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GENESIS 1:1-3:24
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Welcome to the beginning of our Chronological Bible journey in 2011! Today we begin the book of Genesis! Below is a fresco of "The Creation of Adam" by the Italian Renaissance painter Michelangelo, from the year 1510:
~Genesis~
Author: Moses
Date: ~1420 B.C.
Content: The book of Genesis was written to explain how everything began; in fact, the very title Genesis means “origin” or “beginning”. It explains that God created the universe, how man was created and placed in a perfect environment, how sin began, and how God provided salvation for lost man. The beginning of human history is described, the beginning of arts and crafts, how human languages began, and where the various nations came from. The focus then shifts to the beginning of the Hebrew people with Abraham, followed by the histories of Isaac, Jacob and his sons, and the book ends with Joseph in Egypt.
Theme: The main idea that runs through the book is that although God made everything good, man’s sin has spoiled it. God has not given up, but is now in search of man to save him. The overall control of God is stressed, and special attention is given to how God directs history for the good of his people and their salvation. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 1) A wonderful commentary on the book of Genesis by Bob Deffinbaugh is at this link. Below is more art from Michelangelo - this is a marble statue of Moses, the author of Genesis, made in the year 1515 in Italy:
Moses is the author/compiler of the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch, or the books of the Law. It is believed that these five books were written by Moses during Israel's 40 years in the desert after the exodus from Egypt - which was likely between 1446 B.C. and 1406 B.C. The book of Genesis is foundational to understanding the rest of the Bible. It is a book of relationships - between God and his creation; between God and humans; and between humans themselves. In Genesis, God pledges his love and faithfulness to humans through covenants. It is a narrative that continually demonstrates faith.
In today's Genesis readings we read about the Creation account and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. There is so much happening in today's readings, that this daily blog will not do it all justice... (I do hope you have the One Year Bible Companion book or another commentary to dive deeper in to today's readings - I'd type more but this post is already a bit long as you'll see below... :) The 6 days of creation have main 2 lines of thought by various scholars: 1. they were 6 literal 24 hour days or 2. they were 6 figurative days of an undefined timeframe, which could even be millions of years. Check out some great information on the Creation account in our Genesis readings today at bible.org at this link. Below is a wonderful piece of art from Pat Marvenko Smith titled "The Creation" - you'll note this piece shows all 6 days of creation and what was created on each day, going from the left to the right:
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
Today we read this incredibly powerful verse in Genesis chapter 1 verse 27: "So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them." Do you believe that you are made in the image of God? Is this a powerful thing to reflect upon? What might this mean for your life this new year, knowing that you are made in the image of God? Does this give you a sense of possibility for your life? A sense that you are made for a great purpose in this life?
Chapter 2 verse 3 is beautiful: "And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from his work of creation." A day of rest. One day a week. If God did this, think we should too? :) 6 days of work and play and 1 day each week of resting in God. I confess I like the concept a lot more than I actually put it into practice. Perhaps 2011 can be a year of new beginnings where a Sabbath day of rest enters our lives each week? How are you doing on taking a Sabbath? I love this image below of God resting on the 7th day:
One quick note from our readings today about the location of the Garden of Eden. It is believed to have been near where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet, in what is now southern Iraq. Below is a very high level map:
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 titled "The Meaning of Man: His Duty and His Delight" is at this link.
In Genesis chapter 3 we read about The Fall. Chapter 3 is a foundational chapter of the Bible to understand. From this chapter our history goes forward with sin passed on to every man and woman through the seed of Adam. This sets the stage for God's pursuit of men and women in Genesis, followed by the Exodus from Egypt, the Laws, the judges, the kings, the prophets - and ultimately the final solution to the Fall: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (ultra-Cliff Notes version here... you'll get the full version of all of this over the next 364 days... :-) It is through belief in Jesus as Messiah that we are saved from what began here in Genesis chapter 3. Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of Adam and Eve with the serpent in today's readings:

In verses 1 through 4 in today's readings we are first introduced to the devil in the Bible, who clothes himself as a snake. The devil is often referred to as the "great deceiver", and in this chapter you can see why. I think an important thing for us to realize today is that the devil continues to work in our world. He continues to deceive men and women. And, unfortunately, he is good at what he does. I have a hunch that probably a few people reading this blog do not believe in the existence of the devil. I will admit that early in my Christian walk, I did not believe in the devil's existence. However - thankfully, I was discipled by a godly man who counseled me through Bible passages that prove his existence - chapter 3 of Genesis certainly being one. In fact, one interesting thing my friend said to me at this early stage of my Christian walk was this - "The devil's greatest trick is to make you think that he does not exist." This is a very powerful statement. Please consider it. Why would this be his greatest trick? Because if you believe there is no devil, then you may believe there is no evil, and you then may believe that there is really no sin or nothing you can do wrong, and then you may come to believe that there is no moral code. You see the slippery slope of not acknowledging and realizing the existence of the devil and evil? I hesitated to post up this picture below - I really don't like it at all - but I think it's appropriate for this conversation. It reminded me of the temptation of our modern day addictions - like pornography or drugs etc. - the apple perhaps looks tasty at first glance, but you can't bite the apple without getting bit by the snake and getting poisoned...

The other problem of not realizing the existence of the devil or evil is that you can more easily be tempted and enslaved to bad habits and sins. So - I know I'm going on quite a bit here about this point - I just want to encourage you to ask yourself - do you believe in the existence of the devil? Do you believe in the existence of evil? Of temptation? Of sin? There is a remedy and solution to protect and keep you from all of this - and that is Jesus. But, it's possible that you may not run into the loving and saving arms of Jesus if you don't believe in the devil or evil. Second to last point - a book that did help open my eyes in a big way to existence of evil in our world today is Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness". It is a Christian book and one that I believe will really bring home the seriousness of evil and temptation in our world today. You may want to check it out if you have questions on all of this. Also, C.S. Lewis, in the intro to his incredible book about evil and temptation in our lives called "The Screwtape Letters" writes this: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight." A great quote... and a great reminder to not have an excessive nor unhealthy interest in the devil or evil - this is of course extremely dangerous! And the bottom line is of course to turn your eyes and gaze toward God and Jesus for ultimate protection - and I do believe reading the Bible each day is one of the best ways to do exactly this!


In verses 12 and 13 we see Adam and Eve passing the buck on why they sinned. Check out Adam's words in verse 12: ""but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it." At first glance you might think that Adam is just blaming Eve in this verse, but note that he is also blaming God! "the woman YOU gave me..." Adam was blaming God and Eve - anybody but himself. How often do we do this in our lives? Blame others for our mistakes? The painting immediately below I think captures Adam's words and expression in verse 12 above perfectly!

Verse 15 is a prophetic verse that carries forward to Jesus: "From now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."" This last sentence refers to Jesus ultimately defeating the devil through his life, death on the cross, and resurrection!

Below is "The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise" by American Neoclassical Painter Benjamin West from the year 1791:

Worship God - I typically post up a worship video that relates to our daily readings on this section of the blog. Today, reading about God's creation of our world in Genesis reminded me of the Third Day & Caedmon's Call song, "God of Wonders." Here's a great live version of this song, introduced by Michael W. Smith, and then wrapped up with a beautiful version of "Agnus Dei." Enjoy, and don't be afraid to Worship God right now along with this video! (Watch for Steven Curtis Chapman worshiping in the audience near the end of the video too!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIYa8M4whGY
Do you personally know our God of Wonders? Click here to meet Him!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27 NLT
Prayer Point: Based on Genesis 1:27 above, will you pray today for your family, co-workers/students, and others in your community that you will see the image of God in each of them them? Also, will you pray for those you know who are made in the image of God, and yet are not in a saving personal relationship with Jesus? Will you pray that they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior this year?
Comments from You and Question of the Day: As today is our first day together on the Chronological Bible journey in 2011, I thought I'd post up a Chronological Bible "roll-call." This is an opportunity for each of us to click on the "Comments" link below and let everyone know a few things about ourselves, as we'll be journeying through the Word together over the coming year. So here's the roll-call questions: 1. Have you read the entire Bible before? 2. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2011? 3. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible? 4. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself? 5. City and/or country you live in? (if you're comfortable sharing this - you don't need to.) 6. Do you have a blog or website link that you want to share with everyone? Thanks for participating in the roll-call! :) Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
I have not read the Bible in it's entirety and am looking forward to soaking in more of God's plan for humanity. Romans 8:28 is my favorite verse. I live 50 miles west of Phila. and I am a rabid Eagles fan.
Posted by: James | January 01, 2011 at 06:25 AM
Have read most of the Bible over the last 3 years and want to read it in order for better understanding. Philippians 4:6,7
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Queensland, Australia.
Father and step-father of 14 children and an Opa of 20 grandkids - love them all.
Posted by: Henry | January 01, 2011 at 07:04 AM
This will be my third year reading through the Bible with Mike. I was introduced to his One Year Bible Blog four years ago but was inconsistent for the first year, learned some discipline, and have been here every morning since!!
I love reading the book of John and my favourite verses are Jeremiah 29:11-13.
I live in Guelph, Ontario Canada.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Jane | January 01, 2011 at 07:10 AM
Not sure what my favorite verse would be in the bible but while reading today -Genesis 3:21 caught my attention: -The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. They disobeyed God and yet God in His mercy clothed them. I am looking forward to reading the bible Chronologically in 2011. I live in Shirley, New York.
Posted by: Debrah | January 01, 2011 at 09:30 AM
I have read the Bible before and have tried the Chronological order, but got distracted by Mike's blog :) This year I am excited to do both. Ephesians 1:3-10 says it all for me: Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ. My daughter has expressed interest in following along with me this year so I pray she does. Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Posted by: Ray | January 01, 2011 at 10:52 AM
I read thru the Bible for the first time last year. I am SO very grateful for Mike's blogs! They make reading interesting & fun. I am VERY excited to read thru the Bible chronologically this year. The Bible is just so interesting! My fav verses are Jeremiah 29:11-13 & Ephesians 3:20. I also LOVED the entire book of Daniel which I had never read in its entirety til last year with the reading plan! I am a full-time mom who loves Jesus & her family. I live in the States in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee. Yay for 2011!!
Posted by: Robin | January 01, 2011 at 12:06 PM
1.Have you read the entire Bible before?
A. No I have never read the entire bible. I have read bits and pieces here and there. To be honest I have not had my bible out for years.
2.What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2011?
A. Actually starting and finishing something for once in my life would be good but also to get an understanding of the bible. I have so many questions
3.What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible?
A.I don't have one YET
4.What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
A. ???????????????????????????????
5.City and/or country you live in?
A.Park Rapids, MN, USA
6.Do you have a blog or website link that you want to share with everyone?
A.http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=100000119839020
7.Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?
A.26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
WHY DOES HE REFER TO 'US' AND 'OUR'?
God bless,
CHARLOTTE
Posted by: CHARLOTTE WILLSON | January 01, 2011 at 01:10 PM
Thanks to Mike and the One Year Bible Blog I read the entire Bible through in 2010, never missing a day. I wanted to be able to finish this because when I started reading faithfully, I received a peace that I never had before. My family was and still is in a turmoil. Praise the Lord, I am not in that turmoil. I just pray for them. I Love the Lord!!
I am looking forward to reading the Chronological Bible. The one that I just finished was the One Year Bible which was four books at a time.
I really liked the book Zechariah. It so mirrored Revelation to me.
I love to read and currently in a college Theology class. This I have not been faithful in. My goal this year is to buckle down and complete my degree.
I live in Elkhart Indiana.
Thanks Mike for all you do.....you are on my prayer list.
Have a blessed New Year,
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | January 01, 2011 at 06:27 PM
Thanks for this awesome study!
1. I have read the entire Bible a couple of times.
2. Simply feel a need to get to know more of God.
3. Psalms and Proverbs.
4. Can't think of anything at the moment.
5. U.S.A.
6. How generous God has been with us from the very beginning.
Posted by: Ester | January 01, 2011 at 09:11 PM
1. Have you read the entire Bible before? No I have not… but every year I have always promised to do so. As I was looking through the internet for a reading plan, I ran into this blog an after reading the first day’s reading and reading through the blog, I have to say that I am hooked!! Thanks Mike!
2. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2011? I am looking forward to drawing closer to God and to take our relationship to the next level.
3. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible? No favorite book or verse yet but I am sure that will change sometime in 2011.
4. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself? My name is Barbara. I am a people person and love making new friends.
5. City and/or country you live in? I live in Simi Valley, California in the USA
6. Do you have a blog or website link that you want to share with everyone? I am in the process of starting my own Virtual Assistant business called Projects, Your Way and once I get my website up, I will share it with you all.
7. What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? I was especially touched by the topic of whether the devil exists or not… Up until a few years ago, I did not believe that he existed and through some turmoil in life, God showed me that the devil does exist!!! I had my guard down and boy did the “great deceiver” deceive me!! Now, I know that I need God to guide and protect me from going down that slippery slope.
Posted by: Bjwaite | January 01, 2011 at 10:45 PM
1. No, this is my 1st time to read the entire Bible (my 11 & 13 year old sons are also reading the Word in it's entirety this year).
2. Drawing nearer to God & growing in Godly wisdom.
3. I have many favorite verses, but I always love Zephania 3:17 (my current memory verse is Psalm 130:5, so it's high up on my list this year).
4. Fun fact? I can talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere... but I absolutely hate talking before a large group. =0)
5. Pampa, Texas, USA
6. I don't have one of my own to share but my two favorites are:
http://blog.lproof.org/ & http://myoneword.org/
7. I love how that even though God shows discipline, He also shows love through His grace & mercy.
Posted by: Sheila | January 02, 2011 at 12:35 AM
I have tried several times to read the Bible in a year, but I have not accomplished my goal yet. This year is different! I am excited about the new chronological bible readings, thank you for all your hard work!!! I desire to know God and his plan for my life. One of my favorite verses, be still and know that I am God... Psalm 46:10. I am from York, PA, USA.
Posted by: Charlene | January 02, 2011 at 07:52 AM
1. Have you read the entire Bible before? No...but i am getting there...started the one-year blog with you last year with a few readings to go...
2. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2011?
Greater understanding of God and His word
3. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible?
Phillipians 4 6:7
4. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
???? Cant think of any right now
5. City and/or country you live in? Barbados
6. Do you have a blog or website link that you want to share with everyone? No
Posted by: Alli | January 02, 2011 at 09:18 AM
I am proud to say that I kept my New Year's Resolution to read the Bible in a year (first ever) thanks to Mike. Even if I couldn't read the blog everyday, his plan kept me going as did his great attitude and dedication. I look forward to this new adventure and learning more about our AWESOME God.
My home base is in Asheville, NC, but I work in theatre. So on any given day I could be in North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama or Kentucky.
Bless you all.
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | January 02, 2011 at 10:08 AM
1. Not completely - read most of it in 10' but missed a few sections. Thought I would try it chronologically!
2. Getter closer to God and improving my walk with the Lord!
3. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
4. Married my husband right out of high school and we have been married for 24 years now!
5. Piperton, TN
6. No
Posted by: Lynn | January 02, 2011 at 03:22 PM
1. Have you read the entire Bible before? No I have not
2. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2011? Gaining more knowledge of God's Word Having a closer relationship with God.
3. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible? Isaiah 31But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired
4. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I am trying to still learn
5. City and/or country you live in? (if you're comfortable sharing this - you don't need to.) I live in Pa but was born and raised in Florida
6. Do you have a blog or website link that you want to share with everyone?
Posted by: peggy | January 02, 2011 at 04:20 PM
1. Yes, I've read the entire Bible several times: First the KJV, then RSV, and then the NIV for several years. Until I decided to read a different version every year. So I've also read the Amplified Version, and last year started reading in my native language/dialect: Chavacano. Unfortunately, there's only a NT translation and no OT yet.
2. I've never read the Bible chronologically, and although I was going to follow the One-Year Bible plan at first, this one caught my eye. I will be reading it in the NASB.
3. My favorite verse is Matthew 6.33. My favorite book is the Psalms.
4. I am a Pastor's Kid (coming from a "modern levite tribe" with my great-grandfather, grandfather, father, uncles, cousins, brothers, husband, and now, son as pastors). I'm a youth pastor, professor for youth ministry, and freelance writer.
5. Antipolo City, Philippines
6. http://www.facebook.com/anne.dejesus.ardina
Insights: I was reminded of the extremes we could go when it comes to our perspective of the devil. As a teen, I was so obsessed about knowing all I can about angels and demons, as well as Satan. But I realized that I needed to know more about God. Just like bank personnel who study real money very well so that they can spot a counterfeit. (And not studying the counterfeit.) I changed my focus to studying/learning about the "real thing": our Almighty God!
Posted by: Anne Ardina | January 02, 2011 at 08:57 PM
1. Have you read the entire Bible before? YES, I HAVE, BUT IT HAS BEEN 2 or 3 YEARS AGO.
2. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2011? I WANT TO BEGIN THE HABIT OF READING THE WHOLE BIBLE IN A YEAR ANNUALLY. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BLESSING OF BECOMING CLOSER TO GOD AS I BECOME MORE & MORE INTIMATE WITH HIM.
3. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible? PROVERBS 31.
4. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I'M A STAY-AT-HOME MOM WHO HOMESCHOOLS 3 OF HER 4 CHILDREN.
5. City and/or country you live in? PHILIPPINES
6. Do you have a blog or website link that you want to share with everyone? http://theteachingnanay.blogspot.com/ AND
http://homeschoolblogger.com/deleonpt/
7. Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? THAT WE WERE CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE. IT'S ALWAYS AN AWESOME REMINDER OF HOW GREAT OUR GOD IS & HOW MUCH HE LOVES EACH & EVERY ONE OF US.
Posted by: Maripi de Leon | January 02, 2011 at 10:34 PM
1. Have you read the entire Bible before? yep i did it at the start of last year in 90 days boy it was tough but loved it . I have also done it here but always miss at least one book each year .
2.What am i looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2011? well just making it a habit and I always feel God is close when i am reading his word .
3.What's my favorite book or verse in the Bible? Gen 1 1 . Without God starting this whole thing off where would we be .
4.What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself?I am a kiwi we are praying while you guys are sleeping.we also stand on our heads all day .
5 NEW ZEALAND not Australia Christchurch and yes still getting after shocks from our 7.1 on sep 4th quake
6 http://www.webmonster.co.nz/MOC/ this is a car club i belong to !
7. Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings . We are here for a reason
Posted by: Lugsz | January 03, 2011 at 03:38 AM
I have never read the Bible before, but I'm really looking forward to understanding what faith is about and becoming closer to God. My favorite verse is Corinthians 13:13. I really like the book Genesis because it tells how earth and creation began. I just started really becoming faithful this year (I hope to become a better person). I live in Normal, IL in the U.S.A. I liked reading "The Beginning" because it shows just how powerful our God is and how the universe was created. It also shows where the Sabbath comes from(:
Posted by: Christy | January 04, 2011 at 10:59 AM
I have been doing the One Year Bible with Mike on and off over the last decade? It's exciting to see it grow and faithfully be there every year.
1. Have you read the entire Bible before? Yes, but this will be my first time in Chronilogical order.
2. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible in 2011? One doing it, but also maybe seeing things events a little clearer being in Chronological order.
3. What's your favorite book or verse in the Bible? Favorite book is Romans & Acts. Favorite verses Romans 8:28 & Phil. 1:6
4. What's a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I was saved at age 15, and was instrumental in my parents coming to the Lord.
5. City and/or country you live in? Charlotte, NC
6. Do you have a blog or website link that you want to share with everyone? I have www.biblefood.blogspot.com which is one page devotion we just started Galatians and will be doing so verse by verse (once a week for likely 6 months).
Looking forward to our time together.
Posted by: Biblefood | January 05, 2011 at 04:21 AM
I am an avid reader and realized that the best book I had never read was the Bible. While listening to the Christian radio station, I heard about an interactive way to read the Bible in a year. This format appeals to me because I need someone to teach me as I read. I Googled and here I am! I feel a great need to learn our biblical history for myself and for my young children. Thank you for this opportunity to grow closer in my walk with my Lord and Savior.
Posted by: E Murphy | January 09, 2011 at 07:02 PM