I am attempting to catch up on a few day's of missed readings. Genesis 34-36 starts with the story of how Jacob's daughter Dinah (bore from Leah, not Jacob's favorite wife) was raped and became the "trophy" for which the defiling party and Jacob were negotiating. Deceitfulness runs strong in this family as Jacob's son Simeon and Levi (wonder if the Levites, the called priests that will later serve in God's temple, are direct descendants of such a violent man), as they slaughter an entire village's population of men while they were recovering from circumcision. Mind you, these people thought that circumcision was probably a small price to pay for the prospect of new "wealth" and women. Nevertheless, the vengeance is rationalized. The entire chapter 36 is devoted to speaking about the descendants of Esau (who was robbed of his birthright, but still managed to be prosperous.

Psalm 15 reads like a good guideline for honest business, hinting that if these "rules" are followed, one is worthy of dwelling in the same place as God, or at the very least not be shaken.

Many times, I have heard people use this passage in Matthew to discourage materialism: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money". It's also interesting that this verse is located in the same passage that talks about treasures in heaven. I still believe that money is in itself a measurement, by worldly standards, how well you are faring their system. I also believe that money can be used to effect changes that are spiritually motivated. I also believe that not everyone has the talent to control the effects of money. Notice that the next passage is Do Not Worry, which is ironic, because most people fret about money because they are worried about other aspects of life. This is where another famous passage is found: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well". Despite my inability to reach the perfect righteous standard, it seems that the pursuit is what God is looking for. And He will provide.

Saul's conversion in Act 9 proved to begin the mass conversion of many people, including those not Jewish. Did not know about the story of Dorcas and how she was resurrected.