Genesis 18:1 – 20:18

December 09, 2009

Genesis 18:14 - Is anything to hard for the Lord? I will return at the right time...
Genesis 18:19 - Another example of IF—THEN. IF—you live right, be fair, and live the way the Lords wants, THEN—I (the Lord) will give what I promised.

Don't give up! God's promise is just that. A promise! "At the right time" He will provide. God punishes sin and protects righteousness.

Lot went from living near Sodom to living in Sodom to delaying when leaving Sodom. Incredible!  And then Lot has the audacity to argue with God. "Not so my Lord." God is either Lord and you obey, or he isn't "Lord" and you don't. The sin around Lot had impacted his life and he didn't even know it. 

Lot's daughters then decide to "use" him and the end result was the Moabites and Ammonites. Generations were impacted by Lot's selfish decisions. See Jeremiah 48 & 49 for who the Moabites and Ammonites were and what happened to them. 

Contrast of Character (from Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV Scofield Bible) - Abraham and Lot. They were both from the same family, same environment, and same justification, but their choices revealed their true character. Lot chose what appeared to be the best advantage for himself. Abraham chose foundation. Worldly verses spiritual believer.

Contrast of Choices - Abraham had great communion and conversation with the angels and Lord. Lot did not. Abraham's generations were blessed. Lot's generations were flawed.

"The consequences for sin is not a bad day or a bad mood but a dead soul. The sign of a dead soul is clear: poisoned lips and cursing mouths, feet that lead to violence and eyes that don't see God." From In the Grip of Grace  by Max Lucado.

Genesis 20:6–7 - We are responsible for our choices especially once we know Truth. 

Addendum:  Lot wanted things his way. "Not so my Lord..." Lot was willing to obey only IF he got to do things his way. "Sir, please don't force me to go so far! ... I can't run to the mountains. The disaster will catch me, and I will die ... let me run (to the little town) ... I'll be safe there." He was more interested in the "get me out of hell" free card then he was in surrendering his will to the Lord God Almighty. Lot's wife tried to keep one foot in each world, and it didn't work.   

You can't move forward while you are looking back.  


Next Entry: Genesis 21:1 – 23:20

Genesis 15:1 – 17:27

December 07, 2009

Genesis 15:1 - "Don't be afraid...I will defend you and I will give you a great reward." God is our defender and supplier. 
Genesis 15:2–6 - Abram was in an impossible situation—he had no son. He could not see the end result but he chose to believe the promise God made. "Abram believed the Lord. And the Lord accepted Abram's faith..."
Genesis 15:7–11 - Abram believed and was obedient. Even though he was being obedient, he was still under attack.

Abram received his promise from God, but because time passed he and Sarah decide to "help" God and they used a servant to try and complete God's promise—and the world was forever changed. In Genesis 17:18 Abraham suggests to God to just use Ishmael. But the best laid plans of man can never compare with God's perfect plan. God's plans are always better than our own.  

Oh how I can relate. I can think of several different circumstances in our lives where God taught us this principle with one in particular standing out in my mind. What looked like a perfect plan in our eyes was pathetic compared to what God had planned. God's plan required us to set aside our pride, but it brought about forgiveness, freedom, and release from long-standing misunderstandings. God's perfect plan was just that—perfect.

Genesis 17:1–8 - God's proof—"I AM" God Almighty. He says, "I will..." eleven different times. When God says "I will" it is the same as past tense. It is done—finished.   

When God promises something he does it. He will carefully lead us and direct our paths when we are obedient to Him. Even if the path is long and the way is dark.


Next Entry: Genesis 18:1 – 20:18

Genesis 13:1 – 14:24

December 03, 2009

Sometimes separation is a good thing.

Genesis 13:8–9 - Lot and Abram separate.
Genesis 13:10–11 - Lot (in his pride) chose that which looked the best for himself—his first step away from God.
Genesis 13:12–13 - Lot put his tent near Sodom—his second step away from God. It was well known that it was a sinful area, yet Lot compromised his values to have what he wanted.
Genesis 14:12 - By the time Lot was captured he was living in Sodom. Sin is a slippery slope. 

After Lot chose what he wanted, God took Abram aside and told him to look around. All he saw was to be his—even what Lot had chosen. God didn't tell that to Abram before Lot chose and therefore he would know that Lot's "success" was temporary. God gave it all to Abram after he was willing to let the best go. 

Genesis 14:8 - Melchizedek—the priest of Jerusalem. Hebrews 6:15–20 describes how Jesus is like the priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave 1/10 of all he owned to him. In contrast, when the king of Sodom wanted to "reward" Abram, Abram refused to take even a thread or sandal strap so there could never be any association, compromise, or false accusations. 

Lot went near Sodom and then lived in Sodom—verses—Abram refused even a thread from the king of Sodom. He trusted God's promises.

If we expect to be able to stand strong there can be NO compromise with sin and evil influences. 

Sometimes we need to choose to separate ourselves from conflict. Abram didn't demand his "rights." Abram allowed Lot to choose first and then he took the second choice—and God blessed. You cannot be lukewarm. It is all or nothing.

Addendum:  From the margins of my Bible: Faith sometimes requires action. God told Abram to "Get up! Walk through this land..." 

Lot was captured. Abram took 318 of his men and did what was humanly impossible. He divided the 318 into smaller groups—and they defeated Kedorlaomer and 3 other kings who had already proven themselves successful in easily defeating 5 other kings in battle. When God is with you the seemingly impossible can be accomplished. 


Next Entry: Genesis 15:1 – 17:27 

Genesis 12:1–20

December 02, 2009

Acts 7:2–4 - God told Abram to leave his country, but his father Terah was still alive. Abram delayed his obedience and they stayed in Haran until his father died.

Delayed obedience, or only partial obedience, is disobedience.  

Genesis 12:4 - God tells Abram to leave Haran. He obeys with only God's promise as his guide. Abram had no tangible reason to know what God said would be the truth; he just had to believe. Abram had periods of doubt. When the famines came Abram chose to be in control himself and went to Egypt. Step #1 away from God—which led to fear, which led to lying. God stepped in and did not allow the lie to continue by bringing trouble to the king and the king making them leave. (Verses 17–20)

Genesis 20:2–5 - Abraham tries to lie again. This time God intervened and took over the situation and again did not allow it. 

The struggles we go through are really opportunities. (James 1:2–6; Genesis 12:12) It is the opportunity to change and grow, to become who God wants us to be. We can learn that in no other way! If we try to circumvent those struggles, if we try to strategize our way out, then we are opening ourselves up to be disciplined by God and we are only delaying the learning and growth process. Or worst of all, we may never learn and become the person God desired us to be. Think about the ramifications that brings. Lost blessings—now and for future generations. Lost souls—for eternity. 

I Samuel 15:22 - He wants our obedience, not our sacrifices.

Just as a butterfly or moth has to struggle to free themselves from their cocoon in order to become strong and thrive, so it is with us. It is the struggles we face in life that allows us to become who and what we were meant to be. We should embrace the work God wants to do in our lives. We can miss out on God's best if we try to avoid or circumvent the struggles which bring about His will. 

"The ripple of today's lie is tomorrow's wave and next year's flood."  From Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado.

Next Entry: Genesis 13:1 – 14:24

Genesis 11:1–32

December 01, 2009

The tower of Babel.
Verse 3 - Let us...
Verse 4 - Let us...
Verse 4 - For ourselves...
Verse 4 - We will be famous...
Verse 4 - We will be in control...
Verse 4 - We will not be scattered...

Their dreams, their plans, their strategies, their blind ambition. God and His will were not even considered. Their plans were good but their motives were wrong. The tower was being built on PRIDE and SELFISHNESS.

Control—when will we (man) learn that we need to die to the need to be in control? Throughout scripture the very things we try to control ends up controlling us. God wants to be LORD of everything in our lives. He does not tolerate anything less. When we insist on being in control it is a step away from God. Every step away from God brings us a step closer to disaster.   

There is nothing more freeing than surrendering our efforts to God.

Judges 15:14 - It was the Spirit of the Lord that gave Samson strength.
Psalm 10:11 - "God doesn't see what is happening..." Don't be fooled! Just because there isn't an immediate lightning bolt from heaven doesn't mean God won't discipline. People may appear to get by with their evil actions for many, many years. It may even appear as if nothing can or will stop them. BUT! God's word is clear. There will come a day when accountability for our life choices will happen.


Next Entry: Genesis 12:1–20

Genesis 9:1 – 10:32

November 30, 2009

Oh, if we only understood the dangers of not being God-reliant. Noah goes through all that he did and ends up lying naked and drunk in his tent. We have often said that we do not fear "the storm" we are caught in. What we fear is returning to our old ways of being self-reliant when "the storm" is over.

Ham dishonors his father by seeing him naked and not covering him up but instead telling others about it. Look at the people groups who came from Ham's line—Babylon, Nineveh, Philistines, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, etc. Wow! Also Sodom & Gomorrah.

Shem did what was right. Abraham, David, and Jesus came from his line.

I want to make sure that my actions today and everyday leaves a legacy FOR Christ and FOR the generations to come.   

Addendum:  8/28/13 ~ The question is: What are we (you) going to do with the New Beginning? The choices we make will determine the blessings and/or consequences we receive and will impact the generations that follow. You just cannot overestimate the importance of leaving a legacy of being a devoted true Christ follower. Truly following HIS footpath—no matter where it leads.


Next Entry: Genesis 11:1–32

Genesis 6:1 – 8:22

November 24, 2009

Genesis 6:8 - Noah pleased God
Genesis 6:9 - Noah was a good man, he walked with God
Genesis 6:22 - Noah did everything God commanded him
Genesis 7:5 - Noah did everything God commanded him

It was no accident that God chose Noah.

• God chose Noah (and his family) because of Noah's obedience to Him.  
• Noah stood strong even when there was a tremendous amount of evil around him.  
• Noah chose to obey before God gave him instructions.  
• Noah chose to obey the instructions God gave him to build a boat.   
• After Noah chose to obey, God brought the animals.

"Where God's finger points—His hand supplies."

What struck me is how long Noah was in the boat after the rain ended. He had no idea how long it was going to take; where he would end up; or what his new life was going to be like. He totally had to have his hands open and be willing to trust God with everything. Noah could not see out to be able to determine for himself—he had to blindly trust. When my way is blinded I want to trust the I AM.   

Addendum: 8/28/13 ~ Written in the margins of my Bible: Noah had to trust God, he had to totally WAIT on the Lord. Our faith journey is the same. When we can't see the end we need to wait on the process. 

In early July of this year (2013) I was reading in I Peter 3 and a statement in verse 20 grabbed my attention. It says, "...God was waiting patiently for them while Noah was building the boat." (See my journal entries for July 3 and July 5, 2013.) I had never thought about that before. People were doing what God says is evil; God decides judgment will happen; He provides a way of salvation; He gives Noah instructions on what to do; THEN—He waited patiently while Noah was building the boat.  When it was the appointed time for judgment God brought the animals, Noah and his family got into the boat, and "then the LORD closed the door behind them." 

Noah had nothing to do with deciding IF there should be a judgment, or WHEN there should be a judgment, or WHAT the judgment should be. His ONLY responsibility was to obey whatever the Lord told him to do and to remain faithful. It is the LORD who decides the if, what, when, where, and how. He offers days of grace; He waits patiently until the time for judgment comes; and HE protects those who are faithful to Him. Our responsibility is to remain faithful and obedient to His instructions and to trust Him—no matter what. 

After reading I Peter 3:20, I decided to go back to Genesis and read the story about Noah again to learn more about "God was waiting patiently."  The heading for Chapter 9 caught my eye: The New Beginning. The flood was over and The New Beginning was about to begin.

What???  A New Beginning??

In July of '12, my husband and I drove out to PA to hike another section of the Appalachian Trail. All the way out and for the first several days of hiking we were recounting the many ways God's hand has been at work in our lives and we were praising the Lord for all He has done for us on this journey.  Mid-way through our stay, sometime during the middle of the night, it was pressed upon my spirit to begin praying about a New Beginning. We had no idea what that meant but I knew it was something we were to do ... so we began praying.

One year after knowing we were to begin praying about a New Beginning, God showed me (in I Peter 3:20) something I had never thought about before. God waited patiently while Noah was building the boat and after the boat was finished The New Beginning—began. We believe "the storm" is not yet over because God is waiting patiently for something to be completed ... an order of events. WHEN His plan is fulfilled, THEN life after "the storm" and our next steps—a New Beginning—will begin.

Addendum #2: 5/11/2016 ~  It wasn't until a few months ago (as I was recording my journal entries I wrote in 2013 into this blog) that I connected the dots and realized God was showing us what He meant by a New Beginning and He was leading us down a clear path without me even being aware of it. Read about it here.

Addendum #3: 5/30/17 ~ I started reading through the Bible again a few days ago and here I am once again reading about Noah. It's so easy to just surface read the Bible and not really think about the thoughts, feelings and actions behind the stories. As I was reading today I was thinking about Noah and how he must have felt. I believe our situation and Noah's has similarities and I can relate to what I think his thoughts were. 

"The storm" (the lawsuit filed by my sister and brother-in-law) has been pending in the court system for almost ten years. For nine of those years we have strongly felt the lawsuit would never proceed to trial. But then, the court ordered Mediation failed and the Settlement Conference failed. We look at the impossibility of it all and think—how in the world can this possibly end if there truly is not going to be a trial? What would be the process? What does the Lord have planned? We believe His promises of protection and we have done everything we know to do. But seriously—how in the world can this possibly end?

I believe Noah must have had some of the same thoughts. How could this earth possibly ever be flooded? How could that happen? I'm to build a what? Okay, Lord. I believe in your promises of protection and I will build a boat. But seriously—how in the world is this all going to work out.    

The rains began on the very day Noah and his family went into the boat. While Noah was in the boat he was totally blind to what was happening outside of the boat. God did not see fit to provide a way for him to keep tabs on what was going on around him.

Noah didn't know—he had to surrender to God's plan!

When you think about that you realize that even the sound of the rain hitting the boat would have been unsettling. He had to be wondering what the sound was and what was happening. We think of the sound of rain as a peaceful sound, but Noah had never experienced rain before.

Noah didn't know—he had to blindly trust the path God put him on.       

At first the boat is sitting secure on dry land. But then it begins to sway and rock as the rising water lifts it off the ground. What is happening? Is the boat going to fall apart? Tip over? Did I build it right? We think of the gentle motion of a rocking boat as soothing but Noah didn't know what that felt like. He had no prior knowledge of what it would feel like to be in a boat.

Noah didn't know—he had no control over the circumstances he was facing.

Noah obeyed God's specific direction and built the ark. The animals came, his family got in, and the door was shut. From that point on, Noah had no control of direction, speed, or the course the boat would take. Where was it going? How would this journey end?

Noah didn't know—he had no control over the length of the journey or its outcome. 

Noah was completely blinded on anything and everything that was happening around him, but he kept doing the job he was given to do. For over a year Noah daily went about the business of caring for the animals. That could not have been an easy job. Am I doing this right? Is there going to be enough food? Imagine the overwhelming responsibility he must have felt.

Noah didn't know—he was outside of the comfort zone of his own abilities.  

I think there is a reason God keeps us busy with additional responsibilities during crisis times in our lives. It keeps our minds focused on doing the important things and not dwelling on our difficult circumstances. Keeping busy doing the task God gave him also kept Noah's mind off of what was happening to the people left behind. When the door of the ark was closed it was too late for anyone else to come aboard for safety. There had to be friends and family and people they loved left behind. God protected Noah from watching the accountability and seeing the destruction that was happening.

Noah didn't know—he was sheltered from witnessing God's judgment.  

Many, many months later, the boat hits something and the ark comes to a stop. What did it hit? Are we stuck somewhere? Where are we? What are we going to find? How long is it going to be before this is over?

Noah didn't know—he didn't know what the New Beginning would look like!!

He sends out a raven, and a dove to test and see if the land was dry. When the dove came back with a fresh olive leaf, Noah knew the ground was almost dry. A week later Noah sent out the dove again and this time it didn't come back. Noah removed the covering of the boat "and saw that the land was dry."

Obviously, there was a window on the boat because he sent the raven and dove out through it. But it could not have been something Noah could easily see through himself or there would have been no need to send out the dove and raven. He could have just looked and discerned for himself.

I think there are important lessons to learn when we look closely at the story of Noah.

1. God wants us to DEPEND entirely upon Him.   
2. Even when we have obeyed and followed His directions we still need to TRUST Him when our boat begins to rock.  
3. It is His journey and His path we are on.  He is in charge of the direction it takes. We need to SURRENDER to His control and FOLLOW His path.
4. God keeps us busy doing His work. Focusing on His work protects our minds and emotions from the stresses of what is happening around us. We need to DO.
5. There comes a day when the door shuts and accountability happens. What is happening, how it happens, and when it happens is up to the Lord. We can trust in His JUSTICE.
6. "The storm" (our lawsuit journey) will end at the exact time and place it is supposed to end. FAITH will become sight.
7. A NEW BEGINNING is coming!  

Addendum #4: July 10, 2020 ~ In the summer of 2019, we took our grandchildren to The Ark Encounter in Kentucky. It was very interesting to visually see and imagine what it would have been like for Noah. But what struck me the most was—the door. Seeing the door literally stopped me in my tracks. The shape of a cross was illuminated in the center of the door. I stood there in awe and wonder and extreme sadness at the same time. When the door of the Ark was shut and the rains came, there were people on the outside of the door who desperately wanted in, but it was too late. The finality of being shut out and eternally lost—hit me. The extreme sadness I felt wasn't just for the people of Noah's time; it was also for the friends and family we know who are also shut out and on the other side of the door. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE DOOR! The cross! Christ died on the cross! He paid the penalty for your sins, and He provided the way for your Salvation.

I've made my choice on which side of the door I am going to be on. What is your choice? Which side of the door are you on?


Next Entry: Genesis 9:1 – 10:32

Genesis 4:1 – 5:24

November 21, 2009

Cain brought some food. Abel brought the best parts of his flock. God wants our best. Instead of confessing and repenting, Cain became angry. God clearly told Cain what he needed to do. He also told him what the consequences would be if he refused to obey.

Genesis 4:7 - IF—you do things well, THEN—I will accept you. God gave Cain every opportunity to do what was right, but Cain refused. He made his choice and received the consequences God promised.

Genesis 4:7 - Sin wants you (NCV); Sin is crouching at your door (NIV); Sin lieth at the door (KJV). Wow! Do you really want to make choices that allows sin to be crouching at your door?

God's questions:
Genesis 4:6 - Why are you angry?
Genesis 4:9 - Where is your brother?
Genesis 4:10 - What have you done?

The first "change your heart" in the Bible. The very thing we think will bring us freedom is what ends up imprisoning us. i.e. Adam—work the ground; Cain—ground won't grow crops. There are consequences to the choices we make. God wants us to choose to change. If we do not then "sin is crouching by your door" and the door is opened. Cain suffered the consequences. He became a restless wanderer and was separated from God's presence.

God asks—not because He doesn't know.
God asks—because He wants us to admit.

Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit.

Addendum:  8/28/13 ~ I love how God asks questions. I love it because I recognize it. His questions are always short and to the point. "Why are those still in here?" "Why are you still holding on to those?" (See The New Beginning: Out With the Old written on July 30, 2012.) God doesn't ask because He doesn't know the answer. He knows the answer. What He wants is for us to admit the truth to ourselves and to Him. When we finally admit the truth, we can begin to deal with the truth, confess what we need to confess, and make the changes HE wants in our lives.

"Here is a good rule of thumb: Those who keep secrets from God keep their distance from God.  Those who are honest with God draw near to God...Secrets erect a fence while confession builds a bridge."  From In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado.

Next Entry: Genesis 6:1 – 8:22

Genesis 1:1 – 3:24

November 16, 2009

As I begin my journey of keeping a journal while reading through the Bible, I'm a little apprehensive. I'm not quite sure what it is I'm supposed to be doing, but after sensing a clear direction from God that now is the time, I am here ready and available. Holy Spirit, please guide and direct my thoughts and writings. Show me what it is you want me to do.

Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning GOD! Knowing where you come from gives light and direction to where you are going.
Genesis 3:6 - Eve "saw" the fruit was good to eat. I wonder how Eve "saw" it was good to eat? Eve saw with her eyes ... then she wanted to have it.
Genesis 3:5 - Satan's temptation appealed to her pride. 

The result of Adam and Eve's choice:
Genesis 3:8 - You can't hide from God.
Genesis 3:12;13 - Blame others, rationalize your behavior.
Genesis 3:17 - Have to work the ground. What we think we are in control of, or what we think will bring us control and freedom, actually imprisons us and makes us slaves. 
Genesis 3:23 - Work the ground from which he was taken.

"...to remove choice is to remove love..."  From In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado

Nehemiah 9:6 - "You are the only LORD"
Acts 14:15 - "He is the One"

Questions from God:
Genesis 3:8 - Where are you?
Genesis 3:11 - Who told you...?
Genesis 3:11 - Did you eat...?
Genesis 3:13 - How could you...?

Addendum:  To read what I wrote the first day and to compare that with how I wrote later in this process, it is quite humbling. You can tell I am just very timid and really not quite sure of what I was supposed to do. There is SO much in the first three chapters of Genesis that I didn't comment on or write about. It is tempting to change what I originally wrote, but that isn't what transcribing my journals is supposed to be about. So, I will transcribe it like I wrote it and we will watch the process of how God grows me throughout it. If there is something new I want to add I will add it as an Addendum to my original writings.

It all comes down this: We each have a choice. We are either going to obey God, submit to His authority and follow His teachings as Master of our lives—or—we will refuse to submit to His authority, defy His teachings, and instead choose (in an act of futility) to be the master and god of our own lives. Pride (what is at the root of most if not all sin) is what got in Eve's way and pride is what gets in our way.


Next Entry: Genesis 4:1 – 5:24  

The Beginning

The idea of keeping a journal of my personal thoughts always intrigued me. I'd buy a journal and write a few pages, but then I'd quickly become bored and lose interest. No matter how many times I tried, I just couldn't seem to stick with it. I had all sorts of excuses for why I wasn't successful at persevering: I lacked confidence in my understanding and use of proper grammar skills; I felt inept at writing; it was difficult for me to remain focused; I was too busy; and my excuses went on and on. Besides, when did I have any "extra" time in my busy schedule to spend writing? My excuses and feelings of inadequacy got in the way and eventually my idealized notion of keeping a journal fell by the wayside.

But then IT happened—a defining moment that forever changed our lives. Caught up in "the storm," my husband and I turned to each other and to God and HIS Word for strength and guidance. We thought "the storm" would soon pass over. The waiting began. One year passed—and "the storm" was still raging around us. Another year passed—and still "the storm" raged on. As we waited, I suddenly knew. I knew—I was supposed to start over in reading the Bible again; I knew—I was supposed to write down what I was learning; and I knew—I was to begin keeping a journal as a means to gather and organize the many notes, references, and dates I'd written throughout the margins of my Bible. Keeping a personal journal was no longer an intriguing or idealized notion. It was now a directive—something I knew I was supposed to do.

So, I once again went out and bought journals. Funny how everything that used to block me from writing was no longer an issue. I was no longer bored; it was easy to set aside the time to read and write; and I no longer cared about my lack of writing skills. I would read a chapter(s) in my NCV Bible and then read the same chapter(s) in the well-worn KJV and NIV Bibles I received from a treasured friend upon her passing. After reading the chapter(s) in all three versions, I would then read the corresponding Life Lesson and the Exploration Verses in my Bible. I would typically read the passages in the morning and then spend the rest of the day thinking about what I had read and what God was saying to me in HIS Word. The next morning I would head up to my special quiet area—the loft above our kitchen. I would read the chapter in my version again, and then begin writing.

Four years passed.

I continued to read and write and we continued to wait for "the storm" to be over. My journey of reading through the Bible and writing my thoughts was coming to an end. I only had a few more chapters left in Revelation before I would be finished. What was I going to do? Reading and writing had become such an integral part of my daily life that I couldn't imagine what my life would be like when my days of keeping a journal while reading through the Bible ended. I began to pray and ask God what HE wanted me to do next.

It suddenly became very clear—I'm not done after all! While I had thirteen full size identical journals containing my thoughts and all the notations written in my Bible, there was no easy way to access what I had written without figuring out some way to index what was in each journal. I knew—I was to label and organize the journals in chronological order; I knew—I was to put my writings into a format where I could categorize the topics; and I knew—I was to find a way to be able to privately share the details of our story and what we were learning with our children, grandchildren, and a few close friends.

I started asking questions and researching the idea of how to accomplish what I knew I was supposed to do. Blogger seemed to be a perfect fit. But what would I call the blog which chronicled our six year journey of faith? A title, which I felt accurately described our journey, immediately came to my mind.

Walking on His Footpath 
(Following the Master's Lead)

And so my private blog began. In just a few short days, my personal journals that record my journey through the Bible (and my personal thoughts and feelings) will be finished and it will be time to start at the beginning again. This time I will transcribe my handwritten journals into this format, adding addendum thoughts to what I originally wrote. I'm looking forward to reading what God originally showed me and to seeing what He wants to teach me now.

*****

This post was originally written to my family on August 24, 2013. Never in a million years could I have imagined what God had planned for my journals and my personal journey through the Bible. NEVER! But then: LORD – What Am I to Do?; The LORD Answers!; and I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!! happened and everything changed.

I am not a writer, and I am not a Bible scholar. I'm just a simple and ordinary person who loves and serves an extra-ordinary God. I don't know how God plans to use my journals; I only know we are the recipients of A Blessed Event and we cannot squander all HE has done. I hope our story and Jane's story—which is HIS Story—will encourage you to walk your own narrow and winding footpath with unwavering faith because of HIS great faithfulness. I pray HIS Story brings you blessings and encouragement.  

I hope you will consider reading through the Bible with me. Purposely reading through HIS Word from beginning to end brought great peace, joy and contentment to my life. I know it will do the same for you.

Jeremiah 29:12–14a - "Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will search for me. And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me! I will let you find me," says the LORD. 

When you are willing to search for the LORD—you will find HIM—and it will change your life. Let's begin the journey. Let's read HIS words together.

Next Entry: Genesis 1:1 – 3:24