I thought I would start a new blog today writing down what I am learning going through the Bible. There is a Bible plan on the You Version Bible App that is about going through the Bible in three years. You basically read one chapter a day. This sounded very doable to me, to not only read the Bible completely, but also time to study.
I have 5 study Bibles that I really enjoy reading the notes and so far there hasn't been anything that has been against what I believe. If there is something I don't agree with I might write about it in this blog, or just ignore it and focus on the commentaries I agree with. Also, I am not including everything in all my Bibles in my blog, just the things that really jumped out the page to me.
Genesis chapter 1
These notes are from the Incourage Bible:
Understanding the Author's Heart -written by Moses, 1446 BC - 1406 BC
"Moses wanted us to know where we came from, why we're here. So the first words of Genesis depict God creating the universe. With a word, God spoke the earth into being. He also created the first man and woman, but because of their eventual disobedience, humankind became separated from God. We've been living with the consequences ever since."
I just wanted to say here that not everyone believes Moses wrote Genesis. I was taught in high school that there were several authors and that it was all a myth. I don't believe this is true. I am coming from the point of view that this was written by Moses and that the Bible is the Word of God. I believe the Bible is living, meaning God can speak to us through His Word.
Connecting with God's Story
"Genesis: beginning - of this world and humanity, of beauty and brokenness, or you and me. Shows where we can find hope and healing. We enter into God's story. Genesis sets the scene, introduces the characters, and explodes with a love story between God and the human beings He creates. The evil that threatens them and God's plan for salvation are all put into motion in the first few chapters."
Connecting with Our Story
"Through Genesis we understand the origin of our own brokenness. We see the seed of hope as God promises to provide a way of restoration. Genesis is the starting point, not only for all of life, but also for our own journey. Through the stories that unfold, we trace the fingerprints of God, moving on behalf of His people."
This next section was written by Joyce Meyer from The Everyday Life Bible. I really related to what she had to say, and I thought it was very encouraging. That is why I am including it here:
"Many people feel worthless, insecure, and unacceptable, but God looked at everything He had created, including man, and said, 'It is very good.' He validated it completely. God knows everything about each of us, and He loves us unconditionally. God approves of us; He may not approve of everything we do, but He does approve of us as His beloved children. Make a decision to approve of and enjoy yourself as well.
Choosing to enjoy and accept myself is one of the best decisions I have ever made. God does not create anything worthless. He is good, and everything He does is good. We cannot believe that God created us and also believe we are worthless. Begin to accept and enjoy yourself where you are, and God will help you get to where you need to be."
Thirdly, I want to include some commentary by Philip Yancey from a book he co-authored with Brenda Quinn called Meet the Bible, which has some of the Bible and devotional passages in it.
"Creation was God's Work: And in this first chapter, the very first glimpse we have of God is an artist. Butterflies, waterfalls, bottlenose dolphins, praying mantises, kangaroos - they were all his idea. This entire magnificent world we live in is the product of his creative work."
Finally, I am including a prayer by Elizabeth George from A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible.
"God, I have a renewed hunger for Your truth, wisdom, and love. I am ready to experience the transforming power of Your Word each day. May I reach for the Bible and receive it as my lifeline."
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