Day 24: July 6, 2012- Not too Yeasty Love Stories Leave the Nightlight On

Lots of content, fun, and good stuff to grow in Christ today, so stick around. Life with God should be fun and, though sometimes hard (especially when containing squishy greenish content that smells like danger Will Robinson), it should be simple too. So enter like a little child!

And maybe together we'll find faith like one a little easier.

Cousins!

This one's a couple days old, but sooo adorable (I hate people who draw out words). Luke meets his cousins, Sky and Lucy, on the play mat, and surprise, he actually looks like he knows what's going on! Or like he's trying to figure out what's going on.

Or like he's staring off into space in the direction that Sky happens to occupy.

But anyway, it's really cute, and you really should see it!

So see it (By the way, you've gotta see the little tussle at the end of the video- stick around to the end!):





Look at that Face.

Featuring, the face of the day:

 Wha does cute mean?

Cute means 24 days old and lovin' that hair-do, Lukey. 

Look at that Face, Part 2.

 

The close runner-up:

 

I think it's time for me to be put down

 

Or changed, buddy. And I'm goin' with number 2.

Stay tuned, more pics to come!

And even more content today, so stick around, cuz it's...

 

Keep it Simple Day (with Instructions).

In case you don't know, if you scroll down past the interesting, insightful comments on the readings below (four readings, four sets of comments), you will actually find something surprising. The readings.

That's right. You can listen in just fifteen minutes or so while brushing your teeth (you need fifteen minutes) or eating breakfast, and it'll keep you focused on the way to go, with a few extra notes so simple a child could get it (my child, anyway).

I hope you consider joining us for this year. Fifteen minutes a day and you'll have read the Bible, even if you've only been listening. You can read along in a new window through the link below, while I read, or you can just listen and reflect.

Also, these podcasts should be able to be downloaded to an mp3 player for listening on the go. Let me know if you can't get that to work and I'll look into it for you.

Enjoy!

Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27

Israel gives the blessings before he dies. As the backwards sort of guy he is, he blesses Joseph's second son over his first. One has to wonder if this is God's foresight into their futures or Jacob doing what he does best: stirring things up. Remember, he was the second-born who stole the blessing from the first. So it's almost fitting that he'd pass along the blessing to the second. What way to go out. Not that Joseph has to be happy about it.
Anyway, it's lights out on this chapter of God's epic love story with mankind and on to the next. One would think after a seven year famine that leaves the land in servitude and barely saves the family, the worst is behind them. Unfortunately, they've got another thing coming. Stay tuned to tomorrow. If you thought Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were epic, wait til you meet this guy God flushes out of the reeds.

Jesus points out the Pharisees' hypocrisy. Possibly more importantly, he tells them to beware of the sly teachings that will sneak into the church. There are reasons in later books Paul tells Christians not to even eat with certain Christians; there is a danger their hypocrisy or theology will seep into the church. We have not done a good job of that. At times the church doesn't look too different than the world, and even when it is, it isn't always following God's Word. So let's get out the flour and keep it away from that nasty yeast!

And whose gonna come to save you? In whose arm do you trust? The Lord. Let's believe God is a victorious conquerer God, riding in like a general before all his troops. He has won and we can trust him.

And after a reading like yesterday, which really freaked those of us out that are afraid of the dark, it's nice to have one like today. It tells you where to walk. Not to the left. Not to the right. Straight ahead. Guard your heart and fix your eyes forward and you won't lose your way. Wisdom keeps us not only away from those who do evil and could make us slip up, but it keeps us ON the path of righteousness. That's right, we're actually going somewhere.
And if you get scared, you can keep a nightlight on.




Read along if you like:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2048:1-49:33,%20Matthew%2015:29-16:12,%20Psalm%2020:1-9,%20Proverbs%204:20-27&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 18: June 30, 2012- Dreams, Righteousness, and the Lord's Confidence

Priceless shots of the day:

On the journey.

I think I should be upset right now.

Hey, they can't all be good.

You put that one up, Dad?



Aw, phooey.

Genesis 37-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32

Joseph enters the picture. Isn't it crazy we've gotten that far? Contrast him and his pure, innocent heart for God with that of his older brother, Judah, who sleeps with his daughter-in-law. It makes one wonder how one family produced Jerry Springer kids and patriarchs in God. Who knows how God chose Joseph over his brothers and if it was only Joseph's doing? But the reality impresses on me strongly, a father has a great impact over his children. May I be a father who devotes himself to his children and, may by God's grace and devotion, they become Josephs.

Jesus is called the devil. Well, it had to happen. Have you ever been so attacked in the church? Remember, these old boys, the Pharisees are the church leaders of their day, not just our hindsight proverbial hypocrites. Unfortunately, they don't always get it right, which is why righteous men and women in the church HAVE to stand up. We have to notice and fight against injustice. We have to be men and women of valor. A major step of this is being wise enough to recognize what is good or bad, what is of him or not. Today, he teaches us...

David is really celebrating this time around, which is nice. For all his pain, he can't but sit before God and get all gushy. Get gushy with him. You'll appreciate God, righteousness, and everything holy so much more if you do. Let the floodgates open. Tears and warm fuzzies welcome.

And Proverbs gives us our gentle nightcap by reminding us, after all we've read, to not forget to do good to all we can when we see it. It's not enough to hear the words and have warm feelings. All the fuzzies in the world are worth little if we don't love our brother. So let's turn our learning into living, and really love the world.

Goodnight all, and God bless!




http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037-38:30,%20Matthew%2012:22-45,%20Psalm%2016:1-11,%20Proverbs%203:27-32&version=NIV