The Book Of { Song Of Songs } A Summary

   The main theme in this book is undoubtedly love. It is about how beautiful love is between a man and a woman in the context of marriage; how God intended it to be. In this version I don't see a whole lot of God and His bride, but I mainly see the physical love in a marriage. However, I do see God in 8:6-7 when it says, "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it." It reminds me of Jesus' love on the cross and how it was stronger than the grave. Jesus is the "brightest kind of flame" and He shines through each of us. No waters can quench the love that God has for us. No way! We cannot even comprehend His love for us and that, in and of itself, is the most beautiful love story of them all. 

The Book Of { Ecclesiastes } A Summary

   I had forgotten about Ecclesiastes and all of it's depressing qualities. As I was reading it I was annoyed and I found it hard to take all the negativity of the "internal debate," but as I was nearing the end, I found that it was very true. In the authors search for the meaning of life he finds it all "meaningless, like chasing the wind." (4:4) Seeking temporary pleasure is something that the world is obsessed with and it's been a problem on the earth almost since the beginning. For the likely author, Solomon, it would have been a problem he was especially familiar with; that all of the money, women, and success in the world doesn't satisfy. I love how the book ends with hope; life isn't meaningless with God, but without Him. God is our hope and the reason we are alive and His purpose for us gives our lives meaning! "Here is now my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone's duty." (12:13)

The Book Of { Proverbs } A Summary

   The purpose of Proverbs "is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise." (1:2) As I read Proverbs through I was surprised to see that not every verse is a stand alone timeless truth, as pointed out in class, and I also noticed how much of a dialogue it is. I loved how God is referred to as Wisdom. He is in fact, the source of Solomon's wisdom and so it is only right that He should step in and correct and inspire. One of my favourite verses is 22:18 it says, "For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips." I love the imagery of taking these truths and keeping them in our hearts and always on our lips. Proverbs is rich with insight and it really can be applicable to life now-a-days. The next time I read it, I plan to sit with it and soak it in. 

The Book Of | Psalms *

My Psalm

You have shown me how to trust You 

in the trials that I have faced.

You have lifted up my head

and wiped away tears, each one.

Now I declare with everything I am,

"You are my anchor, the Love of my life."

Direct me, O God, show me Your will,

for I long to remain in You;

I long to remain in the vine.

I don't know where to turn

but I know You never let go.

Your steadfast love holds me.

Your goodness abounds!

Amidst the noise 

I will quiet my soul and say, 

"God, You are my light, 

the Lantern that guides me through.

A Psalm Revised

{ Psalm 19 }

How can someone look at the beauty 

in the sky and not see You? 

You paint the skies and pull out the stars

every single day and it is so obviously You.

They are silent but magnificent 

witnesses for Your great name. 

The sun, the majestic sun;

it lights up the earth like a billion

candles illuminating creation.

It never fails in its duty to light

and heat each day. 

Nothing can compare to Your lessons

because they are faultless.

I can always trust what You say.

Your words bring joy to my soul

and refresh my heart.

You teach me how to live 

in a way I can understand.

You are pure which

calls me to a higher level of purity.

You are the perfect judge

and never give the wrong verdict.

Your justice is priceless

and rich like ganache;

better with every taste.

You help to keep me from

stumbling and the reward is great.

God show me what my heart looks like. 

Take away the ugliness I don't even know is there.

Save me from myself 

so that I can be guilt free and clean.

I pray that what I say

and what I set my heart on would

be like incense to You.

You are my Saviour, the One I lean on. 

Personal Application

The book of Psalms was so fun to read. 

It is my favourite book when it comes to painting pictures

and bearing ones soul. I love the honesty and all of

the emotion. It encourages me to be even

more honest with God about my heart 

and who I long to be and how I want to 

live my life. I am normally an open book but

I do find at times that I hold back with God. 

There is so much beauty in the pain 

and there is no reason to hold in in.

 He knows my heart better than I do anyway. 

:) 

The Books Of | 1 & 2 Samuel

 There are a few references in 1 Samuel that suggest that it was written a long time after the events that took place. (3:1, 13:19, 27:6, & 30:25) These two books are all about the origin of the first king and seem to be a history lesson for the Israelites. 

 According to the Sourceview intro of 1&2 Samuel the author is anonymous. However, in 10:25 it says that Samuel "…wrote them down on a scroll…" and in 2 Sam. 8:16 it mentions Jehoshaphat, a royal historian. These are two bits of insight suggesting that multiple people wrote Samuel. 

 A repeated idea is definitely the contrast between Saul and David; the people's king versus God's king. David is humble and Saul is prideful. In 24:6, David says, "The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the Lord's anointed one…" and in 18:8 Saul says, "…Next they'll be making him their king!" He then becomes jealous and goes on to hatch plans to kill him. 

A main theme is obedience versus disobedience and in 1 Sam. 24:9-18 obedience is evident in David's life. (Also in 16:9-11) He doesn't harm the "anointed one" even though he is often within reach because he knows that God has chosen him and in time David will ascend to the throne. In chapter 13, Saul offers a burnt offering without Samuel because he becomes worried about the battle. Then Samuel says to him, "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you…But now your kingdom must end…" (v13&14) His disobedience costs him the kingdom. 1&2 Samuel in one sentence is about a kingdom being established for Israel and the consequences of disobeying God and succumbing to the worlds way of politics.

 I think 1 Sam. 12:17 perfectly sums up the primary reason that this book was written. It says, "Then you will realize how wicked you have been in asking the Lord for a king!" and in verse 19 the Israelites say, "For now we have added to our sins by asking for a king." The Samuels show how Saul is so intent on keeping his throne that he is driven to madness and turns murderous. David is very contrasted with Saul because of his faithful and just approach to the throne but in the end still falls prey to temptations and failures. No matter how good the intentions or the beginnings may be the kings of this book still don't rule well overall. Israel is shown how the Lord doesn't want anyone else to 'lord over them.' It is not what He intended for His chosen ones. (1Sam.8:11-18) 

 God shows how mighty and awesome He is in the beginning of 1 Samuel when the Philistines capture the Ark of God and place it beside Dagon. It says, "Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground in front of the Ark of the Lord, " then the next day he had fallen again but, "his head and hands had broken off." (5:3,4) I LOVE this picture! It wasn't the result of a prophecy or someone praying to God for it to happen, it was God alone acting out in His awesome power! I definitely see God's favour in 2 Samuel 7:5-16, when God is relaying a word through Nathan to tell to David about His plans for David's life. He says, "Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever." 

 God's redemptive plan for mankind is seen and spelled out beautifully, i think, in 2 Samuel 14:14 when a woman says to David, "But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him." For me, it creates this picture of God the Father, longing to be reunited with his children and up all night in his study thinking of ways to be with us again. Jesus was the answer that came to Him in the night. 

For me, 1 Samuel 16:7 still gets to me, God says, "The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." It is so easy to judge someone by their appearance; by how they dress or act. God says that about us, that we judge "by the outward appearance." He is so right but I know that we can overcome that reputation with His strength and His love inside of us. I pray that my eyes won't jump to the clothes or the level of cleanliness but that I would look at the heart, just as God does. We were all created in His image and He is love and He is beautiful, so we should value and love the way He does. 

Idols are everywhere today and they are deceptive and subtle. In 1 Sam. 12:20-22 it says, "…but make sure that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don't turn your back on him. Don't go back to worshipping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you." There is a song called "Clear the Stage" and it goes, "Clear the stage and set the sounds and lights ablaze if that's the measure you must take to crush the idols…" It talks about how the "show" surrounding worship can become an idol. I think it is a very real issue in churches today. When we come into a place of worship we must not idolize the one leading or gush about them or the cool set design (not that those things and people aren't amazing and gifted by God to create a beautiful space for the Spirit to come) but there is a line that is crossed often. Those things and people are there to lead us but then they must disappear from our minds and our attention should go to the only One worthy of our praise. 

"You can sing all you want to and still get it wrong. Worship is more than a song."

The Book Of | Ruth

{ Timeless Truth } 

You can always trust God to provide for your needs! 

{ Application }

  -  "What have I done to deserve such kindness?" Ruth 2:10

  -  "Now at last Naomi has a son again!" Ruth 4:17

      

   Naomi suffered first with the famine, then with her husband dying and then with her sons dying. Ruth lost her husband and was barren all ten years of their marriage, but God…but God was there. He provided for their every need. He orchestrated their lives to bring them through suffering into redemption; showing them His goodness and faithfulness. That is such a powerful testimony to me that when things seem hopeless and like I'll never see the end of the drought, God is there and He is trustworthy. God is so faithful to provide my basic needs as well as the things that I don't even know that I need. 

{ Point of Passion }

"Don't call me Naomi," she responded. "Instead, call me Mara," for the Almighty has made my life very bitter…"

    

   This passage made me sad because she felt she had suffered so much that she needed to change her name; to a negative name. Names and their meanings are so important and if makes me think of when we say God's name, especially in worship! God has so many names and each one means something different. When we sing His name it releases power and changes the atmosphere. "There is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain." 

The Book Of | Judges

  The book of Judges doesn't come right out and say who the original readers are or who the author is. However, in 21:25, it gives us clues to what we are looking for. It says, "In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." This tells us that Judges was written to the Israelites when they had a king. Judges 11:39&40 also alludes to the fact that it was written quite a bit earlier then the time it happened, which makes Samuel the likely author, since he was the prophet at the time of the first king, Saul. 

  The two most evident repeated ideas are Israel's failure in keeping the law and God's deliverance. It constantly says, "…the Israelites again did evil in the Lord's sight." (4:1, 3:7, 12, 6:1 & 13:1) They can't seem to get it together without someone in leadership keeping them accountable. Whenever the judges show up they are okay and experience peace but as soon as the judges die they fall back into their evil ways. Just as often they cry out to God for help and He sends a judge to deliver them. (3:9&15, 4:3, 6:6 & 10:10) A main theme is unfaithfulness and God says in 2:1-3, "…But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this?…" They are continually showing a lack of faith and falling prey to their temptations. Judges, in one sentence, is about God extending undeserved grace through judges to an idolatrous and wavering people. 

  I like the reason SourceView gives in the intro to Judges, it says, "…to give the nation's history prior to the time it became a kingdom." Again Judges 21:25 gives evidence that it was written at a much later date, so this suggests that it was a history lesson to the new generation of Israelites. It was a lesson specifically in showing them what it was like without a constant ruler or leader to govern and lead their nation; to show them how self destructive they are. 

  For the first time in the Bible I have noticed God's sympathy and sadness towards His people. In 2:18 it says, "For the Lord took pity on his people, who were burdened by oppression and suffering." That is why He rescued them through judges over and over again. In 10:16 it says, "And he was grieved by their misery." It's a side of God I haven't seen that much and to me, it means that they must have been suffering horribly. I also saw God's sensitivity in Judges 7:9-11 when He says to Gideon, "Get up!…I have given you victory over them! But if you are afraid to attack, go down…Listen…and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack." He knows Gideon's heart and He knows that he needs to be emboldened further. 

  The redemptive plan is not seen too clearly in Judges, other than the desperate need of deliverance  that runs rampant through it. I was reminded of the story of Jesus in 11:34 in the story of Jephthah. He makes a vow with God and ends up giving Him "his one and only child." In this account of Manoah, the angel of the Lord appears to his wife and says, "…you will soon become pregnant and give birth to a son." (13:3) He is described to be a rescuer for "Israel from the Philistines." (v5) For me, this points to Mary's experience with the angel of the Lord speaking to her and that she would give birth to a son that would be a rescuer; thee Rescuer. 

  The part of Judges that I found really encouraging is when God and Gideon are having a conversation in 6:11-23. In summary, Gideon makes a bunch of excuses for God not to use him in rescuing Israel from the Midianites and God doesn't comment on any of them. He responds with "Go with the strength you have…I am sending you!" and "I will be with you." God looks past all of our insecurities and excuses and He affirms us and empowers us to do His will. 

  The only positive worship time it mentions is in Judges 7:15. Gideon "bowed in worship before the Lord." It was in response to a "dream and its interpretation" and he responded with thankfulness and praise. When coming into a time of worship we must thank God first for all He has done. So often we rush in with our requests, and sometimes demands, when what we need to do is reflect and thank and soak in Him; in His goodness. I love how Gideon bows, it shows reverence and ultimate humility. But my all time favourite verse in the whole book is 13:18 when God says, in response to why He won't say His name, "It is too wonderful for you to understand." I love this verse and everything it implies. God's name is unfathomable and incomprehensible. In the future when I lead worship I want to try and convey the importance of His name and the wonderfulness each name possesses. 

The Book Of | Joshua

  In Joshua 24:25 it says, "Joshua made a covenant with the people that day at Shechem, committing them to follow the decrees and regulations of the Lord." This tells us that the original readers were the Israelites. 

  Joshua 24:26 supports the idea that Joshua was the author. It says, "Joshua recorded these things in the Book of God's Instructions." In 3:7, God tells Joshua, "They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses." It goes on to say that Joshua then told the Israelites what God had spoken to him. In 13:6, God says, "So be sure to give this land to Israel as a special possession, just as I have commanded you." 

  It is often said in Joshua, "Be strong and courageous." (1:6,7,9,18,10:25) That is definitely a repeated idea in Joshua and I love how God says it first to Joshua and then Joshua says it to the people. He passes on the encouragement and it seems to be a command as well. It was much needed because they were about to go in and fight and take the land. A main theme is God and His promise to them. In 1:3, 14:10, 21:45, and 23:15 it talks about how God has never left a promise unfulfilled. Joshua in one sentence: Everything the Israelites achieve is not by their own strength because victory comes from God alone. (10:8)

  I think that the primary reason Joshua was written was to remind the Israelites how God had given them the land and of the covenant renewal they made. (24:11-13) Joshua tells the people, in chapter 24, all that God has done and to "fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly." (v14) He warns against worshiping idols and disobeying God and reminds them of the consequences, should they fail to obey. That is all a part of the covenant they swore to keep. (v25)

 I see God's jealousy in 24:20 when Joshua says, "If you abandon the Lord and serve other gods, he will turn against you and destroy you, even though he has been so good to you." God is jealous for His people and He has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to serving other gods. Even if it means destroying His chosen ones, He will not stand unfaithfulness; it's part of His nature. God tells Joshua three times "Do not be afraid" (1:9,8:1,11:6) and this shows me God's comforting side. Even though it is part of a command it is personal. He is reassuring Joshua that He will be with Him and that there is no reason to be afraid. What a comfort to know that the God of the universe is with you! (1:9)

  

While reading the story of Rahab, the "scarlet rope" stood out to me. (2:18) Then, while reading in Nelson's Maps and Charts, I read that the scarlet rope "portrays safety through the blood of Jesus." (pg.63) Because of Jesus' blood we are safe from the consequences of our sin, as Rahab was protected from death and destruction and adopted into the tribe of Israel. 

  For me, Joshua 5:13-14 really stuck out, especially after Bekah highlighted it in class. Joshua asks God, "Are you friend or foe?" and God replies, "Neither one…I am the commander of the Lord's army." I was confused when I first read that because I so often hear 'God is on your side!' But after light was shed on God's response by Bekah, it struck me. It's not a question of God being on our side but of us being on God's side. He is always true and always faithful and always just; are we? It's kind of hard to wrap my head around that. I need to be on God's side, pursuing righteousness and staying faithful to Him and His commands. When I sin, God's not on my side, but that doesn't mean He doesn't love me or have a plan for me or isn't jealous for me. It's challenging my idea of who God is.

My point of passion is worship but more specifically bringing people into the presence of God. It is making a space and focusing all attention on Him. In Joshua it talks a lot about worshiping idols, mainly in commands not to. But what stood out to me was when the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half Manasseh answer the rest of the tribes when questioned about an altar they built. In 22:27 is says, "It will remind our descendants and your descendants that we, too, have the right to worship the Lord at his sanctuary…" and then in verse 28 it says, "…it is a reminder of the relationship both of us have with the Lord." They made sure that just because they were on the opposite side of the Jordan, everyone knew that they had just as much right to worship God. Everyone has the right to worship God, no matter their skin colour, ethnicity, or background. We were created to worship and He desires praise from every tribe, tongue and nation!! 

The Book Of | Deuteronomy

  The original readers were the Israelites, as seen plainly in Deut.31:9-13. In part of the passage, Moses says to the Priests and elders, "…you must read this Book of Instruction to all the people of Israel when they assemble before the Lord your God at the place He chooses." 

  I see that the author of this book is revealed in the same section. Deut.31:9 says, "So Moses wrote this entire body of instruction in a book and gave it to the priests…and to the elders of Israel." 

  A repeated idea in this book is the place of worship. In Deut.16:6, it says, "You must offer it only at the designated place of worship-the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honoured." (See also 16:9,14:23,24,18:6 and so on) God is very adamant about the Israelites only worshiping in the place He chooses. A main theme is renewal. In 30:3 it says, "The Lord your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors…" And in Deut. 29:1, it says that "these are the terms of the covenant the Lord commanded Moses to make with the Israelites." God is renewing the covenant He made with their ancestors. Summed up in one sentence, Deuteronomy is a book about God renewing the broken covenant He made with Moses and His chosen people.

  The primary reason this book was written is to give them life. It says in Deut.32:47, "These instructions are not empty words-they are your life!" And in 30:19&20 it says, "Oh, that you would choose life…This is the key to your life." God is giving them laws and guidelines in which to thrive and if they obey them, they will "live long in the land the Lord swore" to give them. 

  God is their protector and it says so beautifully in Deuteronomy 23:14. "The camp must be holy, for the Lord your God moves around in your camp to protect you and to defeat your enemies." God is constantly bringing victory to them and going ahead of them and always sustaining them. Also in Deut.33:27-29, it says, "He is your protective shield." I love imagery! God shows His powerful nature through fire. In Deut.4:36 it says, "He let you see His great fire here on earth. In the same chapter in verse 33 it says, "Has a nation ever heard the voice of God speaking from fire-as you did-and survived?" He is powerful and chooses to display and speak through an earthly force; bend it to His will. 

  In Ch.16, it talks about the Passover but what stuck out to me was a portion of verse 3. It says, "Eat this bread - the bread of suffering…" This alludes to what Jesus says about his body being the bread, broken for us. 

    What God has highlighted for me personally in this book is Deuteronomy 7:7&8. It says, "The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations…it was simply that the Lord loves you…" That is so beautiful and it stopped me in my tracks when I read it. He loved them for who they were, and didn't choose them because of their size or reputation. God loves me for me and not for what I can do or how accomplished I am or am not. That is an amazing timeless truth. To meditate on that is priceless. 

   There is a lot on worship in this book and multiple passages describing how God desires to be worshiped. My favourite is 12:7, "There you and your families will feast in in the presence of the Lord of the God…" And then in 10:20 it says, "You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him…the only one who is worthy of your praise…" I love those describing words and I think that when we come into God's presence we should feast and we should cling to Him. He is so worthy to be praised and so giving of Himself. All we have to do is seek and He meets us with His glorious presence. 

The Book Of | Numbers

   Numbers 36:13 says, "These are the commands and regulations that the Lord gave to the people of Israel through Moses…" It is spelled out very plainly who the original readers of this book are. Other references with claims similar to this one are found in Num. 9:10 and 34:2.

   There are at least five times where it says, "…as the Lord had commanded Moses." (4:37,41,45,49 5:4) In Num.33:2 it says, "…Moses kept a written record of their progress." And as well as revealing the original reader in Numbers 9:10, it also reveals that God spoke through Moses to the people of Israel. 

  A very dominant theme in Numbers is judgement. The Israelites are constantly complaining and God is having to answer back with judgement. Numbers 11:1-3 tells the story of the Israelites moaning about their hardships and God sending fire and "He destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp." A repeated idea in this book is God's anger. In 11:10 it says, "And the Lord become extremely angry." Normally I hear, 'God is slow to anger," but in this book it seems more like, quick to anger. The Israelites had been disobeying God and complaining ever since Egypt, so I can imagine how frustrated God must have been. Other references to His anger are 11:1, 16:46, 16:22, 12:9, and 11:33. In one sentence, Numbers is about God disciplining His chosen people and as a result, they wander in the wilderness. 

  I think the primary reason that this book was written was to be a cautionary tale for the Israelites and their descendants. Their unbelief and distrust in God's plan for them resulted in forty years of wandering; never to set foot in the promised land. (14:22-23) Even in Numbers 20:12, it says that even Moses and Aaron will not "lead them into the land" God has waiting for them. 

  Although God's anger is quite obvious throughout the book, I noticed His mercy, despite it all. In 14:19&20, God pardons the Israelites after Moses asks God to spare them and not to wipe them out. His mercy is great, especially when Moses says that God has "forgiven them ever since they left Egypt." I also see God's love for His people. The pillar of cloud by day and the fire by night leading the people throughout the wilderness is so beautiful. (9:15-23) He went out before them and made His presence visibly seen to them. That picture, to me, shows His desire to guide them and love them. They are, after all, His special possessions. 

   Numbers 21:6-9, is the story of the poisonous snakes. God says, "Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!" That points to Jesus on the cross. We look to Him and are saved; He is the only path to life. 

  Out of all of the verses in Numbers, part of 11:23 stood out to me the most. God says, "Has my arm lost it's power?" After everything Moses had seen God do he still didn't fully trust Him. It caused me to look at my own life and how much I trust God. It's so easy to trust God with the small things, but when it comes to stepping out in faith in the big things, I often doubt and question. But He is faithful in my life and always does what He says; always providing and always trustworthy. My doubt frustrates me, but I am finding that, especially recently, my trust in Him is getting stronger. It makes me so joyful, because it's what God wants us to do; trust Him wholeheartedly. 

  According to Nelson's Maps & Charts, Numbers 7:1-9:14 is where the "sanctification through worship" takes place. It mainly talks about a representative from each tribe giving gifts at the Tabernacle. It mentions setting the Levites apart and that the Passover takes place. It doesn't mention singing, dancing or loud music, but it does highlight the sanctity of God's presence and the need to consecrate oneself before going to His holy place. It is a visual representation of what our heart should be like; consecrated and set apart to Him. To not rush the stage and belt out a song to grab attention and accolades; but to come before the Holy One with a soft heart with sensitivity to His presence. 

The Book Of | Leviticus

  Leviticus points to the Israelites as being the original readers. God says a number of times, "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel." (Lev.11:2) In fact, in about fifteen of the twenty-seven chapters, in verse 2, God names the Israelites as the recipients of the instructions. In Leviticus 27:34, the last verse of the book, it says, "These are the commands that the Lord gave through Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites." Thus a very obvious clue to whom the book was intended for. 

  There is a lot of evidence supporting Moses as the author of this book. It says in Nelson's Maps and Charts that, "Fifty-six times in the twenty-seven chapters of Leviticus," we are told that God passed on to Moses the laws. (Ex. Lev.24:1)

  One of the repeated ideas in this book is Holiness. God is constantly bringing up His holiness and that the people of Israel must also be holy. (Lev.11:45,19:2, 20:7,8,26) A main theme, is sanctification, and you can see throughout the text how important it is that the Israelites bring offerings, (Lev.9:7) and that they follow Gods instructions precisely or they will die. (Lev.20:11) This book, put into one sentence: 'Leviticus is about God making His people holy.'

  In my opinion, the primary reason this book was written is to show the people of Israel how to live. To show them what God requires and how it is to be done. (Lev.7:37,38) And in Lev.18:1-5, God reminds them of the way the people lived in Egypt and how the Canaanites live. He tells them that they must "obey all" of His "regulations" and "decrees." I love that He says, "You will find life through them." So often, when we are faced with rules, we see them as restrictive but God's plan for us is so full of freedom and "life." It is important for the Israelites to know that. 

  The nature of God is seen in Lev.21:23. God says that even a person with a deformity cannot even come near the altar or "enter the room behind the inner curtain" for this would "defile my holy places." He's holy, so holy that even if they are of His chosen people, but deformed, He won't accept their presence near His holiness. That seemed a bit harsh the first time i read it through but then I realized that holiness is central to who God is. (Lev.22:31-33)
  In Lev.9:23&24, its says, "Fire blazed forth from the Lord's presence and consumed the burnt offering...When the people saw this...and fell face down on the ground." The holiness of God was so powerful and glorious that the people were brought to their faces. Their reaction was automatic and instant; as ours should be.
  God reveals His character in Leviticus through His justness. He doesn't let them slip into sin and get away with it. (Lev.24:14-16)

  In Leviticus 23:5, it quickly mentions the Lord's Passover, which has "prophetic significance" according to Nelson's Maps and Charts. It points to the final passover Lamb that will atone for our sins once and for all. In Lev.17:11, it talks about blood and I think, gives us a image of what Jesus would do for humanity, when it says, "It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible."
  A beautiful word image with prophetic significance is Leviticus 1:4, "Lay your hand on the animal's head, and the Lord will accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him."
  I find it interesting that sins which warranted capital offence could not be atoned for. If that's correct, then not until Jesus died on the cross, were the Israelites free from the death penalty. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), one of Israel's sacred times, nods to Jesus' sacrifice, "more adequately than any other O.T. type." (Nelson's Book Of Maps & Charts)

  I have been struck by God's holiness over and over again, and at the same time, my inadequacy. I thought of John 3:16 today and how much those words have faded in meaning for me. This book, this history, is so important for me now. It shows me that popular passage in a whole new light, because I now understand more where God's people have come from; what Jesus had to do to take away the need for constant atonement. (Lev.25:55) I have such freedom and I am not unclean, God wants us to be holy, as He is holy and there is so much love in that and so much life. 

  In Exodus the tabernacle is built but now the priests are being instructed in how to worship God there. In Leviticus 23:1-44, it talks about the different festivals, assemblies and that a "holy assembly" is to be a day "commemorated with loud blasts of a trumpet" and to "celebrate with joy." In Lev.24:1-9, it talks about a law that involves, "lamps burning in the Lord's presence all night" with pure frankincense and bread. It describes celebration with many and intimacy in God's presence; which is exactly what worship is now. The tabernacle that was once a physical tent, is now inside of us. Wherever we go we can worship, give glory and honour to our Father. What a blessing! What a miracle! 

{ Job } Seven Questions | Worldview | Brenda

I met with a lady named Brenda, who is a student in a DTS here, and asked her the seven questions.

She said "Death" when i asked her what was really real.

She said, "The universe was created," when i asked her what the nature of the universe was.

She said that a human being is made up of "body, soul, spirit and emotion."

When we die she said that we go to "heaven."

When i asked her how do we know right from wrong she said, "it's a feeling that we get; it's intuition."

She said "Holy Spirit," when I asked her how do we know anything at all.

When asked what the purpose of history was she said, "to know where we come from; it's our foundation."

{ Job } Seven Questions | Worldview | Barry

I went downtown Kona and saw an older man sitting by himself looking out at the ocean. I introduced myself, sat down and discovered a little bit about his worldview.

When asked what was really real, Barry said, "Being content with your environment."

When asked what is the nature of the universe, Barry said, "It is chaotic."

When asked what a human being is, Barry said, "A human being has a soul and definitely a spirit, but is mostly energy."

When asked what happens after death, Barry said, "Everything is energy and then the energy changes."

When asked how do you know what is right and wrong, Barry said, "Instinct."

When asked how can you know anything at all, Barry said, "That's the brain; it's how we think."

And finally when asked what is the purpose of history, Barry said, "So we can learn from the past."

The Book Of | Exodus

1. What do you see in this book that tells us about the original reader? 

Exodus 17:14 tells us that Moses was the author, because the Lord spoke to Moses and no one else. So it tells us that the original reader would have been the Israelites. I say that because Exodus explains the escape from Egypt, the covenant on Mt. Sinai and the intricate details of how the Tabernacle was to be built. It was instructions to the people of Israel and a little history lesson and also a reminder of what God had taken them from. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author? 

In Exodus 34:27 it says, "Then the Lord told Moses, 'Write down these instructions…' " This suggests quite obviously that Moses is the author. He was the only one up on the mountain with God. In Chapter 17, in verse 14, it says a similar thing. 

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea?" 

The main themes in Exodus are the rescue from Egypt and the new covenant made on top of Mt. Sinai. I think of a modern day slave who has never encountered the love of God and only knows slavery. For them to be taken away and then taught how to live better and thrive under God's protection; to be redeemed. That could be very shocking and it was for the Israelites. 

God was consistent with the plagues and wouldn't stop until they were free. Exodus 14:25 shows that even the Egyptian soldiers knew that God was fighting for them. 

In one sentence I think the main idea of Exodus is, "God introducing Himself to His chosen people and fulfilling more of the covenant that He began with Abraham." 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

I think the primary reason is to show the Israelites where they have come from and what God has in store for them. In Exodus 13:3-16, Moses tells the people that one day they will tell their children about how God's "mighty hand" brought them out of slavery. This book also shows them what happens when they disobey God. Exodus 32:27-28 shows the destruction of the evil ones who turned away from God and worshiped a golden calf. 

5. What does this book show us about the character and nature of God?

This book shows us how holy He is. In Exodus 3:5, God says, "Do not come any closer…Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground." In Exodus 33:21, God says to Moses, " As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you…But my face will not be seen." Later in 34:3 God says that not even the "flocks and herds" can "graze near the mountain." God is to be revered and feared. It is part of the nature of God that I don't think about as much as the loving, gentle nature of God. He shows His steadfast faithfulness in Exodus 13:21, when He guides them with a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud. That is such a beautiful picture of God's faithfulness to us. 

6. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind? 

In Exodus 12:1-20, God gives instructions to Moses and Aaron concerning the Passover. There is foreshadowing to Jesus, the perfect lamb, being sacrificed and covering our sins with His blood. Specifically in verse 13, God says, "When i see the blood, I will pass over you." This applied to everyone in Egypt, including the Israelites, as it applies to the whole world today. The only way we will be saved is if we are covered by the blood of Jesus.

7. Personal Application:

I think for me, this book is really empowering. God chooses a man, who is a "tongue-tied" speaker, to carry out His plan. God is holy and mighty and powerful, yet He decided to move through Moses. In Exodus 3:10, He tells Moses, "Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." This is a timeless truth that speaks to me. God uses the ordinary and the overlooked to transform the world and do mighty things in His name. So, next time I feel ordinary and overlooked I won't have to look far for inspiration and truth. 

8. Point of Passion:

Holiness keeps coming up in my mind. I think as worshipers, we often forget how holy God is. He is first and foremost, Creator of the universe, Almighty God, Holy and Righteous. He is the King and He is so holy that we cannot look on His face and live. (Exodus 33:20) That is intense and that, i find, is not emphasized enough. Holiness is a huge part of God's nature; He demands perfection and righteousness from us. He is not there only to be asked of but to be lifted high, while seated on the throne. 

The Book Of | Genesis

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader? 

In Genesis the author goes into the genealogy of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. 

Adam's descendants are listed in Genesis 5. The descendants of Jacob are listed in Genesis 46:8-27. This suggests that the original readers would have taken an interest in these family histories because they were in the same family. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author? 

Moses is the most popular choice as the author of Genesis. Some references that support this are Gen.43:32 and 50:3. In the first reference the writer shows knowledge of Egyptian customs and that they would not sit at the same table as Hebrews. In the latter reference the writer sheds light on the mourning and embalming periods after Jacob's death. Moses grew up in Pharaohs household and would have had extensive knowledge concerning Egyptians and their customs. 

3.What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea?" 

A main theme in this book is God making covenants with His chosen ones. He makes a covenant with Noah in Genesis 6:18 and confirms it again and again in 9:9 and 9:12. In Genesis 17:4 we see God make a covenant with Abraham and He also confirms it again and again with Abraham. I love how God repeats Himself and never lets them forget. 

If I were to summarize this book into one sentence it would be: Genesis is about God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written? 

The original readers were most likely descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This means that they were Israelites and were wandering through the desert at some point or still under Egyptian slave masters when they heard the Genesis account. 

The primary reason for this book, I think, is God assuring His chosen people that He is faithful. He has a plan for their lives and they can trust Him; no matter how dark or hopeless their situation seems. 

5. What does this book show about the character and nature of God? 

I discovered not just how merciful God is but how merciful He wants to be. In Genesis 18:25, Abraham pleads for the lives of the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah. God seems to agree easily and Abraham doesn't shrink back from coming again and again to God. God's heart is with the Israelites and He is a God of comfort. In Genesis 46:3, the one time He speaks in the account of Joseph, He says to Jacob, "Do not be afraid…I will go with you…and I will bring you back." I love that He speaks to Jacob and comforts Him on His way to Egypt, telling Him that He will be with Joseph before He dies. 

6. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind? 

This book shows in Genesis 23 a foreshadowing of God's redemptive plan. In verses 12 + 13, just as Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, God says "Don't lay a hand on the boy!…I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son," and Abraham sees a ram. He sacrifices the ram in his sons place and in verse 14, names the place Yahweh-Yireh, which means "the Lord will provide." God provided a sacrifice in our place; His only son Jesus. This is a beautiful picture for the Israelites of what He will do for them. 

7. Personal Application:

Throughout Genesis, I have really been struck by God's constant confirmation of His covenant. Genesis 17:4-8 is one place were He confirms it but I love how this particular time He says, "I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you." He is so loving and so faithful. He loves them; He doesn't want them to forget. Later on when there comes doubt and insecurity, He confirms it again and again. It comforts me and encourages me, because it is a timeless truth. God will always be my God and no matter what comes my way, He will always be there; loving me and showing me the way. 

8. Point of Passion:

I am very passionate about worship. About giving God praise and seeing His name exalted in churches and around the world. In Genesis 16:13 Hagar calls God "the God who sees me." She was put into a horrible position and fled, but God reached out to her and blessed her. She responded by calling Him a new name, which was inspired by the meaning of her sons name. Out of her blessing came her praise. So often it's easy to forget to praise and thank God in the good times, let alone the bad times. God is always worthy of our praise, no matter what is going on in our lives. Out of desperation and blessing comes intimacy with God.