Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Numbers, Day 2 Readings

God's Provision and Spies Sent into the Promised Land

Today's first reading describes how God responds to the Hebrews' complaints in the wilderness by providing them with food and by sharing some of Moses' authority with 70 leaders from among the 12 tribes of Hebrews.

Read Numbers 11:1-35  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells of twelve spies who were sent into Canaan, the Promised Land, to scout the land and its inhabitants.  The initial report of the majority of spies suggested that the land could not be captured by the Hebrews, but two were confident that God could easily achieve the victory.

Read Numbers 13:1-33  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Numbers 8-14 today.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Sermon - "Holy People" (Leviticus)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the general theme of Leviticus.  The book itself is filled with detailed laws proscribing how sacrifices will be carried out, which festivals will be observed, and what actions made someone ritually unclean.  Admitting that some of these instructions seem completely outdated, he pointed to the underlying theme that is made explicit in Leviticus 19 -- all of these laws are meant to make God's people a holy people.

This means that the point is to help the people learn that the relationship God wanted with them was both a very serious thing and in some ways on a more equal basis than they could imagine.  In identifying them as a holy people, God was trying to make them behave more like God behaved; God was hoping to treat them less like subjects and more like partners and colleagues.  This is a powerful promise of God that continues throughout the Bible.  Sometimes we miss it because we focus on how we are not like God -- how imperfect, mistake-prone, and sinful we are -- without understanding that the point of such realizations is not to make us feel guilty or worthless, but to allow us to live differently so that we can be more like God wants us to be.

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the Communion meditation and the closing benediction.

Numbers, Day 1 Readings

Nazirites and Holy Levites

Today's first reading describes the means by which certain persons, Nazirites, were separated from the rest of the Hebrews to be of holy service to God.  This offers some insight into the holiness that God desires from all people, but which must be fully lived out by the holiest ones.

Read Numbers 6:1-27  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection provides a description of the ways that the priests, members of the Levites, were kept holy and consecrated to God's service.

Read Numbers 8:5-26  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Numbers 1-7 today.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Numbers, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 4 - Numbers

Numbers is the fourth book of the Torah.  It describes some of the harder times while the Hebrews were wandering in the wilderness, especially as some of them seriously considered returning to Egypt -- even if it meant becoming slaves again.

Despite this, God remains faithful to the chosen people and sustains them throughout, guiding them, protecting them, and providing food and water for them.  God also sustains the prophet Moses, who leads the contentious people through the wilderness and prepares for their entry into the Promised Land.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Leviticus, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Leviticus you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.


Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

  • If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
  • Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
  • Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach tomorrow on Leviticus at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Leviticus, Day 5 Readings

Blessings or Curses

Today's reading offers the first lengthy description of the rewards or punishments for the Hebrews under God's law.  If they remain faithful, God promises blessings and benefits; if they do not, God warns of punishments for the entire nation.

Read Leviticus 26:1-46  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Leviticus 23-27 today.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Leviticus, Day 4 Readings

Annual Festivals and Sabbath Years

Today's first reading describes the most important festivals and holidays of each year.  Among them are Passover, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (the festival of booths), still some of the most important holy days celebrated by Jews today.

Read Leviticus 23:1-44  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection also tells of special years in the Hebrew calendar, a Sabbath year every 7 years, and a special year of jubilee every 50.

Read Leviticus 25:1-35  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Leviticus 17-22 today.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Leviticus, Day 3 Readings

The Day of Atonement and Personal Morality

Today's first reading describes the most important sacrifice of the year, on the Day of Atonement, when the high priest offers specific sacrifices on behalf of all the people and then may, for the only day of the year, enter the room in the Tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant is kept.

Read Leviticus 16:1-34  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection offers a list of provisions and rules that are meant to instruct the Hebrews on the basic rules of how to live well before God and with each other.

Read Leviticus 19:1-37  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Leviticus 12-16 today.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Leviticus, Day 2 Readings

Clean and Unclean Foods and Times When a Person is Clean or Unclean

Today's first reading describes the animal products that the Hebrews are allowed to eat -- clean foods -- and those that are forbidden -- unclean foods.

Read Leviticus 11:1-28  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection provides a description of some of the ways that humans can be clean or unclean, which is generally related to human blood.  A person who is deemed unclean is imagined to undergo certain rituals to become clean again.  A fuller description of these issues, and the related rituals, goes on for several chapters.

Read Leviticus 15:16-33  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Leviticus 7-11 today.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Leviticus, Day 1 Readings

Sacrificial Offerings

Today's reading provides a description of the basic types of sacrifices offered to God and details exactly how the animal sacrifices are to be carried out and by whom.  It also suggests that what God most desires from the sacrifices is the smoke that rises from the animals as they burn.

Read Leviticus 6:1-30  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Leviticus 1-6 today.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Sermon - "Behold God's Mighty Hand" (Exodus)

Today, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the general themes of miracles and salvation in the book of Exodus: "Behold God's Mighty Hand."  Drawing primarily from the miraculous parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk through, he talked about how the entire story of Exodus is a story of salvation of the Israelites.  Sometimes the miracles are dramatic, such as God speaking to Moses out of a burning bush.  Other times, the miracles take longer and are more subtle, as God patiently works to reform the Israelites' identity as slaves into a free people of faith in God.

This painstaking process was not without set-backs, as when the Israelites made a golden calf to worship.  It also was not quick, lasting for two generations.  Sometimes, we too expect miracles to happen dramatically and "in a flash."  Occasionally, they do, but more often God's salvation takes longer to achieve in our lives too.

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the Communion meditation, related to Passover, and the closing benediction.

Leviticus, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 3 - Leviticus

Leviticus is the third book of the Torah.  It gives details of the laws for how the Hebrew people will worship God, what rituals they will follow, and what holy days they will celebrate.

Above all, it is concerned with the ways in which something is clean -- and thus allowed to approach the presence of God -- and things which are unclean -- and must be kept away from God's presence.  The challenge, though, is that contact with unclean things can make a person unclean, and thus unfit to approach God's presence, so there are many rituals described which allow a person to regain cleanliness or purity.

At times, the long lists of rules and rituals is tedious.  However, within these rules are practices that are still followed by many orthodox Jews, and some which influence how Christians worship.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Exodus, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Exodus you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.


Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

  • If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
  • Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
  • Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach tomorrow on Exodus at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Exodus, Day 5 Readings

The Tabernacle and the Ark

Today's first reading describes the beginning of God's instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the large tent complex where the people will gather to worship God.  In particular, it describes the most important item that will be kept in the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant.

Read Exodus 25:1-16  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how the Tabernacle was first erected and how the presence of God, in the form of a cloud, descended upon it.

Read Exodus 40:1-38  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Exodus 33-40 today.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Exodus, Day 4 Readings

The Golden Calf and Moses Glimpses God's Backside

Today's first reading tells the story of the first real rebellion of the Hebrews against God.  While Moses is on Mt. Sinai, the people persuade Aaron to make a golden calf that they can worship in the wilderness.  A furious Moses still pleads with God not to destroy the people, but only punish them, forcing them to move away from God's holy mountain.

Read Exodus 32:1-33:6  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how God granted Moses an extraordinary privilege, to physically glimpse God without facing death.  Evidently, this was granted to Moses as a sign of appreciation for Moses' faithfulness and wisdom.

Read Exodus 33:17-34:9  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Exodus 25-32 today.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Exodus, Day 3 Readings

Food and Water in the Wilderness and the Ten Commandments

Today's first reading tells how God provided food and water for the Hebrews while they were in the wilderness, particularly the provision of the mysterious food, manna.

Read Exodus 16:1-8  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection is the beginning of God's law, torah, given to the Hebrews.  The most famous of these are known as the Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mt. Sinai.

Read Exodus 20:1-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Exodus 17-24 today.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Exodus, Day 2 Readings

The Passover and Crossing the Red Sea

Today's first reading tells the last plague that God spreads upon the Egyptians, the death of the eldest male offspring.  It also says how the Hebrews can save the lives of their oldest sons, by placing the blood of unblemished animals on their doorways.  This will lead to the passover of the Lord (and the angel of death), an event still cherished and celebrated by Jews today.

Read Exodus 11:1-12:20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how the Hebrews, released from slavery, are suddenly pursued by the Egyptians.  Backed up against the Red Sea, and fearing annihilation, God miraculously parts the water, allowing the Hebrews to walk through the sea on dry land, and then swallows the pursuing Egyptians.

Read Exodus 14:1-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Exodus 9-16 today.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Exodus, Day 1 Readings

Moses' Childhood and the Burning Bush

Today's reading provides the basic biography of Moses, the great prophet who will lead the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and through the wilderness to within sight of the Promised Land.  In it, we learn how a Hebrew male child survived, despite the order of Pharaoh that all Hebrew male babies should be killed, how he was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, and how Moses reacted when he learned his true heritage.  The story then continues with the dramatic story of God's calling to Moses, giving him a mission to end the Hebrews' slavery.

Read Exodus 2:1-3:22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Exodus 1-8 today.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Sermon - "First Things" (Genesis)

Today, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the general theme of Genesis in "First Things."  Drawing primarily from the story of the covenant of God with Abraham in Genesis 17 (but also partially told in Genesis chapters 12 and 15), he highlighted the desire that God has in building and keeping a relationship with human beings, starting with Abraham and his family.  This also guides God's hand in creating the universe, particularly humans who are made in God's image.

The challenge, of course, is that free-thinking and free-acting people have a habit of doing things that interfere with this relationship with God (in theological terms, with this covenant).  How God allows this, and how God attempts to work with respect to human freedom and human mistakes (in theological terms, sin), is a key part of Genesis, too.  It is particularly notable in the identity given to God's chosen people by the end of Genesis, Israel - one who struggles/wrestles with God.

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the related communion meditation and the closing benediction.

Exodus, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 2 - Exodus

Exodus is the second book of the Torah.  It describes how the Hebrews, the chosen people of God, came to be enslaved by the powerful Egyptian nation.  God causes one Hebrew boy, Moses, to be raised and educated in the Pharaoh's own house, then exiled where he learns of God's plans that he lead the Hebrews out of slavery.

Pharaoh has little interest in simply releasing a large part of his imperial labor force, so God releases ten increasingly destructive plagues on the Egyptians, the last of which causes Pharaoh to beg for the Hebrews to leave.  

Moses guides the Hebrew people into the wilderness, where God protects them, provides nourishment for them, and gives them laws to govern their lives and their worship.  The most famous of these, the Ten Commandments, are still well-remembered today.  The wilderness religious practices, focused on sacrifices at the Tabernacle, are less known.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Genesis, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Genesis you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.


Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

  • If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
  • Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
  • Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach tomorrow on Genesis at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Genesis, Day 5 Readings

Joseph - Slavery and Influence in Egypt

Today's first reading introduces the favorite son of Jacob, Joseph (immortalized by Andrew Lloyd Webber as the man with "the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat").  Here, we learn of Joseph's precocious ability to interpret dreams and how his jealous brothers sold him into slavery.

Read Genesis 37:1-36  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection describes the eventual reconciliation of Joseph and the brothers who sold him into slavery.  Joseph, having found favor and influence with the Egyptian pharaoh, has become a leading government official.  Even more, he serves an unanticipated purpose, feeding masses of people, including his own family, during a terrible seven-year famine.

Read Genesis 45:1-28   (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Genesis 41-50 today.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Genesis, Day 4 Readings

Jacob and Esau, the Tricked Blessing, and Wrestling by the Jabbok

Today's first reading tells how the younger of Isaac's twin sons, Jacob, tricks his aging father out of a blessing that was intended for the eldest, Esau.  The sibling rivalry boils over, forcing Jacob to flee from his brother's threat to kill him.

Read Genesis 27:1-45  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection describes the eventual reconciliation of the two brothers, after both have married, raised families, and found financial success.  The night before the reunion, though, a fearful Jacob spends a sleepless night wrestling with a heavenly being (an angel? God?), who blesses him with a new identity, Israel -- meaning one who has striven or fought with God and won.

Read Genesis 32:1-33:11   (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Genesis 31-40 today.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Genesis, Day 3 Readings

The Birth of Isaac, the Expulsion of Ishmael, and the Binding of Isaac

Today's first reading tells of the birth of Abraham's second son, Isaac; however, because she is born of Abraham's wife Sarah, he is the favored heir.  In fact, after his birth, Sarah's handmaiden, Hagar, and her son, Ishmael, are sent away.  Tradition holds that Ishmael's descendants became Muslims (and indeed the Quran teaches that Ishmael, not Isaac, is the favored son).

Read Genesis 21:1-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection offers one of the most challenging stories in Jewish history.  Abraham is tested by God, instructed to lead his son, Isaac, to a mountaintop and sacrifice him.  Abraham obeys, to the point where he binds his son and lays him on the altar.  As he raises his hand to kill the boy, an angel stops him, and a voice praises Abraham for his faith.

Read Genesis 22:1-19   (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Genesis 22-30 today.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Genesis, Day 2 Readings

Abraham and His Descendants

Today's first reading introduces the man whose descendants will become the nation of Israel, Abraham (or as he is first called, Abram).  This man, who was a wealthy patriarch who lived a nomadic life, was approached by God and he responded in faith -- going where God sent him.

Read Genesis 12:1-9  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection briefly presents God's promise with Abraham, the covenant between them.  God promises the man of faith that, though he is currently childless, he will be the ancestor of a vast number of people -- many nations.

Read Genesis 15:1-6   (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The other long reading offers the moment when God places new names on Abram and his wife Sarai to mark their participation in God's covenant.  It also introduces the physical mark of the covenant that Jewish men would bear from that day even to the 21st century -- circumcision.

Read Genesis 17:1-27   (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Genesis 12-21 today.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Genesis, Day 1 Readings

Creation and the First Sin

Today's readings begin with the first book of the Bible, Genesis.  The first item in the Bible is a cosmology -- a poetic telling of the creation of the universe.  There are many important elements to this presentation, but these two seem the most essential: God created everything and God declared that all of creation was good.

Read Genesis 1:1-2:3  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection considers the influential account of the first human sin, what is often called The Fall.  Taking place in the Garden of Eden, it involves Adam and Eve explicitly disobeying a direct instruction from God, when they eat fruit from a tree of which God has forbidden them to eat.

Read Genesis 3:1-24   (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Genesis 1-11 today.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Preview Sermon - "Planning and Packing"

Today, Rev. Joshua Patty offered a preview of Godsway 66, providing an overview of the program and sharing an invitation for people to participate by listening to the sermons, readings the scripture selections, and finding ways to share the experience with others.  Drawing from the prophet Jeremiah, he also reminds of the promise of God's presence in the scriptures.

You can listen to the sermon, "Planning and Packing," here.

Genesis, Preview

Godsway 66, Book 1 - Genesis

Genesis is the first book of the Bible.  It also is the first book of Torah, or the law, the first five books of the Bible which detail God's initial covenant with the people of Israel.

The book has two main sections.  The first, chapters 1-11, answers some of the foundation questions about life on earth.  How was the earth created?  Where did bad things, such as murder, arise?  Why are there so many languages?  This section also includes a lengthy story about a great worldwide flood, which destroyed much of God's creation, except for the humans and animals preserve in Noah's Ark.

The second section tells the stories of key men in the earliest history of the Hebrews -- the most prominent men in the first four generations of Hebrews.  They are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.  The story describes God's initial covenant (or promise) with Abraham and how it is transferred through the generations.  The story of Joseph also presents the reason for how these people ended up in Egypt (a story fully told in the second book of Torah, Exodus).