Sovereign Sorrow

Sovereign Sorrow

Genesis 6: ⁵ Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ⁶ And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. ⁷ So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

 

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With GOD, there are no mistakes, yet GOD seems to have expressed a problem that HE had to deal with. HE created a perfect world. HE created man and woman and placed them in the Garden of Eden. Plants would grow themselves. Animals would come up to the man and woman to be named and cared for. There was harmony. But the Devil, who wanted to be GOD, caused humans to sin.

 

Every human was born with a sin nature. Only a few walked with the LORD and spoke with HIM. The rest ignored HIM. The descendants of Cain multiplied and so did evil. After a while, humans got tired of seeing the Garden of Eden that they could not get in. They too wanted to be GOD.

 

My Observations

• Because of our sin nature, humans have a difficult time relating to GOD’s timing and ways.
• Human thoughts and intentions can go wildly away from GOD if left unchecked.
• Insecurities about GOD causes humans to think of evil thoughts that seem innocent.

 

Justified thinking made people rationalize their evil behavior. Giants introduced the thought of “Only the strong will survive.” Humans fought over land that would produce food. Selfishness grew stronger within each human to the point of no return. They would someday storm the Garden of Eden and take it over! Or at least they may have thought. BUT GOD saw their heart and was sorry HE had to destroy them. All but one found grace.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the conversation HE held with HIMSELF?
• Are your thoughts on you or GOD?
• Will you get a hold of your thoughts and focus them on what GOD will have you do today?

Beginning of a Lineage

Beginning of a Lineage

Genesis 5: This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. ² He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created. ³ And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. ⁴ After he begot Seth, the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters. ⁵ So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died.

 

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After explaining there were two distinct paths in humanity, one path is spelled out. While the term “genealogy” is used, it really isn’t a family tree that shows a parental structure leading back to all ancestors. Instead, this was the lineage of salvation that could be traced all the way back to where the first person made the mistake.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made man and woman in the “likeness of GOD.”
• Adam sinned, brought on GOD’s curse, had two sons, one murdered the other, and then had another son named Seth.
• Seth had siblings, but only he was the beginning of the lineage of JESUS.

 

At first I wondered why the other people were not named. But then it hit me. This book is not about humans, but it is about JESUS. The lineage of CHRIST was preserved and could be traced back to the first sinner, Adam.

 

GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT, always existed. I cannot explain this. BUT GOD, three in one, revealed what I need to have a healed relationship with HIM. I believe it was JESUS who interacted with the humans HE created. I also believe the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT interacted with humans in the Old Testament. This lineage is the beginning of redemption.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Seth?
• Have you ever done a family tree?
• Will you read the Bible from a redemption perspective to know the heart of GOD today?

Free Will Established

Free Will Established

Genesis 2: ¹⁵ Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. ¹⁶ And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; ¹⁷ but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

 

After creating a perfect place with beauty that could be enjoyed forever, GOD placed man in the garden and gave him something to do. The trees would grow themselves and provide fruit. Water was plentiful so no plant suffered. There was no rot or disease or bug infestations.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave the first human something to do for his enjoyment.
• GOD provided everything the first human could ever need.
• GOD also gave the first human a choice to obey by providing something he should not do.

 

Two trees were GOD’s and millions, if not billions of trees were for the first human. Each plant, bush, or tree would provide enough food for every animal, bird and fish. GOD probably had other conversations with the first human, but those are not recorded. HIS command, however, is recorded. HE distinctly told the first human not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. HE even gave the consequence. Death.

 

“What in the world is death?” would have been my question. GOD did not reveal the total conversation with the first human, but somehow, the message was conveyed. This was the very first command. No other rules. No sacrifice. No laws. Just eat and tend to the food provided.

 

Challenge:

• Why does GOD emphasize this command to Moses?
• Even with plenty, have you ever wanted what someone else had?
• Have you considered how much or how little you surrender yourself to GOD by choice?

Mapped Out

Mapped Out

Genesis 2: ¹⁰ Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. ¹¹ The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. ¹² And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. ¹³ The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. ¹⁴ The name of the third river is Hiddekel it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.

 

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Names of areas and rivers is the first thing I noticed. The great river that supplied four other rivers, had a purpose of watering the garden “in” Eden. GOD showed Moses the four rivers and told him the names. HE also showed him gold and precious stones.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made the rivers gentle enough to water the garden without destroying it.
• GOD made the rivers shallow enough for humans to walk in them without pain or fear of drowning.
• GOD made the great river flow from the area called Eden which provided life to the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

 

Every area was made as a gift for humans. Gentle rivers, beautiful trees, different landscapes, all provided a variety of experiences for humans. GOD was pleased to provide variety and shared precious stones with humans. The area was now complete. It was ready for humans to enjoy!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think it was important for GOD to show Moses the lay of the land?
• Have you ever traveled to other areas and seen different landscapes, trees, lakes and rivers?
• Do you look forward to GOD providing you with peace and tranquility someday?

Humans Day 7

Humans Day 7

Genesis 2: Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. ² And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. ³ Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

 

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GOD had created water, light, day, night, outer space, stars, sky, air, vegetation, dry land, minerals, birds, fish, animals, insects, good bacteria and humans. HE said it was “very good.” HE then did something strange. HE took time to purposefully rest. HE set this day apart as special by blessing the day.

 

My Observations:

• GOD, with HIS infinite power, took time to rest.
• GOD deliberately ended HIS work of creation for humans after the sixth rotation of the earth.
• GOD demonstrated to humans that rest is important.

 

Finishing the work was important, but resting seemed just as important to GOD. HE does not sleep or slumber. HE never gets tired and never runs out of energy. But we do. HE made humans with limitations. We need to eat and rest to survive. As important as creating the universe was, GOD saw it fitting to turn it off for a day.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD, who does not need sleep, tell Moses HE rested?
• Have you ever thought that you should work seven days a week?
• Will you consider intentionally resting from all work to take time to listen to GOD for a full day?

Humans Day 6

Humans Day 6

Genesis 1: ²⁴ Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. ²⁵ And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

 

²⁶ Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” ²⁷ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. ²⁸ Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

 

²⁹ And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. ³⁰ Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. ³¹ Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

 

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Five rotations of the earth had now taken place. GOD had created water, light, day, night, outer space, stars, sky, air, vegetation, dry land, minerals, birds and fish. Dry land was now ready for inhabitants. GOD used the earth to create animals, insects and useful bacteria. BUT GOD said something special when it came to humanity. “Let US make man in  OUR image.” HE created male and female.

 

My Observations:

• GOD prepared everything to give it to humans.
• GOD created animals, insects and every creeping thing from the earth.
• GOD created humans, male and female, in HIS likeness and afterwards, looked at “everything” HE made and “indeed it was very good.”

 

Perfect peace had been created. HE created humans with harmony. It was perfect! HE had a relationship with HIS creation and had provided plenty to eat and plenty to do. GOD was excited about HIS creation and gave humans dominion over all HE made in the six days.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses that HE HIS creation was  “very good?”
• Can you hear the excitement GOD had to make HIS creation?
• Have you considered that when you were made, GOD said “very good” about you?

Humans Day 5

Humans Day 5

Genesis 1: ²⁰ Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” ²¹ So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. ²² And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” ²³ So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

 

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Water, light, day, night, outer space, stars, sky, air, vegetation, dry land, and minerals were all in place and working well. The Earth was rotating properly and had made four revolutions. GOD then spoke fish and birds into existence. HE then provides the very first blessing by saying “Be fruitful and multiply.”  This blessing enabled species of all kinds of birds and fish to fill the waters and the air.

 

My Observations:

• GOD cares about the details of every fish and bird.
• GOD speaks to every living creature.
• GOD is excited about abundance for HIS creation.

 

Abundance sticks out to me when I see GOD creating the birds and fish. Not only did HE create plenty, HE created the ability for each species to have plenty. The math HE gave the birds and fish was multiplication versus addition. HE was very pleased that the birds and fish would be delightful for humans.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the first blessing?
• What is your idea of abundance compared to GOD’s idea of abundance?
• Have you ever noticed that GOD did not create money during this week of creation, rather HE built a space HE knew was fitting for humans?

Humans Day 4

Humans Day 4

Genesis 1: ¹⁴ Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; ¹⁵ and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. ¹⁶ Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. ¹⁷ God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, ¹⁸ and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

 

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Instead of random events, GOD made everything with a purpose. On the first day, HE made light. Now on the fourth day, HE took a piece of light and made the sun. HE also made its qualities reflective off of the moon. HE took more pieces of light and made stars. Each star was hung in a specific place and could only be seen at certain times of the year.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made years and seasons specifically for humans.
• GOD made light to “rule” over darkness.
• GOD demonstrated the creative process by breaking up light into many purposes.

 

I am quite amazed that every star, every galaxy, every light that can be seen was made specifically to shine on the place GOD made for humans. This is a very loving action from GOD. HE set the stars in the heavens, or outer space, for the enjoyment of humans, yet to be created.

 

I can also see that GOD delights in the creative process. HE took light and made stars, reflection, refraction, color, energy, healing and warmth. HE did this all for you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD gives this level of detail to Moses about light and darkness?
• What areas of your life do you think are hidden?
• Are you willing to surrender hidden things to GOD so HIS light will heal you and shine through you today?

Humans Day 3

Humans Day 3

Genesis 1: ⁹ Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. ¹⁰ And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

 

¹¹ Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. ¹² And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. ¹³ So the evening and the morning were the third day.

 

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Day and night were created and a dome called sky was put in place on days one and two. Now GOD creates land and sea, simply by speaking them into existence. HE also created everything that would grow.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made dry land for humans to live on.
• GOD made the seas and springs to water the plants for humans to eat.
• GOD made a variety plants for humans to eat.

 

Provision is what I see when I read this passage of scripture. GOD thought of everything needed to sustain life and created that for you and me. Warm, safe and dry seemed to be the plan for humans to live an enjoyable life. GOD would take care of the plants.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention to Moses that HE was pleased, twice in the same day?
• Did you notice GOD created water, dry land and plant life with the idea of sustaining life?
• What areas of your life has GOD provided for, that brought you praise?

Humans Day 2

Humans Day 2

Genesis 1: ⁶ Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” ⁷ Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. ⁸ And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

 

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Now that day and night were working, GOD spoke “Sky” or “Heaven” into existence. This container would hold water that would eventually become rain. It would also hold life giving air that would separate the waters that would be on the earth from the water in the sky.

 

My Observations:

• GOD took an entire day to focus on the atmosphere.
• GOD took care in preparing a perfect habitat for HIS creation.
• GOD was very organized in what he made first and second.

 

Not only did GOD tell Moses about HIS power, HE seems to demonstrate HIS organization. HE had a reason for everything and provided a way to sustain life. One set of water would be used for one thing and another set for a different purpose. HE formed droplets that could freeze or boil. Amazing!

 

Challenge

• Why do you thin GOD told the writer about dividing the water?
• Are you amazed that every drop of water and every snowflake is different and useful?
• Can you take a moment to ponder GOD’s methodical behavior in your life today?

Humans Day 1

Humans Day 1

Genesis 1: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

² And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

³ And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

⁴ And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

⁵ And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

 

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When I read this passage, I notice “In the beginning GOD.” “In the beginning of what?” I ask. In the beginning of our relationship with GOD. This eternal being revealed how humanity began to HIS servant Moses, who wrote Genesis.

 

My Observations:

• GOD subtly shows HIS power by simply speaking Light into existence.
• “GOD created” shows HIS complexity and authority.
• GOD thought of outer space, the earth and waters and was very pleased to create light specifically for humans.

 

Excitement is what I read when I see this passage. I see GOD excited for humanity and making special things that would bring life. I see that HE was pleased with HIS creation. I can’t help thinking that GOD is saying to HIMSELF “They are really going to like this!” or “They really will need this!” Either way, I can see a loving, caring GOD who is creative and powerful.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD start HIS dictation to Moses with the creation?
• Can you hear how pleased GOD was to make something for humans that HE did not need for HIMSELF?
• How can you mimic GOD, by using creativity and being pleased with HIS power and HIS provision of light today?

Created For

Created For

Colossians 1: ¹⁵ Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all created things. ¹⁶ For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him. 

 

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“Mine!” I screamed in my mind. Someone had taken the items off of “my” desk at work. I had gone to the supply cabinet and carefully chosen the items I needed. “Can’t whoever took ‘my’ stuff simply go get their own things!”

 

• I was frustrated over something “I” had claimed to be mine.
• I wanted “my” own territory.
• I had laid claim to something purchased by someone else.

 

Paul is revealed the identity of CHRIST. He explains there is no one greater than JESUS. CHRIST is superior to all created things. Everything in heaven and earth was made through HIM and for HIM.

 

My Observations

• GOD really, really loves HIS SON and HE made me for HIM out of love.
• JESUS really, really loves me, so HE decided to die for my sins.
• The HOLY SPIRIT really, really loves me and the SON, so HE pleas on my behalf and goes where the SON sends HIM.

 

“I made this for YOU” is what I imagine GOD saying to HIS SON. I mean everything was created by JESUS and for JESUS. Unfortunately, one of the created beings, Satan, decided he was going to “be” GOD. This did not go so well for him.

 

He tried to ruin humanity through temptation. We all fell. BUT JESUS did something remarkable. HE allowed HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and was raised from the dead. HE has all authority over any situation I can encounter. I am glad I am made for HIM and give my life to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Who does the writer focus on?
• Have you ever thought GOD is supposed to do your bidding?
• Have you ever pondered what your purpose in life is?
• Will you know you are specially made for CHRIST and celebrate what HE has done for you today?

New Identity

 

New Identity

Philippians 3 ⁴ I could, of course, put my trust in such things. If any of you think you can trust in external ceremonies, I have even more reason to feel that way. ⁵ I was circumcised when I was a week old. I am an Israelite by birth, of the tribe of Benjamin, a pure-blooded Hebrew. As far as keeping the Jewish Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee, ⁶ and I was so zealous that I persecuted the church. As far as a person can be righteous by obeying the commands of the Law, I was without fault. ⁷ But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for Christ's sake. 

 

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Being ridiculed, I did not want to be seen or known. But after being recognized for positive achievements, I craved more accolades. The more “I” achieved, the higher “I” went. Soon my entire identity was wrapped in ”my” title.

 

• My thoughts were only on my title.
• My plans centered around my title.
• My conversations, lack of sleep, decisions and time were based on my title.

 

Paul sounded harsh on those who pushed the need to be circumcised as an implied closeness to GOD. This male oriented action was debunked by Paul as he admitted his own faults. He was extremely zealous for following the scripture but lacked its true meaning, namely CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When GOD made me, HE said “Very good.”
• My identity is made whole by pointing all lives to CHRIST.
• Only CHRIST deserves the attention and my achievements mean nothing.

 

Having a title or lineage or popularity is not bad unless I place it over what GOD wants for me. I mean, GOD gives me free will to choose HIM or “me.” When I choose “me” I get the spotlight, the accolades and “my” name is mentioned more than HIS.

 

Fortunately GOD understands this and HE gently guides me back to a place of true peace. HE opens my eyes to the need for CHRIST to have the honor of the spotlight. My achievements, accomplishments and accolades mean nothing in comparison to JESUS. I look at the immense time I have wasted as loss and I am grateful GOD hs given me a chance to speak about HIM now.

 

Challenge

• Can you sense regret from the writer?
• Have you ever wanted the attention, maybe even in a passive way?
• What do you cry out to GOD for?
• Will you seek a new identity by placing JESUS over every aspiration in your life today?

New Beginnings

John 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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Excitement filled my face as I went to the next grade. I put on my best clothes and looked forward to meeting new friends. Besides, everyone I knew was going to school, so being at home would be boring.

• I look forward to new beginnings
• I look forward to the start of something new.
• I look forward to the next phase of things.

The WORD was there in the beginning with GOD and was GOD. I could only imagine how excited GOD was when HE created everything. The WORD created all of humanity, heavens and the earth in six days. Life began with the WORD and HE became the light of all mankind.

• The WORD is what GOD wants me to believe in.
• The WORD give me life.
• The WORD lightens my path.

Dark times cannot overcome the light of the WORD. Even though I may walk in the valley of death I will fear no evil. Darkness may try but the WORD will always protect me. I look forward to each new beginning GOD has in store for me!

• Are you about to start a journey?
• Do you fear failure?
• Will you allow GOD to guide you on your new beginning today?

Hearing When the Noise is Loud

Psalm 104: ²⁷ All creatures look to you
    to give them their food at the proper time.
²⁸ When you give it to them,
    they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
    they are satisfied with good things.
²⁹ When you hide your face,
    they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
    they die and return to the dust.
³⁰ When you send your Spirit,
    they are created,
    and you renew the face of the ground.

³¹ May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works—
³² he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

³³ I will sing to the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
³⁴ May my meditation be pleasing to him,
    as I rejoice in the Lord.

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“Hurry, we have to get to the airport on time” were the motivating words out of my mouth that I barked at my team. Barely getting there on time, my heart raced as I got into the routine of shoe removal and laptop stacking in the security line. I quickly sized up the other travelers and noticed a person fumbling to remove their belt.

I quickly dashed into another line and looked incessantly at my watch, hoping to speed up the security screeners. I plopped in my seat and immediately went to sleep not noticing anyone around me.

• Sometimes the noise of life makes me not notice my surroundings.
• Sometimes the noise of life drowns out quiet sounds.
• Sometimes the noise of life keeps me on edge to the point where nothing else fits.

It’s hard to see GOD at work when the attendant doesn’t have my reservation and I may be late for an important meeting. Birds, what birds? What do they have to do with me? I, late! BUT GOD wants me to hear HIM.

• GOD provides food for the birds and wants me to slow down to notice HE takes care of them and me.
• GOD made the mountains and waters the field and wants me to know HE cares for me in spite of what’s going on around me.
• GOD sustains and gives at the proper time and wants me to understand HIS time is wonderful.

Slow down instead of speeding up. Stop looking at the watch or calendar and look out at the bird hopping in the field is what HE says to me. HIS eye is on the sparrow and I know HE watches over me.

• Are you deafened by your circumstance?
• Have you gotten to the point where you cannot hear or see GOD working?
• Can you stop looking at your watch or calendar and see HIM today?
• Will you listen to HIS voice by slowing down for just a minute?

“Whose” am I?

2 Kings 11: ¹⁷ Jehoiada then made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people that they would be the Lord’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. 

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As the conversation was headed in the direction of discussing body parts again something was different this time. I don’t know if it was the mix of people or if it was the fact that I was growing up but I felt like I should not be in that place.  I excused myself and didn’t join in this time.

• When I am with the crowd I forget who created me.
• When I want my way I forget I was created with a purpose.
• When I see everyone else doing stuff I want to join in, even if the “stuff” is wrong.

There comes a time where the “stuff” gets old. I mean the party does end and a new day has to be faced. GOD opened my eyes and showed me the mundane nature of my pitiful existence. HE wanted something different.

• GOD wants me to recognize the HE created me and I should not complain about who I am, where I came from or where I am now.
• GOD wants me to know that I am HIS and so is “this” day that HE created.
• GOD wants me to know that the more I can focus my attention on HIS kingdom the less the world has a grip on me.

Living a life of purpose means knowing “who” I belong to, namely GOD. The more I understand GOD’s ownership, the less I fear and the less I get upset about something not going my way. GOD owns everything, even the machine that breaks down or the body that just won’t seem to heal fast enough.

I am GODs’ creation. I am beautifully and wonderfully made. My purpose is to serve HIM.

• Do you think you are alone?
• Do you believe you are self-made?
• Can you realize you and your circumstance are in GOD’s hand?
• Will you give GOD your life so HE can take it to new heights? 

GOD knows science

1 Kings 4:²⁹ God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 

³¹ He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. ³² He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. ³³ He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ³⁴ From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

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Staring at the test, my mind raced. “Should I answer the question with my belief?” was my quandary. The question was steeped in evolution and, while I had not been in church, I was taught that GOD created everything. I answered the question the way I was supposed to and received a good grade, but felt a sense of loss, kinda like I betrayed GOD.

• I have strived to be “smart” but I was pointed in the wrong direction.
• I wanted to gain “knowledge” but it didn’t carry faith.
• I desired to “understand” but at the end of each road I was left with more questions.

In my opinion, belief in GOD isn’t as popular as it used to be. Scientific discoveries mixed with the endless possibility of money seem to drown out the message of GOD. It’s easy for me to blend in rather than stand out, BUT GOD wants recognition.

• GOD is the source of wisdom so I must credit HIM with all I know.
• GOD is the source of knowledge for it is HE who made everything.
• GOD is the source of understanding because HE sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live inside of me to lead and guide me in HIS ways.

Scholars, business people and those who are highly respected would scoff at my beliefs, approaches and practices. Instead of relying on the world, GOD wants me to ask HIM for direction first. HE even sends unlikely people my way and says “here is your person.” EVERY time I have listened to GOD’s strange ways, I came out on top!

• Are you seeking to be “smart” or “wise?”
• Is the knowledge you are seeking on GOD’s path?
• What will you do with the knowledge you acquire?
• Won’t you ask GOD for wisdom, knowledge and understanding so HE can use your talents for HIS purposes?

I should act “chosen”

Ephesians 1: ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

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“Predestination” is hard to explain. Okay it’s impossible for me to explain.  GOD chose me way before I ever “believed” so does that make me a robot? I don’t think so.

• Just because GOD made me I can still reject what HE wants me to do.
• Just because GOD wants me to live I can still chose to follow the path of death.
• Just because GOD desires that I love I can still show hatred and judgment to “those” people.

GOD saw me and forgave me before the Earth was made but I still have “choice.” Choosing to reject GOD and HIS ways somehow holds more consequences than losing some rewards in heaven. I should never get comfortable and think “I am saved so I can sin as much as I want to.”

• GOD chooses people but HE still wants me to tell people about HIS SON.
• GOD draws people to HIMSELF but HE still wants me to go out to all nations and speak about HIS SON.
• GOD wrote HIS rules on every human’s heart but HE still wants me to reach out to as many people to keep them from rejecting the HOLY SPIRIT.

GOD chose me before HE made the “foundations of the earth.” HE loves “all” humans yet HE knows all of us would not choose HIM. HIS SON volunteered to die for my sins and through belief in the act of love I can have eternal life. I no longer reject GOD’s ways but accept HIS supreme leadership. I can now act like I have been chosen and show love to others.

• Are you stuck on trying to eradicate a single sin out of someone’s life?
• Are you focused on trying to stop sin rather than pointing people to CHRIST?
• Is your life an example of GOD or are you a poster child against GOD?
• Can you praise GOD for your blessings today?