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Monday, May 31, 2010

Day 56 --- Leviticus 3-5 - Mark 5:21-43

Day 56 --- Leviticus 3-5 - Mark 5:21-43

Exodus is about Sin, Guilt, and fellowship offering. God told them exactly how to conduct their offerings.

Jesus healed a sick woman that touched his cloak, and by her faith she was healed. Jesus also healed a dead little girl. He told her to get up and she did. The people were astonished. He gave strict orders for no one to know about this.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Day 55 --- Psalm 90-91 - Leviticus 1-2 - Mark 5:1-20

Day 55 --- Psalm 90-91 - Leviticus 1-2 - Mark 5:1-20

OK first off, super excited about Psalms! It is an amazing book and I recommend
reading it! Psalm 90-91 is a prayer of Moses.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
God said this to Moses,
4 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation

I want god to call upon me, I acknowledge your name God.

In Leviticus God told Moses how Burnt offering and grain in offerings were to be conducted.

In Mark 5: 1-20 Jesus healed a demon possessed man and the demons left the man and went into a herd of pigs that jumped into the river and died. When the people of the town heard what he did, they begged him to leave. The demon possessed man thanked Jesus, and Jesus told him to go home and tell his family the mercy god showed him.

Day 54 --- Exodus 39-40 - Mark 4:21-41

Day 54 --- Exodus 39-40 - Mark 4:21-41

The Israelites and Moses conducted the tabernacle just as God had told them too. Moses inspected the tabernacle and it was filled with the Glory of God.
This is the End of Exodus.

Jesus gave a lot of parables explaining what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. When the disciples were alone he explained what they meant. Jesus uses alot of parables in the new testament. If you really think of them, they have so much meaning behind them. He said the kingdom is like a mustard seed but when it grows it grows into the largest of garden plants.

The disciples and Jesus were in a bad storm and they woke Jesus telling him that the storm was bad and questioned if he was going to let them drown. Jesus calmed the waves and told them to have faith. The disciples were amazed that even the wind and waves obeyed him.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Day 53 --- Exodus 36-38 - Mark 4:1-20

Day 53 --- Exodus 36-38 - Mark 4:1-20

They constructed the tabernacle and everything God had commanded them to do. They followed his instructions and made everything.

Jesus began to teach by the lake and told many parables to his disciples and the people.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Day 52 - Exodus 34-35 - Mark 3:20-35

Day 52 Exodus 34-35 - Mark 3:20-35

I was upset today with everything going on in the world. I am getting ready to deploy and experiencing all different emotions. I have to remember to talk to God about everything because he is the only one who understands me. There is so much hate in the world and countries fighting that my mind races and wonders what is going to happen next. Chadd got an email at work about a gang putting bloody car seats on the side of the road to lure woman and they rape and kill them. I teared up as soon as I heard this. Here is a person having compassion on a baby, and then such evil overtakes. I cannot wait until God comes. I am ready, so ready to meet my maker.

In Exodus, the Lord addresses idols. He is a jealous god, and we are to have no other Gods but him. Moses was with the Lord for forty days and forty nights and Moses wrote on the stones the commandments and the words of the covenant. Jesus talked about eternal sin. Anyone who blasphemies against the holy spirit cannot be forgiven.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Day 51 --- Exodus 31-33 - Mark 3:1-19

Day 51 --- Exodus 31-33 - Mark 3:1-19
God gave moses instructions on the Sabbath and how it is the day of rest and represents a sign between the Israelites and God. God gave him two stones of the testimony inscribed by God's fingers.

The Israelites burned their gold in the fire and worship a calf idol made out of gold. This angered God and Moses and they were punished for their sins. I have to copy this verse. Moses wanted to see his glory and this is what God said.
Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen." I cannot imagine what Moses felt and I cant help but be jealous of Moses. I cannot wait to one day see my maker and wonder how I will feel. Again, this reminds me of the song I can only imagine. As humans we can only imagine what it will be like, but we do not have the knowledge or complexity to see the entire picture.

In Mark Jesus continued to heal and picked his 12 apostles.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Day 50 --- Exodus 29-30 - Mark 2

Day 50 --- Exodus 29-30 - Mark 2

DAY 50! AND FEELING GOOD!

I wondered why in the old testament they sacrificed so many animals. Jesus took the ultimate sacrifice for us, so sacrificing animals is not necessary anymore. They used the blood back then to purify. God told them exactly how to offer a ram for 7 days and he will dwell among the Israelites and they will know he is God. Gog gave instructions to Moses in Exodus 30.

Jesus healed a paralytic and people were astonished.
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." I liked this verse because Jesus is here for the sinners and not just for the ones that believe. There is so much hope for everyone and so much love.

Day 49 --- Exodus 27-28 - Mark 1:23-45

Day 49 --- Exodus 27-28 - Mark 1:23-45

Exodus continues and give directions on how the lampoil should be made, courtyard, burnt offering, breast piece, garments, ephod.

Jesus heals many and heals a man that was suffering from leprosy. He told the man not to tell anyone but to show the priests and offer the sacrifices. The man spread the news all over town and Jesus could not go into town and was forced to stay in lonely places, but people still came to him.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Day 48 --- Exodus 25-26 - Mark 1:1-22

Day 48 --- Exodus 25-26 - Mark 1:1-22

God came to Moses and told them to have the Israelites to bring him an offering and make him a sanctuary. God told him how this was to be done and gave them instructions on how to create the tabernacle, ark, table, lampstand.

This is my first reading in the Book of Mark. Some of these stories will sound familiar because the bible repeats stories because they are written by different prophets. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and a voice came down and said, You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1 is also the calling of the first disciples.

I heard this song in church today and I absolutely loved it. I went home and searched everywhere and found it. It really is inspiring to listen to. We have to remember that our lives are not about us, they are bout Jesus. I am sorry Jesus for the things in my life that I have made about myself, it is all about you.

Day 47 --- Exodus 23-24 - Matthew 28

Day 47 --- Exodus 23-24 - Matthew 28
God confirmed the covenant and set laws of justice and mercy and sabbath laws. In Matthew an angel appeared to the tomb and it frightened the guards so much that they fell down. The Angel told Mary that Jesus has risen and go tell the disciples. The disciples saw Jesus. When the Guards ran and told the chief priests what had happened, they paid the guards to tell everyone that the disciples stole Jesus's body.
This was the end of the book of Matthew.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Day 46 --- Exodus 21-22 - Matthew 27:51-66

Day 46 --- Exodus 21-22 - Matthew 27:51-66

In Exodus, they touched a little on an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. most people have heard this and know what God is telling us. I have a hard time when it comes to murder's, rapist, and such. It say's in the bible the answer.

They buried Jesus in a tomb and put a giant rock in front of the entrance. The chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and told him that before Jesus died he said he will rise on the third day. So they put guards in front of the tomb to make it secure as possible so no chance of the disciples getting to Jesus was possible.

Day 45 --- Exodus 19-20 - Matthew 27:27-50

Day 45 --- Exodus 19-20 - Matthew 27:27-50

God spoke to the Israelites and Moses and told them the ten commandments.
shall have no other gods before [d] me.

4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

13 "You shall not murder.

14 "You shall not commit adultery.

15 "You shall not steal.

16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

This part of Matthew is often hard for me to read because it makes me sad. I have to remember that this was always God's plan and he gave us his son so we may have everlasting life. The Soldiers mocked Jesus, beat him, spit on him, gave him a crown of thorns. They crucified him on a cross in between two robbers and people continue to throw insults at them. They did not understand that if he was Christ, why wouldn't God save him.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Day 44 --- Exodus 16-18 - Matthew 27:1-26

Day 44 --- Exodus 16-18 - Matthew 27:1-26

The Israelites were doubting Moses and upset with him that he rescued them only to have them starving to death in the desert. God showed the people he was there for them and then Moses's father and law gave him good advice to get the Israelites to beyond.

This is something I did not know. Juda was so upset about betraying Jesus that he tried to pay his way out of guilt to the chief priests and elders. They said that was his responsibility. Juda threw the coins on the ground and hung him self. Later, Jesus was brought in front of the governor and the people shouted to let Barabbas go and crucify Jesus. Innocent blood will be shed.

This is a child video but explains my readings very very well! watch it!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Day 43 --- Exodus 14-15 - Matthew 26:36-75

Day 43 --- Exodus 14-15 - Matthew 26:36-75
Pharoah's hard had hardened and he wanted the Israelites back to work for him. He gathered all of his chariots and army and fled to where they were. When the Israelites saw the Egyptians coming they feared. Moses told them not to fear and God will protect them. Moses raised his staff and cleared the Red Sea, the Israelites walked through the water as the water was spread into walls. When the Egyptians followed them, Moses closed the waters and not one of the men survived. The Israelites feared God, but trusted him. That is a very valuable lesson.

In Matthew Judah came walking with soldiers and had Jesus arrested, just as he predicated. Peter denied Jesus three times when asked if he knew Jesus. Just then a rooster crowed and Peter remembered what Jesus told him. Peter wepted bitterly.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Day 42 --- Exodus 12-13 - Matthew 26:1-35

Day 42 --- Exodus 12-13 - Matthew 26:1-35

In Exodus Moses told the Egyptians the instructions on the passover and about the dying of the first born who did not do this. Every first born was killed in Egypt, including Pharaoh's. Pharaoh told them to up and leave and do as they wish to worship the lord and pray for him. The Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Jesus knew what Judas had down and told him that someone would betray him. Judah said, not I lord and Jesus knew and said yes it is you. Jesus gave the disciples bread and broke it and said this is my body. Then they drank and Jesus said this is my blood the covenant. Jesus then predicts that Peter will deny him 3 times. Peter said that is not possible.

I think it is important to remember why I do communion at church. It is not just something to do, it all has meaning and to remember the sacrifice Jesus gave and to remember his blood the covenant.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Day 41 --- Exodus 9-11 - Matthew 25:31-46

Day 41 --- Exodus 9-11 - Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord then casts the Plague on Livestock and all the livestock in Egypt were effected but none of the Israelites livestock were. The Pharaoh still refused. The Plague of Boils was next and Pharaoh still did not believe Moses and would not let his people go. The Plague of Hail was next and it was the worst hail storm in Egypt and anyone who did not go inside would surely die. The Pharaoh told Moses he would let his people go, but then sinned again. Moses needed Pharaoh to know that the Earth was God's. The next two were the plague of locusts and the plague of darkness. Pharaoh ordered Moses to stay away or he will kill Moses. Next was the Plague of the First born and every first born of livestock and human would die in Egypt and God made a distinction between Israel and egypt.

Matthew is a powerful book and talks how God will separate the righteous from the evil.

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life

Day 40 --- Exodus 7-8 - Matthew 25:1-30

Day 40 --- Exodus 7-8 - Matthew 25:1-30

I was at church today it was soo amazing because the Preacher talked about how every family has brokenness. He told the story of Jacob and Joseph in the book of Genesis. I just finished reading that a few days ago, so it was so easy for me to listen and understand. I was excited because I really processed the whole meaning of the sermon and was able to fully explain it to Chadd. It felt so nice to understand it because Genesis is a complex book to read.

In Exodus, Pharaoh would not listen to Aaron and Moses just as God had predicted. When Moses turned his staff into a snake, Pharaoh was not impressed because a magician could do the same. He would not let the Israelites out of his country. God commanded Moses and Aaron to turn the Nile and all drinking water into blood, the fish and everything in the nile died. Pharaoh still did not listen to Moses, this was called the Plague of Blood. Moses then cast the Frog Plague and frogs were everywhere in Pharaoh's palace and throughout the land, Pharaoh still had a hard heart and refused, just as god had predicted. Next came the Gnat Plague and Gnats covered all animals and humans, even the magicians told Pharaoh that this was the hand of God. Pharaoh still refused. Next was the Plague of Flies, they swarmed the palace and houses of the officials. When Pharaoh said to Moses to pray for him and he will let the people go to offer scarifies to the lord. Pharaoh's heart was still hard and did not let the people go.

There are several parables in the book of Matthew and sometimes these are hard to read. I really got alot of meaning out of Matthew 25: 1-30 and this was the moral of the parable. Be wise because 13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. God will deny you if you deny him.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Day 39 --- Exodus 4-6 - Matthew 24:29-51

Day 39 --- Exodus 4-6 - Matthew 24:29-51
When God appeared to Moses, Moses questioned how the people will believe that he spoke to God. Moses's staff turned into a snake, and back into his staff. God told him to perform miraculous sights so they will believe. Moses questioned God because when he spoke of God to the Pharaoh, he has brought trouble upon his people and God was not rescuing them. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country."

Okay, i love love love the book of Matthew. Jesus was talking to the disciples about when the Father will come to Earth. When people get scared of 2012, i think it is just ridiculous because NO ONE knows when the Father will come, not even the son or the angels. What a glorious day it will be. Here is what Jesus said about that day.

36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[d] but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.

Even if we don't know when he is coming, we do know he will come. I cannot wait to meet my maker! This reminds me of the song I can only imagine. I do not know what it will be like that day, but I do know it will be joyous. I am going with my father. Will you be ready?

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Day 38 --- Exodus 1-3 - Matthew 24:1-28

Day 38 --- Exodus 1-3 - Matthew 24:1-28

A Hebrew woman became pregnant and she placed her 3 month old son in a basket down the river. Pharaoh's daughter found the baby and the boy became her son. She named him Moses. Moses saw a burning bush and an angel appeared in the bush. God spoke and told Moses to take off his shoes because it was holy ground. Moses did so and God was concerned with the suffering of the Egyptian people and he sent Moses to speak to the Israelites and tell the people that he will bring them out of misery.

but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Day 37 --- Genesis 49-50 - Matthew 23:23-39

Day 37 --- Genesis 49-50 - Matthew 23:23-39

Jacob (Israel) wish was granted and he was buried in the land of Canaan along with Abraham and Sarah and Leah. When he died Joseph's brothers were worried that Joseph would pay them back for all the wrong they had done so they told him that their father told Joseph to forgive the brothers for all the wrong. Joseph did so and provided a good life for his brothers and children. Joseph died and was buried in a coffin in Egypt. This was the book of Genesis.

Jesus spoke these words and I thought these were so powerful. You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

Before our outside is clean, we need to get rid of greed and self-indulgence and purify ourselves.

Day 36 --- Genesis 46-48 - Matthew 23:1-22

Day 36 --- Genesis 46-48 - Matthew 23:1-22
Israel met with his son Joseph and wept because he was so excited. Israel eventually died in Genesis 48 and blessed Joseph's sons. He never thought he was going to see Joseph again but he rejoiced he did and got to see Joseph's sons as well.

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Day 35 --- Genesis 43-45 - Matthew 22:23-46

Day 35 --- Genesis 43-45 - Matthew 22:23-46
I got my wisdom teeth out today and I just want to thank God that everything went well and he protected me today! I have to remember that the Lord gives me life everyday, and it is because of God that I continue to enjoy life.
Jacob confessed to his brothers who he was and his brothers wept. Jacob forgave them, the power of forgiveness is huge. His brothers did him wrong but he was able to see past it. The pharaoh was pleased and told him to gather their belongings and family and he will give them wealthy land in Egypt to live. Jacob's father was thrilled and is going to see him before he dies.
Jesus was questioned what the greatest commandent in law is and this is what he said,
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and the second, Love your neighbor as yourself

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Day 34 --- Genesis 41-42 - Matthew 22:1-22

Day 34 --- Genesis 41-42 - Matthew 22:1-22

^ one of my favorite videos

Pharaoh had a dream that he could not interrupt, until he heard of Joseph. Joseph interrupted his dream by God and told him that Egypt will experience 7 years of famine. Because of his knowledge, Pharaoh granted him in charge of his palace. After 7 years of abundance can 7 years of famine, just as Joseph has predicted. When the people of Egypt panicked, Pharaoh told them to go see Joseph and listen to him. Joseph sold the people grains that he has prepared the 7 years of abundance. Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy grain off of Joseph, but they did not recognize Joseph. When Joseph realized that they were his brothers he told them they were spies and tested. them.

Day 33 --- Genesis 39-40 - Matthew 21:23-46

Day 33 --- Genesis 39-40 - Matthew 21:23-46

Joseph was thrown in prison because his master's wife was trying to get him to sleep with her and he refused multiple times. She accused Joseph of trying to sleep with him and the master threw him in jail. The Lord was still with him.
Jesus told parables and the Pharaisees realized he was referring to them and they wanted to kill him but there were too many people that thought of him as a prophet.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Day 32 --- Genesis 36-38 - Matthew 21:1-22

Day 32 --- Genesis 36-38 - Matthew 21:1-22
I was in the play Joseph and the Technic colored dream coat when i was younger, but no i know the whole story by reading genesis 37. Joseph was Jacob's son and he favored him over all the other children. The brothers were jealous of Joseph and hated him. Joseph had dreams about his brothers bowing down to him and this made his brothers mad. They stripped Joseph of his robe and sold him to Midianites.

Jesus said, 22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Day 31 --- Genesis 33-35 - Matthew 20:17-34

Day 31 --- Genesis 33-35 - Matthew 20:17-34

Jacob met with his brother Esau. God changed Jacob's name to Isreal and Jacob named the land in which God did this, Bethel. Rachel died giving child birth to Benjamin and she was buried.
Jesus predicts his death to the disciples and he Jesus healed blind men because he felt compassion for them. I try so hard to be compassionate with people just as Jesus does.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Day 30 --- Genesis 31-32 - Matthew 20:1-16

Day 30 --- Genesis 31-32 - Matthew 20:1-16

It is amazing that I have already done this for 30 days and I really enjoy doing this. I find myself thinking of my readings and trying to relate them to my life.
In Genesis, Jacob made a deal with Laban and fled with his Animals. He is awaiting his brother Esau's presence and is fearful of his presence.
There is a great parody in Matthew telling what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. No matter who was there first or who is there last we are all equal and worthy of the kingdom

16"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Monday, May 3, 2010

Genesis 29-30 Matthew 1

Day 29: Genesis 29-30 Matthew 19 May 3
I also learned of this story in my geography class, it so amazing that even if you do not have religious views, the history of religion will always be a part of you. Jacob (son of Isaac) wanted to marry Rachel, her father Laban told him that if he worked for him for 7 years then Rachel would be his bride. Jacob followed his commitment and when his work was finished he married Leah. Jacob was upset because he was not in love with Leah, but Laban said that Leah was older than Rachel and it was against their rules to marry the younger one. Laban told Jacob if he works for another 7 years he can have Leah and Rachel. He agreed and married both, God saw that Leah was ignored and Jacob did not love her, so he blessed her with children and Rachel was barren. This part of the bible is hard to grasp because our lives are not like this in this century. It became a competition between Rachel and Leah and they had Jacob marry their maidservants to have children with them on behalf of Leah and Rachel.
I could talk about this verse forever, 4"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'[a] 5and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'[b]? 6So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
This verse means a lot to me when I read it. Chadd and I have gone through things in our lives that no one can understand and it was between us. When we married we married for better for worse and it was not just a legal document. Our marriage was a commitment to God that we will be united as one flesh and through God we will prosper.
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." It does not matter how much treasures we have on Earth, money and fame will not get us a ticket to Eternal Life. That is what Jesus was telling the disciples, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle.
My favorite verse was in this passage, 26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.


I watched a movie called Fireproof today, excellent movie and recommended for married couples and finding faith in the Lord in your marriage.

Day 28 : Genesis 27-28 Matthew 18: 21-35 May 2
In my geography class at Weber I learned about “firstborn.” If someone dies their land goes to the first born from the womb, but if he chooses he can give it to who is well deserved of it. When Isaac was sick he wanted to bless Esau, but Rebekah wanted Jacob to be blessed so she disguised Jacob to smell and feel like Esau to trick Isaac. Isaac then blessed Jacob, thinking it was Esau.
I had to included all of Matthew that I read because It focuses on forgiveness and having mercy upon one another. I think it is a powerful scripture with a lot of lessons in it.
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]
23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents[b] was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Genesis 25-26 - Matthew 18:1-20

Day 27 --- Genesis 25-26 - Matthew 18:1-20 May 1
The Lord appeared to Isaac and told him not to live in Egypt and to live in the place he tells him too. Isaac followed the Lord and lived in Gerar. When the men of Gerar asked him about his wife Rebekah and denied her and told them she was his sister. When he was caught caressing his wife through a window he was questioned why he lied. Isaac told them he did not want to die because his wife was so beautiful. Abimelech told everyone that if Isaac or Sarah were molested they would be put to death.
Jesus spoke and told the disciples that whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He said if anyone causes a child who believes in Jesus to sin it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. If your hand or foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. If your eye causes you to sin then gouge it out.
I always love hearing stories on how the Lord changes lives. An older couple we sit with at dinner on the cruise ship are big Christians and they always say grace with us before prayer. He told us later he was in the Hells Angels for 22 years until he found the Lord. God is amazing and can change your life around if you let him in.

Genesis 23-24 Matthew 17

Day 26 --- Genesis 23-24 - Matthew 17 April 30
Abraham’s wife Sarah died and Abraham buried her. Abraham was aging fast and made his servant promise to find a wife for his son that was not a daughter of the Cannannites. The servant found Rebekah and she gave him a drink, his camels a drink, and a place to stay. She was the one for Isaac. Rebekah came with the servant and married Isaac in the tent of his mother Sarah.
Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him up a high mountain. Out of the clouds a voice spoke and said, “ This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” The disciples were frightened and Jesus told them to not fear and not to tell anyone what they have seen until the son of man has been raised from the dead. Jesus told them that the Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men and on the third day he will be raised to life.

Day 25 --- Job 41-42 - Matthew 16

Day 25 --- Job 41-42 - Matthew 16 April 29
God told Job that no one is fierce enough to rouse him and that everything under heaven belongs to him. After the Lord finished speaking Job said, “ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, Listen now and I will speak: I will question you, and you shall answer me. My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” The lord was angry with Eliphaz and the two friends because even in Job’s rage he was determined to speak honestly of the Lord. The others talked many correct statements, but without living knowledge of the God they have claimed to honor. The Lord blessed the latter parts of Job’s live and at a hundred and forty years he died living a full life. That is the end of the book of Job.
When Jesus and his disciples crossed the lake to the Pharisees and Sadducees they forgot to bring bread. The disciples were worried they did not bring any bread with them. Jesus corrected them and told them, “You of little faith, don’t you remember the feeding of 4 thousand and 5 thousand?” Jesus told them to be on their guard against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus then in this chapter predicts his death and tells the disciples he has to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things.

Job 38-40 - Matthew 15:21-39

Day 24 --- Job 38-40 - Matthew 15:21-39 April 28
The Lord finally spoke to Job and throughout 38 and 39 he questioned what Job can do and made references to what the Lord can do. After God continued to question Job he told Job to speak. Job said, “ I am unworthy, how can I speak? I put my hand over my mouth and spoke once but I have no answer.” God told him to brace himself like a man and answer when he is questioned.
In Matthew Jesus and his disciples went up the mountainside and was greeted by crowds of people, the crippled, the mute, etc. After he healed them Jesus said that he had compassion on the people and did not want them to go hungry. This time he fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish.

Job 36-37 - Matthew 15:1-2

Day 23 --- Job 36-37 - Matthew 15:1-20 April 27
Elihu continues to teach Job and talks about God’s power throughout both chapters. He uses several metaphors to describe his words. In Matthew some Pharisees came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked Jesus why his disciples do not wash their hands before they eat? Jesus talked in a parable that he then had to explain. Jesus told them that what we put into our bodies with unclean hands does not make us unclean. What comes out of our body makes us unclean. Jesus told them that everything that comes from the mouth come from the heart and those things are evil thoughts such as murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, slander, etc.

Day 22 --- Job 34-35 - Matthew 14:22-3

Day 22 --- Job 34-35 - Matthew 14:22-36 April 26
Elihu spoke to Job and quotes what Job has said that defends God’s justice against what he considered to be Job’s false theology. In Matthew 14: 22-36 Jesus had the disciples get into the boat and go on the other side while he dismissed a group of people and went up to the mountainside and prayed. When he came back down he walked across the lake to get to the disciples. They thought it was a ghost on the water and became very afraid. Jesus told him it was him and do not be afraid. Peter, with doubt, said if it is you then tell me to come with you. Jesus told Peter to come. Just like that Peter was walking on the water with Jesus. The message I got out of this was to have faith in God and do not be afraid because he is there for me. Peter was scared to walk on the water and when Peter began to sink in the water he became worried, but Jesus told him not to worry because he was there.
Yesterday my family and I were in Mexico. In Utah, I am so quick to judge the illegal Mexicans and complain that they need to learn English and go back to where they came from. In Mexico when you walk on the streets the Mexicans will sell you the clothes off their back for one American dollar. They envy the Americans and I can t tell you how many Mexicans wanted to sell me something. This was a humbling experience for me because it made me think how lucky I am to be blessed with an amazing country with the opportunities we have today. A little 13 year old boy Jesus spent the day with us, speaking no English, and it was sad to see that he had no family all day and no one to care where he was at the time. We gave him some money to go get something to eat when we left and he gave us all hugs and I wrote down my email address for him. We had someone translate what he was saying and he told us he loves America and wants to come one day. We told him we had to get back on our ship back to America and he wanted to come with us. Sometimes I lose sight of the real reason of life. God put us on Earth to take care of one another and not to hate. I am glad I got to see and understand why so many people would sacrifice anything to live in America.

Job 32-33 Matthew 14:1-21

Day 21 --- Job 32-33 - Matthew 14:1-21 April 25
Elihu was fed up with Job’s word and that the 3 men before him could not silence Job. He spoke up and told him he did not want to speak up before because he was young but now he wants to share his wisdom. He told Job that he listened to all of Job’s complaint but to listen to his words. He tells Job that God is greater than humans and he will not directly speak to him, he will speak through visions.
Herod captured John the Baptist but was nervous to kill him because people considered him a prophet. It was Herodias birthday and she asked Herold to bring her John the Baptist’s head on platter, and she got what she asked for. The disciples buried his body and went and told Jesus. Jesus then fed 5 thousand people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. There was left over bread, Jesus blessed the food and fed that many people. That is so amazing to me.

Day 20 --- Job 30-31 - Matthew 13:31-58

Day 20 --- Job 30-31 - Matthew 13:31-58 April 24
Job begins with sins of the heart, especially sexual lust, cheating in business, and marital infidelity. Job reveals his understand of social justice. At the end of 31 Job finished talking and it is the end of his complaints and arguments.
Jesus continues telling parables about the Kingdom of Heaven and what it is “like.” The disciples asked Jesus what one of the parables meant. Jesus told them that the angles will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them in the fiery furnace where there will we weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Job 28-29

Job 28-29 Matthew 13:1-30 Day 19 April 23
As I was walking through San Diego I thought how beautiful the city was and the water. I love to see places I have never seen before and it is amazing how diverse the earth was. I noticed a lot of homeless people and I thought about them almost the whole day. I am so quick to judge them and think they are all lazy and useless. What do I know? Who am I to judge? God wants us to love one another and let him do the judging, I had a whole different outlook after thinking about the verses I have been reading.
The verses in Job I read tonight was Job talking about how he is longing for the months gone by and when god watched over him. He misses when God’s friendship blessed his house and his children were all around him.
The disciples asked Jesus why he talks in parables and Jesus told him the knowledge of heaven has been given to you but not to them. Whoever has will be given more and he will have abundance. A parable is an earthly story revealing a heavenly truth. (Thank you chadd for that clarification ahah