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the bridge wiki
Coaching CommentsWelcome as we kick off 2009. Glad to have you on the journey! If you're already familiar with the Bible, this will be a great recap, and you'll come across both old gems as well as new things tucked away that you've never really noticed before. But if this is all new to you, you're in for a crazy journey. There is no book as diverse and mysterious as the Bible. It offers answers, and at the same time poses an awful lot of questions. It's an amazing book.
There are two benefits you'll find to reading through scripture every day like this. First, this will help you build the discipline of spending a few minutes each day turning your heart and mind Godward. This is crucial for spiritual and personal growth. Around Bridge City we call this kind of time Circle One. Second, becoming familiar with the narrative of the Bible is one of the best ways for learning to recognize God's tone of voice. There will often be times when God speaks to you through scripture. There may even be times when God speaks to you outside of scripture in your spirit--but those times will always resonate with scripture, never contradicting it. Becoming intimate with scripture prepares you for these moments.
My comments here each day will tend to be oriented toward the unfamiliar reader. I'll point out interesting features, like a tour guide or flight captain. I don't expect to use this avenue to address heavy or complicated theological or scriptural questions, although I might refer to resources on those or other places where the conversation can be had--especially if one of you along for the ride is really struggling with something you've read. My comments will also (hopefully) be short. After all, you're already reading four passages of scripture! So, in that spirit, let's move right along.
Today's readings are all about beginnings. The Old Testament reading is the first two chapters of Genesis. These two chapters present two stories of the beginning of things, one which focuses on the process of God creating the earth and everything in it, and the second, focusing on God's intimate creation of humanity.
The first story, the more cosmic view, is Genesis 1:1-2:3. Interesting features here include God creating all the systems necessary to support life on earth, as well as the clear distinction between humanity and the rest of creation. Clearly the Genesis account has God giving humanity a special position and special responsibility. What does it mean, after all, to be "created in God's image?" It's certainly something unique and special. It's important to note that this unique and special creation applies equally to men and women. Also note the seventh day of creation. Something interesting is going on there. Why would God need to rest, and what might it mean that He made that day holy?
The second story, the more intimate perspective, is Genesis 2:4-25. This is the story of God handcrafting the first people, and setting them in relationship with each other and Himself. It's a very hands-on, dirt under the fingernails portrayal of God. The most interesting feature of this passage to me is the last sentence, verse 25. They were both naked and they felt no shame. That's perfect creation, before sin--secure, trusting, no fear, no shame, no sense of being less than. That's what we were made for.
The New Testament reading is the beginning of the life of Jesus. Chapter one starts with one of the dreaded genealogies - a list of who's related to who. This can be intimidating reading trying to make it through the ancient Hebrew and Greek names, but don't let it phase you. It's short, and the names you're reading are a who's who of important Bible characters. You also get the short version of the nativity story (the long version is in the book of Luke). You'll find all the characters you're used to from the Christmas nativity scenes, except for the shepherds. They show up in Luke. He had a heart for the poor and the working people. They always show up in his stories. Since we just made it through Christmas, this will be familiar stuff.
Now we skip back into the Old Testament. The Psalms and Proverbs are two books that have special significance. Psalms is essentially a prayer book. We'll read stuff that spans the range of written prayers. Some of it will seem like excerpts from private spiritual journals. Other parts are actually songs written specifically for gathered worship. Proverbs is a collection of wisdom teachings in the form of short pithy sentences. It's a sort of a moral and ethical primer. A great place for getting your head screwed on straight about how to live life.
The Psalms reading is a great passage. This is a good passage to memorize, if you're working with that discipline. It's a prescription for a healthy spiritual life. And really, that's what we're all about with this daily Bible reading thing. Keep this concept in your heart, and you'll be on the right track to knowing God.
The reading from Proverbs is like an introduction to the whole book. These verses sets up everything that we'll be reading here--the what and why of it all.
Now, as you go along, I want to suggest three things:
See you tomorrow.
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Comments (15)
Marc Schelske said
at 8:19 pm on Dec 28, 2008
Welcome! I'm am looking forward to this journey with you through 2009. Make sure to introduce yourself and tell us a little about why you're joining in.
For me, this will be my third year doing this process - 2nd time doing the whole Bible together. Reading the Bible this way gives me a great sense of the big picture, the overall context that is so crucial for understanding scripture. Some days it's pretty mundane - but some days God really breaks through and I am looking forward to that this year.
Carl Shelton said
at 4:40 am on Jan 1, 2009
Hey Marc and everyone I'll be with you again this year. My plan is to make short daily comments as to allow space for others but still let you know that I am here. That's what is funny about this space, it's like sitting in a dark room. You don't know who is sitting next to you until they speak. Also I'm going to just be reading from the Old Testament this year so my comments will be limited to that.
Happy New Year all!
LuDell Parrett said
at 11:04 am on Jan 1, 2009
Happy New Year! I read the New Testament this past year, through this wiki, and was greatly blessed. I am with Carl -- I will be reading the Old Testament assignments this year. I look forward to this journey :-)
Marc Schelske said
at 12:04 pm on Jan 1, 2009
Welcome back Carl & LuDell. Glad to have you both on board. Have you checked out the www.youversion.com option? It's really interesting. Basically it allows you to create your own unique study Bible online. Seems like an interesting match for what we're doing here.
Anyone else who is following:
1. At least leave a comment introducing yourself, and letting us know if you're doing the whole reading or parts, and perhaps what you're hoping to get out of your time in scripture this year.
2. Today is a great day to invite your friends into this endeavor. Ask someone you know to join us. The more people involved, the more fun our interactions, and the more reflections we can share.
Looking forward to the journey with all of you.
Marc Schelske said
at 12:37 pm on Jan 1, 2009
As I read the passages today, I came across several reminders that are very encouraging to me.
First, in the Genesis reading, the second creation story ends with the phrase that the man and the woman were "naked and felt no shame." That's such a powerful phrase for me. It's a reminder of what we were really created for. God's intention was/is for us to experience authentic relationships without having to hide who we really are. Vulnerable without fear, intimate without baggage. This is how we were created, and it's what we will experience again in eternity. But it's also, I believe, part of what God is trying to restore in us through the church. Maybe it's scary to think about, but this is God's heart for the community of Christ-followers - that we could be open and authentic without fear. A hard thing to get to without God working in our hearts and communities, but it really sounds life-giving to my soul...
Marc Schelske said
at 12:37 pm on Jan 1, 2009
(Part 2) In scanning through the opening of Matthew, the thing that caught my eye today was this line: "...Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah the Hittite." Man, if I was in charge of writing the family genealogy, I'd sure leave stuff like that out! It's an acknowledgment of David and Bathsheba adultery, of David's choice to murder Uriah, of greed, and pride and terrible destructive choices. Why on earth would you want to keep pointing that out in the family history? Two things related to this encourage me. First, it's a great confidence builder in the text. If someone was just making this up, they would want things to look as good as possible. They wouldn't include warts like this. This is the mark of honesty. Second, it's a picture of God's grace at work - that even our terrible choices can become redeemed parts of our story. My embarrassing and shameful acts are a part of my history, and God is big enough to work around and even through them.
Both the Psalms and Proverbs reading are a great set-up for reading through the Bible this year. This is why I'm here. I want to grow and bear fruit like the well-watered tree. I want to grow in wisdom. I open up my heart to God's work and teaching this year.
Aaron L Huddart said
at 1:48 pm on Jan 1, 2009
Hi all, I started reading last year, but fell off early. I plan to read the whole Bible this year. I have actually read the whole Bible through three and a half times. Several years back I read it everyday without missing a day for nearly 2,500 days, which is nearly 7 years. I quit because it became more about just keeping the streak going. Ever since then, I have wanted to get back to actually reading the Bible, and maybe even learning while I read this time. So, here I am. I will try and log on and comment everyday, but since I am also starting back to school on Monday, I'm just not sure how much time I can squeeze out for comments everyday, so some maybe short. Thanks, and I really hope to hear and learn what you all glean from our reading. I wish you all a great new year and great reading.
Jay Morris said
at 2:14 pm on Jan 1, 2009
Happy New Year everyone. I am loking forward to rejoining the journey again. I memorized Psalm 1 as a teen and when I see a beautiful flourishing tree I think of the Psalm and want to be like that try. In the word, rooted in Jesus and delighting in the Lord. I want to be feeding off the Living water everyday and growing and flourishing.
Marc Schelske said
at 2:40 pm on Jan 1, 2009
Welcome back, Aaron. Glad to have you on board. Going back to school? I didn't know about that. What are you taking?
Marc Schelske said
at 2:41 pm on Jan 1, 2009
Welcome back, Jay. Glad you got your technical difficulties ironed out.
Carl Shelton said
at 6:53 pm on Jan 1, 2009
Aaron, Jay, LuDell, and Marc it is good to know you are here. Jay thanks for the picture this is the first time I've seen you even though we've talked many times!
Jim Huddart said
at 9:23 am on Jan 2, 2009
I'm happy to be back with my bible study friends for another year. It will be good to include the Old Testament again this year. I'm also super excited to see Aaron and Jay back. I'm praying for and expecting a brighter and healthier 2009 for all of us. Not just physically, but mentally, spiritually and attitudinally as well. I’m even expecting it to be a better year economically, but that will be meaningless if I don’t have a healthy body, mind and spirit. Thank you all for being an encouragement and help in the journey. Happy New Year!
Jacqui Wheelhouse said
at 10:06 am on Jan 2, 2009
Hi everyone! I am here. Contemplating reading the OT only. Small bites work well for me. My kids are joining me and I am so happy to have conversations and interaction with them on all of this as well as with you all. New learning and discoveries are pretty amazing if you ask me. That is what I love so much about the Word of God. No matter how many times I read something, it has transformational properties. It is alive and can mean so many things depending on the condition of my heart and where God has me on this journey to knowing Him more intimately. I love that about Him.
Happy New Year. May 2009 be a year of abundance and favor in all areas of your life and may your roots drink deeply of the living water that flows from His throne.
Jim Huddart said
at 10:43 am on Jan 2, 2009
As I read the text for the first day of the year I was struck by the greatness and power of God. He can speak into existence the Earth and seas with an endless supply of recycled water, trees and plants that reproduce through seeds, animals with unexplainable instincts and human beings with bodies and minds so complex that even after thousands of years of study, we still don't understand how everything works so perfectly (until we damage it through improper use). It also struck me that if He created me in His image and to His liking, and then loved us so much that He provided a means of redemption to compensate for Satan’s introduction of sin in our lives, what right do I have to make disparaging remarks about myself or anyone else for that matter?
Marc, you made a comment about why God would need a day of rest. I don't believe He needed the rest but rather needed to set an example from the very beginning of creation for all mankind. He wanted us to make sure we didn't devote all our time to work and gaining things for ourselves. We need the time of rest to reflect on our Creator and recharge our batteries through that reflection, worship and diversion from work. Staying connected on a daily basis is vital and keeps us going, but without the rest and concentrated reflection on the Source of existence, we would eventually lose our charge and quit functioning the way God intended.
Peace and blessings to you all!
Marc Schelske said
at 11:56 pm on Jan 3, 2009
Hey Jim & Jacqui - welcome back! Jacqui - I'm interested to hear how you process stuff with your kids, and the kind of conversations you have.
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