Exodus 39 - 40

Moses finished the work.

The Cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Glory of GOD filled The Dwelling. Moses couldn't enter the Tent of Meeting because the Cloud was upon it, and the Glory of GOD filled The Dwelling.

Whenever the Cloud lifted from The Dwelling, the People of Israel set out on their travels, but if the Cloud did not lift, they wouldn't set out until it did lift. The Cloud of GOD was over The Dwelling during the day and the fire was in it at night, visible to all the Israelites in all their travels. Exodus 40:33-38 THE MESSAGE

Exodus 36 - 38

The men were eager to get to get started and engage in the work. Exodus 36: 2

I find myself discouraged. Since the last few months, I have awoken rested, but yet desire to hit the snooze and hang in bed for another 15 minutes or so. I do not find myself eager to get started and engage in my daily work.

I am not sure I understand the feelings. Last year was one of the most difficult I think I have experienced. The Lord divinely intervened and He is continuing to work and restore. For that I am extremely grateful. I am excited about what He is doing and going to do.

In Exodus, each of the artisans began their work on the elaborate tapestries. I feel like that I am the tapestry and the Lord is the weaver. I just don't know what the final design or picture is going to be. I think I tangled up the threads and it is taking some work for the Weaver to to straighten them out so He can continue the design He is creating.

Lord, in the process, help restore my eagerness to face each day. I know Your promises are true. Help me not to get impatient while I wait on You. You are the Divine Weaver of the tapestry of my life.

--michele

Exodus 33 -35

Moses said, "Please. Let me see your Glory."

GOD said, "I will make my Goodness pass right in front of you; I'll call out the name, GOD, right before you. I'll treat well whomever I want to treat well and I'll be kind to whomever I want to be kind."

GOD continued, "But you may not see my face. No one can see me and live."

GOD said, "Look, here is a place right beside me. Put yourself on this rock. When my Glory passes by, I'll put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I've passed by. Then I'll take my hand away and you'll see my back. But you won't see my face." Exodus 33:18-23 THE MESSAGE

When I read today's passage, the old hymn, "Rock of Ages" came to my mind. Lord, hide me in the cleft so we may see the shadow of Your glory.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.

--michele

Exodus 30 - 32

'Above all, keep my Sabbaths, the sign between me and you, generation after generation, to keep the knowledge alive that I am the GOD who makes you holy.' Exodus 31:13-14 THE MESSAGE

There are six days for work but the seventh day is Sabbath, pure rest, holy to GOD. Exodus 31:15 THE MESSAGE

At this stage of life I'm currently in, I often find myself frazzled. Having three teenagers involved in band, choir and committed to their youth group and Bible study, has me running almost every night of the week. Whew! I get tired when I dwell upon it. I think God knew what He was doing when He directed us to a day of rest.

For the Jewish community, the Sabbath started at sundown on Friday evening. I think we often equate our Sabbath as Sunday. I know for many that Sunday is often busy or busier because of the additional activities that can often occur at our church campuses.

I think we need to stop and give pause and think about the Lord's command. I know for me personally that I need a day to stop, rest and regroup. Almost every Sunday after worship and lunch, I take a much needed nap. I have been doing so as far back as I can remember. I need it and need the Lord to renew my strength. I think He gave us that command for a reason.

Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help me to remember to rest, to be still and know that You are God.

--michele

Exodus 28 - 29

I'll move in and live with the Israelites. I'll be their God. They'll realize that I am their GOD who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I could live with them. I am GOD, your God. Exodus 29: 45-46 THE MESSAGE

Lord, thank you that you are my GOD that has brought me out of the dark wilderness of my heart. You were there when my son was bitten by a snake. You were there when my daughter was having heart surgery. You were there while I was going through the dark places. You brought me out so I could realize you are living within me and that you are my GOD. Thank you for moving and living within me.

Exodus 25 - 27

GOD spoke to Moses: "Tell the Israelites that they are to set aside offerings for me. Receive the offerings from everyone who is willing to give. These are the offerings I want you to receive from them: gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet material; fine linen; goats' hair; tanned rams' skins; dolphin skins; acacia wood; lamp oil; spices for anointing oils and for fragrant incense; onyx stones and other stones for setting in the Ephod and the Breastpiece. Let them construct a Sanctuary for me so that I can live among them." Exodus 25:1-8 THE MESSAGE

Right now in our home we have been having a reoccuring discussion on tatoos and body piercings with our three teenagers. It seems to be a trend in the young people in our church to get a "Christian" tatoo.

God gave Moses very specific instructions for the construction of a Sanctuary for Him to "live among them." When Jesus came, God no longer dwelled in a temple made of human hands, but came to live within us. If we are God's temple, and made in His image, why would we want to put a permanent mark our bodies? When I harmonize the principles of the Old and New Testament, I find it hard to believe for a Christ-follower that tatooing our bodies is acceptable to God.

I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12: 1-2 NASB

I have been thankful seeing the Lord work in our children's lives and seeing them work out their faith and it becoming their own. I pray that they continue to be open to the Holy Spirit as they deal with difficult issues each and every day.

--michele

Note: Today's thoughts were not meant to be a biblical answer about tatoos. It came to mind while doing the day's Bible reading and the discussion taking place in our family. What is amazing to me is seeing our children get into God's word and seeking answers for themselves and not just taking what I believe or what someone else is saying. . . they are going to The Source. The postings are a reflection of the things that have come to mind. The Bible is the final authority.

Exodus 22 - 24

Now get yourselves ready. I'm sending my Angel ahead of you to guard you in your travels, to lead you to the place that I've prepared. Pay close attention to him. Obey him. Don't go against him. He won't put up with your rebellions because he's acting on my authority. But if you obey him and do everything I tell you, I'll be an enemy to your enemies, I'll fight those who fight you. Exodus 23: 20-24 The Message

I am not currently on a physical journey; but certainly feel that I am traveling on a spiritual journey to an unknown place. Over the last three months, feeling led to get ready, to a place that the Lord has prepared or is preparing. I need to pay close attention to Him and obey.

I was reminded of John 14: 15-21 NIV: "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

From Exodus and John, it talks about if we obey then the Lord will . . ."fight those that fight you" and "show himself to him."

I am not sure where I am in this journey but I do desire for the Lord to show Himself. I am expectant and hopeful. This last week the road has been rough. I want to walk on but have found my pace is a little slower and that I am tiring.

Lord, help me to continue on and You fight the enemy that desires to get me off course and keep me from seeing You.

--michele

Exodus 13 - 15

Then I'll make Pharaoh's heart stubborn again and he'll chase after them. And I'll use Pharaoh and his army to put my Glory on display. Then the Egyptians will realize that I am GOD." And that's what happened. Exodus 14:3-4 THE MESSAGE

I wonder, don't you think the Israelites also needed to know that He is GOD? From the Scripture it appears that they also needed the reminder.

Moses spoke to the people: "Don't be afraid. Stand firm and watch GOD do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you're never going to see them again. GOD will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!"Exodus 14:13-14 THE MESSAGE

The Israelites were very afraid. What were the directions given them? To stand firm quietly and watch God fight the battle.

Sing to GOD — what a victory! He pitched horse and rider into the sea! Exodus 15:21 THE MESSAGE

Can you imagine the excitement? I think I would have been shouting, "Did you see that! Unbelievable! Wow, God is amazing!" and wonder why I was afraid in the first place.

Go out with joy and be led forth with peace this very day!

--michele

Exodus 10 - 12

God continued to harden Pharaoh's heart . . . so that all would know that "I am God."

GOD said to Moses: "Go to Pharaoh. I've made him stubborn, him and his servants, so that I can force him to look at these signs and so you'll be able to tell your children and grandchildren how I toyed with the Egyptians, like a cat with a mouse; you'll tell them the stories of the signs that I brought down on them, so that you'll all know that I am GOD." Exodus 10: 1-2 THE MESSAGE

Lord, you are the GOD of all gods and LORD of all lords! May we live daily in awe and reverence of You.

--michele

. . . for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2: 13 NIV

Exodus 7 - 9


But I will harden Pharaoh's heart that I may multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. Exodus 7: 3-4 NASB

Yet Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said. Exodus 7: 13 NASB

. . . and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said. Exodous 7: 22 NASB

But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the LORD had said. Exodus 8: 15 NASB

But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:19 NASB

But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go. Exodous 8: 32 NASB

But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go. Exodus 9: 7 NASB

And the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses. Exodus 9: 12 NASB

But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 And Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not let the sons of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses. Exodous 9: 34-35 NASB


Numerous times, it says God hardened Pharaoh's heart. A few times it reads that Pharaoh hardened his own heart.


Lord, please keep our hearts softened and open to You! May we see Your glory multiplied!


--michele

Exodus 4 - 6

And Moses answered, "Look at me. I stutter. Why would Pharaoh listen to me?" Exodus 6:30 THE MESSAGE

Oh Moses! I can relate to you. Even though God speaks to you through the burning bush and shows you signs and wonders, you still question your ability to lead the people, to speak to Pharoah. You don't get it. It is God at work in you and through you. It is not in your own power that you are going to all these things. Through Exodus 6, you have questioned God at least five times. Don't you know Who you are talking to?

I have at times felt inadequate and unusable. Depsite Moses' feelings, God still used him to accomplish His purpose. We will have to continue reading the story . . .

--michele

Many years later the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out. Their cries for relief from their hard labor ascended to God:

God listened to their groanings.

God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

God saw what was going on with Israel.

God understood. Exodus 2: 23-25 THE MESSAGE

God still hears us. God still remembers. God still sees. God still understands!

Praise be to GOD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob sent me to you.' This has always been my name, and this is how I always will be known. Exodus 3:15 THE MESSAGE

Genesis 48 - 50

All these are the tribes of Israel, the twelve tribes. And this is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each one with his own special farewell blessing. Genesis 49:28 THE MESSAGE

I thought of many things when I read the entire Scripture reading for today; but one sticks out in my mind. Jacob was aware that he was near death and took time to bless each one of his sons with their own personal message. My father struggled with multiple myeloma and when he came near to his own death, he made sure to give me his personal message and blessing. Not only did he give it to me, he also prayed and gave one to my only child at the time, my son, Terren, who was only six months old.

I am thankful and grateful for this special memory. I can thankfully say that both my parents affirmed me often as I grew. I am often overcome with overwhelming emotion at God's goodness to me and my family over the years. I sometimes cannot comprehend His grace and mercy.

Jacob's sons continued to carry out his instructions to the letter. Genesis 50:12 THE MESSAGE

May I continue, Lord, to carry out the instructions and blessing of my father.

--michele

Genesis 46 - 47

God spoke to Israel in a vision that night: "Jacob! Jacob!"
"Yes?" he said. "I'm listening."
God said, "I am the God of your father. Don't be afraid of going down to Egypt. I'm going to make you a great nation there. I'll go with you down to Egypt; I'll also bring you back here. And when you die, Joseph will be with you; with his own hand he'll close your eyes." Genesis 46:2-4 THE MESSAGE

Genesis 43 -45

"Come closer to me," Joseph said to his brothers. They came closer. "I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt. But don't feel badly, don't blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives. There has been a famine in the land now for two years; the famine will continue for five more years — neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me on ahead to pave the way and make sure there was a remnant in the land, to save your lives in an amazing act of deliverance. So you see, it wasn't you who sent me here but God. He set me in place as a father to Pharaoh, put me in charge of his personal affairs, and made me ruler of all Egypt. Genesis 45: 4-8 THE MESSAGE

Immediately upon reading this I thought of Romans 8: 28 & 29: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. . . to become conformed to the image of His Son. I can't read verse 28 without including verse 29 "to be conformed to the image of His Son." I often hear people say it in times of trouble. The Lord does cause all to work together . . . to help us become more like Jesus.

Joseph now has hindsight to see that God had brought him to this very place "to pave the way . . .of deliverance." Over and over, God is giving us a picture of what He is preparing to do through His Son, Jesus -- Our Deliverer!

Genesis 41 - 42

So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "You're the man for us. God has given you the inside story — no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom. From now on, you're in charge of my affairs; all my people will report to you. Only as king will I be over you." So Pharaoh commissioned Joseph: "I'm putting you in charge of the entire country of Egypt." Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger and slipped it on Joseph's hand. He outfitted him in robes of the best linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He put the second-in-command chariot at his disposal, and as he rode people shouted "Bravo!" Joseph was in charge of the entire country of Egypt. Genesis 41:39-43 THE MESSAGE

The story of Joseph is amazing. We are only given the facts and don't know what was going on in the mind of Joseph while he remained imprisoned. I have to remind myself when I am facing difficult circumstances that God may be preparing something amazing that cannot be seen or imagined in the present. The Lord God demonstrated His glory through Joseph to the Pharaoh, Egypt and surrounding countries during the famine

May we see Your glory, Lord

--michele

Genesis 38 - 40

The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, . . . Matthew 1:1-3 NASU


As we read through the scripture, Tamar was one of the women listed by name in Matthew. When we read her story, we are given the facts and not the story behind Tamar. I recently read a historial fiction piece by Francine Rivers on the story of Tamar. She had to resort to trickery to have a son with Judah. Did Tamar get ahead of God and try to "fix" the situation she was in? God is faithful to His word regardless of her actions. Again (and again), I am reminded that I often want to fix what I think is wrong and not wait on God's timing.

Lord, continue to help me see Your way and wait on Your timing for things to come to pass.

--michele

Genesis 35 - 37

I'm going to build an altar there to the God who answered me when I was in trouble and has stuck with me everywhere I've gone since." Genesis 35:3 THE MESSAGE

How many, many times has God answered me when I was in trouble! And continues to be with me!.

Great is Thy faithfulness
O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be!

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord, unto me.

--michele

Genesis 32 - 34

And then Jacob prayed, "God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, GOD who told me, 'Go back to your parents' homeland and I'll treat you well.' I don't deserve all the love and loyalty you've shown me. When I left here and crossed the Jordan I only had the clothes on my back, and now look at me — two camps! Save me, please, from the violence of my brother, my angry brother! I'm afraid he'll come and attack us all, me, the mothers and the children. You yourself said, 'I will treat you well; I'll make your descendants like the sands of the sea, far too many to count.'" Genesis 32:9-12 THE MESSAGE

Although Jacob was afraid to go back and face Esau, he continued to pray and rely on what he knew God had promised. Even as he got closer to home, he was still fearful. Jacob received a response that he wasn't expecting: He led the way and, as he approached his brother, bowed seven times, honoring his brother. But Esau ran up and embraced him, held him tight and kissed him. And they both wept. Genesis 33:3-4 THE MESSAGE

Lord, thank you for love demonstrated to us in that you receive us graciously and not with what we often deserve. You're a great merciful God!

--michele

Genesis 30 - 31

When Rachel realized that she wasn't having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. She told Jacob, "Give me sons or I'll die!" Jacob got angry with Rachel and said, "Am I God? Am I the one who refused you babies?" Rachel said, "Here's my maid Bilhah. Sleep with her. Let her substitute for me so I can have a child through her and build a family." So she gave him her maid Bilhah for a wife and Jacob slept with her. Bilhah became pregnant and gave Jacob a son. Rachel said, "God took my side and vindicated me. He listened to me and gave me a son." Genesis 30:1-6 THE MESSAGE

Have you ever said something was a "God-thing?" I'm afraid we often claim something as a "God-thing" in which the Lord had nothing to do with. I wonder if that were true for Rachel. She couldn't have children, was jealous of her sister, Leah, and decided to give her maid to her husband, Jacob as a substitute in order to get what she desperately wanted, a son.

I think we could all say that we have claimed something from God in order to justify our selfishness and to disguise our sin as being God's will.

Lord, help us not to short change the plans You have for us with our own attempts to substitute for something less than You have desired for us.

Despite Rachel's actions, the Lord later blessed her with her own son: And then God remembered Rachel. God listened to her and opened her womb. She became pregnant and had a son. She said, "God has taken away my humiliation." She named him Joseph, praying, "May GOD add yet another son to me." Genesis 30:22-24 THE MESSAGE

Genesis 27 - 29

Then GOD was right before him, saying, "I am GOD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. I'm giving the ground on which you are sleeping to you and to your descendants. Your descendants will be as the dust of the Earth; they'll stretch from west to east and from north to south. All the families of the Earth will bless themselves in you and your descendants. Yes. I'll stay with you, I'll protect you wherever you go, and I'll bring you back to this very ground. I'll stick with you until I've done everything I promised you." Genesis 28:13-15 THE MESSAGE

With the Lord's help, I have completed my first week of reading the Bible through Genesis 29. My copy of 66 Love Letters has arrived as a companion reading. I am writing each day as a way to keep me accountable to the commitment I have made to read the entire Bible through in a year. If you just joined me, I have, along with about 15 other women connected through a mutual friend and former pastor's wife to read entire Bible from The Message along with Crabb's book 66 Love Letters. The insight from these women has been an encouragement to me.

Check out today's responses: http://www.covertocoverchronologically.blogspot.com/.

Lord, thank You for Your love letters that You have left for us to know You more.

--michele

I am the God of Abraham your father; don't fear a thing because I'm with you. I'll bless you and make your children flourish because of Abraham my servant. Isaac built an altar there and prayed, calling on GOD by name. Genesis 26:24-25 THE MESSAGE

May the legacy that Rod and I leave for our children be that of Abraham and that our children will call upon God by name.

"We've realized that GOD is on your side." Genesis 26:28 THE MESSAGE

If God is for me, then why do I not live out my faith more boldly? If God is who He says He is, and His word is truth, then why do I fear? Why do I get hung up on things that are not meaningful or lasting? Your word, Lord, is a lamp into my heart. Illumine the dark places.

You are faithful, Lord!

--michele

Genesis 22 - 24

God said, "Abraham!"

"Yes?" answered Abraham. "I'm listening." Genesis 22:1 THE MESSAGE

Lord, as I continue to read through Your Word, please help me to stop and listen.

--michele

Genesis 19 - 21

Then GOD rained brimstone and fire down on Sodom and Gomorrah — a river of lava from GOD out of the sky! — and destroyed these cities and the entire plain and everyone who lived in the cities and everything that grew from the ground. Genesis 19:24-25 THE MESSAGE

The Bible stories of Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, Abraham and Sarah, and Sodom and Gomorrah presented to me as a child are very different from the actual account from Scripture. I think I would have had a hard time going to sleep as a child knowing the whole Truth.

One of the things I am struggling with today is that I feel the church is forgetting about God's holiness. I fear we often are making the Lord commonplace and ordinary in our attempts to be seeker sensitive. Where is the balance? What should be my proper "fear," reverence for a powerful, mighty, Holy God?

Lord, continue to help me in this area.

--michele

Genesis 16 - 18

Sarai, Abram's wife, hadn't yet produced a child. She had an Egyptian maid named Hagar. Sarai said to Abram, "GOD has not seen fit to let me have a child. Sleep with my maid. Maybe I can get a family from her." Abram agreed to do what Sarai said. Genesis 16:1-2 THE MESSAGE

Are you a "fixer?" I know in recent days I have been convicted by the Holy Spirit that I have tried to fix a problem or situation instead on waiting on God and His perfect timing.

Despite Sarai's attempt to fix or to fulfill God's promise, He still chose to fulfill His promise to Abraham:

When I arrive, your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah was listening at the tent opening, just behind the man. Abraham and Sarah were old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies. Sarah laughed within herself, "An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old man of a husband?" GOD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh saying, 'Me? Have a baby? An old woman like me?' Is anything too hard for GOD? Genesis 18:10-14 THE MESSAGE

Even though God fulfilled His promise, Sarai's choices still had consequences. Her servant had a son with Abraham named "Ishmael."

He'll be a bucking bronco of a man, a real fighter, fighting and being fought, Always stirring up trouble, always at odds with his family." Genesis 16: 12 THE MESSAGE

As we continue to read the Old Testament, we'll discover together the ongoing consequences of Sarah's choices.

Lord, help me not to attempt to fix things in my own power but to wait on You and Your perfect timing. Nothing is too hard for You!

--michele

Genesis 12 - 15

And he believed! Believed GOD! God declared him "Set-Right-with-God." Genesis 15:6 THE MESSAGE

One of the things that has caught my attention from the Bible readings is where it mentions "God" followed directly with a verb such as:

• God created
• God spoke
• God made
• God looked
• God shut
• God scattered
• God declared

Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 NIV

Lord, help me to believe. May we see Your glory!

--michele

Genesis 8 - 11

Noah built an altar to GOD. He selected clean animals and birds from every species and offered them as burnt-offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:20-21 THE MESSAGE

When we were on our way to camp with the youth, we had time to spare. When we came upon a historical marker, we would stop and see how fast we could get out around it and snap a picture and jump back into the van. Our historical marker stops became hysterical marker stops.

What is a historical marker? It is a marker that indicates an important event or person occurred on or near the site. I think of Noah's altar to God as the first historical marker of the Bible. It is a point where we can look back on God's faithfulness. Many more historical markers will appear as we read through the Bible.

What are some of the historical markers in your own life where God has demonstrated His faithfulness to you?

--michele

Genesis 4 - 7

But Noah was different. GOD liked what he saw in Noah. This is the story of Noah: Noah was a good man, a man of integrity in his community. Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:8-10 The Message

As I read through today's passage, it would be my prayer that God likes what He sees in me. I am thankful for Jesus because He became our righteousness through faith.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB

As Noah did all that the Lord commanded, it was God who sealed the door of the ark shut.

Then GOD shut the door behind him. Genesis 7:16 The Message

I am reminded and thankful that God puts His seal on those who believe.

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NASB

Lord, it is my prayer to walk with you.

--michele

Genesis 1 - 3

First this: God created the Heavens and Earth — all you see, all you don't see. Genesis 1: 1 The Message

First this: Happy New Year! My friend and former pastor's wife, Beverly Brandon, has invited me and others to read the entire Bible from The Message through in a year along with Larry Crabb's newest book 66 Love Letters in her blog, http://www.covertocoverchronologically.blogspot.com/.

For those who know me may be surprised to find out that I have never read the entire Bible through from cover to cover. I am excited to discover what the Lord has for me to see and to uncover things yet unseen.

I sense we are entering into changing times and is important to know God's word. His message to us seems to be more and more relevant. I invite you as well to join me as I read through God's word this new year.

--michele