Reading for Today: Luke 22:39-71 Genesis 40 Psalm 31
Today's reading in Luke tells of one of the darkest moments in the life and ministry of Christ. It tells of one of the most difficult experiences for anyone....Betrayal. Some reading this today know this word well. Jesus understands the magnitude of hurt that comes with being betrayed by someone close. Jesus walked daily with Judas. He reclined at the dinner table with him, and he shared his heart and passion for ministry with him as they traveled from city to city proclaiming the gospel. Jesus opened up and let Judas in...then, Judas betrayed him. However, one key point to remember...Jesus already knew Judas would betray Him. Christ had the ability to know the entire plan, start to finish. Yet, he still chose to love Judas and share His life with him. Jesus' example is a reminder to love openly, forgive willingly, and leave the motives of others up to our Heavenly Father who is working all things (even what we see as betrayal) for our ultimate good. God's Word calls us to love one another. We are only responsible for obedience on our end, and Christ will take care of the rest.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Joy comes in the Morning
Reading for Today: Luke 22:1-38 Genesis 39 Psalm 30
I love the promise in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." In other words, hold on, there is joy coming. We can all relate to having a difficult night or two. I'm not talking about the "sleepless" night kind, although this relates to those nights as well. I'm talking about those times in life when it seems extremely dark, and you feel afraid, lonely, unsure...and so on. These are the times we must cling to this promise. God says not to give up. There is going to be a new day...a new morning. The night will pass away and joy will come again. Verse 11 says, "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy." You are not forgotten...God is with you during the night, and He is planning a joy-filled morning just for you.
I love the promise in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." In other words, hold on, there is joy coming. We can all relate to having a difficult night or two. I'm not talking about the "sleepless" night kind, although this relates to those nights as well. I'm talking about those times in life when it seems extremely dark, and you feel afraid, lonely, unsure...and so on. These are the times we must cling to this promise. God says not to give up. There is going to be a new day...a new morning. The night will pass away and joy will come again. Verse 11 says, "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy." You are not forgotten...God is with you during the night, and He is planning a joy-filled morning just for you.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Worth the Wait
Reading for Today: Luke 20:1-26 Genesis 35-36 Psalm 27
Psalm 27:13-14, " I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (14) Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
We can be confident God is always working for our good. However, He is working it in His time not our time. Here is where the "waiting" mention in verse 14 comes in. During the "wait" we learn to trust. Faith is built during the wait. Learning to find joy "in the meantime" is not easy. God does His best work while we wait. He is busy behind the scenes working every detail according to His perfect purpose and plan. Are you experiencing the "wait" today? Take heart, be strong....it will be worth the wait.
Psalm 27:13-14, " I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (14) Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
We can be confident God is always working for our good. However, He is working it in His time not our time. Here is where the "waiting" mention in verse 14 comes in. During the "wait" we learn to trust. Faith is built during the wait. Learning to find joy "in the meantime" is not easy. God does His best work while we wait. He is busy behind the scenes working every detail according to His perfect purpose and plan. Are you experiencing the "wait" today? Take heart, be strong....it will be worth the wait.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Made to Praise
Reading for Today: Luke 19:28-48 Genesis 34 Psalm 26
In Luke 19 we find Jesus' disciples praising God joyfully and with loud voices for all the miracles they had seen during Jesus ministry. His time on earth was quickly drawing to a close.The Pharisees in the crowd complained to Jesus; asking Him to rebuke His disciples. After all, they were disturbing the peace and causing an uproar. To this Jesus replies; "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." We were created to praise our maker. Unfortunately, we sometimes continue to let the "Pharisees" of today hinder us from openly and feely praising our God. He has been so good to us. We've witnessed His miracles. Let's make this a day of praise...unashamed. God delights in our praise.
In Luke 19 we find Jesus' disciples praising God joyfully and with loud voices for all the miracles they had seen during Jesus ministry. His time on earth was quickly drawing to a close.The Pharisees in the crowd complained to Jesus; asking Him to rebuke His disciples. After all, they were disturbing the peace and causing an uproar. To this Jesus replies; "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." We were created to praise our maker. Unfortunately, we sometimes continue to let the "Pharisees" of today hinder us from openly and feely praising our God. He has been so good to us. We've witnessed His miracles. Let's make this a day of praise...unashamed. God delights in our praise.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Stop, Pray, and Trust
Reading for Today: Luke 19:1-27 Genesis 32-33 Psalm 25
Today's Old Testament reading includes the story of Jacob obeying God's instruction to return to his homeland. Jacob knew, going back home meant facing his brother, Esau. Jacob was afraid. We know from our previous reading, Jacob and Esau were not on good terms. However, Jacob obeyed God's instruction. Genesis 32 tells us all Jacob did to prepare to meet his brother. He had a plan of action, but he did not attempt to carry out the plan without one major ingredient; prayer. Notice verses 9-12. Jacob reminds God of his promise to make him a great nation, and he asks God to save him from his brother Esau. We see in Chapter 33 the emotional homecoming that took place when Jacob and Esau meet for the first time in a long time. God heard Jacob's prayer and already prepared Esau's heart to receive his brother with open arms. What a beautiful picture of God's ability to reconcile broken relationships. The key...prayer before action. God has the power to move on both ends of conflict. He specializes in homecomings and reconciliation. Include Him in your plan of action and remember, stop and pray first, then proceed.. trusting God with the outcome.
Today's Old Testament reading includes the story of Jacob obeying God's instruction to return to his homeland. Jacob knew, going back home meant facing his brother, Esau. Jacob was afraid. We know from our previous reading, Jacob and Esau were not on good terms. However, Jacob obeyed God's instruction. Genesis 32 tells us all Jacob did to prepare to meet his brother. He had a plan of action, but he did not attempt to carry out the plan without one major ingredient; prayer. Notice verses 9-12. Jacob reminds God of his promise to make him a great nation, and he asks God to save him from his brother Esau. We see in Chapter 33 the emotional homecoming that took place when Jacob and Esau meet for the first time in a long time. God heard Jacob's prayer and already prepared Esau's heart to receive his brother with open arms. What a beautiful picture of God's ability to reconcile broken relationships. The key...prayer before action. God has the power to move on both ends of conflict. He specializes in homecomings and reconciliation. Include Him in your plan of action and remember, stop and pray first, then proceed.. trusting God with the outcome.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
When Jesus Passes By
Reading for Today: Luke 18:18-43 Genesis 31 Psalm 24
Luke 18: 35-43 gives testimony of the power of Christ over hopeless situations. Can you just picture this blind begger, sitting day after day begging? He could hear the comments. He could feel the coldness coming from those passing by. He did not need to see the expressions on faces to know how those coming toward him really felt. But one day, everything changed. One day, there was a man coming his way like no other. He had heard of this Jesus. He had heard the stories of His power. Suddenly, something he hadn't felt in years began to surface...HOPE. He called out to Jesus, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus heard his cry, stopped, and called for the man to be brought to Him. Suddenly, this man's life changed forever. Jesus spoke the words, and the blind man received his sight, "immediately". Friends, the word hopeless does not exist in God's vocabulary. Call out to Him today with whatever situation you've decided is hopeless. Everything changes...when Jesus passes by.
Luke 18: 35-43 gives testimony of the power of Christ over hopeless situations. Can you just picture this blind begger, sitting day after day begging? He could hear the comments. He could feel the coldness coming from those passing by. He did not need to see the expressions on faces to know how those coming toward him really felt. But one day, everything changed. One day, there was a man coming his way like no other. He had heard of this Jesus. He had heard the stories of His power. Suddenly, something he hadn't felt in years began to surface...HOPE. He called out to Jesus, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus heard his cry, stopped, and called for the man to be brought to Him. Suddenly, this man's life changed forever. Jesus spoke the words, and the blind man received his sight, "immediately". Friends, the word hopeless does not exist in God's vocabulary. Call out to Him today with whatever situation you've decided is hopeless. Everything changes...when Jesus passes by.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Green Pastures
Reading For Today: Luke 18:1-17 Genesis 29:31-30:43 Psalm23
Our reading for today contains the much quoted Psalm 23. The entire chapter is filled with comfort for us. We do have a shepherd leading us. Verse two says it very well, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters." There are times in life God literally "makes us lie down in green pastures". These are the times He teaches us to "Be still...and know that I am God". God can use the most unlikely circumstances as an avenue to cause us to be still for a while. During those moments of stillness, He speaks to our hearts and opens our eyes to see His blessings in the simple things. There is no noise to block out His voice. You may have experienced one of these times. It may have come through a physical injury, illness, the loss of a job...the list goes on. Maybe you are in the midst of one now. Listen closely...Is God whispering to you heart? Cease striving...and rest in His arms today.
Our reading for today contains the much quoted Psalm 23. The entire chapter is filled with comfort for us. We do have a shepherd leading us. Verse two says it very well, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters." There are times in life God literally "makes us lie down in green pastures". These are the times He teaches us to "Be still...and know that I am God". God can use the most unlikely circumstances as an avenue to cause us to be still for a while. During those moments of stillness, He speaks to our hearts and opens our eyes to see His blessings in the simple things. There is no noise to block out His voice. You may have experienced one of these times. It may have come through a physical injury, illness, the loss of a job...the list goes on. Maybe you are in the midst of one now. Listen closely...Is God whispering to you heart? Cease striving...and rest in His arms today.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Jesus...Friend of Sinners
The reading passages for today are: Luke 15 Genesis 27:1-45 Psalm 20
Today's reading contains a special characteristic regarding Jesus. He was not afraid to associate with sinners. Jesus' faith was grounded, he could not be swayed by peer pressure or the crowds, and He was sensitive to His Father's voice when prompted to include the "outcasts" in His daily life. Luke 15:1-2 says. "Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Do you see it? The tax collectors and "sinners", or in other words the crowd normally shunned by religious leaders, were drawn to Christ. He loved them, and He went after them. I'm so thankful He didn't give up on me. I'm so thankful He pursued me and continues to pursue me today. May we be sensitive to "any one" in need of a touch from our Savior, and may we praise Him today for always pursuing us.
Today's reading contains a special characteristic regarding Jesus. He was not afraid to associate with sinners. Jesus' faith was grounded, he could not be swayed by peer pressure or the crowds, and He was sensitive to His Father's voice when prompted to include the "outcasts" in His daily life. Luke 15:1-2 says. "Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Do you see it? The tax collectors and "sinners", or in other words the crowd normally shunned by religious leaders, were drawn to Christ. He loved them, and He went after them. I'm so thankful He didn't give up on me. I'm so thankful He pursued me and continues to pursue me today. May we be sensitive to "any one" in need of a touch from our Savior, and may we praise Him today for always pursuing us.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
My Rock and My Redeemer
Reading for Today, Jan 19, 2012: Luke 14:25-35 Genesis 26 Psalms 19
Sprinkled through the past two days of reading is one powerful reminder. God alone is our solid rock. He is our firm foundation. When everything else fails...He alone will continue to stand, unwavered and unchanged by any circumstance. Yesterday, we read Psalms 18:46, "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted." I remember many years ago my church youth group choir singing a song that included this verse in the lyrics. I still almost have a spiritual runaway when I hear those words. But today, something caught my eye that I've never noticed before. The verse says...blessed be MY rock..and let the God of MY salvation be exalted. In other words...girls we can rejoice today. We can hold up our heads knowing God is My/Your personal Rock. He is holding our lives in place. Nothing can or will be able to cause us to crumble as long as we remain built on OUR rock. The very last verse for today's reading in Psalms reinforces God as our Rock. Psalm 19:14 (NIV) says, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. He is your Rock and your Redeemer! As you read today's passages, take the words as a reminder and encouragement written just for you. Oh... and the first part of verse 14 is good too. Just a little reminder to watch what we say and allow our minds and hearts to dwell on today. Feel free to share comments on any other passages which spoke to you this week. We've had another week filled with good reading!
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Good Part
This week's reading was very good. In Wednesday's reading assignment, we met up with Jesus in the home of our dear friends Mary and Martha. There have been countless studies, books, and devotionals written on this passage of scripture and on the lives of these two ladies. We as women can relate well to the "Martha" way of life. Martha, according to these verses, can be described as hospitable, a good hostess, and I'm guessing a good housekeeper. After all, she did invite the very Son of God into her home for a visit! However, Luke 10:40 gives her area of struggle. It says, "Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." Can anyone relate to that word "distracted"? I know I can. In all the doing and serving of our lives, we can easily become distracted and miss the special moments God has planned just for us. In verse 42 Jesus gives Martha priceless advice, and I believe He is speaking those words directly to us "Martha" girls today. He said "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part." Just the fact that you are reading this is proof you are taking time out this year to chose "the good part"; spending time at the feet of Jesus reading His precious Word. May we remember these life-giving words and never become too distracted to choose "the good part".
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
No Limits
I love the sweet reminder in today's reading that we serve a God not limited by circumstances. Genesis 17 tells of a man and woman who, by all human reasoning, faced impossible odds. However, our God is bigger than any odds or impossibilities. In fact, our God specializes in the impossible. Verse one says..."When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." What impossibility are you facing today, this week, this month, or in this new year. Let the words..."I am God Almighty" resignate in your mind and heart today. Lift your head. We are daughters of the great "I AM" the "God Almighty". A God who has "No Limits".
Has God brought you through an impossible situatiaon you would like to share? Feel free to post a comment. Do you need friends to join you in prayer for something that seems "impossible"? You may simply post..."Please help me pray". You need not go into the details of what your impossibility may be, if you feel uncomfortable doing so. This is simply a way for us to lift one another in prayer and speak God's Word over all circumstances.
I pray these words of truth from Genesis leave you encouraged and filled with HOPE today.
Has God brought you through an impossible situatiaon you would like to share? Feel free to post a comment. Do you need friends to join you in prayer for something that seems "impossible"? You may simply post..."Please help me pray". You need not go into the details of what your impossibility may be, if you feel uncomfortable doing so. This is simply a way for us to lift one another in prayer and speak God's Word over all circumstances.
I pray these words of truth from Genesis leave you encouraged and filled with HOPE today.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Note of Encouragement
Well, ladies, we are 6 days into our challenge to read through the Bible in 2012. Let me begin by saying, I have your names attached to my reading plan schedule, and I have been praying for you. I'm thinking some of you may be saying...."Why in the world did I sign up for this? What was I thinking!". I understand! There have been a couple days during my busy week I've felt the same way! Please don't give up. I promise, if you will not get discouraged, and you will ask God to give you the strength and determination to do this, you will be so very blessed. Don't think of it as a whole year of reading...simply take it one day at a time. If you get behind, it is ok! Just do your best. I've created this BLOG as a way for all of us to share our thoughts. It might be better than e-mail, simply because we can comment directly to this BLOG, and it will not flood our inbox. It is an easier way for all of us to stay connected. I will keep the BLOG updated every few days, so be sure to check it often. This first week of reading included passages that both encouraged and convicted me. Especially Tuesday's reading in Luke 6:27-36 regarding how we are to treat everyone; including those who may hurt our feelings. I've been encouraged by the Psalms this week and God's promise of protection and deliverence. I know Genesis included a little geneology. I told you in the beginning this would come up. Try not to get too confused or bored with this. Remember, God has a reason for including this information in the pages of His word. Family lineage has always been of utmost importance to God's perfect plan for our lives and destiny. Feel free to comment on this BLOG and tell us what scriptures spoke to you in this first week. If I haven't told you lately...I love you all so much and I'm very excited to be making this journey with you!
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