Day 5: Where's Your Worth?

Day 5
Genesis 10-12, John 4

I think we all struggle with "worth" at times. We search desperately for where it comes from and even place it in things that will never satisfy us fully. Today, we read many instances of this.
After the flood, people came together to build a tower as high as the heavens to be "great". There is nothing wrong with this achievement, or achievements in general, but in reality - who is it placing the spotlight on? When we pour our lives into our collections, our medals, our trophies, our networking, etc., we do those things to feel good about ourselves, and be "important" or "achieve". Again, nothing wrong with these things - I myself like to collect things from places I go because I'm a nerd and think it's cool to have. BUT, when we place that glory on ourselves, rather than building up a life pointed back to Christ, we become like the people building the tower. Like those people, however, God has a way of mixing things up at times to change our perspective.

It's interesting that the story of Abraham (Abram) begins shortly after the Tower of Babel in Genesis. Abraham had an opposite way of glory, in that he followed God's command to leave his homeland and go the path God wanted of him. We see however, when Abram takes matters into his own hands in Egypt, things go a little haywire.
Abraham, as we'll continue to read, was truly a man who placed his worth and direction in the Lord.

In John, we read about another matter of "worth" when Jesus comes to a Samaritan woman and speaks to her. This is very unlikely in this time, as Jews and Samaritans didn't speak, as you gathered from your reading. Not to mention this woman had had 5 husbands and was living with a man, unmarried. Yet Jesus shares with her the Good News of eternal living water. She is so excited, she tells her village about the "Man Who knew everything she had done". This draws more people to hear Jesus and believe. This woman was able to bring people to Jesus, despite her circumstances. Where then is her worth?

When we place our worth in people, things, achievements, etc., we are at a loss of a truly wonderful feeling of eternal security in Jesus. We can have those things and achievements, but they should never be our ultimate goal. Jesus can take your circumstance and make it something so useful and great for His mission. Don't ever throw in the towel of who you are because He has great plans for you!

Day 4: Woes of the Wicked

Day 4

Psalms 1-5

We are surrounded by enemies. Whether it be people who manipulate to meet their agendas, those who talk down on us, or the situations in life that beat us to the pit. We read in the very beginning of Psalms, however, that when we turn to the word of God, rather than the advice of the wicked, we will find greater joy in the long run. It is very evident that staying on the good side of God is the best place to be, not only because God crushes the wicked, but because He has the backs of all of His followers, and because of this, we needn't worry about anything in this life taking us down.

I get caught up in the little worries of life. I worry about bills, housework, work-work, my child, my husband, my friends, EVERYTHING! If you just ask my husband, I am one of those women who has the brain that goes everywhere in 30 seconds flat. He can't keep up and I get exhausted worrying about everything all the time.
One thing God really taught me when I faced such great and dramatic hardship a couple years ago was that He has this. As long as I strive to be in line with Him and follow His Word, I have nothing worth worry about. He has it. David faced great struggles, as we'll read throughout the Old Testament. He portrays his feelings throughout Psalms, which shows us how human and real David was, as well as how much faith he carried with him when crying out to God.
"In peace I will lie down and sleep, (surrounded by enemies in pursuit of him), for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." (Psalm 4:8)
My dad used to say this verse to us each night before bed. As I grew up, I knew it meant God has my safety, but as life got real and I had to start making more choices, this verse was ever comforting to me.

Nothing, nothing, nothing can touch me if I have a heart for God. Those who follow in His ways are sure of this. Those who contradict His path and cause destruction in this world will feel an angry wrath that only God can produce. I never liked this picture of God (the wrathful, angry, scary one), but as I experience Him more and more, and the injustices and craziness that runs in this world, I can respect God's feelings towards it. Hang with God and you have nothing to fear. Nothing can separate you from that love.

Day 3- God > I

Day 3

Genesis 7-9, John 3

As Noah and his family wait to get off the boat amidst the 40 day storm (and another many months floating in the waters) that God washed out earth with, we can see the faith that Noah continues to have. It is incredible that Noah had so much faith that he spent about 120 years (according to the NLT Student's Study Bible) building the ark. This huge boat sat in Noah's neighborhood that long, as a last chance reminder to the other people questioning Noah's efforts. I couldn't imagine the faith Noah clung to for those years as he put up with the insults and jeering of the people around him. That is faith! We have a hard time wearing faith on our wardrobe now in grocery stores and at school, let alone displaying it as a massive lawn ornament, questioned by all. 

But, we see just how Noah's (and his sons') work paid off, and the flood waters came. And another 371 days goes by, waiting on faith. (According to the Chronological Study Bible.)

But we see how blessed Noah and his family are because of their faith. They have the wonderful privilege to start the world over and carry on God's covenant. But, as we read on, even these "mountain top" faith experiences can't keep us immune to sin, as the man God found favor in gets drunk and reckless. 

We read in John 3 today of another instance of faith. Nicodemus questions being reborn to the spirit with Jesus. Jesus explains it as the wind blowing. We see evidence of the wind blowing, but we can't see the wind itself. Faith in changing our lives and becoming new as a Christ-follower is key. We need to cling to the words and promises of God's Word as we step out in faith, living a life for Him. Our reward is beyond this life, in the Kingdom of heaven. Those who have great faith like Noah and John the Baptist, who proclaimed Christ to his own followers, telling them that Jesus must be more of the focus than him, will reap great rewards. 

Our lives should shine in exuberant faith! Make people ask why you shine, despite the evil in this world. Shine your light on God, rather than taking the credit for what you accomplish. Without God's direction and power, you would not have accomplished anything. Noah could have easily taken credit for the tiresome work he poured into the building of the ark, and John the Baptist could have made himself look like the greater leader, but both of these figures had faith enough to shine their feats back to God. How can you point your life back to Him? How can you become less, so He can be greater? Isn't that what our mission is at the base? 

Day 2 - The Downfall of Human Nature

Day 2

Genesis 4-6,  John 2

Human nature is what separates us from God. We just read of the first instances of human nature taking place in very dark ways. Cain killing Abel out of jealousy is a prime example of how we allow grudges and jealousy to invade us. God even warned Cain that sin would be lurking around the corner if he didn't just do things right in the first place. 

How many times do we try to make our lives easier by taking the quick way out? Or act on our emotions too quickly, as Cain did? Do it right by God, and sin won't overtake you.

We actually continue reading through Genesis how the world continues to spiral out of control until God actually feels sorry He created the world. This shows that our sin hurts God. I think we picture God as a stern, resilient judge and we forget He has feelings too. We were created in His image, and the way we feel is a taste of God's feelings. 

But God sees the good too. He sees Noah, and He tells Noah His plan to destroy the world. Noah has been chosen to carry it on after. I couldn't even imagine standing there, listening to God's plan and orders. I think I would be quite overwhelmed in building a boat big enough to hold all of those animals and supplies! But here, we see how God turns what seems impossible in our lives to possible. He makes a way if it is in His plan. We can count on that still today. 

In John, we read of Jesus' first miracle, performed at a wedding in providing wine out of water. Again, impossible made possible. This is what confirmed the disciples' belief in Him. 

Many times we overlook God's miracles today. He pulls us through some rough stuff, but many bat an eyelash let alone thank Him. 

Jesus again, shows that emotions are real when He is angered by the "human nature" of the merchants in the temple. This is where He gives the first mention of His dying and returning again in three days. 

Our human nature can be very stupid at times. We hold grudges, get jealous, lust, use God for our gain... But we have also read that God's glory prevails in the midst of our human nature. He has the power to change hearts and make Himself very known in intimate and mighty ways. Keep your human nature in check, and seek His glory daily!

Day 1 - In the Beginning

It's been too long since I've updated my In the Word blog! Motherhood sure pulls you time away, but this year, as we dive into a new one, I'm hoping to dive back into the Word more. I might not update everyday here, but I will be hopefully reading! So, here we go!

Day 1
Genesis 1-3, John 1

I find it ironic that today's readings begin with "In the beginning". Both John and Genesis have a "new" sort of feeling. Each year I dive back into the Word after failing at about 1 Kings, I realize that this IS a new beginning. Every day is a new one. We have a new year, a new day, a new hour, to start fresh all the time. God is so gracious to us in always being open to us when we fall and fall and fall again.
In John today, we read about how timeless God is! We are reminded right off the bat that He's been here since the beginning and His Word is always relevant. John the Baptist proclaims to the people that He is indeed Christ, and He is coming!
This year, we need to cling to our "true light" (John 1:9), proclaiming the good news of His coming an His coming again! John the Baptist was very bold in letting everyone know.
In Genesis, we read about how God made everything in the beginning. He made US in His own image, above all else on earth. But, as human nature would have it, we slipped up and did exactly what we were told not to do, and that perfection in the world was ruined because a serpent came along and tempted.
This isn't only true back in the beginning, but we need to be on our guard that Satan is lurking and seeking any foothold he can get in your life. He will find ways to make you slip and fall, but God can always pick us up again. Guard yourself from Satan's grasp and cling to your Light!
As John 1 wraps up, Jesus calls His first disciples. All a bunch of normal guys, who were eager to follow. When Jesus calls you this year, are you going to follow Him?

We have this amazing God...Who set the stars in their place, created the beautiful plants of the earth, and made YOU in His image. He loves us so much, that He is always walking with us. He is timeless. He is calling you to be on His team. This is a new year, filled with new opportunities, and new ways to experience Him. Shine His light, and shine it proudly, for there is no time like now to proclaim Him in your life!

Day 59: Lord, Be Merciful

Reading: Psalm 27:7-14

David faced so many downfalls and continually seemed to be staring up from the very bottom of life. His enemies pursued him hard, but he never lost faith in God rescuing him. We will absolutely face trials and fear in this life. Some will be huge, and others will be small, but each offers an opportunity to look up to God, and rely on Him to pull us through.
One of the reasons I've been away from this blog for so long is because of one of the greatest trials I've faced in this life yet. After giving birth to my gorgeous daughter, I had to have open-chest surgery for a 7-inch long pulmonary embolism. It was definitely a low in my life, as I spent a week in the icu, and two week from my newborn. But God granted me an immense sense of peace and comfort through the entire thing. The weeks after that were tough as well, as I had to learn to have patience to heal and trust others to take care of my baby, as I couldn't lift. It was probably tougher for me than the whole ordeal itself. There were many time between the 3am feedings and the painful days of getting by that I just wanted to shout "why?" at God.
He, however, grants us much mercy, as we stumble through life. He comforts us when we're down, and we are responsible for sharing His great love with those around us. My story has touched many, and continues to get around, but I offer no one the glory, except God for pulling me through those hard couple of months.
So when you are at the bottom of the pit of life, be sure to look no where but up, and give Him all the glory for your success.

What is something you are facing lately that seems impossible to conquer?


 Who do you tend to turn to when things go wrong?


 
Reading: Mark 10:13-31

Jesus displays mercy on the children, the poor, the rich and the persecuted. He calls us to do the same. Some societies can tend to look down on children, especially in the time and culture of Jesus. Others look down on the poor. Some look down on the rich, usually because of jealousy and the power money gives them. Many look down on Christians, which causes persecution. It can be easy to live in a country that allows freedom to worship as a Christian and that is one of the richest in the world, though many might not believe that. Jesus showed mercy to the kids that the disciples tried to turn away, but blessing them, and telling them to allow the children to come to Him. When we have faith like children, we are more open-minded and excited for what Jesus has to offer us. As adults, we tend to over-analyze and ask questions we don't need to know. We bicker over the small things in church, and refuse to worship until it's our way, rather than God's.
When we rely on money, as Jesus says it's hard for the rich to come to heaven, we put that first in our lives. We can know scripture, obey the commandments, and impress our pastors, but those things will never get us to heaven. Only true, child-like faith, and His grace alone will get us there.
Jesus loved the outcasts. We are to have mercy as He did.
As the song by Relient K goes, "Jesus loved the outcasts. He loved the ones the world just loved to hate."

Is there a group of people in particular that you tend to isolate? How can you apply these words to changing your love for them? Remember that loving them doesn't have to mean accepting their way of life.


What kind of faith do you have? The child-like faith that gets excited and open about what God has to offer you, or the kind that over-analyzes it?



Reading: Leviticus 4:1-5:13

As you can see from this reading alone, getting forgiveness was a messy, detailed process before Jesus died for our sins. To be made right with God before Jesus, the people had to follow all of these rules and processes to be atoned. Jesus, however, came to wipe out all of those rules. His mercy and love for us got rid of that barrier so that we may come to Him at anytime and any place. There is no need to be made right with God through all of the rules, when it is by His grace alone that we are saved and made right in Him.


What are some rules you find overly done? Why do you think they exist?


What about God's grace do you love the most?

You call me out upon the waters...

I would like to write devos based off of the song "Oceans" by Hillsong, line by line. It has become my life song in response to all that has happened in my life this past year, and I think writing my story to this song will help immensely. 


Today's line: "You call me out upon the waters..."

God's calling in our lives can leave us feeling a bit unsure. When God calls us into a mission, a place, a job, a new start, etc. we may look at Him with an eyebrow raised, as if He is calling us to walk on water. The thing we need to remember is that Jesus physically DID walk on the water.

We don't always know what God is calling us to do. Sometimes it is just thrown into our lives and we must take it in stride. If we don't, our faith could waiver. When Jesus called out to Peter to step onto the water with Him, I'm sure Peter just stared and thought deeply about what was being considered. His first steps out onto the water was probably like that of a toddler learning to walk for the first time. They cling to the side of the couch, looking around for the next place to step to and grab on to, but Peter didn't have anything but a boat, open water and Jesus.

Circumstances in life can leave us feeling stranded and unsure about what God is actually asking us to do. I can't tell you how terrified I was to bring our newborn home from the hospital. The day we were released from the hospital and had to strap her into that car seat, then drive her home 2 hours, was probably one of the most unsure days and nights of my life. Now Mark and I would have to raise her without the luxury of calling the hospital nursery to our aid, or a nurse to show us again how to swaddle and bathe. Jesus certainly calls new parents onto the waters.

If that wasn't terrifying enough for me, I came home from the hospital a second time to still take care of a newborn that I hadn't taken care of in three weeks, and do it after open-chest surgery. Talk about waters! I remember just looking up at God and asking "What are you doing, God? How do you expect me to do this?" I could barely bend over, pick up my arms, and get in and out of the shower, let alone take care of an infant, but those were the waters I was called to at the time.

When God throws those unsure waters at you, consider the outcome of it. Consider where it will take you and what it will do for your faith. It will give you the opportunity to look at yourself and see just how capable He is in you.