Day 25: July 7, 2012- Luke's First Swim!!

Luke's First Swim:

Today was Luke's first swim! We were very excited about it. If you can wade through the following short videos, you can find out just how excited Luke was...



Ok, um, let's try that again.

Take 2:




No, that didn't work. Naturally, the only logical thing to do is try it again.

Take 3:




Aha! Victorious!!

Luke's Take.

It's been a long day. Rest in Christ, little buddy. Or as Great Uncle Mark would say, rest in peace.

Now, while we're all relaxed, preview and listen to the readings!
Genesis 50:1-26, Exodus 1-2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13

Old Testament.
The end of an era. The patriarchs are finally laid to rest. We say good-bye to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. It's been fun! And God is the God of the living, not the dead, so we'll see them again.
But now we're on to newer times, and today's reading introduces a curious young gentleman playing hide and seek down by the river, not knowing he's flirting with death...

New Testament.
A very important question. The time comes when each person must answer it. "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego" is not the what I was looking for. And no, it's not "What would Jesus do?"
Who is Jesus, really? That's the question. One can be the nicest person in the world, get this question wrong, and be left outside at a wedding to come. That of a Savior and his Bride. Because whether or not you're nice or funny or cool or generous isn't the right question. "Who is Jesus" is it. And therefore it's the answer you need to know. If Jesus is God, then when he came to earth it really meant something. And when he died and rose again, for us, that something became everything. The Bride will be married to him. That's the banquet in heaven. So who is Jesus to you? If he's the Messiah, Son of God, you're on the right path. If  he's the God you are in love with, then you happen to be a Bride who's going to have a happily ever after with her Beloved.
It's time to decide who he is to you. Like popping the question, or answering it, this changes everything from here on.

Psalms.
How often do you celebrate with God? How about worshipping with David's words in the Psalm today. It's always a great idea to pray the Psalms. We can learn how to be worshippers through David. Praise the Lord loudly, whole-heartedly, and often!

Proverbs.
You know the girl. The one with the swagger and that look in her eye. There's something dangerous there. While it might be tempting, it's also dead wrong. Dead. I'll let that sink in.
Watch out for women that are sweet as honey or smooth as oil. If you don't read the signs well, you might be chasing after the immoral woman Proverbs talks about today. There's a crash ending, in case you're curious. Check the last paragraph for the word if it hasn't sunken in yet.
Girls, I guess look out for the smooth talking guy. The end with him can't be much better.




Read along yourself with the podcast above:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2050:1-26,%20Exodus%201-2:10,%20Matthew%2016:13-17:9,%20Psalm%2021:1-13&version=NLT

Day 23: July 5, 2012- The Heart, Not Rules, and Rest in Arms of Love

Resting in God.

Beautiful. Both of them.

 

Resting in Mom's love

 

I wonder how much we can rest in God's love. The Bible says we are to find shelter under his wings. That we have entered into the rest of Christ. I think that's what it looks like. Resting on the chest of someone who will absolutely love, absolutely protect. There's no place for anxiety. No place for worry. Just peace, because there's no reason to mistrust Him.

Luke doesn't worry about whether we will hold him. He doesn't fret about whether we'll be there when he wakes up. Not when he's sleeping. He knows nothing other than to give in to loving arms that surround him. He finds rest there, because of the full trust he has, not in spite of it.

How many of us rest in God like my son above? That's what rest in Christ is. Total trust in loving arms that we have no reason to believe will not be there. Letting him do the protecting and the work and just falling asleep.

You have no reason to worry. God's an even better parent than Angela, above, is. He's perfect. He never slips. Never fails to clean up our mess or feed us when we need it. Heck, he turned a few loaves and fish into a meal for thousands the other day in the reading. He has a compassionate heart that doesn't say, "Send them out to get food." He says, "You give it to them." And then he breaks it and hands it to the person next to him. 'Til every last one is satisfied.

We don't have an incapable God. We don't have one on whose watch we need to stay awake to make sure nothing happens. We have one, like in the photo above, in whose arms we can fall asleep and in whose care we can forget where we are, forget everything, and just know that it will be all right.

Only, you may want to clean your own diaper from time to time.

Today's all about the reading!

Genesis 46:1-47:31, Matthew 15:1-28, Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 4:14-19

Mama...mama...I'm (not) coming ho-o-ome. Jacob leaves the place near where the promise was given to his descendants. He travels to a foreign land to stay for what would be 420 years. As a people. Israel's body would be taken home to rest with his ancestors. It's just another reason that God knows what he's doing. He leads his people to a place, for their survival, from which he will later have to liberate them. And eventually, mama...[they're] coming home.
(Or going. Going would be appropriate grammar. But, uh, it wouldn't fit with the _____ reference. Wouldn't you like to know what ____ is? *Sticks tongue out,* on a Christian blog, but quickly apologizes, so it's cool. Was imitating a frog. *Sticks tongue out* again. Because now we're friends and friends can do that.)

Jesus is all real. So real. He is the ultimate unhypocrite. He neutralizes hypocrisy in the world by his radical unhypocritical-ness. He chastises the Pharisees for following rules without the right heart. They don't care about the right reasons and therefore end up with the right rules for the wrong reasons or the wrong rules for the wrong reasons. It's a sliding scale away from godliness without the heart thing. Then, in a seemingly different example, he meets a woman to whom the right rules (God's) say Jesus isn't to minister. But guess what? She has the right heart. So he gives her what she asks. Is God saying do whatever you want by your own rules (with the right heart) and you'll be pleasing to God? No! That's not even possible when you're making up the rules. But he is saying your heart is what matters. If that's in the right place, the rules that should be bent will be. 'Cuz it ain't about them anyway. They aren't what God came to save. But the heart is precisely the heart of what is. And it's what God cares about. So where's yours?

Psalms serves up another sweet worship sesh. Things burst forth. Things proclaim. The glory of God shows up. The soul is revived. Hidden faults are cleansed. It's a might-uh pleasin' med-uh-tation of da heart and-uh word of ma mout' (Their Eyes Were Watching God style).

And if you want to be wise, if you've been following this year through the Bible just to become wise, Proverbs gives a simple plan: don't even go near the path of evildoers. They don't know what trips them BECAUSE THEY'RE IN THE DARK. PSST! Who turned out the lights?? So...simple math. If you don't want to be asking later how that happened, what tripped you up, don't walk in the dark. It's only in the dark that they don't know. And you know that path. So stay away from it.




To read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2046:1-47:31,%20Matthew%2015:1-28,%20Psalm%2019:1-14,%20Proverbs%204:14-19&version=NKJV

Day 22: July 4, 2012- Fourth of July, The Family of God and Mine

Fourth of July Celebration! Yay!

Me with Daddy. He knows more than I do about this smiling thing.

Actually, Luke smiled voluntarily for his first smile yesterday! Unfortunately, he cannot yet call upon the gift at will.

 

Oh, yeah. That's natural bedhead.

 

I don't understand why I'm on display.

By the way, what's a president?

 

Oh, that? Haha...wait,

were we talking about the coffee table?

 

Mommy's got spirit.

Her Fourth of July star jeans are cool.

I want to be just like Mommy.

 Today, proud to be an American.

And proud to be a Demsick.

And proud to be a Christian! Let's to the...

Readings! Also, yay!

Genesis 44-45:28, Matthew 14:13-36, Psalm 18:37-50, Proverbs 4:11-13

Joseph reveals his cunning plan: to see if the brothers would defend Bejamin the way they persecuted him. Have they changed? You probably know the answer. But, stop by and hear it again. *Spoiler* - God brings a happy ending to an unhappy (or at least progressively difficult) story, thereby making it a happy story! Yay!

Jesus doesn't let anything stop him from reaching out to the people, even after he's reached out to them. Why send the people home? Feed them yourselves. Jesus is sending a message. Have compassion on the people and minister to them. Feed them. God will come through and make it miraculous if you need. Just trust him to come through and do it.
Interestingly, he does it again to let Peter come to him. In other words, a little bit of boldness and God will come through for you. So live life on the edge for him! You'll find things you depend on will start working out.

David is stoked. Basically, God rocks! Praise to the Rock! David can't contain himself and has to list off God's accolades, the things he's done. Question is- in your time with God, when's the last time you did, too?

Proverbs illuminates the path. Looking for a straight path in life? This reading gives some direction.

Hope you enjoy the reading on a special day honoring our country's independence. Glorify God with it!




To read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2044-45:28,%20Matthew%2014:13-36,%20Psalm%2018:37-50,%20Proverbs%204:11-13&version=NIV

Day 21: July 3, 2012- The Palm of My Hand

My Boy:

 

 

Like the palm of my hand. You're bigger than you were before, but you're not big. Still a little squirt. Just huge in my heart.

 

"Really?"

"Woww."

That's something worth dreamin' about.

My boy's video:

Luke, Mommy, and me in bed together this morning.

It sounds like a 1920's home video because the sound is trashed, but if you watch, you'll see the sweetest little thing. And Mom's hands. Mom's hands are in the video. Couldn't get a shot without them.





My boy's Bible:

You'll find Luke was a little talkative in this reading. He can't quite out-talk his dad. Yet.

Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10

You can't avoid consequences. You can't. The brothers threw Joseph away like a piece of overstock pottery for a cut rate to roving traders. They thought they'd get away with it. Years, possibly a decade later, it comes around.

You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down

(Johnny Cash)

Notice what they do when it comes around, notice how they deal with it. Listen in the reading, Joseph imprisons Simeon and sends them back to get the brother. They go home and start eating. Seriously. They eat all the food and only then, after Jacob is oblivious to his lost son and sends them back for food do they remind him that oh, uh, Simeon's in jail and, haha, we can't leave without your other son. You know, the other one you love. Will this family continue to try to avoid consequences?
But they can't, and here's the best part: when they are faced with their sin and repent, Joseph gives them full grace. He sees their hearts of sorrow for what they'd done and breaks down. Isn't that like God? When we repent, he forgives and lavishes us with his freedom. "When we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Jesus. Gives perspective on heaven. And hell. Then goes home and is completely unreceived. Guess nothing good can come from Nazareth after all. According to the Nazarenes.

David. Loves him some God. Gets him some God. Enjoys him a double helping of God. And God enjoys him too.

Wisdom. Hahahhaahah... Proverbs is unusually blunt. You'll have to join in on the reading for this one...

God bless us richly as we all grow in God!

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2042:18-43:34,%20Matthew%2013:47-14:12,%20Psalm%2018:16-36,%20Proverbs%204:7-10&version=NIV

 

Day 20: July 2, 2012- Dreams and Glimpses of Heaven

All in a day's work.

 

So comfortable with Daddy

 

 Stirring...

 Wait, there's no milk here!!

 

Aw, nevermind. I'm comfortable with Daddy

So Luke couldn't keep out of the readings, this time. Just had to put his thoughts in. You start preaching early, buddy. Just go ahead and try it.

The Readings:

God focuses on dreams, glimpses of heaven, and glimpses of God today.

Genesis 41:17-42:17, Matthew 13:24-46, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 4:1-6

The Dream. How many years have gone by since God gave Joseph his dream? It was the dream of childhood. The one he was given when life was fresh and new and full of promise. Then tragedy.
He was sold off into slavery, rejected by his family. Scandal. Lies. Prison. Neglect.
And years later, after the world had threatened with all it had, to take his hope, to steal his dreams, to whittle him down to a man without the heart of a child, who could no longer believe in dreams, it came.
Joseph had not given in to these pressures. And his time came. God simply did what he does: he fulfilled the dream that he gave. Are you willing to believe the dreams of your youth? Do you remember them?
Perhaps we should reflect on what God put on our hearts those long years ago. Perhaps we should remember the dreams God has given us.

Jesus gives snapshots of heaven. He gives snapshots of the nature of where God is taking us. They are filled with metaphor and meaning, but are not clear without the Holy Spirit's insight. But Jesus pulls us close, with his disciples, and explains...

David would be using hyperbole over and over again if God weren't bigger than anything that can be compared to him. If it weren't true. These explanations of God's power and supreme goodness could just get you riled up.

Proverbs tells you to "take heed to my instructions, my son." A fitting lesson for a blog from a father to a son. This is one of those, "You might want to pay attention" moments.




And to read along...

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2041:17-42:17,%20Matthew%2013:24-46,%20Psalm%2018:1-15,%20Proverbs%204:1-6&version=NIV

Day 19: July 1, 2012- The blessing of the Lord makes rich!

(Once again, video to mp3 conversion and the mp3 player are not working properly. Aside from my frustration, I hope not having the mp3 audio reading today is no more annoyance. Up close and personal with Luke today!)

Progress?

Believe it or not, Luke is over 1/20th through the Bible! Making great progress little guy. Now, work on your neck control. It's very good, but every fifteen or twenty seconds it completely gives in and your head flops around on the top of your neck. I'm willing to keep my hand there for as long as is necessary until you correct the situation.

Which means?

My boy's getting older...his cheeks fuller, legs sturdier. Which is awesome, really. But I'm hoping once in your life you go on a diet, because I'd love to see you as the 7 lb, 6 oz guy you were. Just once, right? If not, that's cool. That's cool.

Anyway, thanks for listening. I think I'm going to go help Mommy change you instead of writing to you in a language you do not understand on a medium you do not have access to.

God's blessings,

Dad

And now, the readings!

Some rare pleasures in the video reading today. Check out the beauty six seconds into it!

Genesis 39-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35

Joseph gets the full court press. And the refs are on the take so by very disputable call, Joseph loses the game on an after the whistle four point shot.
All is going well for Joseph...in his master's house after being sold as a slave by his brothers. Then false accusations tear his world apart, again. And...all goes well for Joseph in his prison house after being sold out by a desperate housewife. You can't keep this good man down. And...he's got an audience with the pharoah. Stay tuned for more.

Jesus explains a parable of seed and soil. Makes it kindof a good thing to think about your soil. How is it? Lots of sunlight? Water? Nutrients?
If we let the world, intellectual arguments, pleasure, lack of character or perseverance keep us from growing, we may find ourselves withering. Let's treat our souls the way we would Sunday brunch and pig out! Spiritually. I am sorry for the few of you that were disappointed by that turn around.

If you have a desire to be the apple of your Father's eye or be hidden in the shadow of his wings, look no further. David's words will encourage you!

Proverbs' wisdom is simple but good today. May we keep it in focus.

Enjoy!





To read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2039-41:16,%20Matthew%2012:46-13:23,%20Psalm%2017:1-15,%20Proverbs%203:33-35&version=NIV

Day 16: June 28, 2012- Mommies and Midnight Wrestling Ain't No Reed in the Wind

Today is Mommy Day!

Mommy is the whole feature today. What a beauty!

There's something fascinating about the bond between mother and child. It is certainly more intimate than that of a father. I have to hand a few things to her.

So, in the form of a top ten list:

10. She carried him nine months. Kindof a big deal.

9. She milks him. Or he milks her. I can never quite get this one straight.

8. I am completely helpless with him, without direct assistance from #9.

7. She allowed him to go all Alien on her and she retained a yellowish-green tint for days to prove it.

6. She hasn't slept four consecutive hours since he was born, which means:

5. She's been exhausted for over half a month and still doesn't look like a zombie. Impressive.

4. The recovery felt like she had been in a car accident AFTER the actual somewhat-traumatic birth process thingy.

3. Some-what traumatic birth process thingy.

2. Pain. Not that I'd put it this way, but pretty much since the moment we've been married. Happy almost one year anniversary, honey!

1. And finally, for nine months, no ice cream.


I love you, Angela My Amazing!!

Now that he's asleep, I'll hold him.

My Love. Someone else's World.

That's love.

 

A mother's tenderness.

 Flashback...

3:30 am. A certain gem of a morning.

Water broke and we're 19 hours from meeting Luke!

About to leave for the hospital...

Today is certain to be a special day!

 

Santa Claus is coming to town, anyone?

 And now...

We've been a long way since then, little guy. 

It's one of those things a mommy understands.

And the readings!

Genesis 32:13-34:31, Matthew 11:7-30, Psalm 14:1-7, Proverbs 3:19-20

This is a great reading today. I hope you listen and take part!

God gets Jacob out of another one. Or maybe Jacob sneaks his way out. Or maybe God gets him out. Funny how God works like that. There's often an option of giving him the credit or not. But more fascinating to me is what happens in the meantime. Jacob is left on one side of the Jabbok River by himself and has an encounter with a nighttime surprise visitor.
What happens there will define him...

Jesus rejects the critics of the day in the church (yes, the Jews, AND...the Pharisees were the church of the day) and emboldens a message Christians need to hear.
Image is not a concern of the mature Christian. That's right, it doesn't matter how we look to other Christians, nor should we worry about our image to the world. Character is what matters.
Jesus calls out the people because of what they expected of John the Baptist, as well as what they expected of Jesus. When they turn the pressure on you, will you bend like a reed swaying in the wind, or will you stand firm?

David laments that not one is wise, not one seeks God. But even in his despair, he sees reason to rejoice. Would that we could control our minds like a man whose living room was a cave, and whose front landscape was rocks and mountains.

How big is wisdom? How powerful? How much can it affect your life? It's as expansive as the deep fountains and as intimate as the dew beneath the night sky. Anything with the power of many waters, yet the delicacy and poise of a dew drop can change your life.




And, read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2032:13-34:31,%20Matthew%2011:7-30,%20Psalm%2014:1-7,%20Proverbs%203:19-20&version=NIV

Day 15: June 27, 2012- Boldness and Trust

Today's all about family.

The generations meet. A legacy is passed on. Luke meets his great grandmother.

Lukey and Great Grandma Hine

And great uncle.

 

Lukey and Great Uncle Dennis

And he'll always be our lovable little frog.

 

Angela, Me, and Luke the froggy

 

Let's read the Bible, little froggy.

The Readings:

Genesis 31:17-32:12, Matthew 10:24-11:6, Psalm 13:1-6, Proverbs 3:16-18

God is always looking out for Jacob. No matter he goes through, even service to a relative that lasts for years. God is always there. So when things get sticky with the in-laws, it's no surprise that God is to the rescue. He helps Jacob escape.
And when the posse from another disgruntled family member comes after him, God will be ready...

Jesus calls his followers to be bold. In the readings today you'll find out just how much of a tough guy Jesus is. No Mr. Rogers character here. Don't expect to be liked. Don't expect to be listened to. Don't expect anything will be any easier on you than it was on Jesus. But it will be good.
And you always wanted to be a tough guy, right? Follow Jesus and you will be the boldest, strongest YOU, you can possibly be. There is no other way to truly live. Don't settle.

David is crying out to God again. You'd think the guy was holed up in caves for years, or something. Oh, wait...wups. David has absolutely good reason to be upset, worried, frustrated, all of the above. An outlaw. Hated by the king. Hunted down by the king's army. Starving, threatened, near death.
Never alone. David comes to the end of his troubles today to say he trusts God. Do you?

Proverbs is talking about wisdom. Yesterday it was more valuable than rubies. Today she's like a woman, delightful, satisfying. All who embrace her hold life; "happy are those who hold her tightly."
For all the company we can desire, none are more valuable than her.




Read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2031:17-32:12,%20Matthew%2010:24-11:6,%20Psalm%2013:1-6,%20Proverbs%203:16-18&version=NIV

Day 14: June 26, 2012- Rubies, a Mission, and a Legacy Forming

Epilogue:

The Moby in review. If you were wondering what that horrid thing was that I had to battle yesterday, here's what:

If you're wondering what I'm doing with it on after all I said yesterday, don't ask.

We're going out again.

I will NOT be publicizing any battles today. Unless of course I win...

What Really Matters:

Me and My Little Scallion

The Nibbler

The Readings:

Genesis 30-31:16, Matthew 10:1-23, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15

I have to hold myself back on this one. Two girls are bickering back and forth in an extended cat fight in the reading today. It must be an exhibition of God's patience. Or maybe his extreme grace. Or maybe, on an outside change, how very much he cares for the heart of woman and fulfilling her needs, no matter how she's treating her sister.
That's probably it. I should just step back and leave it there. A smart man knows when he should not get between the two sisters he married. Ouch.
And God really does love those girls. He gives them what they desire. And he begins to form a legacy of a man of God who has made a covenant with him.

Jesus empowers for a mission in the reading. He's empowered each one of us today. Stand up, oh man of God, and realize this adventure can be as exciting and engaging as you take part in it...

God shows up in the reading today and confirms what David's believed all along: that he has no tolerance for evil, but that he will protect the godly. Why do more people not fear him?

And if you're looking for silver, gold, or rubies, look right here. This is worth more. It's the kind you'll miss if you don't care enough, but that will last for eternity if you're wise enough to stop by and pick it up.

Feel free to give feedback in the comments. I'd especially like to hear what God is saying to you in the readings!




Read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2030-31:16,%20Matthew%2010:1-23,%20Psalm%2012:1-8,%20Proverbs%203:13-15&version=NIV

Day 12: June 24, 2012- Jesus, "The Man"

(Update: Every Sunday I intend to do a video podcast of the reading, in addition to the audio podcast and read-along verses. Just a little something to let you check in on the little guy. Unfortunately, for some reason today my audio player wasn't working, so the video podcast is all you get. But of course you can minimize that ugly mug and his little scrumption and listen and read along if you prefer!)

Moment of the Day:

They used to do it in the Old Testament. Abraham migrated with his wife and concubines and sons and daughters in tents from place to place. They did it in the New Testament. The people went from house to house sharing the Word of God and breaking bread together.

And we did it today.

There's something really special about roving bands of families coming to one place to spend a day together. My brother Doy would call it specialicious.

Something about the whines and cries that dot Sunday afternoon conversation filled with laughter, smiles, and the echoing voices of friends.

Little play mats and car seats around the room. A baby rocked in the corner. Another drooling over the carpet as her carrier engages in a story from the week.

There's something special about family. Something specialicious.

This was the first day I got to pack my roving band into our roving vehicle and carry them around the corner to this hullabaloo. Our greeting at the door was wide smiles and kisses. We were brought into a room of sweet smells and close friends.

And in a long (and growing longer) row of car seats, I nestled his onto the end.

It felt good to scoot the others aside to make room for one more.

We ate. We laughed. We smiled. A few of us whined and cried.

Time stopped as we shared stories from the week, made new ones for the next. Once again one band, we belonged together. The light rains fell from the sky outside, quietly reminding us a pitter-pattering world would wait.

And inside, a family somewhat bigger than before carried right along with life.

They say the church is one body. They say it's a family. That real love is found there. A place of smiles and friendship and warm, welcoming eyes.

After a day like today, I think I know what they mean.

And I believe them.

A small band of friends became a big band of family. And the most natural of things was right there inside.

It's something worth welcoming a little one into. It's something for much older ones too.

It's a thing that makes people's hearts a little lighter and makes their dreams a little more true.

Love was waiting inside.

Perhaps this is what heaven's like.

Perhaps it's like coming home.

Home

But wait, there's more! The readings:

Genesis 26:17-27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10

Jacob with the steal, dribbles, and a slam dunk! Today, Jacob successfully swindles what is rightfully his anyway because of his brother's thoughtlessness: the blessing. Jacob is one interesting character. He's always getting what he wants by trickery. But God is always behind it. You can imagine Jacob pretending to be Esau to his blind father would be one interesting scene to watch. And it's something God chose ahead.
Remember, he told Rebekah when the two were still in her womb, "The older will serve the younger." God knew who the two would become, who would honor him, and, unquestionably, he knew how that trickster Jacob would play this out. And he blessed it. Praise God for a God who has a bit of a rebel streak to not be afraid to overturn a few tables to make sure that right wins.

Jesus acts with authority. When it's questioned, bam! He backs it up. How fun would it have been to be there when Jesus told the paralytic his sins were forgiven, he was called out, and in front of everyone he told the man to get up, and he stood up and walked out?? If you think you have a wimpy God and a lame religion, you better check this out again. Jesus stands up for righteousness, and he's bold, man of God. He puts attackers in their place. But he does so just by being strong as a Man. He never loses his love and righteousness.

David is so grateful. You know those mornings you wake up, thinking something you thought in your sleep was a dream and wake up to find that it's true? That's today. David wakes up to find that God is, indeed, King, Lord of all, and that he is, indeed, good, a healer, and a defender and freer of the oppressed. And David is safe. You can sleep easy tonight, because your dreams about God are true!

And today, so few people give money to God. To their churches, to worldwide missions, to local Christian organizations that serve the church and provide for the world. We are so afraid we can't provide for ourselves, so concerned about getting and keeping what we can. But God says give it away. Give it to him, and our barns will be overflowing with abundance. Where do good things come from? From him. And he set up the principle that if we give freely and joyfully to him, he will richly give to us. This is true, and once again, what is right and good blows away the world's mindsets.
Let's be found on the side that radically, faithfully follows our God and lets the adventure we're swept up in become as big as he is.

Nothing else will be like it!

The Video Reading:




Read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2026:17-27:46,%20Matthew%209:1-17,%20Psalm%2010:16-18,%20Proverbs%203:9-10&version=NIV

Day 11: June 23, 2012- Part 2 of the First Love Story and the Two Brothers

Moment of the Day:

A cool thing happened today.

We successfully inserted Luke into the Fisher Price Swing that had been given to us. And he didn't cry.

He just looked around and reached out, trying to comprehend his surroundings.

As he swung, all of a sudden, I wanted to get his attention. I wanted to tell him I love him. At least to make eye contact.

So I got really close and swayed with the rhythm of the swing.

"I love you, Lukey."

But he continued to paw at the air and looked side to side to try to figure out where he was.

He wouldn't look at me. It was as though he couldn't.

I felt such love well up within me, as I saw him struggle with his surroundings, and all I wanted was for him to know how much I love him and that I'm right there.

But as I got closer, I couldn't get his eyes to meet mine.

He was too consumed by the movement of the swing.

And then I thought, this must be how God feels.

We sway back and forth, so caught up in our surroundings, pre-occupied trying to figure it all out, that he can't get our attention. He looks at us and leans in, so full of desire for us, just wanting to comfort us and tell us it's okay. You don't have to worry about the swing. Daddy's right here. Daddy loves you.

But we don't notice. Our eyes dart back and forth, and we miss what he so desperately longs for us to hear. What he so desperately longs for us to see. That he's right there.

If we could, we'd see the overwhelming love and compassion welling in his eyes, a Father who never stops watching, never stops trying to get our attention.

We'd see a Father who wants to enjoy the ride with us. Wants us to be able to enjoy this with him.

If we could just forget the craziness and movement for one moment, we'd see that he's right in front of us, following us with his eyes, hoping to catch ours. That we're not alone. He's been standing there all along, calling out our name. That he's swaying back and forth to the rhythm of our crazy pace, leaning in, hoping to share it with us.

And more than anything he just wants to say, "I love you."

 

I love you

 

Thank you (or...milk...)

 

I love sleeping on daddy...

 

 ...all scrunchled up

But there's nothing like mommy 

The Readings:

Genesis 24:52-26:16, Matthew 8:18-34, Psalm 10:1-15, Proverbs 3:7-8

Part 2 of Isaac's love story. Esau and Jacob come into the picture. There's a really good lesson why to honor what God calls important. This doesn't work out well for the guy who doesn't.

An interesting day when Jesus has no place to go. Will you follow him? To really love God, we must be willing to follow without reservation. Even by the end of this reading, Jesus is a loner without welcome.

David has questions. Do you ever? That's okay, so long as you take them to him. And you answer them with what you know is true, not what you feel. David is going through the process.

An ominous change of direction in Proverbs today. Solomon isn't recommending one to seek wisdom and learn; he's warning against being impressed with your own wisdom. This is a really hard one for us. Perhaps especially for us guys. But there is an answer, and man, is it worth it.

Overall, a great day. I hope you guys are enjoying this. God is really speaking to me through it! Nothing like drawing near our Father and learning from him as the Bible comes to life...



Read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2024:52-26:16,%20Matthew%208:18-34,%20Psalm%2010:1-15,%20Proverbs%203:7-8&version=NLT

Day 10: June 22, 2012- The First Love Story

Moment of the Day:

So I had a moment of the day planned. It was nothing. A leaf blowing in the wind, a wisp of meaningless memory carried away to pasture on a lazy day's westbound breeze. In comparison to the storm that was coming.

Angela and I decided to take our first adventure with Luke outside of the house. Outside of the comfort zone. All went according to plan. The monotony of days drifting in and out of feeding sessions and nap time, dirty diapers and rainy afternoons, clouds passing and coming again, seemed to be broken with our spirited first family adventure. We all packed into the little Subaru hatchback.

The whirring of the road noises and rotating tires put Luke fast asleep.

There was a feeling in the air. It was excitement.

This might happen. It might...work.

We pulled up to Boardwalk Ice Cream. Snapped our Racer 500 high speed child unit in one deft flick out of the back and into place on the pavement. Took the baby up into my arms.

And then...

A monstrous squishing noise emitted from the Valley of Despair.

This one would be nasty.

 I plopped the little guy down into the back of the car. Opened him up. "Scalpel..."

There was a swamp of orange slime that rippled through his undergarments as though agitated by the Loch Ness monster just beneath the surface.

We began quick work.

All of a sudden, it happened. Right at the moment I had lifted his legs, poised him for a swift cleansing by my dutiful wife, the second explosion.

And then, a sleeping baby boy soaked himself in the face with a direct hit.

Angela and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Five minutes and more than that wipes later, we were comfortably, cleanly, licking our ice cream, Luke sucking down his bottle, the two of us laughing and recounting the nor'easter that had just swept through and moved on past the coast.

A few strangers laughed and said this wouldn't be the last time.

I smiled.

I have a feeling they'll be right. And that's okay.

 

Post wipes and pre-ice cream, er, bottle

Loving every minute of our first family adventure

The Readings:

Genesis 23-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6

The Bible's first love story. Such a great one. Fall in love with God's plan for you, as you realize through this one just how involved he is.

Bring on the healing. Isaiah 61 prophesied Jesus was going to do some healing, and doggone it, it's gonna happen today. Enjoy this one. And just believe that he's going to do it in our lives today. It's so easy. It's in his nature.

David cries out again. All cry babies, mine included, and people who go through actual pain need apply.

And God's plan is simply marvelous. Bind his ways and thoughts around your neck and trust in him always. Like our ice cream, Loch Ness monster adventure, the end may not be expected, but it'll always be good. Listen on if you want confirmation of what you already know, that God will make your paths straight if you lean on him. If you acknowledge him.




Read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2023-24:51,%20Matthew%208:1-17,%20Psalm%209:13-20,%20Proverbs%203:1-6&version=NIV

 

Day 9: June 21- Checking the Heart Strings and Judging Rightly

(Update: my apologies to iphone, ipad, and mac users. The podcast player is through flash and hasn't been playing with Apple products. That means if you think you've been seeing my content, you haven't. But I'm working on it. I'll update as things progress. Or I won't and you'll continue to be mesmerized with what is not the point of the blog. Enjoy!) 

Moment of the Day:

Two days after Mary Poppins went all Edward Scissorhands on my boy's prized possession, he's finally recovering. For two days he's done little but milk and cry for the absence of milk. It is of singular importance. I mean, he's suspended his sleep schedule to make time for more milk.

I unfortunately, am not gifted in that department. So, as I kick around the rubber balls and Nerf in the sporting goods department all by myself, glancing at the clock through my shift, the child is practically chasing my wife through the infant aisles. Well, with his neck. Not much else moves successfully.

But you'd be surprised at how he can inch right over to what he wants, in the middle of a dead sleep. Right to the source.

But today's great moment is a simple one.

No flash. No pee. No story.

After all the Burton-esque terrors of the last week, today I got to hold my boy. For two straight hours, he slept on my chest. And I had nothing to offer but love. ...And a useless rubber ball.

Fortunately, today, in spite of all things dairy, he was in the market for love.

This is love.

Me and my buddy

 

Buddy

 

Shameless close-up

 

At home with daddy

 

The Readings:

Genesis 20-22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22

Notes-

God gives, but he doesn't want us to latch onto our gifts. This is hardest with children. Oh, if we could let go...check out Abraham's response.

Jesus tells us to judge. But not the judgmental way, over truth and bringers of truth. Does the church really discern truth? Seems like we'll believe anything today. Better find out how. He also tells us how to build our lives on something that can be judged worthy and unshakable.

God is faithful to defeat his enemies and lift up the righteous. Like David, it may take awhile, but check in here and see how good it can get.

And Proverbs gives a lesson we all need to hear. In a sex-addicted culture that encourages promiscuity, wisdom will protect you. This may be the most important lesson and one of the hardest. So, listen here for encouragement!




Read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2020-22:24,%20Matthew%207:15-29,%20Psalm%209:1-12,%20Proverbs%202:16-22&version=NIV

Day 8: June 20, 2012- Character Without Compromise

Moment of the Day:

My hand, though equipped with seven cutaneous layers of built-in protection, is not a pee shield. That is a fact I want set down in the record.

The wall, though covered with two coats of paint (ok one, I cheated and spread it thick) is not a pee range.

That fact did not affect the volume of pee with which it was carefreely doused today. There is something about having pee drip down your wall in streaks that would be fit for a horror movie if they were colored red and traced in words by a being that could threaten in more than gibberish.

Something about the moment you realize it's turned on you. I shrieked, I'll admit it. It was indiscernable, true. Kind of like gibberish. And a hand that I was perfectly comfortable not being used as a pee shield instinctively volunteered itself and was sacrificed on an altar of Terry cotton purified by Talcum powder.

I didn't even attempt to get in the way of the second frontal. Let the fountain flow, baby.

The wife will never notice the spot on the carpet.

And now, the monster: Don't let him fool you. He's not cute. He's... he's... oh dang it. He's stinkin' adorable.

Stinkin' Adorable

You can pee on me anytime

buddy stinkin' adorable

 

The Readings:

Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15

Lot, his wife, and daughters all compromise with the culture. Lesson: don't compromise. Learn, herein.

Jesus breaks it down gentle. You are a lily. Or a bird. But you probably need to hear this one (if you're a lily with eardrums and synapses).

David glorifies God. Worship with all your soul like David.

And Proverbs slips in a secret of wisdom: integrity. And, with eternity's largest backer- the Lord, it also promises to save you.

Enjoy...  

Read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2018:16-19:38,%20Matthew%206:25-7:14,%20Psalm%208:1-9,%20Proverbs%202:6-15&version=NIV

 

Day 7: June 19, 2012- Circumcision and the Promise

Moment of the Day:

Luke pooped in the car seat, on the car seat, and then when we were changing the lake of sludge, he peed on the wall. All in all a good day for a guy who doesn't get to take many risks in life! I'm proud of you little guy. You're trying. You know, you remember that time that I *ahem* "didn't" tell you to pee on your mom, well you got really close only you didn't realize I'm not mom. I'm the guy with the deep voice who yields absolutely no result when you try to milk me. I know you know what I'm talking about.

And now for some completely unrelated...pictures!

Luke in daddy's arm today

Tucked away for later

We can't hide all the signs of our home planet

(courtesy of Rachel Demsick two days ago)

So, today Luke was circumcized (he was a tough guy and didn't scream, or run around like daddy before someone tries to stick a needle in him). Crazy coincidence, stay tuned in the reading today...

On to the readings:

Genesis 16:1-18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5

Abram learns that God fulfills his promises, and he doesn't need our help doing it. Jesus still head-asploding the culture of his day; we'd be radicals if we listened to him. David cries out in need, knowing God will deliver. Proverbs delivers in the wisdom department.



Read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2016:1-18:15,%20Matthew%206:1-24,%20Psalm%207:1-17,%20Proverbs%202:1-5&version=NLT


If we're paying attention and letting God grow us, we're learning a lot about his nature and life.

We must believe his promises because it's in his nature to come through.

We must not live like the culture. Today, don't try to "look good." Forget your image and be right before God.

God protects us. Cry out to him.

Listen to the wisdom of this book. God will change you.

This is going to be a great year.

Day 6: June 18, 2012- The Promise and Abram's Faith

(Click on the little yellow sound symbol to subscribe to my mp3 podcasts or to download an individual podcast. From your computer they may be transferred to ipods, iphones, or any mobile device for listening on the go. You can listen to the entire Bible in daily readings anywhere.)

Genesis 13:5-15:21, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 6:1-10, Proverbs 1:29-33

Abram shows he's a hero today and God one-ups him by making a promise that will stand for all time, Jesus blows people's minds with perspectives of life few people follow today, a prayer of desperation, and more consequences for the foolish.



To read along:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2013:5-15:21;%20Matthew%205:27-48;%20Psalm%206:1-10;%20Proverbs%201:29-33&version=NLT

Day 5: June 17, 2012- Father's Day Reading

(Update: every Sunday will be a video reading, as well as mp3, so people can see how little Lukey is doing. Thought some people would like to see the little guy as he grows every now and then rather than just hear him squawk in the background!)

Genesis 11-13:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 5:1-26, and Proverbs 1:24-28


A great Father's Day reading today for a father to his son!

The beginning of the family of God. The patriarch. God gives a historic call to Abram (the father of the faith) with a promise.

Changing minds. Jesus gives some unconventional wisdom.

Attitude in need. Psalms encourages us to expectantly wait for God.

Consequences. Proverbs warns with a strong rebuke for not using wisdom.


And here's the little guy with his new father...



To just listen:




Read along with us:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2011-13:4;%20Matthew%205:1-26;%20Psalm%205:1-26;%20Proverbs%201:24-28&version=NLT

"I have called you by name; you are mine."  (Isaiah 43:1)