Today’s reading: Genesis, chapters 22-24

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
(22:1-8, NIV)

LIFE IS GOODThe Lord DID provide for that burnt offering. The Lord DOES provide all we truly need now. And, the Lord will CONTINUE to provide for us in the future. By testing us, God is able to prove again and again that He will forever provide for our needs. After we pass these tests, large and small, God blesses us with greater responsibility.

I love the quote from Mother Teresa, “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

God blessed Abraham for his faith, and He blesses you and I, as well.

The Lord rewarded Abraham for passing the ultimate test:
I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” (22:17-18, NIV)

God blesses us all the more because you have obeyed me.

I want to pose an open-ended question. Don’t panic, it won’t be too deep…it’s more a Sunday school question, but hopefully over time we can add some depth to our answers.

The question is two-fold:

1) How do we, in our daily lives, obey God? How do we, REALLY, obey Him daily? Not, what should we doing, but what do we do?

2) What proof have we experienced in the past that when we obey God, we truly are blessed in cause and effect kind of responsiveness?

My answers, #1) In my daily life, I have to have my “God time.” And most of the time that need to have quiet time alone with Him is because I feel so lonely without it. Whether I spend the time on this chronological journey, reading and writing, or it’s time spent in prayer or some other form of time with Him, I know I must have it in order to remain full and focused.

Through this year’s reading journey, I am purposely avoiding commentaries and teachings that pertain to the passages we are reading together. This is not to suggest that I don’t love to hear my pastor preach, or get so deeply involved with my latest ladies Bible study, but I have not gone out of my way to research the daily scripture reading passages more in-depth. If it’s not in the Book, itself, it can wait. This year for me is about knowing what the Bible actually says, without spin or outside interpretation. There are so many great thinkers and students of the Bible that have incredible insight, but I first want to strengthen my own biblical foundation in the Word so that I can make out right from wrong, skewed from biblical, in the teachings and readings I come across in the future. In fact, I am already thinking about next year’s self-assignment (I know, I know…we’re not even out of the teens and I’m already planning for the next 365 day stretch), and I think it will involve commentary. Right now, I am just enjoying the living, breathing, Word of God. Aren’t you?

My answers, #2) Even as I posed the second question my mind went blank. Isn’t it frustrating when you know there’s so much to say, so many exciting stories, and you just lose it? I would say that 90% of my prayers also include pleas to God to make the pathways He wants me to follow as obvious as possible; I’m always afraid I may miss a turn and completely miss the awesome life God has in store for me. That being said, I have had countless wonderful experiences with God, when I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was being greatly blessed because I was faithful and trusting in Him. Cause & effect.

Steve Marilyn Christmas 2011The summer of 2009 was a difficult one in my family. Anyone who is or ever has been married knows there are hills and there are valleys. Let’s just say, the summer of 2009 was a rocky valley; it was a test that my husband and I barely made it through. It was a summer that I knew would make me stronger if I persevered or weaken me to a shell of the person I once was if I didn’t hold strong. I say with unwavering certainty that that rocky valley, that test of strength, was the best thing that could have ever happened in my family.

Sometimes, we have to hit rock bottom, to completely lose sight of the light, so that we can crave it so much that we finally seek after it. And, friends, when we regain our sight, it is a beautiful thing! I don’t ever want to return to that dark hole. I don’t want my feet to ever touch that rocky place again. Steve and I are blessed today because we passed a very difficult test. We are closer to one another; we are happier parents; and, best of all, we are closer to God and feel more secure in our relationship with Him, than we ever were before the rocky valley. Glory to God!

I look forward to hearing each of your insights into the cause and effects of God’s blessings. I want to live out His daily Word through my life in this world. It’s a tricky balancing act, as you all know, but together and with His Word and His Spirit, we will pull through the tests and our foundation of sand will be strengthened into the Rock!

Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis, chapters 25-26

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Genesis, Trust

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17) “The God Who Sees Me”

Today’s reading: Genesis, chapters 16-18

I know we’ve read/heard these stories a dozen times (minimum) through years of growing up in church. Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Hagar, Ismael, Isaac, Sodom and Gomorrah…we know these stories, we’ve studied them, and this is one of those passages where I have to fight not to glaze over. Today I won the fight and it paid off.

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” (16:13, NIV)

He is the God who sees me. He is the God that sees YOU! He sees us through every celebration and every struggle.

I find it interesting that Hagar, a maidservant who was essentially forced into relations with her 86-year-old master, gives the Lord an endearing nick-name of sorts. The God Who Sees Me. I just love that name!

It is so  comforting for me to know that the Lord, our God, is with us all of the time. His Spirit lives in us and breathes through us and gives us renewed life and energy and guidance for every moment of our lives. Awesome!

It brings me great comfort to know that any time I need Him or seek His company, He is right there. He’s on-call. He is the only One who knows my every need. He’s the only One who knows where I have lacking or what areas of my life need help. He is the only One who knows me best. I can’t fake anything with Him, no smiles, no happy attitudes, no masks or facades. They don’t work with Him. He sees me, He knew me before He even created me, yet He loves me and lives with me all of my days. He Sees Me!

He is THE GOD WHO SEES YOU!

My hope and prayer is that this brings you comfort, as well. Knowing that you are never alone and never without His loving hand covering, protecting, and guiding you.

Our God is truly an awesome God!!!

Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis, chapters 19-21

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Genesis, Healing, Seeing God, Trust

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16) He is our Reward

www.ROADSIGNSTOHIM.com

ROADSIGNSTOHIM.com

Today, we return to Genesis; back to the beginning. We are strengthening our foundation more every day, as we continue to read, study, and pray the inspired Word. As we continue to read through the Bible chronologically, we are back in Genesis, studying Father Abraham and his many sons.

Today’s reading: Genesis, chapters 12-15

What first strikes me today, as it has many times already over the course of the first two weeks of our journey, is the obedience of select people. Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord…and did everything just as God commanded him (6:8 & 22, NIV).

As much as I attempt to do everything exactly as I know the Lord wants me to do them, my human sin nature gets in the way A LOT! For example, I have been working on my potty mouth for years. I’ve gone through phases in my life that have placed four-letter words on the tip of my tongue, and in most conversations. I have to give myself a little pat on the back, as I have really reigned my tongue in, but the truth is there are still slips. And even when I don’t let the ugliness come out of my mouth, there are still plenty of times I think them but don’t say them. As much as I want to congratulate myself for that achievement, it’s really no achievement at all! God knows my thoughts so even though the rest of the human race doesn’t have to hear those things come out of my mouth, the most critical being of all still knows they’re there. It excites me to even consider how blessed life would feel to know that I found favor in the eyes of the Lord BECAUSE I did everything just as He commands me.

Abram is one of those wonderful role models for our Christian walk of faith.

The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (12:1, NIV)

As I have written previously (and will likely mention again and again because it’s just that important to me), I believe in giving 10% of our time back to God, as well as 10% of our money. (See previous post, 10% of me) That said, the obedience factor comes into play in my life a lot. I love to do a little celebration dance in my head when I know I am doing something in obedience to God, that will please Him; and I hate the gut knot I get when I know I have made the disappointing choice but am too lazy to undo what I’ve done. I would compare giving 10% of my time back to God to doing housework or some nasty chore that I don’t enjoy, but that’s not fair to Him. I actually enjoy the time I give back to Him more than any other time in my day. I don’t look at it as something I will be punished for not doing, but I do feel so rewarded when I do give that time back.

There are still times, however, that I end up on the couch watching TV with my husband, just chillaxin’ and being completely mindless…when I could/should be using that time more dutifully but don’t. There are times when I feel the urge to pray for some special need that has just come into my heart, but I allow myself to get distracted and don’t end up praying at all, much less for this special need that was apparently very important. Thankfully, God knows that I am only human. He knows that my first reaction is one of selfishness, and He still doesn’t hold that against me…I like to think He does still appreciate my efforts to do “good.”

In my heart, God is not an angry God looking to punish us at every wrong move. He is a loving and very gracious Creator who has already put up with so much from me, yet still loves me and gives me every breath, every moment. I know there are times when He steps in and corrects me, which my human nature may not always enjoy, but just like when a disrespectful child is straightened up by loving parents, I turn out better in the end for the lessons.

All that to say: Abram/Abraham was obedient in all he did and he was blessed as a direct result of his obedient heart and action.

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (12:3, NIV)

So, what did Abram do? He left, as the Lord had told him. (12:4, NIV)

There have been times in my life when the Spirit has whispered to me to do something specific and I complied. But, I cannot imagine the human struggle that would go on if I got a word to, literally, drop everything and everyone and just follow. Now, that takes some trust! About half the time that I feel that specific pull on my heart like He is whispering to me, I doubt that it’s not just my human sin nature trying to trip me up on my walk with Him. I tend to second-guess and doubt more often than I drop everything in dutiful obedience. But when I pray, I pray specifically that God not allow me in all of my stubborn glory to miss the signs He has put out for me. I ask Him to make them big, obvious, flashing neon if necessary, just so I don’t miss a turn or a split in the road (hence the “Road Signs to Him”). My greatest fear is that I am not going to live up to the potential of what the Lord has in store for my life. So, I pray in faith and trust Him to make it all obvious to me where He wants me.

Much of the story of Abraham and Sarah we will continue to reference in the days ahead. So much of it interests me, especially in relation to the way the story reveals itself on down the line. But, also, so much of it has been so over-stated in church, Sunday school and other Bible lessons that I don’t want to go into overkill over some of these passages. Just as I was determined to do, I have enjoyed reading these familiar stories with fresh eyes. I have picked something up each day that I truly had never noticed before or that had never struck me in the same way as it strikes me now. The Bible truly is the Living Word of God, as it continuously applies to our current situation, it always has the lessons we most need to learn, and it always teaches us something new with each turn of the page.

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (15:1, NIV)

He is our shield, as well. In fact I want to re-read that passage, inserting our own names into those words from the Lord, substituting ours for Abram’s. Ready?

The word of the Lord says to you, “Do not be afraid, _________________. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Friends, God wants to be our reward! In Him there is no fear. Even living among the evil as we do, we will be strong in the Lord and not be afraid. He is our reward. HE IS OUR REWARD!

Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis, chapters 16-18

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Genesis, Prayer, Quiet time, Seeing God, Trust

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