Bible in 90 Days - Day 2

It's only the second day and already I've learned some important lessons. One is that I can't lollygag around about getting to this reading! The first day I took my time about starting into quiet time, read my usual devotional books and then started on the 90-day reading plan, only to be interrupted because my time was up and my walking partner was ready to hit the track. When I got back, I tried to go back to the reading and was interrupted again and again because now the world was awake. So today, day 2, I got up early and started with the 90-day reading first instead of last. It's 8:15 and I'm done, yay!

As I read today, I found myself wanting to write about some of what I was reading, which was something I had stopped doing over time but hadn't understood why. I think the reason is that I used to read with the intention of reading until something struck me, but over time I had fallen into a pattern of just reading one chapter a day. Now, reading more, I realize that I need to remember to expect more from my reading and not just settle for a chapter and no response.

These are some of the passages that struck me today:

1. Genesis 17 & Circumcision--How odd that must have seemed to them. They were all adults! Can you imagine Abraham telling these men to do this? "Here, cut this skin off me, will you?"
2. Genesis 19 & Sodom--The Sodomite men wanted to have sex with the two angels and Lot considers that worse than offering them his virgin daughters. Hmmm.... Also, it seems this is what prompts the angels to make up their minds about destroying the city.
3. Genesis 25 & Wife #2--I never realized that Abraham remarried after Sarah died and had 6 more sons!
4. Genesis 21 & 25 & Ishmael--God promised to bless Ishmael because Abraham asked him to, even though God made him send Ishmael away, and then Ishmael had 12 sons, just like Isaac did, and those sons became 12 tribes, also just like Isaac's sons. I think that's the last we hear of them, though.

Bible in 90 Days

I first saw the challenge on Bible Gateway. The banner ad said, "Do what 75 million people dream about: Take the Bible in 90 days challenge, June 1 - August 29." (You can check it out here.) I'm not sure why that caught my eye. Maybe because that is almost exactly how much time I have before I start grad school? Maybe because having just finished a degree in literature, I want to try reading the Bible fast enough to get a better sense of the broader themes?

Since I became more serious about my faith 7 years ago, I have read through the Bible twice. I read a little each day, sometimes a chapter or two, or sometimes considerably less if I'm struck by something and decide to stop and pray about it. I have learned a lot about God in the process, but by the time I get to the end, I've long forgotten the beginning because of the great amount of time that has passed. So I am curious to see if my perspective and understanding change as a result of a faster read-through.

I'm also intrigued by the prospect of a 90-day read-through because this semester I read Kant's essay, "What is Enlightenment" and strongly agree with his suggestion that we need to develop our own understanding without having to rely entirely on someone else's guidance. Similarly, I think Kant would agree that we need to know the Bible for ourselves, not just through what others have told us about it. And knowing the Bible enables us to know God more directly, which is ultimately what we're all seeking. I'm hoping the faster read will help me to know the Bible better, and, as a result, to know God better, as well.

Book of the Week

Yes, the week. I'm a slow reader these days. It's so hard to sit still long enough to finish a chapter, let alone a book. So many other things to do! But tomorrow I see the eye doctor and soon, hopefully, I'll be able to speed the reading back up a little. Here's what I'm working on:

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith
by Anne Lamott
This is one of my favorite authors. I've actually read this book before, years ago, but since the director of the literacy center gave this to me as a thank-you gift last spring, I decided to read it again. Anne writes both fiction and non-fiction. This one is non-fiction and tells how she came to faith (one of the most interesting salvation stories you'll ever read) and how she deals with life, death, parenthood, and lots of other everyday situations.

Here's one of my favorite passages so far:

It's funny: I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner toolbox, full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up I found that life handed you these rusty bent old tools--friendships, prayer, conscience, honesty--and said, Do the best you can with these, they will have to do. And mostly, against all odds, they're enough.

It's great because it's true, at least in my experience.

One of my professors told me this semester that I shouldn't be afraid to speak up and be who I am, because one of the things I bring to the table at 45 from which 20-year-olds could benefit is judgment--not in the criticizing sense, but in the sense of wisdom gained through experience, kind of like what Anne describes in the passage above. I don't know how much I really contributed in this way to that class or any other. Probably if I said anything all that wise, I didn't realize it.

I did get to see how a lot of our "wisdom" is perceived, though. One night at a group study session, the conversation turned from literature to the meaning of life and the statement many had heard, "money isn't everything." There was great debate about whether that was really true, or was more of an old wive's tale. Someone compared it to the proverbial stories about walking to school through the snow, and thought that those who said "money isn't everything" said that because they didn't have any, or were trying to sound wise when they really were just old. I don't remember saying anything. I don't think they realized that I was one of these "old" people they were talking about, since most people who try to guess my age don't put me over 30 (thank you, God!). They talked as if we were all in our 20's, and I just listened, fascinated. I hope I learned something.

Post-Grad Life

Ok, so I'm not officially a post-grad until after Friday, but all the work is done and life is decidedly different. Little by little, my house is getting cleaner. I've watched a few movies and even went out to a theater to see one! And I've started on the pile of books that have been waiting patiently for the day when I would finally have time to read books of my own choosing. Nobody has asked yet what those might be, although I was frequently asked what I was reading for classes. Not all of the titles of my current reading material are as distinguished as those I was reading for my literature classes, but some are notable, and all are worth recommending, I think. So, for those of you who still want to know what Melissa is reading, here goes:

The Bible (NIV Life Application--today I read Proverbs 2 and John 17)
This I read daily, although I don't always read the life application notes anymore. Maybe now that I have more time for quiet time I'll do more of that. They're almost always helpful.

Pathways To His Presence, A Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley
This is a good, solid devotional that starts with a prompt to read scripture first. Today's reading was John 17, one of my favorites, and an encouragement to pray conversationally. This whole month the devotional are focused on prayer, which goes nicely with the E.M. Bounds book.

Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham
Dad and Lydia gave me this one for Christmas. Each day's reading is short, but nicely inspirational. I've always liked Billy Graham's straightforward simplicity.

The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer
I also got this one from Dad and Lydia last Christmas, and am glad to finally have time to read it. I put it on my wish list after several different pastors mentioned it as one they continually reread. I'm only on chapter 4 so far, but already I am putting renewed depth of thought into my prayers.

At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances by Alexander McCall Smith
This one is purely for fun, and won't take long to finish. I became a fan of this author through the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, as have many, and went looking for other books he had written. This one is the third (and last) in a series about a pompous German professor of romance philology who wrote a book called Portuguese Irregular Verbs that noone has read but of which he's quite proud.

I have more by Alexander McCall Smith in my pile of books I hope to read this summer, as well as books by Barack Obama, Anne Lamott, Oscar Wilde and C.S. Lewis. I'll also be reading whatever Tristan and Tabitha get assigned for summer reading, and I may check out the Riordan series that started with The Labyrinth. Tristan enjoyed it and the press is calling it "the next Harry Potter."

I hope I never tire of a good book, and I have a renewed determination to read for myself rather than just going by what others tell me somebody said, which is partly why Obama's book is on the list. More about that later.

If Henry V Worked At Starbucks

(Speaking with gusto and dramatically gesturing.) How now, my good man, what say ye?! Yes, we have seen better days, but we shall have the greater share of honor! For these are the times that test our souls, that tear at the very fabric of our being as we face our mortal enemies and stand before our God and Lord King! …what’s that? Thou wouldst like a venti decaf mocha? Well then, by God, thou shalt have it! For thou hast touched my very soul with thy passion for it! And wilst thou be having whipped cream with that? Yes?! Very well, my good man, a venti decaf mocha with whip shall be yours! And shall we stiffen thy drink with extra shot? We shall, indeed! Cheers, sir, that’s the spirit! That will be three and fifty-five coin, if you please! Cash? Aye, very good, sir, very good! All that glitters is not gold, now, is it? Nay! Indeed, kind sir! Anon, on to thy mocha! For Starbucks is the nectar of the gods and we are the gods of this world! Do not shirk from thy mighty beverage, but stand strong and firm, that all might see thy mettle this day! We shall face our foes with courage, we band of brothers, for he that drinks this hearty brew this day shall be my brother! …and, my sister! M’lady, what say ye this day?! …a Frrrappucino! Well chosen, your ladyship! And it shall be as frozen water to the starv-ed snake! Herein lives wisdom, beauty and increase! Evermore shall thy dalliance bless our humble souls!

Humble Acceptance

As sometimes happens, yesterday I woke up seriously struggling with the same old nagging doubts and worries. I thought I had a handle on it after spending some time in prayer, and then Rob asked me a question about our daughter's school loan and the facade I had put up cracked. I hadn't realized it was only a facade until then, and although I had been avoiding telling Rob about my struggles that morning because I didn't want to burden him, he pressed to know more and instantly spotted what I inevitably miss when I'm in the midst of this--Satan at work again. He rather sternly pointed out where I had gone wrong--tryng to act ok instead of facing this head on--and basically chased Satan out right then and there; never a fun moment, but definitely what needed to be done. Looking back on it now, I see how much this relates to all we talked about Saturday night in our study of God's spiritual armor and wondering how I could be so daft and not see that, but that's just how these things go sometimes. I needed to let somebody else in to help me out because I couldn't do it by myself. I was praying; I'd read my bible, but yesterday that wasn't enough. So after Rob's intervention, my outlook improved and today is an entirely different story, which brings me to the verse that promted this writing:

Today's VOTD from Bible Gateway: “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”- James 1:21

Seems an interesting follow-up to my struggles yesterday morning to be reminded of the need for humble acceptance of the word planted in me. I guess that's more of that same old lesson, to trust that God is at work in me and in all things. It goes nicely with my soundtrack for this morning and last night, the refrain that keeps running through my head: It's all because of Jesus I'm alive...

It's typical all I have in my head is just that one line from the song, so I had to go look up the rest (Thank God for the internet!). Turns out it's a Casting Crowns song, so I must have heard it recently on the radio.

All Because Of Jesus
Giver of every breath I breathe, author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing, to you be the glory
Maker of heaven and of earth, no one can comprehend your worth
King over all the universe, to you be the glory
And I am alive because I'm alive in you
And it's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus
I'm aliveI'm alive, I'm alive
Giver of every breath I breathe, author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing, to you be the glory
Maker of heaven and of earth, no one can comprehend worth
King over all the universe, to you be the glory
And I am alive because I'm alive in you
And it's all because of Jesus I'm alive
And it's all because of the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus Every sunrise sings your praise
The universe cries out your praise
I'm singing freedom all my days
Now that I'm alive
And it's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because of the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus(x2)
I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive

Today I easily resonate with that last line--I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive! And it is indeed all because of Jesus, even though I frequently don't think of it that way. Praise God that He always helps us find the way back by sending in exactly what we need just when we need it. To Him be all glory and honor and praise! I know but often need to be reminded that I am incredibly weak, but he is strong. I'm really just good at one thing--showing up for quiet time every day. It's the least I can do, and sometimes literally the very least, but I know that there's no way i'm coming close to staying on track without that. I have to at least provide an opening for God to break through to me. I'll go days and days just going through the motions with little depth, and then something happens like yesterday and it's a dramatic breakthrough all over again. The beautiful part is that no matter how long it takes, God always finds a way, and then it's amazing to me all over again how much he loves us and takes care of us and puts up with all our silliness. He is faithful and he is good, all the time.

Praying your day is filled with His blessings,
Mel

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rob and the Beavers—An Epic Battle?

Sometimes in life there are interesting parallels. Grendel invades the Viking hall. The Philistines invade Israel. The beavers invade the Krabbe compound.

Grendel was an ogre, a monster, who lived out in the fen with his mother. Little is known about him except that he frequently invaded Hart Hall at night, killing those within. Similarly, little is know about the Philistines who were already in Canaan by the time Isaac came through, and once Israel settled there, they were constantly at war. Like Grendel, the Philistines made raids on Israelite towns, killing the townspeople. The beavers are a much smaller threat than Grendel or the Philistines, but equally as feared and hated. They have moved into our creek and made night raids, killing our beloved willow tree.

Beowulf saved the Vikings from Grendel, David saved Israel from the Philistines, and Rob will save the Krabbe compound from the beavers. I suppose that this, then, makes Rob an epic hero, assuming that the beavers present sufficient challenge for there to be an epic battle. Already the battle is afoot. There is talk of bombs and guns, chemical warfare and deceptive strategy. We don’t know what the beavers are planning in response, but it is presumed that they will retreat.

Modern political strategy in this situation would dictate an embargo, which in this situation might mean putting up a large sign which says, “Don’t feed the beavers!” But instead Rob has chosen to leave the remains of the willow as a sort of peace offering, in the hope of persuading the beavers to leave the other trees alone. Does that mean he doesn’t believe in the popular policy, “Don’t negotiate with terrorists”? Really, though, how do you negotiate with a beaver? Or is this just an attempt to lull the beavers into a false sense of security, thereby enhancing the impact of a “shock and awe” attack on their dam?

Beowulf’s greater goal in taking on Grendel was to make a lasting name for himself, to gain immortality through fame. David sought to please God in his pursuits, earning himself the epithet that he was “a man after God’s own heart.” Does Rob have similarly lofty goals in pursuing the fight with the beavers? Is his battle symbolic of a greater struggle? Man seeks to have control over his world, to show his strength, to be in charge of his own destiny.

Will Rob win immortal fame or lasting praise, assuming he triumphs in this classic struggle of man over beast, of good versus evil? Only time will tell.