INTRODUCTION
Read the scriptures.  Write down what they say to you. After you
write your own thoughts you may want to read mine which are 
written below.  These are my personal thoughts and 
observations.  How I feel about these scriptures and how they 
relate to me in my life.  Write your thoughts first so that you 
won't be swayed to think the way I do.  Everyone should study 
God's word and apply it to their own life.  What I might consider 
important might not be what you consider important, because 
everyone has their own set of preconceived notions and their 
own problems.  Try to see the word of God as it applies to you 
personally and honestly.

Day #1
Read Genesis 1:1-3:24
     God all powerful creator of the universes and everything contained therein.
     This same God is my Father.  When he created man and placed him in the garden of Eden with Eve his wife, I was created at that moment too.  The breath of life He breathed into them He breathed into me.
     When God created light He did it for me; for my personal use. He made water, land, vegetation, animals and all things He made He made for me.
     He made ME in His image.
     He gave ME dominion over nature.
     He told ME to be fruitful and increase in number.
     When he did these things for me He made me responsible for protecting, caring for and being a steward of these things.
     God worked 6 days to prepare a world for me to live in and He rested.  This is an example for me to use my life for Him.
     When God created Eve from Adam's rib He created me.  As He made Eve for a helpmeet for Adam He made me for a helpmeet for Luther.  God knew us before we were and knew we were meant for each other.  He arranged our meeting.  Just as He arranged Adam and Eves union.
     As in Adam and Eve's life Satan has tempted us in many ways over the years, but he hasn't been able to undo the oneness God intended for us.  Satan appeared in our life in many differest forms.  We may have been tempted, we may have fallen, but our love and our faith in God has sustained us.
     Sin causes shame, fear, blame.  We've faced them all squarely with God's strength and we have been victorious. Praise God!

Day #2
Read Genesis 4:1-5:32
     Adam and Eve's family unlike ours had problems - very serious problems.  One son hated another to the point of murdering him.  Our children had their sibling rivalrys, but never hatred.  Over looking a few minor differences our children's upbringing was very easy.  We tried to instill in them the same value system our parents had instilled in us.
     We are very proud of all five of our children and twelve grandchildren.  We always taught them that ..."sin is crouching at the door; it desires to have you, but you must master it..." (Gen 4:7b).
     Like Adams great, great, great, greatgrandson Enoch, we pray that it can be said of each of us that we "walked with God" (Gen. 5:24) throughout our lives.   
     Father guide my steps that I might be an example to my family and acceptable in your sight.

Day #3
Genesis 6:1-9:29
     It is hard to think of God, who is all powerful, almighty,
all knowing, wise and ever present, being grieved, regretting something He had done.  Gen 6:6 says "His heart was filled with pain because of man's sin". 
     It hurts me to think that my actions could cause God pain, but they do.  I hope God was never grieved that He made me and as Noah did I hope I find favor in God's eyes (Gen. 6:8-10).  Because of the blood of Christ, I too can be found righteous and blameless.  
     God, I pray that when you look at me, you see the righteous person I am through your Son Jesus Christ and not the sinner I once was before I met Him.  
     Also like Noah I must obey God's commands exactly. Noah was commanded to build a boat to God's exact specifications.  He was told how to build it and what to put in it.  The ark is like the church, it has been built to God's exact specs.  I must be in the church to be saved, just as Noah and his family had to be in the ark.  All the world outside the Church is perishing in sin, just as those outside the ark were perishing in water.
     God, I pray that when you look at me, you see the righteous person I am through your Son Jesus Christ and not the sinner I once was before I met Him.  Thank you Lord for the Church.

Day #4
Read Gen 11:1-32
     Genealogy is important in the old testament in that it whows the continuing influence of God in the life of His people.
     Shem the son of Noah is the progenator of Abram and therefore the progenator of Christ.
     Abram is chosen by God to be the father of the Hebrew nation.  Why abram was chosen isn't mentioned.  Why God choses anyone person over another to carry out His will is a question without an answer.  Because He is god is as close as we can get.
     Evidently, Abram's willingness to go when God called stems from the fact that the stories of creation and the flood were handed down through the generations verbally.  Abram shows great faith in God by believing the promise given to him before he has even seen the land God is sending him to.  Abram's family was basically nomadic so they were use to picking up and moving from place to place to pasture there flocks.  But this was different.
God was telling them to go.
     Has God chosen me to do a work for Him.  What if he asked me to leave the comfort of my familiar surroundings to go to an unknown place?  What has God promised me?  Why would God pick me to do anything?
     I have always felt that God is guiding my life.  That I have a special calling.  Maybe this calling will be carried out by my descendants. I may never know in what way this is carried out.  But I have faith that God is working through me and that through our family will come a blessing.  Will one of our children's children become a preacher, a missionary, Christian teacher.  Whatever it is I have faith in God and will continue to pray for our children and grandchildren.  God will take care of the rest.
     God, thy will be done in all things Lord.  Help me to mold our children's children into what you would have them to be by my life.  Guide us Lord, guard us and protect us from the evil one.

Day #5
read Gen 12:1-14:20
     Abram wasn't perfect.  He show his humanity when they move to Egypt temporarily.  He lies about his wife and gets her to lie too.  It could have cost him dearly, but God was still with them and protected them.
     This is encouraging to me because I am not perfect either.  Whenever I take off on my own and try to do things my way, I get in trouble, but God is always with me and protects me.  Somehow He always pulls me out.  Praise God for his goodness!
     Abram's life continues with his separation of his and his nephew's families and possessions.  His Nephew, Lot, choses the lands to the East toward Sodom and Abram takes the land to the west near Hebron.
     Abram recues Lot and his family from invaders.  He meets the King of Salem Melchizedek, who was a priest of the Most High God. Abram recognized that this was a person who believed in the same God he did.  He gave him a 10th of all he had.  This person is shrouded in mystery, some say it was Christ, some an angel and some God himself.
     God, thank you for forgiving me and for accepting me just as I am.  Thank you for showing Abram's human side.  Help me not to lie.  Guard my words.  Help me to think before I speak.

Day #6
Read Gen 15:1-17:27
     God'c comforting works to Abram "do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward." are a comfort to me also.  God protects me and mine and the reward I seek is eternal life with Him in Glory.  "Abram believed the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness."  I believe the Lord's promises and it shall be credited to my account also as righteousness.  Abram asked for a sign which god gave him.  I don't need a sign because I have God's word in the Bible telling me these things.  I have the old textament stories of how God dealt with His people directly.  How He protected, lead and kept His promises.  I know he does the same for me.  Abram and Sarai took things in their own hands and Abram had a son by Hagar.  This may not have been God's plan, but He used it for his purpose.  Abram needed to learn more patience and faith.  
     Help me, Lord, to learn to have more patience and faith.

Day #
Read 2Sam. 5:13-16; 12:24,25; 13:1-14:24; 1Chr 3:4c-9; 14:3-7
     Absolom's revenge for his sister Tamar's rape.
     David had many children.  His son Solomon, born of Bathsheba 
was favored by God from birth.  But this is the story of David's 
son Absolom whose sister Tamar was raped by their half brother 
Amnon.  Amnon was madly in love with Tamar and lusted for her.   
He devised a plan to get her, but after he forced her he decided 
he hated her and sent her away in disgrace.  Absolom and David 
both were furious with Amnon, but neither did anything about it 
at that time.  Why?  Why was he allowed to get away with such a 
crime against this young girl?  Absolom waits 2 years before he 
avenges his sister's treatment and then he goes into exile from 
David for 3 years.  Absolom's punishment for killing his sister's 
rapist was greater then the punishment of the rapist, which was 
none.  He was not ever even reprimanded by his father.  Poor 
Tamar.  The scriptures call her a desolate woman, totally 
disgraced.  No one, not even her father, did anything about it.  
Only Absolom cared.  I don't understand the attitude toward women 
at that time.  Girls are not even listed among the children 
unless they figure into a story such as this.  I am so glad times 
have changed and that girls are treated on an equal basis as boys 
in families and inheritance.  I have 4 girls and one boy.  They 
are all equally important to me.  I would never tolerate the 
mistreatment of one of my daughters.
  Dear Heavenly Father.  Protect my children from abuse of any 
kind.  Protect my grandchildren from abuse.  Keep them all in the 
shelter of your wings.  Stay the hand that might hit them and the 
tongue that might lash out at them.  In Jesus name, amen!

Day #
Read 2Sam 14:25-16:14
     David's son Absolom was handsome in appearance.  He had long 
flowing thick hair and his body was without blemish.  I imagine 
Absolom to be very self centered, egotistical and spoiled.  David 
loved his children.  He was angry with Absolom for killing Amnon 
(even though Amnon deserved to die for raping Tamar, Absolom's 
sister) David and Absolom didn't see each other for 5 years 
before they are finally reconciled.  Absolom becomes a politician 
and begins turning the hearts of the people away from David.  He 
is so successful that David and his faithful followers escape 
from Jerusalem and Absolom sets himself up as king.  Ps 5 David 
says "...you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on 
me and lift up my head."  David had faith that God would deliver 
him, but he was ready to accept whatever was God's will.  His own 
son, whom he loved rose up against him, some of his faithful 
followers left him, a man cursed him and threw rocks and dirt at 
him as he left Jerusalem.   David took all of this because he 
knew God would take care of him.  He didn't worry or lose any 
sleep.
     God help me to be like David here and not worry or lose 
sleep over my enemies attacks.  I know you will sustain me and 
keep me safe.  You are my shield.  You lift up my head.  Thank 
you Lord.  In Jesus name, amen!

Day #
Read 2Sam 16:15-19:4
Death of Absolom
     Absolom, the arrogant son of David, made himself king after 
David and those loyal to him left Jerusalem.  Absolom moved in.
But God was still with David.  In the battle between the armies 
of David and Absolom, Absolom's troops were defeated and his head 
became wedged in a tree branch where he was left dangling.  His 
men had all been killed or retreated and no one was there to help 
him.  David had ordered Joab the commander of his army to be 
gentle with Absolom.  David loved his son, but Joab killed 
Absolom as he hung there and threw his body in a hole then 
covered it with rocks.  When David is told of this he mourns and 
cries "O my son Absolom! Oh Absolom my son, my son."
     No matter what my children do to me, I will still love them. 
They are precious to me.  I punished them when they were younger 
and disobeyed, but I did it in a loving way.  All of our children 
have grown into good useful adults and have children of their 
own.  I see the same love and discipline being used by them.  
They are raising good children too.  It warms my heart to see 
this happening and I thank God everyday for my children and 
grandchildren.  "Thank you God for our family.  Be with them and 
help them to remain always loyal and faithful to you.  In Jesus 
name, amen!

Day #
Read 2Sam 19:5-20:26
Absolom the rebel is dead
    Absolom is dead and David is still in mourning for him.  Joab 
warns David that his army was feeling rejected by him.  Absolom 
was the enemy.  They were sent out to fight him and now the king 
won't even talk to them.  Joab told David "It's like you wish we 
were all dead and Absolom was alive."  So David comes out and 
things begin to get back to normal.  The people of Judah and 
Israel both want David to come back to Jerusalem.  So the plans 
were made for his return.  David forgives those who wronged him. 
He blesses those who helped him.  Some of the men from the 
northern tribes were offended that they weren't the ones to bring 
David back to Jerusalem.  One man, Sheba, rebeled and became the 
leader of the army of the Northern Tribes.  Joab kills Amasa who 
had lead Absolom's army and then he went after Sheba.  The people 
of the city where Sheba was hiding realized that their city was 
about to be attacked and destroyed so they killed Sheba to save 
their city and that rebellion was put down.  Things returned to 
normal in Jerusalem.  
      David was a good, wise king.  Not perfect.  He made 
mistakes - Bathsheba was one.  But David always was repentent.  
He always returned to the Lord totally contrite and humble.  God 
says of David later that "he is a man after my own heart."  What 
a wonderful epiteth.  David was not arrogant.  He took the 
responsibility and blame for his sin.  Unlike Saul who always 
pointed his finger at someone else.  
      God help me to be more like David and more like Christ.  In Jesus name, amen!

Day #
Read 2Sam 21:1-14; 24:1-25; 1Chr 21:1-22:19; Ps 30
      Some Old Testament stories leave me more puzzled then 
enlightened.  Why was what they wanted to do to Saul's 
descendants any better then what Saul wanted to do to them?  Both 
were horrible to me.  What was the terrible sin David committed 
in counting the fighting men of Israel?  Did it show a lack of 
trust in God?  His punishment was severe.  Seventy thousand men 
of Israel fell over dead.  It is not for me to question.  God's 
ways are not man's ways.  God sees the whole picture - past, 
present and future.  I only see dimly the past and present.  I am 
hung up in a time frame of my meager existance.  God has no time 
frame limiting him.  He is all knowing, everywhere present, and 
all powerful.
      Because the death angel of the Lord was stopped at the 
threshing floor of Ornan, David built and altar there to worship 
God.  This site was picked for the temple to be built.  David 
wasn't allowed to build the temple, but his son Soloman was given 
that task.  David made plans, gathered materials, enlisted the 
help of the people of Israel.  He wrote the beautiful Ps 30 in 
which he says "Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his 
holy name.  For his anger last only a moment, but his favor lasts 
a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes 
in the morning."
      Dear Lord, you know that I have wept a lot lately because 
of my daughter Amy's situation.  I pray for her with every breath 
and for my precious grandchildren.  My heart is breaking that I 
can't see them and hold them. Keep them in the shadow of your 
wings.  Hide my tears in your bottle.  I love you, O God, help me 
to serve you better each day.  I rejoice in your continued 
blessings.  In Jesus name, amen!

Day #
Read 1Chr 23:1-26:11
Levites Duties Detailed
     God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  So why do we 
not still have things set up the way they did in these passages?
Who are the Levites in our churches? What is our temple?  Who are 
our priest?  Why don't we see musical instruments used in the New 
Testament worship?  Who are the gatekeepers?
      Just as the duties of the priest changed here from what God 
had told Aaron when they first started off, under the Christian 
dispensation we are given new duties and ways of worshiping.  The 
temple was the permanent dwelling place of God then.  My body is 
the temple of God and his dwelling place through the Holy Spirit 
now.  The Israelites were no longer nomads.  They didn't need to 
have Levites take down and put up the tabernacle or carry the ark 
of the covenant.  My body is my earthly tabernacle.  It goes 
wherever I go.  When I die I will shed this earthly tabernacle 
and when Jesus comes again I will receive a heavenly form.  
Jesus, my High Priest, is my one time for all time sacrifice for 
sin.  I don't need an earthly priest to offer burnt sacrifices.  
My sacrifice to God is a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable and 
perfect.  My voice and my heart are my musical instrument.  Every 
Christian has a voice and a heart.  I am to make melody in my 
heart to the Lord.  He knows my heart and if I am in tune with 
his will.  My voice can be lifted to him in praise whether in the 
midst of the congregation or driving down the street.  In the 
same way my prayers are heard by him and are a sweet savor to 
him.
      If my body is God's temple and the Levites job was to take 
care of the temple then am I a "Levite" because I take care of my 
body, keeping it pure and untouched by the world?  If God lives 
in my heart does whatever I put into my body and my mind effect 
the temple?  I must keep filth out and pray for forgiveness when 
the world worms it's way in, which it does daily.  Therefore I am 
the gatekeeper of my temple, judging what things may go in and 
what things to keep out.
      Thank you God for my body.  Help me to take good care of it 
and allow only good, pure things to enter it.  I know that it is 
wearing out and achy and will one day die just like the temple 
was destroyed this body will one day disentergrate into dust, but 
my soul and spirit will survive and be clothed in a new body, 
indistructible.  Guide me, O Lord, in my study of your word.  
Help me to gain new insights each time I read it.  I praise your 
holy and wonderful name and hold you up as my king, my sovreign, 
my savior through your Sons great gift.  In his name I pray, 
amen!

Day #
Read 1Chr. 26:12-29:22
      Continuing the thought here of yesterdays lesson David 
divides up the duties and appoints officers, military leaders, 
fighting men, overseers of all the possessions of Israel.  David 
was king for 40 years and now he sees the end of his life 
approaching.  So he names his son Solomon to be king by the will 
of God.  Also God chose Solomon to build the temple.  
Instructions were given to David, but Solomon was to do the 
actual building.
      I have always loved 1 Chr 28:9,10 David's charge to 
Solomon. "...acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him 
with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind, for the Lord 
searches every heart and understands every motive behind the 
thoughts.  If you seek him he will be found by you; but if you 
forsake him, he will reject you forever.  Consider now, for the 
Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary.  Be strong 
and do the work."  In 1Chr 28:20,21 David continues "...Do not be 
afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God is with you."
      Every article of the temple is detailed down to the 
smallest item.  Nothing is unimportant. David said in 28:19, "All 
this I have in writing from the Hand of the Lord upon me, and he 
gave me understanding of the details of the plan."  He challenged 
the people to stand with Solomon and to contribute generously 
with they did willingly.  1Chr 29:9 "...for they had given freely 
and wholeheartedly to the Lord."
      1Chr 29:10-20 is a beautiful song of praise by David 
recognizing God as the giver of all good things and humbly 
thanking him.  He says "I know my God that you test the heart and 
are pleased with integrity."  
      Lord, test my heart, cleanse me and make me clean and pure 
in your sight. In Jesus name, amen!

Day #
Read Psalms 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11
       David wrote many Psalms.  I am so glad they were 
preserved by God for our reading.  David teaches us what to 
pray and how to pray.  David believed in God and trusted in Him 
completely.  He prayed expecting an answer.  There were real 
dangers awaiting David at every turn.  As King he was 
vulnerable.  His enemies were many.  These 5 Psalms were 
written by him for protection, deliverance, refuge, relief and 
security.  He praised the Lord, he wasn't afraid to ask for help 
or to confess his sin.  David knew from childhood to kingship 
where his strength came from.  He wasn't afraid to pray for 
victory over his enemies.
      For what should I pray and how do I pray?  Following 
David's example isn't a bad idea.  If I believe and trust in God 
as David did I will pray expecting an answer and not be surprised 
when it comes.  I don't have enemies in the same way that David 
did -  Goliath, the Philistine army, my own son, but the New 
Testament says that we wage war against unseen enemies.  Satan 
and his hinchmen.  They might not seek to destroy my physical 
life, but they do try to destroy my spiritual life, my faith, my 
purity.  They attack at my weakest point and don't give up.  I 
need to pray for protection, deliverance, refuge, relief and 
security.  I should never cease to praise God wherein lies my 
strength.  I should not be afraid to ask for help and confess my 
sin and pray for victory in my life.  God has given me the only 
weapon I need - His word and the armor Eph. 6:10-20 and a whole 
army of heavenly host ready to go to battle for me.
      "Thank you God for arming me so well.  Help me as I read 
and study your word to become an expert  'marksman'.  Help me 
to remember that I am not alone in this war.  You are by my side, 
the angels are marching before me and you have hundreds of 
saints praying for my success.  What more could I possibly need?
In Jesus name, amen!"

Day #
Read Psalms 13,17, 23, 26, 28 and 31
        David poured out his heart and soul to the Lord in these 
6 Psalms.  He prayed for salvation from enemies, rescue from 
enemies, protection and guidance as a shepherd, redemption of 
the righteous, punishment of wicked, relief from pursuers and 
slanderers.
      I have picked out the passages that were especially 
important to me:
       In Psalms 13 he says "...I trust in your unfailing love, 
my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord for 
he has been good to me."
      In 17 "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the 
shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me..."
      Of course, the 23rd is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise 
for all the guidance and protection God had given David. It is 
one of the best known and most oft quoted Psalms.  It would be 
hard for me to pick out a part that means more to me than any 
other.  In line with the subject though when he says "I will fear 
no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they 
comfort me." Gently like a shepherd God leads me.  When I stray 
from the path He seeks me and lovingly brings me back into the 
way.  
      In Psalms 26 "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart 
and my mind for your love is ever before me, and I walk 
contiunally in your truth."
      In 28 "the Lord is my strength and my shield my heart trust 
in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give 
thanks to him in song."
      In 31 "Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O 
Lord, the God of truth." and "In the shelter of your presence 
you hide (me) from the intriques of men."
      As I read back through these 6 or 7 passages, I am reminded 
that:  I trust in Him, 
       I rejoice in Him, 
       I sing to Him
       I am special to Him,
       He hides me,
       I have no fear,
       I am comforted,
       I walk in His truth,
       He is my strength and shield,
       He helps me, 
       I am joyful,
       I give thanks in song,
       My spirit is in His hands,
       I am redeemed,
       I am sheltered,
       I am hidden.
       "Thank you for your continued love and protection and 
guidance.  When I stray, Lord, thank you for gently nudging me 
back into line.  Help me always to be sensitive to your nudges.
In  Jesus name, amen!"