The Women's Point of View

Scripture – Genesis 16:1-4: Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) After God’s covenant was sealed with Abram – including the promise that Abram would indeed father a child himself – Sarai came up with this idea. It must have made sense to Abram. It would certainly be in line with God’s promise. And this was not an uncommon practice in those days. So Hagar became pregnant, and it seemed Abram’s line would continue. But something was going on between Hagar and Sarai. Did it go back to their experience in Egypt? Had Hagar been taken away from her family and friends? All we know for sure is, once Hagar was pregnant, she began to rub it in to Sarai.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Abram seems clueless when it comes to women. In his day women had no rights to speak of. They had little influence. They were often taken for granted and used as men wanted. There’s a story developing between Hagar and Sarai that Abram is missing completely. I find myself out of touch like that many times. I will pay attention to the people around me – to the dynamics of the relationships they are experiencing.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, give me an awareness today. Help me see not only what people do, but who they are. That’s how you see me. And in that, you love me. Teach me to be the same.

Abram's Example

Scripture – Genesis 15:7-11: He also said to him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.” But Abram said, “O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?” So the LORD said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.” Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half. Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There are many things in the Old Testament that are hard to imagine, let alone understand. This would have been a bloody mess in our culture. And it would have taken a long time and a lot of effort to actually get all these animals together. Yet for Abram it seemed to be nothing extraordinary. God told him what to do, and Abram obeyed. He seemed to know what God had in mind for these sacrifices. And he was careful to not let the birds of prey (outside influences?) interfere.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s hard to look back through all the cultural differences. I mean, Abram lived a good 4,000 years or so before our time. Yet we have seen a man who heard God’s call in his life. He stepped out in faith to do what God commanded. He needed reassurance along the way. And even in his imperfection, God did not lose patience with him. I will keep Abram in mind as a mentor today. I will listen for God’s direction.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Please keep speaking, Lord. Sometimes I need reassurance that I’m understanding you correctly. There are various reasons for that. The basic truth is my faith is not always complete. Give me courage to move forward anyway – trusting you as Abram did.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Believing God

Scripture – Genesis 15:1-6: After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” But Abram said, “O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) God said three main things to Abram. “Do not be afraid.” After the fiasco in Egypt perhaps Abram learned this lesson. Then God promised, “a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” Finally, He told him his offspring would as numerous as the stars. The passage ends with that wonderful statement, “Abram believed the Lord.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Over the years I’ve grown to trust God to provide what I need and to protect me along the way. I still get scared from time to time, but under that, I know the Lord is there. I still fall into Abram’s trap sometimes. I don’t see how God can do what He’s promised, so I start figuring out what has to be done. I forget to simply believe the Lord. I will do that today. Yesterday, He did miraculous thing in my life. Today I trust He will do more.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) I believe your promises, Lord. Help me in my doubts. Remind me to keep looking to you. Thank you for all you’ve done for me. Keep working on me and in me. I really do want to be fully yours.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

The Impact of Bad Decisions

Scripture – Genesis 12:17-20: But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Pharaoh paid the price for Abram’s sin. Sarai, likewise, was affected by all this. On the surface, it looks like Abram came out ahead. What’s up with that?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) What I do affects other people. I once heard a sermon entitled, “What Does Your Sin Cost Me?” The point is, we don’t live in isolation. My actions today impact the lives of any number of other people – for good or bad. I made some bad choices yesterday. I have some apologizing to do today. I will do that. And I will be aware of the affect my choices have on other people.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) First of all, Lord, thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for preserving stories of Abram’s mistakes, as well as his faithfulness. Help me do better today. Bring healing where I have caused pain. Lift me and use me as you see fit.

The Messages We Send

Scripture – Genesis 12:10-16: Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that she was a very beautiful woman. And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace. He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This could not be Abram’s proudest moment. He lies about who Sarai is to protect himself. And indeed, he was treated well. He also acquired a great deal of wealth. I wonder what it was like for Sarai. What message did she hear from Abram?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s easy to take the people I love most for granted. On my bad days, I’ll even put my needs ahead of theirs without giving it a thought. I’ll be aware of the messages I send today. I’ll use common courtesy when I encounter people. (Or these days, maybe I need to use “uncommon” courtesy.) I’ll be nice to the people at home.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you always treat me well. Help me imitate you today – not only with strangers, but especially with those people I know and love.

Today's Reference Points

Scripture – Genesis 12:6-9: Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) As the writer of this history records some of Abram’s early explorations of Canaan, he uses contemporary points of reference. For example, the place called “Bethel” would not have that name until Abram’s grandson, Jacob, would give it years later. Yet the writer wants his readers to be able to picture where Abram traveled. So his reference points are places they would recognize.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As we tell God’s story today, what are our contemporary reference points? The story of Christ’s redemptive work is our defining truth as Christ followers. How can we help people today understand that story? How can we provide them with a frame of reference that will help them discover who Jesus is? I will work with those questions today – personally and with our Church Board.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, open my eyes and ears to the world around me. At the same time, help me see and hear your word. Show me how to connect the two. Give me language to tell your story in this day and age. Show me how to talk with people – how to give them a frame of reference that makes some sense so they can discover you and your life-changing truth.

Wanting Clearer Directions

Scripture – Genesis 12:1-5: The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) And so our story as a local church begins. From Abram’s response to God’s call, a common historical thread can be traced throughout the Bible up to today. How did Abram perceive/receive God’s word? However that came to him, it was clear enough that he responded by radically disrupting his life – and that of his family. God had a place for him to go. And it appears from Abram’s perspective that place was unknown. It was only “the land I will show you.” God also had a plan for Abram – “I will make you into a great nation….” With only those vague instructions, they set out and they arrived where God intended for them to be.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Often I wonder why do I do what I’m doing, and where am I headed? I keep myself open to God’s call and direction. And He seems to be taking me just a step at a time, with only a vague picture of the future. I want to know more. I want to see a clearer picture of what He has planned for Bethel Baptist. I want to see clearly what my role is in that plan – or if I have a role in that plan. Given all that, I will listen for God’s voice today and I will respond.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you know me. You know I get impatient sometimes. You know I want in on more of the details. Please let me see what you want. Help me overcome my resistance to your call. Your grace has always been sufficient for me. Forgive my impatience. Move me forward with clarity for this day.

Honestly Open

Scripture – Genesis 11:5-9: But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) We don’t live apart from God. Whether I acknowledge Him or not, He is in charge. He’s always keeping an eye on what I’m doing. The people thought they were building on their own. “But the Lord came down to see.” He recognized a bad idea was in the works. And He fixed it before it got any worse.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) When I start doing something – as good as I think it is – sometimes it’s really a bad idea. As long as I keep myself honestly open to Christ’s direction, He will always let me know that I’m missing the mark. Sometimes I need to make adjustments to my plan so it reflects what He wants. Other times, I need to scrap the whole idea. The trick is to be honestly open – so I’m not just asking God to bless what I’m doing. Rather, I’m constantly open to doing what He’s asking. I will be intentional about that.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your protective spirit. You have saved me from following bad decisions more times than I can count. Keep me open to your direction. For indeed, you are the Master. I will never go wrong following you.

The Builder Behind Our Building

Scripture – Genesis 11:1-4: Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In this story, people begin to make their own building blocks. They can then use their own bricks instead of stones to build a city and a tower. The point of the tower is to show off what they can do.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s so easy to think we’re more than we are. God has enabled us to do wondrous things. The technology of our day surprises us over and over with new possibilities. There are a lot of things I like to do for myself. I take a certain amount of satisfaction and pride in them. I like to look back and say, “Look what I’ve done.” I will remember today that I can do nothing without Christ. He’s given me tools. He’s taught me how to use them. He’s behind everything I am able to do.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you are everything. Thank you for the talents and abilities you’ve given me. Forgive me for taking credit sometimes that belongs to you. Continue to walk with me and grow in me this day.

Simple Reminders

Scripture – Genesis 9:12-17: And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It’s interesting to me that God set the rainbow in the clouds to remind Himself of the covenant He made. Why would He need to do that? Surely, God doesn’t have a memory problem. However, I do. Maybe this is God’s way of reminding me that I need help remembering some things.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) The older I get, the more I need to write down things I need to do. There are some things too important to forget. So I have extra reminders for them. God’s reminder reminds me of His faithfulness. There’s still something oddly compelling about a rainbow. We drop what we’re doing and go outside to look at it. I will remember to appreciate life today. As I breathe in the spring air outside, I will praise God for who He is.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for remembering your promises. Help me remember, as well. Show me ways to set up signs for myself so I won’t forget you.

Silent Noah

Scripture – Genesis 9:8-11 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In all the years I’ve known this story, I never noticed Noah is silent throughout the whole adventure. At least, there is no recorded speech from him in the Biblical accounts. I’ve seen and heard a lot of adaptations of Noah’s story – films, plays, sermons, etc. Of course they all have Noah saying a lot. And I just assume that’s in the Bible. But, as we can see, Noah speaks only through his actions.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) One of the neat things about doing this kind of regular reading and reflecting is that I discover things like this. I find myself wondering, how much of my Biblical understanding is informed by non-Biblical sources? (For example, how many wise men came to Bethlehem?) I will keep myself open to God’s written word. I’ll pay attention to what is there and to what is not. It’s easy to get lazy. Rather than guessing, I will look up Biblical references before I quote them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you for your written word, Lord. Keep me open to what’s in the Bible and what’s in my imagination. Help me recognize traditional beliefs for what they are. Thank you again for your living Word.

Accountability

Scripture – Genesis 9:4-7: “But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man. As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Perhaps this is the answer to Cain’s question in Genesis 4:9 – “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The answer is “Yes!” As Noah and his family start over, God let’s them know they are responsible for one another. And that responsibility is to extend to every person.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) In this day and age, we have become so self-centered we’ve lost a sense of community. Yet one of the basic lessons from Genesis is we are all part of one family, created by God for His purposes. So, for example, when a person makes a racial slur on his nationally broadcast radio/TV program, we all are offended. Or at least, we should be. I don’t pretend to understand the depth of that insult to an African-American. I only know it was deeply offensive. And God has commanded that we each hold one another accountable. For too long I have let racist remarks slide by. I’ve made excuses for the people saying them – their age, their upbringing, their personal experience. I will watch my language today. I will confront people who make such remarks in my presence.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, give me grace and strength to do that in a redemptive way. Help me look deeper into the prejudices of my heart. Continue to create in me a new heart and renew a right spirit within me.

So Many Choices

Scripture – Genesis 9:1-3: Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It would seem people were supposed to be vegetarians up to this point. Before, people had the “green plants” for food. Now, they have “everything that lives and moves.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) God has given us so many options for eating – especially in our North American culture. Having enough to eat has never been an issue for me. The Lord has blessed me in my life with plenty. I have often complained because I haven’t liked the choices before me. With all I have, I’ll want something more, something new, something different. Sometimes I even go so far as to say, “There’s nothing to eat in this house.” I will appreciate what I have. I will work to not waste the food I do have.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you have provided more than I’ll ever need. Forgive me for taking all that for granted. Keep me aware of the food I eat today – and the food I don’t eat. Thank you for taking care of me. Give me a disciplined spirit to eat and live well today.

Come Out of the Ark!

Scripture – Genesis 8:13-17: By the first day of the first month of Noah’s six hundred and first year, the water had dried up from the earth. Noah then removed the covering from the ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry. By the twenty-seventh day of the second month the earth was completely dry. Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number upon it.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What wonderful words those must have been for Noah and his family to finally hear: “Come out of the ark!” Many times God calls me to wait. I’ll see something I think needs doing, and I’m ready to act. If I’m paying attention, I can feel the gentle, restraining hand of Christ holding me back. I would have wanted to scramble off that ark as fast as I could. But they waited. However long it was, even though they could see the dry ground, they waited until God called.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I often act without thinking. In the big decisions I face, I’ve learned to take time to pray and listen for God’s direction, and let Him guide me as I think things through. I forget to do that in the smaller decisions. I’ll be attentive to that today. I will listen for Christ’s direction in some of the “smaller” choices I face today, and see what happens.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I know the problem is not on your end. You speak clearly. I don’t always receive clearly. A number of things come into play there. Most often I’m in a hurry and/or I don’t want to hear. I’m sorry for that. Please open the ears of my heart today. Organize my day as you want. Give me a willing spirit to follow.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

New Beginnings

Scripture – Genesis 8:6-12: After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. But the dove could find no place to set its feet because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The day of new beginning had arrived. The dove brought back the first sign of new life. I imagine that was an exciting day for Noah and his family. Then the dove did not return. We presume it found a place to rest outside the ark. The time of confinement was nearly over.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) God is always bringing new life and new possibilities. Sometimes I have to wait for that. Noah had to give up nearly everything. But look what he received in return. I will look for signs of new life today. Who knows when a fresh olive leaf might show up?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please move in my life today in a new way. Help me live under your control. As Noah accepted the confines of the ark, may I embrace the disciplines of a righteous life. Through the limits you set for me, I find freedom beyond measure. Thank you for that. Thank you for life today.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

However Long It Takes

Scripture – Genesis 8:1-5: But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the sky. The water receded steadily from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water had gone down, and on the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. The waters continued to recede until the tenth month, and on the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains became visible.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It was the seventeenth day of the second month (last Monday’s reading) when the flooding began. It was the seventh month when the ark became snagged in the mountains. And it wasn’t until the tenth month when even the tops of the mountains became visible.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) God remembered Noah. Sometimes it seems like God forgets. The floodwaters come, and I keep sailing along (on my good days). Sometimes I wonder if it will ever end. I wonder what worship was like on the ark. Did God and Noah keep up a conversation? Did Noah pray for an end to the flooding? Or did he just patiently trust God to take care of him? I will live worry free today. God is providing. I will live as though all I need is already here. I will not worry about the future.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you will take care of me today. I know that. Forgive me for not living in that assurance. Remind me that the future is in your hands. Storms come and go. But even if one comes and never goes, I will praise you and thank you. For you are the Lord. My hope is in you all day long.

A Good Day for Sailing

Scripture – Genesis 7:17-24: For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth. The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. They rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered. The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more than twenty feet. Every living thing that moved on the earth perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind. Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; men and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds of the air were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark. The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I never thought about how long they were actually in the ark – seven months or more! What was that like? There’s also a simple illustration of faith at work here. “As the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes the waters begin to rise and I feel like I’m drowning. There’s not enough money or not enough time or not enough energy. Yet when I stop struggling against the rising water and trust God to take care of me, like the ark, I’m lifted high above the concerns I have. Instead of being overwhelmed by the water, I actually sail on top of it. I’ve been worrying about some things lately. I will give them over to God and let Him lift me above them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you are amazing! I keep slipping away from the simplicity of faith. I look to you, and you take care of me. I can count on you to do that. Today I will do that. Already I’m feeling the lift of your Spirit. Thank you.

Trusting God

Scripture – Genesis 7:13-16: On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark. They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings. Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark. The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) A widely held theory of Biblical interpretation holds that there were at least two primary authors of this book we know as Genesis. At some point, an editor wove them both together into one account. It would be similar, I think, to taking the first four books of the New Testament and blending them together into one story. That certainly would explain why there’s so much repetition – as though most stories are told twice. It’s evident there are differences in the two stories. The common thread, however, is that God is in control. These are the stories that show God created life as we know it. And as we continued to live, this story tells of a “course correction” He had to make. I find it striking that, after everyone and everything was on the ark, God shut the door. After Noah did what God commanded, God sealed him in, ready for a safe and secure journey.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) The basic lesson remains the same: if I do what God says, He will see that I have all I need. If I rebel, He lets me live with the consequences. The fact is He knows what’s best for me. I know that’s true. I will trust Him today. I will very consciously seek His direction and follow it.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you speak all the time. Please keep my ears open today. I have a lot of things I want to get done. Keep me open and ready to embrace your agenda – whether it agrees with mine or not.

The Patience of Noah

Scripture – Genesis 7:6-12: Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth. And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood. Pairs of clean and unclean animals, of birds and of all creatures that move along the ground, male and female, came to Noah and entered the ark, as God had commanded Noah. And after the seven days the floodwaters came on the earth. In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I’ve often heard it said, as an illustration of faith, that it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark. I never noticed what it says here. Apparently, it wasn’t raining when Noah and his family entered the ark. And it was another seven days before it started. I wonder what went through their minds during that week.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes it seems real clear to me what God wants me to do. So I do it and nothing seems to happen. Then I start wondering if I missed something. On my good days, I remember I’m called, not to get results, but to be faithful. God uses our faithfulness as part of His plan. Noah did what God commanded. It wasn’t his job to make it rain. I will remember that today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, your faithfulness is perfect. If you say you’ll do something, you will. Help me trust you today. You don’t work according to my schedule. Please give me a patient faithfulness as I serve you.

Jesus Is Alive!

Scripture – Genesis 7:1-5: The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, and also seven of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth. Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.” And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Today is Easter – the day we celebrate the powerful reality that Jesus is alive!! The story of Noah shows him being given the gift and responsibility of a new beginning in life. The story of Easter is that Jesus was raised from the dead, once and for all. Embrace that wonderful good news. Jesus Christ is alive. He loves you. And He has a plan for your life. So enjoy this day. Thank God for the new beginning He offers us all.

Clearing the Static

Scripture – Genesis 6:19-22: You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.” Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Again, the instructions for Noah are pretty clear. Bring two of every living creature to keep them alive. How did Noah choose which ones to bring? The text says that the creatures “will come to you.” Does that mean they just showed up in pairs ready to get on board? Well, if that’s what God intended, He certainly could make that happen. The key here for me is that “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” He didn’t add or subtract from it. He did just what God called him to do.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I keep coming back to that simple lesson. Most of the time I know exactly what God wants me to do. He will provide whatever I need to do it. I just need to do it. I wilt tune in today to God’s voice. I will let Him lead me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, it seems I raise this prayer often. Help me hear your voice and respond to your call. Thank you for speaking so clearly. Forgive me for putting so much static between us. Help me keep things clear today.

An Invitation: Tomorrow, Bethel will be having an Easter Sunrise service. We’ll begin at 6:45am outdoors at Lions Park in Southgate. (Dress warm!) There will be no separate Mini-Journal group meeting this Sunday. Our Easter Celebration Service will begin at 11:00am in the church sanctuary. Come and join us.

Another New Covenant

Scripture – Genesis 6:17-18: I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) God’s decision here is clear. Everything on earth will perish….with the exception of Noah and all that are on the ark. A new covenant is being established – a new beginning is in the works. God has not totally given up on us.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) This is Good Friday – another day of destruction and new beginnings. On this day, God’s own Son died on a cross. Jesus Christ was killed. Any life was fully gone from His body. It looked like the clear end to a good life. But….it would lead to another new beginning. In the cross, God was establishing another new covenant. In the cross, we find the hope of eternal life. In a few more days, Easter will come. That’s our hope. For today, though, I will remember Easter would have no meaning at all without Good Friday. Christ could not be raised if He was not dead. So today, I will focus on the cross. I will let my heart feel the heaviness of His death. I will enter the darkness, trusting the light of Easter will come.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for your cross. Thank you for giving up your life for me. Because of your cross, I can embrace mine. I can enter the darkness, not unafraid, but always with hope. Thank you.

An Invitation: This coming Sunday, Bethel will be having an Easter Sunrise service. We’ll begin at 6:45am outdoors at Lions Park in Southgate. (Dress warm!) There will be no separate Mini-Journal group meeting this Sunday. Our Easter Celebration Service will begin at 11:00am in the church sanctuary. Come and join us.

Simple Directions

Scripture – Genesis 6:14-16: So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Sometimes God gives very clear and specific directions. He essentially hands Noah a blueprint. All he has to do is follow the directions.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I recently finished a project in our garage. It also came with directions. As long as I read them and kept referring to them, I did fine. When I tried to skip some steps or do something different, I got in trouble. However, by going back to the directions (which, fortunately, were very clear), I was able to get back on track. This application is really simple. That’s what makes it so hard. Will I follow Christ or not? Today I will consciously tell Him “yes” or “no” as I encounter different situations and people.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for calling me to follow you. My deeper desire is to say “yes” to you all the time. At the same time, as you well know, there’s a part of me that steadfastly wants to refuse. Please give me what I need to overcome that voice. Continue to come alive in me. Empower me with your Spirit this day.

To Live Like Noah

Scripture – Genesis 6:9-13: This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What must God think as He looks at the earth and all people today? How are we different from the time of Noah? In this passage, God seems to recognize things have not turned out as He wanted. So He decides to make a fresh start. Obviously, God could have wiped out everyone and everything, and started over with a new pile of dirt. But He doesn’t do that. He’s not giving up on His creation. His plan is to keep the human race going. And so here we meet Noah – a righteous and blameless man who walked with God.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As Christians, we are called to live like Noah in the midst of our violent and corrupt world. As I go through this very familiar story, I will keep my eyes open. I will look for the fresh messages God has for me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please show me how to be blameless and righteous today. Remind me I’m here to serve the people in your world, not to complain about them. Sinful people of this age are not enemies of the church. They are the reason we exist. Keep teaching me to see through your eyes and to love through your heart.

A Self-Chosen Curse

Scripture – Genesis 4:9-12: Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here’s another snapshot of God’s grace. He gives Cain an opportunity to confess what he’s done. Who knows what direction the story would have taken had he done that. However, keeping with the family tradition, Cain keeps himself covered up. And so, as a consequence of his own choice, Cain begins living under a curse.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Many times I’m aware of sin in my life, and I just sort of push it to the back of my mind. It’s like, if I ignore it, it will go away. But the fact is, it doesn’t go away. Unconfessed sin becomes a curse that weighs me down. I might not notice it for a while. But it will begin affecting me. At the same time, God’s grace is always there – ready to embrace me. I will confess my sin to God and, if needed, to other people. I will receive the forgiveness and freedom Christ offers.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) I am sorry, Lord, for the things I try to keep to myself. I can hide nothing from you. Please hear my prayers, forgive my sin and lead me into new life today. Grant me freedom from the self-chosen curse of guilt and shame. Thank you for doing that.

The Best Doorkeeper

Scripture – Scripture – Genesis 4:6-8: Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It’s striking that God speaks to Cain rather than Able. Cain is the one who is upset. Cain is in the greater danger of being captured by his sinful nature. So God offers him a warning and a choice. It’s the same for us today. Cain chose to ignore God’s help. He opened the door to sin. It came in and took control.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) The warning continues for me today. Sin is, indeed, crouching at the door. I have the choice of letting it in or letting Christ keep the door shut. Where I fall short is when I think I can resist sin all on my own. The only way I can master it is to let Christ master me. Sometimes, though, I don’t want to resist. I want to let my anger, for example, guide my behavior. I want to get even. On my good days, I recognize that and I give that desire over to God. I will stay open to His power today. I will trust Him and let Him guard the door for me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for your love and grace in my life. Please protect me and guide me today. At the same time, use me however you want. Thanks again.