The Bible Project @ Kelsey

DAY 9 If you're having a hard time with some of the actions of the people in our stories, give them a break.  If this is a telling of how the world came to be, they've only had 20-something chapters to figure things out.   Today we're reading about a growing family.  Families look different today than they did all those thousands of years ago.  The way family works is different, too.  Still, I can't help but notice how the family drives so much of what happens.   Let's get reading. DAILY READINGS Genesis 29-31 & Psalm 9 DAILY NOTES Genesis 29:2 Have you noticed how wells have played into a few of our stories.  Water is life.  Communities are built around good wells.   Genesis 29:10-11 Jacob moves the stone to water Rachel's sheep.  This task was done by all the shepherds when they gathered there (verse 3).  So, Jacob is strong and in love. He wept, maybe, because he did not have anything ...

DAY 8 Week 2, here we come! If you found reading the Bible everyday hard last week, get yourself ready for this week.  It's not that the Bible gets more complicated.  It's just that following through with a new commitment takes, well, commitment, and it's too easy to let other things get in the way. I'm praying for you.   DAILY READING Genesis 25-28, Psalm 8 DAILY NOTES Genesis 25:5-6 Isaac is favored.  Abraham gives "all he had" to him.  To his other children, however, Abraham gives gifts, too.  So, even though they are sons of concubines, they are recognized as children of Abraham; these are the Arab nations. Genesis 25:11 The blessing of Abraham passes to Isaac. Genesis 25:17 Literally, parenthetically, Ishmael's life is wrapped up.  Although it is acknowledged, he isn't given the same kind of description Abraham received, i.e. "good old age," and "full of years." Genesis 25:21-22 With Sa...

DAY 7 Congratulations!  After today's reading, you have completed a week of Bible reading.  If I recall correctly, it's been said it takes approximately 21 days to make something a habit.  You're 1/3 of the way there! There's no video today.  So, this is a good time to let you know about our new feature.  We've created a Facebook group for everyone participating in our Bible Project reading plan.  It's an open group which means anyone can join and chime in at any time.  It's also a great way to encourage each other to keep reading. I'm also planning to host a weekly Q&A based on our readings.  I'll need your questions.  I'm hoping to address 3-5 questions each week.  Keep those questions coming, and I'll do my best to find some direction for you. DAILY READING Genesis 22-24 & Psalm 7 DAILY NOTES Genesis 22:1-3 Whether it was a test or temptation, Abraham followed through with what God asked him to do.  "Here I ...

DAY 6 How does it feel to read several chapters of the Bible every day? I hope these notes have been helpful so far.  They're intended to be a small point of reference for you.  If you'd like to go further in your reading, consider using a Bible commentary.  I'd recommend using one so you don't feel overwhelmed.  How about John Wesley's Explanatory Notes . You're well into the second half of Genesis.  So, watch this video and see if it helps give you a better understanding of what's happening in the book. DAILY READINGS Genesis 19-21 and Psalm 6 DAILY NOTES Genesis 19:1-3 Lot's actions reminds us of Abraham's hospitality.  Abraham waited at the tent's entrance.  Lot waiting at the city gate.  Both, presumably, looked for those wandering in the desert.  Both bowed to the ground as the welcomed the men.  Lot asked the 2 angels (or men) to stay with him, and he makes them a meal.  Some commentaries point out that some...