Bible Reading Update

So... I posted a bit ago about how I felt compelled to read through the Bible. And I also requested some accountability from "the readers". I have had the opportunity to hear from several folks and talk to some of you about my reading. I am moving along. The Bible I'm reading has 1142 pages. I'm at around 350. I'm currently in Deuteronomy and Luke. There are daily readings from Psalms and Proverbs as well.

God has revealed many things to me during our time each night right before I fall asleep. Many people indicate it's better to read in the morning, to "get your day started right", but for me, the best time is at night, after a sometimes long, hard day, to settle down and hear what God has to say to me. It's somewhat like climbing up in His lap, snuggling down and letting him reassure me before I drift off to sleep.

However, some of the things I've been reading in the Old Testament are strong concepts taking me to a new level in my thought process about the true God. God is a very serious God who I think we (mankind) have way, way, way underestimated. Everyone talks about "the loving God" and "grace" but no one ever talks that much about the God of judgment and vengeance. In the Old Testament, there is a whole lot of talk about God's requirements of an "eye for an eye", death to those who disobey Him, how a long, blessed life will be had by those who follow his commands and who love and respect God. The consequences of disobedience in the Old Testament was typically death -- and never an easy one: stoning, the earth opening up and swallowing you, floods -- you name it. Now, I am clear that we are living under the provision of grace as presented in the New Testament, but I can't help but think that God wanted us to read these stories in the Old Testament to gain insight into who He is and insight into others who have had relationships with Him -- in order to strengthen our relationship with Him.

And because of all I have been reading, I'm finding it considerably hard to continue to feel sorry for myself when bad things happen. God was disgusted by the whinings of Israel. He continued to want to destroy them and create a new group of "chosen" people from the line of Moses. Moses continued, time after time, to beg God to please forgive them and give them another chance. And, even though they didn't deserve it, God did. I feel like, in my life, God continues to give me second chances -- even when I don't deserve them. I continue making the same mistakes over and over and I continue to wonder when my lessons will be learned and will "take". Someone once compared our trip here on earth as "boot camp" for heaven. I think that's probably right. I hoping one day I will pass boot camp and get promoted to PFC. In the meantime, I continue to ask God to forgive me and to help me learn the lessons in life He wants me to learn. I see so many areas where I continue to fail Him -- and myself. There is no reason for haughtiness around here.

And, to close out, I'd like to take a moment to request prayers for our family. God knows the reasons, and He'll know why you are praying when you do. It would mean a lot to us.