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!

Day 7: Mercy Overflowing

Reading: Psalm 6:1-10

I'm sure you've had days like David. Days where words like "agony", "worn out", "grief", and "tears" seem to sum it up. David uses some powerful language here to talk about the agony he faces. He asks God when He'll hear his cries and wonders when the misery will end and his enemies taken away. But we also see that David knows that God is indeed a merciful God, and that He has heard his cries for help.
Life can sure throw some hard stretches our way. Sometimes it may feel like it will never end with bills, loneliness, health issues, and other unfortunate situations in life. But like David, we can remember that God hears us, and He is there to pull for us. Though the storm is rough, you'll come out a stronger person. Rely on God's mercy and remain confident that He hears you.


When did you face a time in life that things just seemed to go wrong, one after another? What did you do?



Looking back on that situation, how did you come out of it? How are you the person you are today because of it?



Reading: Matthew 5:43-6:24

Jesus teaches about being a person of mercy and humility. We read more from the Sermon on the Mount today, and realize more and more that God's way is not necessarily the world's view today. Jesus tells us to love those who have wronged us - something that isn't really practiced in our media and society. But we are warned that if we don't forgive those who have wronged us, the Lord will not forgive us. This may feel like a blunt threat, but if you think about it, those who truly carry the love of God in their hearts will forgive. They will display the love to others that God has displayed to them. It can be hard to forgive, and given the situation, may seem impossible. But that is the power of God's love and His mercy.
We are also told to not flaunt our faith. Praying in public and using the fancy words and babbling on and on are not what God wants. He also doesn't much care for displaying fasting and giving to those in need. When we announce to the world, or make it known that we've done these things, we get all the reward we will need right there. But when we keep it to ourselves and just delight in the satisfaction of being closer with God and growing in our faith, we will reap rewards in heaven.
A final warning we get in this reading is not to treasure things of this earth. Our true treasure and the apple of our eye should be above. When we put all of our time and energy into the things of this world that don't matter in the long run, instead of the work God has carved out for us, our hearts will be lost to that thing. We can not serve two masters, and money is a great example here. Basing our lives around the things of this world will only destroy our hearts for God. Remember why you're here and stick to what God has laid out for you - to carry out His mission and be called to a life of serving Him. The rewards for that are far greater than anything in this world can offer you!

Is there someone you need to forgive? What are you going to do about it?



What happens to true, genuine faith when it is flaunted for your own recognition?



Reading: Genesis 14:1-16:16

We see an ample amount of God's mercy in this ready. First with Lot and how Abram came to save him. We read yesterday that he got the good land from Abram, but ended up captured. God showed mercy and rescued him through Abram (and it won't be the last time). God also shows His mercy to Abram by making a covenant with him that He would give him a son. Abram believes God and he is praised for his righteousness.
Then when Abram and Sarai try to take matters into their own hands, instead of waiting on God's timing, Abram takes Sarai's servant, Hagar and gets her pregnant instead, since they wanted a son so badly. Because of this, Hagar is poorly treated out of Sarai's jealousy, and runs away. We see mercy poured out on Hagar though, as she is seen by God and remembered in her time of distress. She is blessed and returns home. We even see God show Abram and Sarai mercy in looking over the fact they took matters into their own hands, even after Abram stated his faith in God's covenant. We certainly have a merciful God.


When have you tried to take matters into your own hands, instead of waiting on God's timing? What happened?



How has God shown you mercy in a time you've felt hopeless and lost?



Mercy is a trait we can all take and use generously. God is a God of mercy, and we need to display His love to all around us by sharing that same love and mercy to not only our neighbors, but our enemies. With mercy comes humility. Both can be hard traits to grasp at times, but they are crucial in growing our faith.

Day 6: World Map or God's Map?

Reading: Psalm 5:1-12

Everyday should be started with directions from God. This Psalm is a wonderful example of starting out the day, requesting God's direction for the day. David even mentions God hearing his voice in the morning. And even though we are more than welcome to pray anytime of the day, there is something that just starts out a day right when you spend it in prayer and having a quiet time with God. I personally try to start the day off on the right foot in keeping an ear out for what God wants me to accomplish that day. And when the days come that I don't even think about God's will until later usually turn into a train wreck. I'm scattered, overwhelmed, and usually crying by the end of it all. But every morning I open the Word and go to Him in prayer and requesting His will and help in my day, I find it to be a bit more bearable. David sought protection from his enemies. What if we turned the last verse of this reading into a daily, morning prayer? "Bless me, oh Lord, and surround me with your shield of love." (vs. 12, NLT)

How do mornings usually start for you? How does that feed into the rest of your day?



What happens when you take the pressure of making all the decisions yourself, and allowing God to take over your day?




Reading: Matthew 5:21-42

Jesus sure lays out some ground rules here that aren't even glanced at in today's world. In a society that watches shows called "Revenge", "Betrayal" and "Scandal" and listens to music that endorses these things, we can see that Jesus sure had something to say about each of these. When it comes to holding grudges, Jesus says to settle these quickly. If someone takes something that's yours, give them more. If you are married, you go to radical measures to stay faithful and keep it alive. Looking lustfully at someone is adultery. Jesus even goes to the extreme to say that if your eyes are causing you to sin, get rid of them. But we have watered down the rules today. We watch shows about it. We live it. Yet we don't look twice at it because the rest of society finds it acceptable. The new normal is not God's way of life. The question that remains from these very blunt passages is which direction will you take?

What have you seen lately in our society that clearly doesn't match God's will in our society?



What do you need to cut out of your life to have a closer relationship and stronger faith in Christ?



Reading: Genesis 11:10-13:18

I couldn't imagine being Abram and being told by God to pick up everything I own and my family and go in the direction He tells me to. That must have taken great faith indeed to trust God to protect and bless him as he took God's directions one step at a time. How many times does God ask us to do something even less and we refuse because we are content with where we are at? I'm sure Abram felt comfortable as a 75 year old man where he was at, but he trusted God enough to do what he was asked.
Later we see how Lot and Abram have a falling out about land, but Abram resolves it by letting Lot take the better land and he settled for the less than perfect land. Abram was blessed in the long run though. And later we read how Abram had to save Lot from the land in which he chose. More on that tomorrow.
When you are looking for direction and trying to pick out the world's way vs. God's way, we can learn from Abram in this case. Though we may feel disappointed and jipped by what we have, in the end, we may end up being the ones blessed. God knows the path you're taking and when we trust Him to guide us along, we will find ourselves blessed and completely content in what He gives us. Don't fall for the "shininess" of what the world tries to offer you, when you know what God would intend.

Has there been a time in your life when God called you to do something? What happened?



Has there been a time you felt you were getting the short end of the stick, and then you found it to be a blessing instead?



There are so many things in this life that we can choose over God. We may try to get the best stuff and the best treatment, but in the end, humility may have been the biggest blessing. How are you focusing your day? In a society that lives to watch shows called "Revenge", "Scandal" and "Betrayal", we can learn something major from how Jesus said it should be. The question is, which map will you follow in this life?

Day 5: The True Source

Reading: Psalm 4:1-8

True security is only found in God, and yet we continue to try and fill our lives with peace and happiness through success and possessions. This Psalm is filled with David questioning why people look to other things for their security. Even though David faces continual hardship, we see that he remains confident that God will hear him the instant he calls out to Him, because his heart is filled with joy from the Lord. When we try to solve our problems with things and success, we will find ourselves falling again and again, and the cycle will continue into a downward spiral. Until we finally realize that peace and security only come from God, we will find it quite miserable to cope with the life that is thrown at us. What are you chasing after and what is the center of your life? Perhaps the heartaches you carry are the center.

What do you chase in this life, other than God?


How can chasing after God and His mission for your life make things less complicated?



Reading: Matthew 4:23-5:20

Where are you finding the ultimate happiness? Many people will find it in money, fame, experiences, drugs, possessions, looks, men, women, etc. but we read in the sermon on the mount that Jesus says He is the only true hope and happiness. God blesses all who mourn, all who are poor, all who are humble, all who hunger for justice, all who are merciful, all who have pure hearts, all who work for peace, and even all who are persecuted and mocked in His name. Seems pretty backwards from our get all you want now society. We live in a world that glorifies sex, violence, immediate gratification, gadgets, technology, and money. Yet in Matthew, we are told that Jesus blesses the poor, the pure and the humble. So which of these do we follow? Something that will leave you longing for more later? Or the One, true happiness that will leave you with unimaginable, eternal rewards?

 What makes it so hard to put God first in our society?



How do you think people would react in today's society to the Beatitudes? 



Reading: Genesis 9:18-11:9

There is something about created names for ourselves in life. Success and being remembered for greatness are big in today's world, but we read that God wants us to strive to glorify His Name and His honor. In the case with the tower of Babel, we read that the people wanted to build a mighty tower so that they may be remembered and glorified. When we strive for success for our own name and miss the point of where our true success and name come from, we will fail and find ourselves empty in the end. Only God can grant such success in our lives, and we are to glorify Him for our success.
One of my favorite artists of all time is Christian hip-hop artist, Lecrae. I find his words to be blunt and just what our world needs in a country that is losing it's bravery and value in Christianity and in Jesus. For a country that is the safest and is the most free for attending church and sharing faith, we are surely the most fearful. Lecrae doesn't care what people think of his words. Take these lyrics into consideration as we look into today's topic:

 "He (Satan) lies to us all, told Adam he could ball
'Why you following God when you could have it all?"
I tell you what's better, or better yet, worse-
Chasing your own glory, while doing the Lord's work
So holla if it hurts, but we were made for greater
Our greatest satisfaction is making His Name famous..."

Though we might hear the lie that we can have it all without God in this world, the truth is with the world, we will never have it all.

What are you chasing in this life that you believe will fill you up?


What lies does the media try to sell us that isn't biblically accurate?



There are so many lies we can buy into in this world. Media is full of them, and even though we believe they will fill us up whole, the truth is, we are left unsatisfied in the end. The only consistent security and happiness in our lives comes from God.