Saturday, January 10, 2015

The Danger of Lepers


Today's Reading: Genesis 25-26 and Matthew 8:1-17

I debated whether to post a video of modern lepers to give us a sense of what the Matthew passage is talking about. Instead, here's a powerful lesson done by Jeffrey Meinz, a youth leader at Holy Cross Lutheran Church:

Friday, January 9, 2015

Seeking and Finding


Today's Reading: Genesis 23-24 and Matthew 7

Sometimes we don't find something until we look for it. That sounds so obvious, yet think of all the times you felt stressed and never turned to God to ask for His guidance. I'm guilty of that all the time.

Be encouraged today that God wants you to turn to Him when things get tough.



We Are Seeking from Biltmore Baptist Church on Vimeo.


Thursday, January 8, 2015

The Lord's Prayer

Today's Reading: Genesis 20-22 and Matthew 6:19-34
We're a week into the reading program. Are you still on track? Give yourself grace -- if you miss a day then just pick up wherever you can. The important thing is that you stay encouraged about spending time with God.



Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Sodom and Gomorrah

Today's Reading: Genesis 18-19 and Matthew 6:1-18

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah show that God will judge against sin. I am always amazed at the depth of God's justice toward those who reject Him, and the depth of His love for those who embrace Him.







































The infographic above was put together by Peter Hui. I wasn't surprised to find his graphics spread all over pinterest.


My brother and his partner bought us this salt and pepper shaker set for Christmas. It's Lot and Lot's Wife. We love it!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Sermon on the Mount

Today's Reading: Genesis 16-17 and Matthew 5:27-48
Ever wonder what it would have been like to hear the Sermon on the Mount firsthand? The following video was put together by Bibledex, which, by the way, is one of the best online series covering every book of the Bible.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Be the Light

Today's Reading: Genesis 13-15 and Matthew 5:1-26
Abram was at the very start of monotheism, when he responded to the one true God. Abram became a light to his ancient world and now we are called to be a light to ours. Here is a stylized interpretation of Matthew 5:13-16 from an artist Dan Stevers, who we will see several mores times before the end of the year.

Light of the World from DanStevers.com on Vimeo.



Others:

If you want an overview of the rest of Genesis then check out this next video by The Bible Project.

Here's another graphic design by Kevin Ohlin.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Tower of Babel

Today's Reading: Genesis 10-12 and Matthew 4
I'm a language nerd so Babel has always fascinated me -- does it mean we'll revert to a single language when in Heaven? Or will we simply understand one another like everyone could during Pentecost? Either way, the heart of the this story is that humankind had forgotten God. Pride puffs us up and makes us think we don't need Him in our lives. With that in mind, confusing our language was an incredibly loving thing for God to do.

The above song (Babel by Mumford & Sons) was inspired by the Tower of Babel.

'Chuck Knows Church' is a fantastic Methodist series that covers a huge range of passages and topics. Check it out at ChuckKnowsChurch.com

Others:

This blog post mentions that John MacArthur found Genesis 10 to be one of the most difficult passages he has ever had to preach.

This piece is by Amy Hardy

This piece is by Pieter Bruegel


Saturday, January 3, 2015

Noah

Today's Reading: Genesis 7-9 and Matthew 3
Today's Genesis reading covers the story of Noah and the flood. Praise God for His promise to never send a flood like that again!


Above is a clever concept -- the artists put together "satellite photos" of important biblical events. The project is called God's Eye View by the Glue Society.


The above image is from Kevin Ohlin, who has made images like this for verses throughout the Bible. More of his biblical art can be found on his website.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Cain, Able, and Noah

Today's Reading: Genesis 4-6 and Matthew 2
Let's admit it, the Bible can be intimidating for most of us. It's a long book with plenty of names and information. These guys (at The Bible Project) help to take away the intimidation factor and show us why the Bible is so incredible. Their videos are artistic, accessible, and I highly recommend them. Check it out:


Is there a part of the Bible that you wish you understood better? For example, this year I would love to gain a deeper understanding of the Minor Prophets section of the Bible.


Others:

Can you handle more sand art? Here's a video inspired by Matthew 2.

The band ApologetiX takes popular songs and changes the lyrics to reflect Scripture. Here is a song that changes the lyrics of the song Hotel California (which is a little dated, sure, but still a great song).

Thursday, January 1, 2015

In the beginning...

Today's Reading: Genesis 1-3 and Matthew 1

Here we are at the beginning of the Bible:


In the Beginning from Digital Bible Society on Vimeo.


God is the ultimate artist. As we begin this 'Artists Reading Plan' it seems appropriate to turn back to those first moments of the universe, when God breathed everything into existence and showed us what creativity is all about. Why would God choose to create the cosmos? Because it brings Him glory, and He wanted to be in relationship with humankind.

What in the first few pages of the Bible inspires you?