5 summary of 1st 12 ch.

1. In Genesis, it seems that a new era begins today with Abram. The previous era could be summarized as creation, fall, flood, Babel. So far, we have seen two covenants: the rainbow covenant with Noah, and the one with Abram. It seems not a good idea to tell a lie on one's marital status :)). I am married with 2 kids. Praise the Lord!
2. Jesus gave blesses to the sufferings. I ask the Lord to make me salt and light to other people, because most of the time, I am only sugar and fat instead. :))
3. David surely had a personal relationship between him and his Lord.
4. I am suprised reading today's Proverbs, because I always think God is so patient. Today's message shows God wants us to respond to Him in time.

This paraphrase of the Beatitudes is great to quote:
""You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.
"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom."   - Matthew 5:3-10