Day 14: Just Let God

Reading: Psalm 9:7-12

There is something very comforting in knowing that God will take care of you when you need His help. We just need to trust that He will and not worry about the things that we can't control. David says that when he cries out to God, He will hear his cries and that justice will be served. We can count on the same results when we cry out to God. The biggest thing is trusting in His timing and His work. We may not see the result we want when we want, but we can bet that God will take care of us and move in to rescue us from the things in life that seem to take us over. Instead of trying to take matters into your own hands when things are out of your control and timing, let God handle it in His timing.
We see Him take care of David over and over through the hard life he faces. What makes you think He won't take care of you?

What is something in your life that you just need to let go of and let God handle in His timing?



When have you tried to handle something out of your control yourself? How did you feel afterwords?




Reading: Matthew 11:16-30

As a Christian, there are so many things to worry about, and yet we are told that we shouldn't. Jesus tells us in this reading to come to Him and let our burdens go. Jesus isn't into the religious rituals that may come about in churches or because we think it is the thing to do. In fact, He condemns the Pharisees for placing such heavy rules on people. Jesus says to just come to Him and see what He can do in your life. No strings attached and no frets about doing the right things.
The comforting thing about Christianity is that you can't earn it. You can't do a check list to ensure you're going to heaven. It has already been done for you. All you have to do is accept the great gift that God has given us, and allow Him to come into your life and make a change. It's  more than sticking a Jesus fish on your car, but it's not something you can do. Don't let the traditions, rituals and "things" of Christianity wear you down. Those things aren't bad, but they are not the basis of your salvation.

What are somethings Christians do to "earn" their salvation?



How does Jesus' words lighten the load in this reading?




Reading: Genesis 29:1-30:43

Talk about your sibling rivalry! After Jacob has numerous children with 2 sisters and their maids, we can see that this wasn't the healthiest way to follow the plan God had for him. So many times we worry about our lives and where it'll end up, so we again, take matters into our own hands and try to make something of ourselves, when God already has it in the works. Jacob deceives his father in law by breeding the sheep for his own flock. Apparently there is a lot of deception in this family. Even though we see Jacob, Rachel and Leah all mess up and do what they want instead of what God would have intended, we see God still use them to do great things as the family line carries on. God never wants us to do things our own way, because He is the One that is in control of our lives. We should always check on His timing and purposes before trying to pursue our own ways. But, even when we do take our own way, God can still make good from it. It will just be harder for you in the long run.

What is something you did the hard way?



When have you deceived to get your way? How did that work out in the long run?



Many times we'll try to do things our way, and take matters into our own hands. We may worry about our lives and try to make something of ourselves, when all along, God has something in the works that we just need to be patient on. We are told not to let the rituals of religion burden us, as they are not the things that matter. We are to turn to God and know that He is sovereign and in control. What do we have to worry about when He has the reigns and has the best plans for us?  

Day 13: Our Closest Enemies

Reading: Psalm 9:1-6

We know full well by now that David had many enemies pursuing him. Unfortunately, God never promised us no enemies. He actually tells us to expect enemies and opposition in His Name. (Matthew 10:36) We see David handle his enemies with stride though. He praises God for pulling him from his enemies and glorifies Him for rescuing him.
There are people in the world even today who have to face opposition in very violent ways because of their faith. They trust that God will pull them through and know they shouldn't fear man or death. Though we may not face such opposition in our lives, we should remember that God will pull us through, and praise Him for it. Even if our enemies are those who are closest to us - a family member, friend, coworker, etc. We will face some sort of opposition for our faith. But hold tight to God, for He will pull you through.

What kind of opposition have you faced because of your faith?



How can you pray for people around the world today who face horrible opposition because of their faith?



Reading: Matthew 10:32-11:15

This reading is full of some pretty radical words when it talks about following Christ. First we are told to love anyone else less than God. The exact translation is to "hate", but when translated, it means to "love less". So when Jesus says "if you do not hate your father or mother...you can not be my disciple," He is saying, if you put them ahead of Him. Still, this can be a hard concept to grasp in our worlds. But really, an enemy to your faith in Christ is one that you put priority on over Him. That could be your father, your mother, a sibling, friend, job, habit, etc.
Then Jesus tells us to lose our lives for His sake. Though many people in the world do lose their lives for Him, the translation means to give up ourselves for Him. To live everyday following His will and direction in our lives. When we do this, we will find life.
This leads us right into Jesus telling us to take up our crosses daily for Him. Many have interpreted this verse as carrying Jesus' burden, as He did with the cross, but really, when you are carrying a cross in Jesus' time and culture, you were walking to your death. When Jesus tells us to take up our crosses and follow Him, He is saying to die to ourselves everyday. When you are getting ready to die, you are no longer planning, dreaming, or hoping. When we die to Christ, we give up our plans, dreams and hopes to His plans, dreams and hopes for our lives.
So many things can get between us and Christ. These things become our enemies. Jesus even says that our own families and closest friends can end up being our enemies. The same goes for those things we live for instead of Him.

What is something  or someone you put before Christ?



What does "losing your life" for Him look like to you?



Reading: Genesis 27:1-28:22

Sometimes our own worst enemy can be ourselves. We see how Rebekah and Jacob take matters into their own hands and trick Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing meant for the firstborn, Esau. Because of this, the family is divided and left broken.
We may fall into this same trap when we are determined to get what we want and don't trust God enough to provide for us. In fact, we probably do this more than we would like to admit. Many times we may do with when seeking a spouse, or if we want a promotion at work, or to be financially successful. We may take matters into our own hands and lose credibility to those around us, and even God.
But one thing we can see from this is that God still uses us and holds on to His promises, even when we mess up. He still will grant us blessing and provide for us, even if we've messed up in the past. We see Him come to Jacob after he's flees from home, and tells him he will be blessed as He promised Abraham and Isaac.
Even if you've taken matters into your own hands and feel the regret of it, know that God still can use you to move.

What is something you've failed to trust God in for provision?



How has God still blessed you despite that mess up?



There are many things that can stand between us and God. Straight-up opposition and those who are against us can really take a lot out of us, and crush our faith. Even those who are close to us can come between us and God if we place them before God and decide that they are more important than Him, or if they fail to agree with us and our faith. Or, we can put ourselves in the way of growing in God by not trusting in His provision and timing, and taking matters into our own hands. Just remember to seek Him first above all else, and to trust Him to carve out your path. 

Day 12: Defining Fear

Reading: Proverbs 1:20-33

To fear the Lord can be a misunderstood concept. When people hear the word "fear" they think of shuddering in a corner because of God's wrath, but this isn't what "fearing the Lord means". When we find a strong reverence and awe of God's power and holiness. When we fear the Lord, we show Him respect and honor.
Proverbs talks all about how to "fear the Lord" and show Him honor. In this reading, we see how we are to pursue and heed wisdom that comes from the Lord. We read that when we follow the wisdom God shows us, we will experience a life of fulfillment and of support. But when we choose to go our own way in things, we will have to "taste the bitter fruit of living" later. "Fools are destroyed by their own complacency", meaning when you're content with where you are, and refuse to grow and get wisdom, you will self-destruct.
Allow God to work in your life and to pour wisdom into you. He wants us to live lives in His instruction and to succeed. But when we refuse to respect His direction, we will have to taste that bitter fruit later.

 What does "fearing the Lord" mean to you?



What is a time you've tried to do life your own way, without paying attention to God's instruction? How did it go?



Reading: Matthew 10:1-31

We are told to be fearless toward man. As Jesus sends out His disciples, He gives them many warnings about what to expect from the world as they go out to proclaim the Good News, as well as heal the sick. These warnings can be well-heeded today as well.
He tells them that there will be persecution and people rising up against them. How true this is in today's world as Christians proclaim and demonstrate God's love. Many times, Christians are just shut down before a word gets spoken. Jesus tells His disciples, however, not to fear man. If we are persecuted, just move on to the next place, but never give up spreading His word out of fear of man. He is greater than all of them, and He will take care of us, as He values us highly.
We don't even need to fear even about what we'll say, because Jesus says we will be guided. If we carry the wisdom He grants us into the work we do, we have nothing to fear.
Don't fear man, fear God.

Why is it hard to share the message of Jesus at times?


How does this reading help you in those fears?



Reading: Genesis 25:1-26:35

We don't have to read about it to know that fear can sometimes get us into trouble. Isaac, like father-like son, ran into the same fear as his father, Abraham did when he lied about his wife actually being his wife. Because he was afraid he would be killed so Rebekah could be taken. But just like in Abraham's case, he is found out and luckily spared for lying.
Because he feared, however, he lied so he could avoid it.
When Esau and Jacob were born, we see the rivalry of siblings begin. Esau is forced to give up his rights as firstborn to Jacob so he can get something to eat. I could imagine that Jacob felt a little fear in not being the firstborn, which led him to be so manipulative.
We read that despite Isaac's fears, he is blessed, and the Lord reminds him over and over not to fear, because He is with him. This is something we can remember before our fears drive us to sin. Running from our fears and lying because of them will only dig our sin deeper. But when we remember that God is with us when we're in doing what's right, it makes it a little easier to deal with.

What fears have led you to sin in the past?



How can you be reminded that God is always with you, even when those fears arise?



We'll face all sorts of fear in life, whether it's something as small as spiders, or something as crippling as fear of death. But as we read today, we are reminded that God has our backs. He will never leave us or forsake us. The only thing we have to "fear" is God. Being in reverence and respect of Him will help us overcome any of those fears that grip us. Don't let your fear drive you to sin. Call on God to build you up and to remind you of His presence.

Day 11: Your Incredible Value

Reading: Psalm 9:1-9

We read such beautiful description of God's work here. David is in awe of God's work, and in disbelief of the role God has placed us as man in. Everything else in creation is so marvelous and gorgeous, and David can't believe God even gives us a second look, let alone put us just under Him and above all else. We can see how incredible our value is as David sees the big picture of God's creation. We can be sure that He values us and loves us so.
There isn't any better way to put it than Psalm 9.

What do you find beautiful about God's creation?


If God makes all things marvelous, what does that tell you about you?



Reading: Matthew 9:14-38

Jesus had compassion on all people. He valued their lives and souls. We see Him heal many throughout this reading alone, showing that compassion to all around Him. He knew everyone He came into contact with. Even though a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years simply touched Jesus' robe in the midst of a crowd, Jesus knew. He knew this woman's faith and her heart, and she was healed because of her faith. Jesus had compassion on her.
Jesus also tells us to have compassion on others. He cares about the needy and poor. We read that Jesus feels for the crowds because they are lost. And He tells His disciples that there is much work to be done in reaching those that are lost. He tells His disciples to pray that workers will come to harvest. Jesus cares about our hearts and our souls, as well as our physical health, as we see from Him healing. Our hearts should also be compassionate to to all people, as we live with Christ's love in us.
We are to do as Jesus did and heed the call of being workers of the harvest. He values us. We should value others.

How do stories like Jesus healing all sorts of people make you feel about His love for you?


How can you heed Jesus' call to have compassion on others? Who can use some love today?



Reading: Genesis 24:1-67

We can see the value God places on us in the perfect provision He grants us. Isaac and Rebekah were brought together so perfectly as God had chosen Rebekah just for Isaac. As Abraham's servant prayed for direction and success in finding her, God made it very evident that Rebekah was the perfect wife for Isaac. The whole story just comes together beautifully, as all the signs Abraham's servant asked for were there. Rebekah agrees to go back to meet Isaac and Isaac is deeply in love with her.
Every girl dreams of such a beautiful love story in her life. The problem is that she usually tries to take matters into her own hands and dates any guy she can find to see if he's "the one". Here, we see a perfect match up because of God's timing and work. We should value ourselves deeper than trying to find our match through a "date around" strategy. We should know that God knows who is out there for us. He created us, He knows us better than anyone else (even better than we know ourselves), and He knows what the future holds. Why not let Him provide for us?
Our value is greater than what we give ourselves credit for. Why not take the pressure off our own shoulders and let God take the reins in our lives? If we know how much He loves us, and we tell people how much He loves us, why don't we trust Him?

What kind of provision has God placed in your life that was divine timing?



What do you need to let go of and let God take over in life?



We are valued immensely. God created humans just below Him and above all other creation. He sent His Son to die for us and our mess-ups. We can see over and over again in Jesus' ministry how much we are loved by God. Jesus had compassion on the people, and called us to show compassion on others as well. Yet there are times when we insist on taking matters into our own hands and not trusting God to provide and take care of us. But we can learn from Isaac and Rebekah's story that He cares deeply about our needs and His timing is always perfect. You are loved and valued by a wonderful God!

Day 10: Provision in Storms

Reading: Psalm 7:10-17

As we continue forward with the theme of hardships in life, we see David respond to the temptations and enemies he deals with. Though trial after trial comes for him, we read that David encourages us to take up a shield in Christ when those temptations and storms hit. We can all relate with temptation. Though sometimes it does indeed feel tempting to have a moment of weakness and fall into a night of destruction, he warns us sternly that these thoughts are like "conceiving evil, which will make you pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies." When you really think about where temptations lead you, David is spot on. At the time of giving in, you may feel like it's all ok and that you can handle one little slip. But eventually it will probably come back to bite you and destruct you, leaving you doing everything you can to cover up your guilt - even if it means sinning more with lying or running from the problem.
Heed David's advice when it comes to these hard times. Storms will come and temptations will entice, but we are to look to the Shield of Protection to guard our hearts.

When have you been tempted and gave in? How did this come back to haunt you eventually?



What do you do when temptations come your way?



Reading: Matthew 8:23-9:13

It's good to know that we're not the only ones who cry out during a storm, whether that be a real storm or a life storm. As we read about the disciples calling out the Jesus in the midst of this storm (which must have been a bad one as the disciples were fishermen and knew about storms), we can see a parallel here between this storm and storms we encounter in life. The disciples call out to Jesus, Who is sleeping through it, and He rises up and asks where their faith is. But He calms the storm and the disciples are left in awe of how the wind and waves have listened.
We meet a couple men with storms in their lives as they are possessed by demons. Jesus again, steps in and calms this storm and sends the demons away to drown with pigs.
Later we see Jesus call Matthew to follow Him. And that night, He has dinner with Matthew and other tax collectors and people who aren't seen as very high is society. Jesus sticks up for His actions by asking "do the healthy need a doctor, or the sick." This comment alone has raised quite a controversy in churches today. Is church for the spiritually well, or those who need it most? The message version translates part of this portion of our reading to "I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders." Talk about a blunt statement to the church. But this is what Jesus did. He didn't follow the Pharisees around and try to please their needs for the happenings of the church (or the mission, as church wasn't yet called "church".) Jesus ignored them completely in many cases, and spoke against what they were doing the other times. 
We can learn that when it comes to the storms of life, and the storms in our churches, we are to simply do what Jesus did. 

What areas of your life do you experience storms? What do you do when you face these storms?



How does your church do when it comes to following Jesus' example in this case? Does it cause a stir to abandon what those who already believe desire and strive to bring in outsiders?



Reading: Genesis 21:1-23:20

We can still remember that God will provide, even in the seemingly impossible circumstances in our lives. We see it over and over again in this part of today's reading. 
God upholds His promise, and gives Abraham and Sarah a son. This is something that they never thought would happen, yet God has made possible the impossible. I can relate to this in my own way, as I grew up thinking I'd never get to have my own child. I'm all for adoption and my husband and I are still planning on taking that route. But after much prayer and asking God for direction, we got pregnant, and so far (7 months in) we are doing wonderfully. My faith has been tested many times throughout, but every time, there is a glorious light that shines through the tough times of this process. And though this doesn't even compare to the miracle God worked in Abraham and Sarahs' lives, I can definitely see how God provides in amazing ways.
We also see how God provided for Hagar and Ishmael. After they are told to leave and make it on their own in the wilderness, God hears their cries for provision. He takes care of them and shows them their importance in this story. 
A huge way we see God provide for Abraham is when he takes his son to be a sacrifice. God is simply seeing Abraham's priorities. It is so easy to cling to the things we have (even family members and loved ones) that we forget to put God as number one in our lives. In almost following through with God's instructions, Abraham is stopped by God before sacrificing his son, and is provided with an alternative. But because Abraham was so willing to do what God told him to, we see how faithful he was. 
We can count on God's provision! We may not see it always in the way we would like, or as soon as we would like, but His timing and ways are perfect. 

When have you faced a time in life that just seemed impossible to get through? How did God show up for you in a big way? Or even a small way?



 Have you ever been tested in putting God first in your life? How would you do in that test?



 

When we need to face the seemingly impossible times in life, we can definitely see from today's reading that He can definitely pull through for us. We can count on storms in this life, in all areas of life, including within the church. All we need to remember during these times are to use God has your protective shield, do as Jesus did, and thank Him for His provision during these times. He can make the impossible possible.  

Day 9: Light in the Tough Times

Reading: Psalm 7:1-9

There are probably many times in life that things don't seem right or fair. Maybe you feel like you've been dealt the bad hand of cards in life and that everyone around you gets the benefits of life while you are left forgotten and struggling to keep afloat. I know that I experience this from time to time, especially with the bills don't stop rolling in, and all I've heard are complaints all day. But we can learn from David in this case. He certainly hasn't been handed the best of situations as he continually runs from enemies that pursue him. I couldn't imagine keeping faith like his under such circumstances. But he remains confident that God will judge his enemies and that God will protect him. He doesn't blame God, nor curse his life, but holds tight to faith and hope.
When life pushes us around and we find ourselves feeling beat up and forgotten, we can hold on to the promises that God will come through and place judgement where judgement is due. It may seem hard to understand why we are in the situation we're in, but we can remember Who is looking out for us and Who is on our side.

When have you felt like life is just too much to handle?



How do you handle it when life seems to be nonstop and just unfair?




Reading: Matthew 7:24-8:22

We see great faith play out in the readings here. First, we are told to have a solid foundation and to build up our foundations so we can weather life's storms. Though life can throw some nasty situations our way, our foundation will shine its true colors during those times. Whether you carry faith to get you through those times and hold on to God when life gets hard, or run far away, and abandon everything you felt for God, this will tell how strong your foundation is and what you're building it on. A life built on faith and trust in God will help you to withstand the storms; anything else will fall.
From here, we see examples of faith play out, as people approach Jesus to be healed. Because of their faith, Jesus heals them. Their faith makes them well. We also get a look at the cost of following Jesus. He says to leave ALL behind to follow His ways. Where is your heart at when it comes to placing your stake and foundation in the Lord? Do you put other things in life at the top of your list or do you strive to carry out His will and mission in you life on a daily basis? Life will get rough, but your foundation will make or break you.

What kind of foundation do you think you have? Has it ever been tested?



We read that faith made many well, as Jesus healed them because of their faith. What evidence do you see in the reading of the faith these people had?




Reading: Genesis 19:1-20:18

As we continue with this theme of the hard stuff of life, we continue on with the story we began in yesterday's Genesis reading. Abraham had pleaded with the Lord to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for only 10 righteous people. Today, we learn that there weren't even 10, as God sends angels to destroy the city. However, God still spares Lot and his family. Though Lot was hesitant to leave this life he knew, the angels led him, his wife and daughters from the city and then destroyed it. Lot's wife looks back, and she becomes a pillar of salt, a punishment that seems harsh, but symbolizes how important it is for us to not look back to the old lives we had before staking a life with Christ. This is reflected later in the gospels.
We also read about how Abraham lies about Sarah being his wife so he isn't killed for her. This is the second time we read about Abraham doing this. Yet we see how merciful God is to him. This goes to show that no matter how many times we mess up and fall into sin, God will still use us to do great things. He shows great mercy towards us, and He has plans for all of us. Let this be an encouragement to all of us, as we all could use the mercy, but certainly don't deserve it.

What is something you've turned from in life in terms of the old life you used to live? Have you ever looked back?



How has God proven His mercy over again in your life, despite how many times you mess up?



We will encounter those time of unexplainable disappointment in life, and at times, life will just seem unfair and tough. But we need to remember that no matter how hard it gets, God is still God and He is still in control. If we display confidence in Him, like David did, and know He will take care of us no matter how hard it gets, we can build ourselves a foundation that will withstand any storm. And though we will mess up, over and over again, we can be reassured that God will still use us to carry out His magnificent work. Let this be an encouragement to us all.  

Day 8: God Can Handle It

Reading: Proverbs 1:8-19

"Don't let anyone entice you to sin." I can't tell you how relevant this passage is for those who are surrounded by peer pressure on a daily basis (high school, college, maybe even younger). It's tough to live in a world filled with the "everyone is doing it" mentality. Yet in Proverbs, we read that God says to run from the "everyone is doing it" mentality. Whether that be getting drunk, doing drugs, having sex before marriage (another debate for another day), etc. I can't believe that there is this "game" sweeping the nation called "Knock-Out". Where a crew of kids walks down the street and once they pass an innocent stranger, one tries to knock them out with one punch. Talk about sickening and disturbing! Yet if one kid in that group just stood their ground and told their friends that it was dumb or wrong, innocent people wouldn't be getting hurt. I fear for my children and future grandchildren, growing up in a world where all these things are becoming socially acceptable and more wide-spread.
If we listen to the words of Proverbs though, we are urged to resist temptation and pressures from the people around us. They may be classmates, coworkers, friends... When we know what's right and wrong, and the way God intends it, we are to stick to it and stand for it. God will help you and guide you. Even if you lose those friends or look "uncool" to them because of your stand, it doesn't matter in the long run. Maybe you'll even be a light to those friends. God can handle it all.

Have you ever been tempted to push the boundaries that you know God laid out for you? What happened? How did you feel after the fact?



How has God helped you stand firm in something that was tough?



Reading: Matthew 6:25-7:23

As we continue through Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount, we continue to read about some things that may not seem so easy to carry out in everyday life. For me, worrying is one of the toughest things I deal with. I worry about dinner, worry about the future, worry about my husband, worry about details at church, worry...worry...worry. But Jesus tells us not to worry. He tells us to only focus on today. Plan, but don't worry. God can handle it.
Jesus also tells us not to judge. Something that can be so easy to do. If we judge, we will be judged by the same standards we judge by. Scary. Leave the judging up to God. He can handle it.
We are also told to seek God first. Put Him before anything else in our lives, and everything else will come with it. I learned this quite well when I was single. I think many girls spend a ridiculous amount of time seeking a man to have in their lives. (I know I did for awhile.) They get so focused on finding a man, that they forget why God put them there in the first place. When you serve God first, and put the man out of your mind, suddenly the man appears, serving next to you! When I finally gave up the great chase of finding a spouse, I taught high school girls in our church about the same concept. Growing in God before finding a guy. I hadn't even thought about being a single girl at age 25, and not even 3 weeks after the study with my girls completed, I was asked out by an old friend. (I didn't even realize he was asking me out!!). Now I'm married to him, and I'm still more in love with God than him. And he's more in love with God than me. That's how it should be! Putting God first, and letting Him handle the rest.

When have you felt that God's expectations were just too hard? How can you see that they actually make life easier on you?



What is something in your life that is taking priority over God? What do you need to do to change that?



Reading: Genesis 17:1-18:33

We see how God works in extraordinary ways in Abraham's life. Even though Abraham is settled on Ishmael being his son, God once again comes to Abraham and tells him he will have another son from Sarah, even though she is too old to have children. Though for the human mind to grasp something like this, we read that God asks Abraham, "is anything too hard for the Lord?" And this is a promise we can still hang on to today. We will read about the great nation that rises up, starting with Abraham and the covenant that God and he made, and we will see the faithfulness that God has to Abraham and his line.
We will face many situations in life that we may find hopeless or just think they will never happen, but we need to remember the words God asks Abraham - "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" And after seeing what God does in Abraham's life, you can rest assured that if you put your faith in Him, He will bless you through the impossible too.

What is something in your life that just seems impossible? Have you brought it to the Lord?



What is something in your life that has happened that you never thought would? Have you thanked the Lord for it?



Somethings in life just seem impossible to do. Maybe you get pressured to do something you know is wrong. Or maybe you worry all the time about things and fail to put God in first place in your life. Perhaps you're like Abraham and Sarah and can't believe how blessed you are because God pulled through in what seemed like an impossible task. We can rest assured in these things and so many others that God can handle it!