Bible in 90 Days - Week 1

In week one, we read the books of Genesis and Exodus.

I find that journaling allows me to get the most out of what I am reading.

I write down any questions that I come up with as I go. This way, I don't get distracted with trying to remember everything I want to look up or ask someone about later and it helps me remember to actually ask those questions. Then afterwards (following a method that I stole from this lovely lady) I pick out a particular verse that stands out from the day and dissect why that one is so important. I decide how I want this particular reading to affect change in my life and how I want God to work in me to make that change happen. It's called the S.O.A.P. method - which stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.

Here are my burning questions and the most important things that I took away from this week's readings:

Questions:

1) Genesis 4:36 says "Then men began to call on the name of the Lord." What does this mean? Weren't Adam, Eve, Cain, and others already calling on the name of the Lord?

2) Why does the genealogy of Adam in chapter 5 start with his 3rd son, Seth?

3) When describing man's life span throughout the book of Genesis the Bible says "he lived ___ years", but in chapter 5 verses 22-24 the rhetoric changes. It says that Enoch "walked with God" for a designated number of years. Why is the death of Enoch recorded differently than everyone else?

4)  Why did Shem's descendants (Genesis 11: 10-26) live so long if in Genesis 6:3 God limits the lifespan of man to 120 years?

5) I want to research the tradition of swearing an oath by placing a hand under another person's thigh. I assume it's kind of like shaking hands in modern America but I'd like to find out more about it.

Observations:

1) It's okay to take a break. God wants us to rest - in fact he commands it!

2) Even in times of trouble, God is there to show us steadfast love. And how great that love is!

3) Joseph's faith and optimism almost brought me to tears. Even after his brothers sold him into slavery and he was imprisoned because he chose to do the right thing he had faith that God would work everything out in his favor. It's good to have these reminders that God is always looking out for us, even when it doesn't seem like it.

4) Exodus 15:13 is a truly beautiful verse (and it's in one of my favorite Bible stories!). "In your steadfast love you led the people whom you redeemed; you guided them by your strength to your holy abode." "Steadfast love" seems to be a theme that runs through this week's reading. How incredible is it that God is able to love us like that?

 

I would love to know what you all took away from these books. What were your questions as you read? Do you know the answers to some of mine or do you have any theories? What did you learn and what changes do you hope to make in your life as a result?

During this next week we will be reading Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy 1 - 23:11.