How the entire OT flows together in history. Also, how Biblical history flows with the history of the secular world.

Abraham was not as perfect a man as I had thought. His disobedience cost him dearly later in his life.

The purpose of the Bible is to show how God desires a relationship with each of use and the Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to each of us and our choice we make to follow him or not to follow. It is God who starts the process.

The nation of Israel is much like us as Christians today because we often test God’s patience.

I realized how "big" God’s creation is with the sun, moon, planets, and other solar bodies and how grand the entire scale of the creation is.

I realized that God had a plan when he created man and how complex we are and how even today man cannot completely understand the human body and how it works.

The "Angel of the Lord" usually refers to the pre-incarnate Christ in the OT.

I enjoyed the word study of "Rock" and I never realized how many of the references actually refer to Christ – especially in the OT.

I like the reminder that God reveals himself to all people in different ways and we are only responsible for the revelations that God has given each of us.

I never realized how many "non" Jews God revealed himself to – Rahab, Job, Melchizedek, Balaam, etc.

The very first, and very interesting piece of history, was the content and history of the Bible, how and when it was written and the purpose of the books.

Another aspect that I found fascinating, was the ceremonial offerings and their instructions, which were given by God. From these instructions, the Bible tells us to do three things:

1. People gather together and worship and celebrate
2. The normal daily routine was suspended, and no hard work was done.
3. The people sacrificed animals as burnt offerings to God. We show our commitment to God when we give something of value to Him.

We must all know that without God’s presence in our lives, nothing is possible; but with God in our lives, everything is possible!

To have no faith in God, is to literally have no faith at all. Of all our studies, I truly believe that this is one of the most important lessons for us to learn. See Psalms 46.

The genealogy of Jesus Christ through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah . . .

Books of the OT: Classifications, Chronology, authors, and overlapping time frames of the books.

Enoch and Elijah did not die, but ascended directly into Heaven.

Moses was not allowed to enter the Promise Land because of his disobedience to God.

I learned that Jesus has always been, even in the OT. This helps me to understand about the Trinity a little more.

In order for man to be without sin, there needed to be death. Adam and Eve had to die after eating the fruit, so they wouldn’t live in sin forever and could be with God again. In order for people to be forgiven of their sin, they sacrificed the innocent animals so that their sin would be washed by blood (blood being the life). Blood still washes away our sin today for it was Jesus innocent blood that was shed and now washes away our sin.

God does not see time as we do. He can see it a step back allowing him to see every second of time. God is eternity just as time, numbers, and space are.

Almost everything that I learned during this study was new to me. Previous to this class what I learned about the history of Christianity was learned from movies.

I never knew much about Abraham. I especially did not that he was the father of all religions.

I never knew that God had so much contact with people, I thought it was with just Moses and Abraham (and only the part were he stopped him from sacrificing his son.)

Jesus wasn’t "on holiday" during the events of the OT years. He was actively involved with doing His Father’s work, representing His Father on earth. Jesus is the on-earth version of God. I can simply state that I have learned to become more "spiritually intuitive" when reading the Bible.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." …. And every plant and animal and insect AND MAN! (Genesis 1: 1-31). It is one thing to read it and know it. It is entirely another to read it and believe it. It is glorious to add more freedom to that which Christ has already given me – freedom from the bondage of the belief in evolution.

Speaking of "in the beginning", it is interesting that there were no carnivores then and that the animals were probably not afraid of man.

God wants a relationship with man. He wants to be loved and obeyed by man. This has always been His desire.

Genesis 12 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It discusses God calling Abram to leave his country and his people to go where God shows him to go. God promises Abram a number of things including "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you". Through Abraham’s family line, specifically through Judah, came Jesus the promised Messiah. And thus, "all peoples on earth will be blessed" through Abraham.

I did not know that man was vegetarians before Noah.

I did not realize the story of Kadesh Barnea. I never knew that the tribes had the opportunity to enter the Promised Land without going through 40 years of wandering.

I never understood that man was made because God wanted to have a relationship.

I did not know about Rahab…..her story is proof that God has a plan and sometimes it is very difficult to see.

When we started this class, I prayed the Holy Spirit would open my eyes, ears, and my heart and help me understand God’s word. In the past, I would be determined to read the Bible. I would get a quarter of the way through Genesis and wouldn’t know what I just read and I would get bored. This time I couldn’t put it down, I loved Genesis.

The Tower of Babel sounds self-explanatory, but I did not know this is when the Lord scattered all the people all over the earth and confused their language.

I did not know the chronological end of the OT ends with Esther.

Whether it is 1450BC or today, we as human beings fall short, and it is only by God’s grace he leads us on our walk as Christians. We can not do it alone. When the Lord had Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt, they complained, and God always provided for their needs. When things got difficult, they turned from God even with all the miracles he had performed. Just like today, God performs miracles in our lives and all around us and we complain and turn from God instead of to God.

Isaac means "laughter". He is the first descendant in fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.

How old was Adam when God created him? It doesn’t matter because there was no need to keep time because there was no death.

The desire will be for your husband, Genesis 3:16, means the wife will desire to rule over the husband; but, God gives the authority to your husband. Desire in this case means to control or dominate.

In Exodus, all of the plagues were represented by gods in Egypt. God went against the gods of Egypt.

I learned that the pre-incarnate Christ was present in the OT.

I didn’t know Jesus was there from the beginning.

I never realized how patient God was with the people of Israel. Before I saw Him as a very different God, not loving at all until the New Testament. Now I realize how much the same He is.

The geography really fascinated me to see where things were located, like where human history began, where Joshua crossed over the Red Sea, where the people of Israel wandered, what territory was actually taken, and God telling them to destroy the people that were occupying the land. Per human history, we always think our way is better.

I learned many promises during a difficult time in my life. It was so exciting to find where these were located and in what context these promises were made that I held so dear.

The Bible or at least the Old Testament is God revealing himself to us. He wants to have a relationship with us and he will reveal himself if we want to find him.

There is a spirit world. This seems like such a simple thing but helps to explain a lot if you understand this point.

I have never really studied the bible before this class. It really tied together all the stories, people, and places I have heard about. The maps at the beginning of the study and the handouts were very helpful.

There is not a magic number of good deeds over bad deeds you can reach to get into heaven. Most people will think that if there is a just God then if I am good more that bad I can get into Heaven. There is only one way into Heaven and that is to believe in Jesus Christ and that he died for our sins.

The terminology. What it really meant to have a ministry or to fellowship. I am still learning this.

The obvious things like the different names of and the different parts of the Bible. Understanding the translations of words. Also that the Old and New Testaments are really Old and New covenants can really put your study in focus. Adding the old history and of how things were done and traditions help understand certain things.

Learned that Christ and Church are interchangeable. That one kind of still blows my mind. Then that Christ is married to the church.

Very helpful when you pointed out different ways to study the bible. Psalms and Proverbs by adding 30 to the date. Also the word search with a concordance.

Genesis 12 is the most important chapter in the OT. It highlights the Lord’s blessing to Abraham and is the common thread throughout the OT.

Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Genesis 32:28 (After Jacob wrestled with the mysterious stranger, his adversary told him that henceforth his name would be Israel, meaning "he strives with God".) Researching revealed that in the Bible, a name change marks a turning point in a person’s life, a major alteration of character, direction or status. Jacob was a changed man, dedicating his life to the Lord.

Jacob’s twelve sons were symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel.

(The OT is filled with reference to the twelve tribes; i.e., 12 stones from the Jordan were placed in a circle to commemorate the miraculous crossing of Joshua and the Israelites into the land of Canaan. Each stone represented a tribe.)

Job is the oldest book in the Bible. It is also the first book of poetry in the OT. Its primary reflection is on suffering. It’s somewhat ironic that the location of Job in the Bible is right before Psalms. Psalms is the second book of poetry in the OT and reflects praise. Both are all about "Trusting God".

There were two books that were almost left out of the Bible. Ester because God’s name was not mentioned at all (but his presence was felt) and Song of Solomon because it was thought to be too erotic.

Enoch was the first to be raptured. Gen 5:24

Jesus shut the door. Gen 7:16

Different languages developed. Gen 11:9

Esther is the chronological end of the OT.

I learned that God desires a relationship with each one of us. This seems like a small concept but I didn’t think on this as God wanting a relationship with us, instead of us needing a relationship with God.

Factually, I learned how it was decided what would make up the Bible or God’s word and learned the meaning of canonized. Understanding how much scrutiny has gone into translation and inclusion/exclusion of books is reassuring as a somewhat scientifically minded person. On the other hand, I feel I have a deeper feeling that you must have faith to believe. The Bible is not written as a factual document, but rather as stories of God revealing himself to us and helping us understand what he wants from us.

All the details were new to me. Bible Study previously for me had been limited to unorganized random teaching from sermons and social Sunday School classes. Although even with my scant knowledge, I always felt the Holy Spirit was in me. I just may not have worded it that way. One of the early lectures talking about the Holy Spirit being in all Christians and that God and Jesus had both stated this, was very inspirational.

This class has taught me to slow down when reading and to meditate more on the wording chosen in the bible. Going in an orderly fashion straight through also helps as the stories of the Bible build on one another.

I also discovered the Bible could be exciting and invigorating when read with the right attitude and counting on the Holy Spirit to help with interpretation. I learned on the other hand I have a hard time keeping my "worldly beliefs" out of the interpretation and interpreting things the way I think they should be or want them to be.

All men and animals were vegetarians before the Flood.

Each of the tribes of Israel had a specific role in the tabernacle.

Many things were required for the Israelites to make sacrifices.

Since David was a man after God’s own heart, we all can be forgiven – where the saying’s my Grandmother used came from.

God had a complete plan – we are very fortunate not to live under the law – the Old Testament is totally integrated in the New Testament.

God desires to have a relationship with us, "the human race." A relationship where in we acknowledge him as being our lord and worship him because we love him so much. So much, as a dog humbles himself when he licks his Master’s hand.

Time and again, the sinful nature of man has caused great delay in God’s plan.

The Old Testament would have been a great deal shorter if man had allowed God’s plan to work instead of trying to accomplish things on his own and not having faith in God.

I never knew that Enoch was taken by God and did not experience death.

I never had thought of the possibility that he "lord" Abraham bargained with, on behalf of the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah, could have been the preincarnate Christ.

2. Identify and describe, in your own words, one person in the OT. What did you learn new about that person?

Joseph – he truly loved the Lord and followed Him

Joseph – he was a "type" of Christ in the OT

Joseph – the role that God played in his life; Joseph was faithful to God throughout his life and did not turn away from God, even in his darkest days.

David – was a great man of faith, yet he was still a man. He too fell into great sin and God destroyed what he had. But David did not turn from God, but instead he repented and God forgave him.

Moses – Besides seeming hesitant and unsure he showed great dedication, courage, and faith to do the things he did. I was saddened that he never got to the promise land after all that he did. The decision seemed harsh to me but I guess that’s not for me to understand or question.

David – How characteristic of God to choose the youngest son, the one short of stature, the one with a fine appearance, the one who tends sheep, the one who plays the harp, the one his father, Jesse, didn’t ever consider as a option for Samuel to anoint as king. The least likely with a heart after God. The story of David is very encouraging to read. What it teaches me is that it is possible for anyone to be a man or woman after God’s own heart – sin, character flaws, and all. The key is to trust Him completely, make His will priority, and quickly confess sin and repent. Praise the LORD, O my soul!

Joshua – I learned that I have a new favorite verse in the OT. Joshua 24:14-15 speaks volumes in today’s society. He gives the people a challenge and they vow to follow the Lord…..a test they will fail. I believe that these verses can be asked of any of us today….. and I plan to pass the test. I have two advantages over Joshus though. I already know Jesus and I get to know this test earlier in my life; Joshua was 110 when he said it.

Moses – a godly man and faithful to God. As much as God spoke to Moses, he also doubted himself, questioned God’s faithfulness to him, and complained to God. And yet, Moses had such a personal relationship with God he could plead with him to forgive and not destroy the stiff necked people.At Kadesh Barnea, Moses and the Israelites did not obey God and enter the promise land. Therefore, they wandered in the desert for 40 years and never entered into the promise land except Caleb and Joshua. There are consequences for our sins, but God is a loving, patient, and just God.

Abraham – God’s chosen one to give the promise for his people.

Jacob – chosen to continue God’s plan of building a nation. God’s plan was successful in spite of Jacob. Jacob was deceitful. He lied to his father on his father’s death bed. When faced with problems early on Jacob seemed to rely on his own resources (like I do sometimes) instead of turning to God. Jacob had several encounters with God during his life. In Genesis 32:9-12, Jacob comes to a deeper understanding of who God is. Chapter 32:22-30, God changes Jacob’s name to Israel which means struggles with God. Jacob actually physically struggles with God )a man, which is the pre-incarnate Christ). This fact is what I learned about Jacob. This struggle was the spiritual enlightenment of Jacob.

Daniel and his friends would rank right up there. They were young, willing to believe in their God enough to make the supreme sacrifice, rather than compromise what they felt to be right. It’s their idealism, respectfulness and uncompromising spirit of important things that makes their story dear to my heart. I can see why God entrusted so many secrets to Daniel. I did not realize the time line in Daniel’s life, how long he served, and the kings he served. That was something to see that he was called and respected at the age of eighty when the writing was on the wall.

Joseph - I think Joseph is a very inspirational person in the Old Testament. Many things happened to him and through it he was always very faithful and unyielding. He seemed to have great peace with that and would ultimately turn out OK for him. We know that it can happen like that today also. When you are that much committed to something, to the right things, there is a certain inner peace to it. If you are committed to learning about God and having a relationship with God, it can only be beneficial.

Joseph - Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel has a very interesting background in the OT. Joseph was his father’s favorite. He was a dreamer and this led to his demise when his brothers sold him into slavery. His hard work and success won him the respect of Potiphar and later when he was able to interpret dreams for Pharaoh, he became a man of high position in Egypt. After the seven years of good crops, came seven years of famine and Joseph was reunited with his brothers. The brothers did not recognize Joseph and his compassion for them could have been reversed, but Joseph was a forgiving man and brought his whole family to Egypt. Joseph’s actions were parallel to God’s forgiveness. The Lord was with Joseph throughout his journey, even when he was put in prison for being falsely accused. When Jacob died, his brothers again feared that he would turn against them, but Joseph reassured them in Genesis 50:19-21 "Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children."

Noah – a person that I don’t ever remember not knowing. He was such a part of my childhood learning in church that I feel as if I have always known about Noah and the flood. He was just amazing to me to have the faith and patience to keep doing what God told him to do despite what everyone around him was saying. I just can not imagine the task that was before him and worked diligently until it was finished.

Abraham – the son of Terah. In childhood, he was actually in a pagan’s family and worshipped other gods. God must have revealed himself to Abraham; Abraham didn’t have any source of minimal sources to otherwise learn of God. God promised Abraham: great nation, respect, blessing to him and to his family, protection, and through him a blessing for all nations. This Promise continues to play out through the Bible. Abraham is the father of three religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Joshua – an assistant to Moses and his successor. Led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Consistently asked for God’s direction. Will to learn. By following the example of Joshua --- we need to realize that whom ever we pattern our lives after will have an effect on us and that we need to make sure that that individual is committed to the same things we are committed to.

Moses – Your faith and obedience has to stay to the end.

Abraham – I had always thought of him as a poor, lonely, herder of sheep that had a love for God and whom God had his hand on. A man that stayed within the will of the Lord. I found out that while he did love the lord, and the Lord certainly loved and blessed Abraham, Abraham was human as we are today. He was easily led into sin, not trusting God’s ability to work miracles and by so doing not only did he sin against God but also created through Ishmael, his illegitimate son, the Arabs and Islam. What a "can of worms" this has been ever since even to today.

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3. What book of the OT do you enjoy the most? Why?

Exodus – filled with adventure, tragedy, miracles, God’s instructions and His plan for us all!

Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy – seeing God leading the Israelites in the wilderness and protecting them.

Psalms – easier to read and understand than a lot of books of the OT. I feel Psalms will help me strengthen my relationship with God by providing me a resource to deal with daily struggles.

Samuel – in this book, you see so much of the world as it is today. You see greatness of following God’s commands and the blessings that come with it. You also see that everyone makes mistakes and with true repentance, God forgives.

Exodus – I had no idea that Moses and the rest of the people went through so much for so long. It was also a little disappointing that all of these people had so much proof of the existence of God but still had a lack of faith.

Psalms – they help me to turn off the "noise in my brain" so I may focus on God. I remember that as a newborn baby Christian, I used Psalms to help me find the words to express my feelings for God in the worship and adoration of my prayers. It is a great book to go to when one is feeling melancholy. It is impossible to stay depressed after reading some praise Psalms, especially all 22 verses of Psalm 103! They help me to put the focus on God instead of myself and help me remember that it’s not "all about me."

Genesis – Wow, what a story. Not only does this book give all the background that one needs to understand the rest of the Bible, every story within the book can be read into deeper each time you read it. Why were we created? Why are we different from each other? Why do we want to ask questions about everything? Why are we mortal? Does God judge? The entire story of Joseph and how he knew that God always had a plan for him and never let the "bad times" get him down. He just used them to profess God’s awesome power.

Genesis – It is an action packed, suspenseful love story all in one. Full of shocking little life lessons. In the past when I would try to read Genesis, I would get to the Genealogy and lose interest. This was the first time I read Genesis all the way through and the Holy Spirit open my mind and heart, and gave me the understanding to enjoy Genesis to the fullest.

Genesis – I feel we are the same today as then, while God doesn’t come to us in a cloud, or voice, he still gives us direction if we only listen.

Ruth – because she is such a great role model for women. Her strength and faithfulness and moral character are all qualities that God instilled in her and I ask God to help me develop those same qualities in myself.

Exodus - It is in this book that the people move forward fleeing lives of persecution, see God’s miracles, receive the law that we all live by today, and see the human spirit good and bad, and realize how nothing has changed and how timeless the Bible is. Can you imagine watching everything playing out in Egypt, being packed ready to go, and see a cloud or pillar of fire either protecting you or guiding you. I could almost picture myself on that journey. I loved the story and felt right there with the people.

Proverbs - Although there are many great stories and books in the OT, I enjoy the practical wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs. Chapter 3 is one of my favorites. It not only brings blessings but also allows me to follow God’s direction to bless others. It also allows me to fine tune my motives and build on the integrity that lays the foundation for everyday decisions. The verses loved by so many including myself is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."

Isaiah – This class really just introduced me to Isaiah. It is a book that I have not studied very much. Now I am interested in learning more about it. I had no idea it covered the whole Bible in it and how it uncovers God’s judgment and salvation. I also liked Psalms and have began the daily reading commitment.

Job – deals with suffering. I think I liked studying this book the most because it helps me deal with people suffering physical and mental illnesses. In my job, I was always trying to find answers to why good people suffer and toying with the idea of whether suffering was a result of sin. I didn’t really believe so but I didn’t know how to defend that point of view. Studying Job helped me further my understanding and gave me a reference point to guide certain patient’s in their time of suffering. Job is also a reference I can use to lead them to their clergy or their religious mentors to get counseling during rough times and not to turn from their faith.

Genesis – because it is the book of new beginnings. It is the beginning of creation and also the beginning of the relationship between God and man.

Proverbs – they are a guide for daily living.

Genesis – there was so much in this book that showed me how much love and patience God has for us. It displays God’s first attempts at having the kind of relationship with us that he desired and desires. It shows how our sinful nature prevents us from grasping all the truly wonderful gifts God has to offer us and can delay or prevent that relationship from ever happening.

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4. In your OWN words, tell the OT story. (be brief: less than one page)

1. Beginning of man
2. Continued failings of mankind to accept God
3. Lesson plans for living God’s way
4. Guidance, assurance, fear, love, and forgiveness with hope to come.

How God is Sovereign over all events of the world. I can look back in my life and see now it was God who was working during the rough times in my life.

As a result of this year, God has prompted me to do an indepth study of the tabernacle and the meaning of each piece of the tabernacle.

I have learned to "stretch" my beliefs in several areas this year. Many times the study has caused me to rethink about what God says about subjects and not what the world says.

God has shown me this year some idols in my life and caused be to be at the crossroads to choose what I will do with those idols. It has made me think that I am just like the Israelites in trying to serve many "gods" in my life instead of the one true and only God.

Peace. I have acquired a peace about me that overtakes any worries that I may have pertaining to my future in this world. I do have worries, don’t get me wrong; but I now have a quiet peace that calms me knowing that my loved ones, and myself, will be long gone from this earth and finally home and that there is truly no reason to worry about ANYTHING here.

GOD IS IN CONTROL. One of the major obstacles throughout the OT is mankind’s own will and their failure to put their lives in God’s hands. Not much has changed today. I realized that I need to put my life in God’s hands. He already knows the outcome from me. I have begun to pray for God’s guidance in my daily life and have stopped trying to "fix" everything around me. When I realize that this life is but a small part of Life, I begin to look at my priorities closely. At the end of the day, money, status, and power do not define me. I would rather be defined as a Christian.

In the OT, I have seen why it is so important for us to share God’s word. It if for us to share this with everyone. Looking at the pattern, our world is once again falling into the time to start over. This time it will be when He returns to claim His people.

I learned that God’s anger is different from ours by a great degree. His is out of people doing and being wronged, and ours is out of selfishness.

I have learned an amazing amount in this class and my life, attitude, perspective and faith have all changed in the past few months since I have started this class. I am not sure what I have learned in the class in particular that has changed all of those things. I think that it has to be a combination of everything: God’s word, the people and attitudes of the people in our class. Specific things that I have learned and re-learned are God’s commandments. I am trying to make sure that they are more than just guidelines for my sake and for my son’s sake. I want to make sure that I bring him up in a way that God would want.

While studying Exodus 3 & 4, I was convicted while reading the series of 5 excuses Moses had for why he shouldn’t be the one to approach Pharaoh and then to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. But the part that hit me like a ton of bricks was Exodus 3:12. The sign from God would come AFTER the mission was completed! Holy Toledo! That explains why I haven’t heard or seen a "sign" as to what I’m supposed to be doing for Him. What do I expect? An e-mail? A letter via registered mail? This has definitely affected the way I live and think as a Christian. Have some spiritual common sense!

We were created to have a relationship with God. When you understand this as the overall TRUTH, it makes you look at everything differently. I must admit that I never looked at it that way. God wants to talk to us. He wants us to talk to him. He wants our questions, compaints, requests, and praise. Sometimes he just wants us to talk. I was always looking for a "reason" to pray. I found out that we don’t need a reason. He just wants to "talk". Once you know this, it puts everything into a new light. It actually makes everything seem easier. You don’t need to work to talk to God….just do it!

I now see God in more and more situations. It has become easier to talk to people about my relationship with the Lord because you can talk about him and to him as if he is my best friend…..wow, I guess it is because HE IS.

The biggest impact has been when the Israelites first approached the promise land. They were at Kadesh Barnea and did not trust and obey God and enter the promise land. As a Christian, we all have Kadesh Barnea experiences and if we haven’t we will. Well, I couldn’t concentrate on anything else the rest of the class. I wondered if I had, and if I haven’t am I really a Christian. I know Jesus died for my sins and was risen but sometimes I question my faith. I recalled a significantly negative incident with my marriage where I had to make a life changing decision. So there I was at Kadesh Barnea, do I take the road most traveled or do I trust in the Lord and go home to work on my marriage. I chose to trust in the Lord and he has blessed us in so many ways.

I have learned to accept God’s gift without a physical proof it exists.

This has made me be able to talk with God as if he is sitting right next to me and I know regardless of what it is, if I trust, he will never fail me. God is my closest friend. I am never alone.

Proverbs 9:11-12. The knowledge I have obtained this year in this class is a stepping stone in my path of gaining wisdom. For example, in studying the creation, my convictions are even stronger that God is the sole Creator and Sustainer of life and I am able to confidently convey this fact to other people. For gaining wisdom is the first step in leading people to God. I pray that God will continue to burn in me a desire for wisdom so that I may be useful to Him.

I realize more than ever that we are really responsible for our children and grandchildren. We need to be so cognizant of what we are teaching by thought, deed and action. We have a responsibility to bring these children and grandchildren to the Lord. Kings really brought home to me that we must pass on what we have and not just take for granted that they are going to understand without our help. It’s going to make a difference to pass along what we have learned. I had godly ancestors to pass along to me what is really important. It is not only my responsibility, but the greatest privilege to be able to present these dear souls to the Lord. God can redeem any situation as He proved over and over again in the Old Testament. As my mother prayed for me, it is my responsibility to pray and guide my children and grandchildren. I’m not going to miss a beat in bringing my grandchildren to church.

Just the opportunity to go through the bible like this and am very excited about the New Testament. In general I am thinking about Christ and his church more often. I did not realize all the references to Christ in the Old Testament. I can now have conversations with people that I could not have before. Also if you think that everyone is in this church with you then it gives you a better perspective on things. I have been praising God for the good times in stead of mainly just asking for things or making deals. Just continuing to grow in this perspective.

The answer to all our questions lies in the Word of God. Seeking God’s Word requires diligent reading of the Bible, which results in a better understanding of God’s plan for our lives. God revealed himself in many ways throughout the OT. Although we can now read his word and get answers to our questions, the OT people only had the word of others to put their trust in God. Their little faith brought about many disasters and God brought about his judgment. Today, our faith may be tested in our daily life, but our trust in the Lord can carry us through the most unbearable times.

I think all of the truths in Isaiah have made an impression on me. The accuracy of his writings that confirms over and over God’s power.

As a new Bible studier, I think everything I learn impacts my life. I think, however, that the biggest truth I learned was that I was trying to create my own God instead of learning about the true God. I was using concepts I had learned through church and personal life but really knew very little information to form this view. I don’t know how much different I act because of this but I do know I think differently.

I am in the process of learning to rest in the Lord and to look at things from an eternal perspective. We tend to get so involved in our day to day routines that we tend to lose sight of the important things. How is our relationship with the Lord today? Have we made time for Him today? Am I totally trusting? Am I following His direction?

The story of David and his dysfunctional family not only shows that God can love us all but it also let’s me know that I can never tell what’ in a person’s heart. That’s why judgment is best left to our great and loving God.

God has a plan. In some way, I am part of that plan. I need to be aware of this and keep my eyes and ears open and seek his will in my life.

While not "there" yet, I have become a better listener, more compassionate and willing to help others when I can. Also, reflecting on how patient God has been with me and mankind in general, I have been working on becoming more patient with my family and those I work with as well as that fellow who cuts me off in traffic on the way to work when I am running late.