DAY 1-GENESIS CHAPTER 1-3 I was made for this-Evg. Mark Rowe As we start this journey of reading the bible in one year; I would like to say you were made for this. In Genesis chapter 1, we see God creating and forming things on this planet we call earth. In the first 3 days of creation God was in the business of forming things. In verse 3 he calls light into being, in verse 7 he divides the water from the waters, in verse 9 dry ground appears, and in verse 11 vegetation. The next three days he starts filling what he as formed, in verse 14 he put in lights, in verse 21 he puts in every creeping and moving things that live in water and winged birds in verse 24 he put in livestock and every creature that moves on the earth and wild animals; in verse 26 he puts man (man kind) and in verse 30 every green plant for food. Brothers and sisters the God that we serve is able to form things in our lives, but just as he is able to form he is also able to fill. Ask yourself this question, What is God trying to form in my life? It might be a closer relationship with him, or maybe he's trying to set me up for greatness. Whatever it is YOU WERE MADE FOR IT. In our reading today Genesis chapter 2:5 got my attention, the bible says "…there was no man to work the ground…" (NIV translation) but if you read on you'll notice that the land was still being taken care of. And in verse 7 God created man out of the dust of the earth, and verse 15 says "The Lord God took the man (Adam) and put him in the Garden…to work it and take care of it." God is able to form things in our lives and preserve them until we are ready to be put in them. Whatever God has for me is FOR ME, I WAS MADE FOR THIS. The only reason why I may not be where I'm suppose to be is because God is still forming me he's still forming you, making sure that we are ready for the work he is about to give us. But trust God he is holding it for you until that day. There's an old song that said "please be patient with me God is not through with me yet" I'm still in process, I'm still being made. But when he is finished with us we can stand up and say I WAS MADE FOR THIS lets start working. DAY 2-GENESIS CHAPTER 4-7 I'm in the ghetto but it's not in ME- Evg. Mark Rowe As we walk through the book of Genesis, we see in (chapters 1&2) God's power and work in creation. In (chapter 3) we see Eve being deceived by the serpent and Adam heeding to his wife to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. In (chapter 4) we see the birth of Cain and Abel, and as fast as we have seen life, we see death with the first murder happening within a family. In (chapter 5) we get to see the growth of people of the earth from Adam to Noah. We are introduced to people like Enoch who walked with God and did not see death, and Methuselah who is the oldest man that ever lived; dying at the age of 969, and we are also introduced to Lamech whose age (777) is a symbol of perfection. And in (chapter 6) we meet Noah and his family. In (chapter 6) we see that the earth is now populated with people, with different styles, characteristics, etc. The Bible says in (verse 5) that the thoughts of the people were continuously evil. And it repented the Lord that he made them, and was at the point ready to destroy them. Have you ever got to the point where people you have helped out time after time keep disappointing you, and all you want to do is cut them off? That's how God felt. At this point in time the earth was in a terrible state a ghetto to be exact. There is a saying that says, "You can take the man out of the hood, but you can't take the hood out of the man." But there was a man by the name of Noah who is an example for us today, that even though you may be in an environment that is unhealthy you do have the power to over come and not be influenced. The Bible says in (verse 8) "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord…" (NIV translation) even in the time that Noah was living in, he was able to overcome the environment and find the favor of God. My brothers and sisters you may not like the condition you're in but like Noah, you don't have to conform to it. Stand up and say I may be in this, but it's not in ME. My family tree may have a string of drug addicts, but it's not in me. I live in the ghetto BUT the ghetto is not in ME. Just one more note Jesus was also born and raised in the ghetto (Galilee) But it was not in Him. DAY 3-GENESIS 8-11 He has me covered-Evg. Mark Rowe I want to focus our attention today to (Genesis 11:20-23). This account happened after the flood had ended, God had already blessed Noah and his family (Genesis 1:26) and made a covenant with them not to destroy the earth again with water. This was the new beginning, the fresh start, the earth was looking better than it did before (so to speak). In (verse 20) we see Noah working in his vineyard (Genesis 2:5; 3:17-19) doing what he can to support his family. But there is one problem he started drinking to much of what he was producing. We as humans have to be careful not to get caught up with what we are doing before it takes us over. Example of this is found in chapter 11 of Genesis, the people wanted to build a tower (nothing wrong with that) to make a name for themselves (that's the problem). If we allow our efforts to get the best of us, we will eventually believe that by our own power we have accomplished it; therefore becoming drunk. In all things we must give God praise for he is the one that brings things to past, not we ourselves. So here we have Noah drunk and naked lying in his tent (I say he past out). His youngest son (Ham) comes and sees him, and not wanting to cover his father up, he goes and tell his brothers. In (verse 23) Shem and Japheth takes a garment put it across their backs over their shoulders and walks backwards to cover their naked father. Be careful of whom you allow to see you in your weakest (sinful) state; they may be like Ham and go tell others about your condition. But find friends like Shem and Japheth that will not look at your weakness but will also cover you with love. The Bible says in (1 Peter 4:8) love covers a multitude of sins. And that is what Jesus Christ did for ALL of us when he died on the cross; he covered our sins with love. For God so loved the would that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in him (Jesus) shall not perish but have eternal life John 3:16 (NIV translation). He's the best friend to have in the whole world, and he's saying I got you COVERED. DAY 4- GENESIS CHAPTER 12-16 I'm walking in faith- Evg. Mark Rowe In (Genesis 11) we are introduced to Abram and his wife Sarai. Sarai was described as a woman who is barren (without child). In chapter 12 Abram is called from his comfortable home land by the voice of God. What is interesting about this is that the place where Abram and his wife lived was full of idol worshippers (known as pagan worship). But even through false god worshipping; Abram was able to discern the voice of God (Hebrew name Elohim), and move in faith. In these times that we are living in, there are so many things happening, everything is going in such a fast pace that no one is finding time for themselves much less God. We as people need to realize that there is a God that wants to talk to us; he has so much to say. He wants to sit down with you and tell you about your future, destiny and your expected end. Let's make an effort for the rest of the week to lower the noise of everyday life and turn up the volume of our spiritual ears. Abram was asked to leave three things (places) 1. His country- The place where he grew up 2. His people- Friends 3. Fathers house- The protection of family Abram had to leave everything that he grew up with because he was obedient to the call of God in his life. Whenever God calls you, he calls you away from all that you are comfortable with because he wants to bring you into your life changing process that only occurs when you are separated from everything you are use to. If you sense that people are separating from you, (co-workers) that you use to talk to ,stop talking to you guess what YOU MIGHT BE IN PROCESS. In (verse 2) it is such a reassurance of God's love, whenever God calls you out he will always give you a promise (in Abram case promises). Whenever we choose to walk with God he will give you incentives to keep on moving on. God promised Abram four things: 1. I will make you a great nation and I will bless you 2. I will make your name great and you will be a blessing 3. I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you 4. All the people on the earth will be blessed through you To go through all these promises would take up a least 5 more pages. And in (verse 4) the Bible says "So Abram Left…" Brothers and Sisters, let's take the first step and walk in faith, God has so many things to say to you and about you, its time to WALK IN FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT he's waiting for you. DAY 5- GENESIS 17-19 The Legacy of Sodom and Gomorrah- Missy. Jackie Rowe Note: Evg. Mark Rowe could not write today do to a demanding schedule, but please be blessed by his wife Missionary Jackie Rowe. Throughout Scripture and in countless extrabiblical works, Sodom and Gomorrah and the other cities of the plain stand as a symbol of divine judgments for collective wickedness. What was once a well-watered, fertile region is today barren, full of tar pits, mounds of asphalt, and marshes. These ill-fated cities remind us that wickedness will not go unpunished. They also show that God not only judges sinful individuals, such as Lot's wife (Gen. 19:26) but also entire cities and their surroundings. However, the story is not all bad news. After the tragic end of Sodom and Gomorrah, "God remembered Abraham" (Gen. 19:29). When we remember the patriarch's righteous example, several lessons of the story become clear. Prayer makes a difference. Abraham shows us that it is legitimate to pray for cities, as he did (Gen. 18:22-33). We may not always be able to go to a city, but we can still pray for it. Abraham prayed more for a place than for individual people. He prayed persistently for an entire city; believing that nothing was too hard for the Lord (Gen. 18:14). Moreover, he prayed for justice in the city, as well as for its space and salvation. His example challenges us to ask: Are we praying for cities today? If so, what are we asking God to do? Save the city or judge it? People count. Ten believing persons living in Sodom could have saved it (Gen. 18:32). In other words, the presence of righteous persons acting as salt and light can preserve places where evil runs rampant. Even though Sodom was filled with wickedness; God would have saved it, if He had found even a handful of righteous people. He spared Zoar for the sake of one righteous man Lot (Gen.19:16-22) and (2Peter 2:6-7). As God's people, are we living righteously in the places to which He has called us? God is Sovereign. God's decision to destroy four cities of the plain but to preserve the fifth, Zoar shows that He is ultimately in control. Let there be no mistake! God does not want to destroy cities or their systems and people (2Peter 3:9); but He can and will decide when, where, and how judgments will fall. On the other hand, God can rescue people from evil places when and if He wishes. We might ask: Do we trust and respect the soverenty of God? Do we live with a perspective that He is ultimately in control? Do we act as though we are accountable to Him? Pride goes before a fall. Sodom was destroyed not only because of sexual sin (Gen. 19:1-17) and ( Jude 7), but because it had pride and a surplus of wealth, yet still failed to care for its poor and needy (Ezek. 16:48-50). Its example challenges us: What are we doing with the resources God has put under our control? Fleeing from the city does not avoid sin it only spreads it around. The behavior of Lot and his daughters after fleeing from Sodom shows that sin is not confined to the city; they exported Sodom-like immorality to the hinterlands (Gen. 19:19-22, 30-36). Are we running from the city in order to escape its problems and evils? Is it possible that God wants us to stay and live as His representative of righteousness? DAY 6 & 7- GENESIS CHAPTER 20-25 I can't sell my birthright-Evg. Mark Rowe Let me first say sorry about day 6 (there was no day 6 writing) I had an unexpected schedule shift, so please forgive me. Between Genesis 20-25 we have very important information here. We see that the plan of God is being fulfilled and that the promise of the savoir is approaching (Genesis 3:15). Here is the outline that we follow from chapter. 20-24- Chapter 20 " Abraham tells his wife to say that she's his sister to Abimelech " God reveals to Abimelech that Sarah is really Abraham's wife Chapter 21 " The promise child to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18) has final arrived and has name is Isaac his name means "laughter" " Hagar (Sarah's maidservant) and Ishmael is kicked out of the house " God hears the cry of Ishmael under a bushes " God promises that Ishmael will be great " God provides water IN The Desert- No matter where you are God can always provide for you needs. Chapter 22 " Abraham is tested by God " Isaac is laid out in the altar- Note: by this time Isaac was roughly in his 30's " God provides a lamb for the sacrifice Chapter 23 " Sarah dies " Abraham buys (did not have to) land to burry his wife Chapter 24 " God plays match maker " Abraham sends out servant to find a wife for Isaac " The servant prays to God to let him know who is the right wife for Isaac " Rebekah is the chosen one " Isaac and Rebekah meet and gets married. Chapter 24 " Isaac and Rebekah was twins- Esau (means Red) and Jacob (trickster) " God tells Rebekah why there is a fighting in her womb (verse 23) In chapter 25 there came a point in time when Esau came from the field hungered and asked this brother for some of his stew (red stuff). We have to be careful not to want too much of the worldly stuff (Esau represents Flesh and Jacob represents Promise). Because you just might give up something that is more important to you. Esau give up his birthright what that means is that he gave up his Inheritance rights. Jesus said in St John I go (after he dies on the cross) prepare a place for you, our inheritance is in heaven. We cannot allow anyone or thing to make us sell out our birthright. Why gain the whole world and lose your only soul? Adam handed over his inheritance when he ate the forbidden fruit. Let's not fall in the same trap lets fight to keep our birthrights and if you think you lost yours well let's fight to get it back through ready God's word and prayers. HISTORY OF ISAAC AND JACOB DAY 8-16 Gen. 25:19-36:43. I. ISAAC'S FAMILY AND SOME TROUBLES. Gen. 25:19-26:35. 1. Births of Jacob and Esau. Gen. 25:19-26. 2. Esau Sells His Birthright. Gen. 25:27-34. 3. The Promises Extended to Isaac. Gen. 26:1-5. 4. Trouble about Rebekah. Gen. 26:6-11. 5. Trouble about Wells. Gen. 26:12-33. 6. Trouble about Esau's Wives. Gen. 26:34, 35. II. JACOB'S FRAUD AND FLIGHT. Gen. 27:1-28:22. 1. Isaac's Command and Rebekah's Plot. Gen. 27:1-17. 2. Jacob Obtains the Blessing. Gen. 27:18-29. 3. Esau's Disappointment. Gen. 27:30-40. 4. Esau's Threat and Jacob's Flight. Gen. 27:41-28:5. 5. Esau Takes Another Wife. Gen. 28:6-9. 6. Jacob's Vision of the Ladder. Gen. 28:10-22. III. JACOB'S RESIDENCE IN PADANARAM. Gen. 29:1-30:43. 1. He Reaches Laban's House. Gen. 29:1-14. 2. He obtains Leah and Rachel for Wives. Gen. 29:15-30. 3. Leah Bears Four Sons and Quits Bearing. Gen. 29:31-35. 4. Four Sons by the Handmaids. Gen. 30:1-13. 5. Leah Bears Two More Sons and a Daughter. Gen. 30:14-21. 6. A Son Born to Rachel. Gen. 30:22-24. 7. A New Contract with Laban. Gen. 30:25-43. IV. JACOB'S RETURN TO CANAAN. Gen. 31:1-33:17. 1. His Departure from Padanaram. Gen. 31:1-21. 2. Laban Pursues Jacob. Gen. 31:22-35. 3. Jacob Rebukes Laban. Gen. 31:36-42. 4. A Covenant Made and a Monument Erected. Gen. 31:43-32:2. 5. A Friendly Message to Esau. Gen. 32:3-6. 6. Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau. Gen. 32:7-12. 7. He Sends a Present to Esau. Gen. 32:13-21. 8. Jacob Receives a New Name. Gen. 32:22-32. 9. The Meeting with Esau. Gen. 33:1-17. V. JACOB'S RESIDENCE AT SHECHEM, BETH-EL AND HEBRON. Gen. 33:18-36:43. 1. He Settles at Shechem. Gen. 33:18-20. 2. His Daughter Is Defiled by Shechem. Gen. 34:1-31. 3. Jacob Returns to Beth-el. Gen. 35:1-8. 4. The Promises Renewed and a Pillar Set Up. Gen. 35:9-15. 5. The Death of Rachel and the Sin of Reuben. Gen. 35:16-22. 6. Jacob's Sons and the Death of Isaac. Gen. 35:23-29. 7. The Generations of Esau. Gen. 36:1-43. PART FOURTH: JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN Gen. 37:1-50:26. I. JOSEPH IS SOLD AS A SLAVE. Gen. 37:1-36. 1. Beginning of His Troubles. Gen. 37:1-11. 2. His Brothers Attempt to Kill Him. Gen. 37:12-24. 3. They Sell Him, and He Is Taken to Egypt. Gen. 37:25-36. II. THE FAMILY OF JUDAH. Gen. 38:1-30. 1. His First Two Sons and Their Fate. Gen. 38:1-11. 2. Tamar Commits Incest. Gen. 38:12-23. 3. Tamar Is Exposed and Twins Are Born to Her. Gen. 38:24-30. III. JOSEPH BECOMES GOVERNOR OF EGYPT. Gen. 39:1-41:57. 1. His Prosperity under Potiphar. Gen. 39:1-6. 2. He Is Falsely Accused and Imprisoned. Gen. 39:7-20. 3. He Is Promoted in Prison. Gen. 39:21-23. 4. He Interprets Dreams. Gen. 40:1-23. 5. Pharaoh Has a Dream and Joseph Is Remembered. Gen. 41:1-14. 6. The Dream Stated and Interpreted. Gen. 41:15-36. 7. Joseph Is Made Governor. Gen. 41:37-46. 8. His Administration and His Family. Gen. 41:47-57. IV. VISITS OF JOSEPH'S BROTHERS. Gen. 42:1-45:28. 1. They Come and Are Imprisoned. Gen. 42:1-17. 2. Simeon Is Retained and the Others Released. Gen. 42:18-24. 3. Their Return and Their Report to Jacob. Gen. 42:25-38. 4. The Brother Are Sent Again. Gen. 43:1-14. 5. They Are Brought to Joseph's House, and Simeon Is Released. Gen. 43:15-25. 6. They Dine with Joseph. Gen. 43:26-34. 7. The Device of the Cup. Gen. 44:1-17. 8. Judah's Speech and Proposal. Gen. 44:18-34. 9. Joseph Makes Himself Known. Gen. 45:1-15. 10. Joseph Sends for the Family. Gen. 45:16-28. V. THE MIGRATION INTO EGYPT. Gen. 46:1-7. 1. The Departure from Canaan. Gen. 46:1-7. 2. Jacob's offspring by Leah. Gen. 46:8-15. 3. Offspring by Zilpah. Gen. 46:16-18. 4. Offspring by Rachel. Gen. 46:19-22. 5. Offspring of Bilhah. Gen. 46:23-25. 6. The Whole Number of Children. Gen. 46:26, 27. 7. Joseph Comes to Meet His Father. Gen. 46:28-34. 8. He Introduced His Brothers and His Father to Pharaoh. Gen. 47:1-12. 9. The Other Years of the Famine. Gen. 47:13-27. VI. THE LAST DAYS OF JACOB AND OF JOSEPH. Gen. 47:28-50:26. 1. Jacob's Age and His Last Request. Gen. 47:28-51. 2. Jacob Adopts the Sons of Joseph. Gen. 48:1-7. 3. He Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh. Gen. 48:8-22. 4. Jacob Predicts the Future of His Sons. Gen. 49:1-28. 5. He Repeats His Last request, and Dies. Gen. 49:29-33. 6. Jacob Is Embalmed and Buried. Gen. 50:1-14. 7. Joseph Comforts His Brethren. Gen. 50:15-21. 8. The Close of Joseph's Career. Gen. 50:22-26.