Bible in 90 Days – Day 1

Bible in 90 Days – Day 1

Genesis 1-16

See my first post about this Bible reading challenge here

For now I’m going to structure my posts like this. This is a new way for me to study so I may change it as I go along. I found that I’m easily distractible as I’m reading, because I have such a bent toward “study” in place of “reading”. This takes exponentially longer, and since there’s so much reading each day, I decided to jot notes in a separate journal as I go along, so I don’t stop. Kindof like taking sermon notes during a sermon, as I can’t very well raise my hand and ask my pastor to hang on while I go and research this or that.

Here’s my structure for today.

Words: Words that popped off the page for me

Wonders: Things I sortof wonder about, that I’d have to go and read some commentaries or study up a bit farther – if there’s even any complete explanations out there. God does love a good mystery, after all.

Principles: Maybe a little theological one-liner that one could infer from the text.

Hugs: Warm fuzzies for the romantic in me. When God’s tenderness and faithful love is especially evident to me.

Mirror: When I see myself in the characters. God’s word is like a mirror (James 1:23-25)

(Also, I’m going to be using the HCSB. I love the HCSB Notetakers Interactive Edition Bible for its huge margins, lots of study info and cross references.)

Words 

Gen 2:18 helper – 5828 One who helps; from 5826 to help, support.

Note: This is the first job description for a wife, before woman is even created.

Gen 2:24 bonds with – 1692 To cling to, to stay with

Note: Marriage rules determined as soon as marriage is established.

Gen 2:25 no shame – 954 (Not) put to shame, disconcerted, or disappointed. (Not) acting shamefully.

Note: Shame and Audacity cannot coexist.

Gen 8:21 pleasing aroma

God was well pleased with the performance, v. 21. He smelt a sweet savour, or, as it is in the Hebrew, a savour of rest, from it. As, when he had made the world at first on the seventh day, he rested and was refreshed, so, now that he had new-made it, in the sacrifice of the seventh he rested. He was well pleased with Noah's pious zeal, and these hopeful beginnings of the new world, as men are with fragrant and agreeable smells; though his offering was small it was according to his ability, and God accepted it. Having caused his anger to rest upon the world of sinners, he here caused his love to rest upon this little remnant of believers. –Matthew Henry

source

Wonders/Meditations

Genesis 12:1 This seems a little out of nowhere. Why Abram? Perhaps because God knew he would obey? Perhaps God saw Abram’s faith even before He called him, before we get the chance to see his faith recorded? God looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Principles

Gen 4:12-22, 6:5-8, 8:18, 10:1-32 Righteousness is more important than knowledge or skill. All (or perhaps many) of the makers, music makers, thinkers, etc were washed away in the flood.

Gen 12:7-8 Abram worships. Even though he doesn’t know where he’s going, and there is no hope of fulfillment, he worships.

Hugs

Gen 13:17 “Get up and walk from one end of the land to the other, for I will give it to you.” (This reminded me of a daddy excitedly giving his child a new car, or house, or something amazing, and saying “Push all the buttons, give it a try, test drive it, look in all the doors and cabinets! It’s yours!”)

Mirror 

Gen 15:2, 16:2 Abram and Sarai are trying to figure out how God could keep His promise, and they’re trying to come up with a solution for Him, praying with this finite solution in mind. A solution born of finite understanding, when God has something better and more amazing in mind. It’s hard to believe in the supernatural when our minds are so human. See also Romans 8:26 – when we don’t know how to pray, and Eph 3:20 He is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or even imagine.

Immovable Rocks - Guest Post by Meg

This post is a guest post by my sweet friend Meg. Meg is a 24 year old college graduate with a huge heart for Jesus and for people. She has been a blessing to me in the short time I have known her, and she has graciously agreed to share this post while I prepare for our next session together. 

Photo Meg took of those rocks

I went to the lake today to be alone with the Lord. After spending some time talking with Him sitting on top of a picnic table, I wanted to put my feet into the water. I walked around the edge of the lake until I found a place low enough to sit and dangle my feet.

I marveled at the Lord for awhile. I was reminded that the One who controls the waves is the One who gives me life.

The waves were pretty strong today, and I began to focus on how they hit the bank and shot up into the air before receding back into the lake. I was being soaked from my feet all the way up to my knees. Then my attention turned to some rocks on my other side, at the base of the land. The waves hit them with just as much intensity...but even the strongest waves that slammed into the rocks didn’t even cause them to budge. The rocks were immovable.

My mind immediately went to the passage in James that my bible study group has been dwelling in for the past couple of weeks.

“My bretheren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it’s perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:2-8

The waves were like the trials and temptations in life. But he who is aware that those trials produce what we need to be sharpened and asks for wisdom in the trial, in FAITH...he will not be overtaken by the waves. He will be firm. Steadfast. Immovable.

Well, then my mind began to think logically about what my eyes were seeing. Realistically, these rocks weren’t EXACTLY immovable. Over time, as the continue to press down, the rocks are slowly worn down, layer by layer. Then my mind went back to the beginning of chapter 1 of James.

“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it’s perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Those waves are slowly wearing down the rocks but what is being taken away is temporal. When we are in the storm, standing firm in the waves, what the waves wear off of us are the parts that are not perfect and complete...the temporal and fleshly nature. What will be left will be stronger and sanctified -- if we keep our eyes on the One who is in control of the waves. He will not allow more than we can handle with the power of His Holy Spirit! ( 1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

So buckle down and be strong. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6) so that you can be

firm in the toughest storm….and when you are in the storm, trust that God is refining you into a more sanctified and stronger follower of His. If you need wisdom, ask Him. He’ll give it to you. Memorize the promises God gave you in His Word. Then stand on them. That’s why He gave them to you...to help you be firm. He has given you everything you need to be strong. You just have to take advantage of them and put them to use.

Love and prayers, dear friends!

You can follow Meg on her blog at 

http://megmariem.wordpress.com/

and on Instagram at http://instagram.com/megmariemmm

or on Instagram at http://instagram.com/infocusphotography13

Set Free 5 - Battling Perfection part 2

How did your list making go?

It makes a lot of our do-goodery look pretty ugly, if yours looked anything like mine.

No, not all the things, or all the time, but enough.

Today we will look at our inheritance.

Ours is special. Most times for an inheritance, someone we love has to die, and that which they left behind, even if it is great, has a limit.

With our inheritance, however, even though Christ had to die for us to attain it, He did not stay dead, and His Spirit lives in our hearts as a part of that alive-ness.

Romans 8:10 “And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.” NLT

But yet, there’s no limit to the inheritance, and it will never run out.

Our inheritance is freedom. Our inheritance is grace. Free grace.

I ask you, did you do anything to get it?

No, of course not.

Q: So why then do we think we have to do and be so much to keep it?

Psalm 103:14 “For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” NASB

So, dust-child, who did we think we were kidding? Not God, certainly. Ourselves, probably. Others? Most likely. Leave it to us to be so flawed even in our doing good. But He loves us anyway.

Let’s open with Galatians 3 and I’d like to highlight verse 3.

Galatians 3:3 “How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” NLT

Our text today is Galatians 3 and 4. (Specifically 3:1-7, 11-15, 21-29; 4:1-9, 22-31)

Look at Abraham. He was one of the “greats” right? A “good Christian” surely. But look at what saved him.

Not his lineage, not his place in the kingdom plan.

Q: What does it say in verse 6 that saved him? What made him holy in God’s eyes?

Please take the time to answer in your journal. I believe you’ll gain so much from physically writing it down.

So what saved him? His faith. That’s it.

And we can have that exact same thing. We can inherit the same, be accepted into God’s family the very same way. Faith.

Galatians 3:7 “The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.” NLT

Faith alone.

Jump down to verse 11.

Galatians 3:11 “So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”” NLT

Verse 12 says this is very different from what we’re used to, and that couldn’t be more true. Everything about what we’re used to is reliant on being better, doing more to rise higher.

But we are rescued from that.

Read that again and feel free to issue a sigh of relief. We are rescued from that. (Galatians 3:13-15). And nothing will ever change that fact. Praise Jesus!

So, you may ask, what is the law for? Why all the rules always associated with being a child of God?

Here’s our answer – find freedom in this. Read verses 21-29.

Galatians 3:24 “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” NASB

It is here to teach us of our need for Christ. Like the mirror in James 1:23, it is here to reveal a need.

We needed the rules to train us. To know this is how a child of God acts.

As a child, we were no different from a slave, in that we had to obey the rules, no questions asked. Because those are the rules. (Any moms out there said that line?) But when the right time came for each of us to be saved, and we received His Spirit, in that moment we were no longer slaves, but children of God. And heirs.

Romans 8:17a “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…” NIV

Before that time, and in the old testament before Christ came to set us free, the people of God did need to do the elements. (The Greek word behind elements refers to marching in rank. The fundamental practices of a discipline) It was part of it, and they were required to do them. Yes it was still faith that saved them (Galatians 3:6, Romans 4), but they were required to do those things because Christ had not yet come.

Going back to the original discussion in Galatians (see our previous post) about circumcision. Again, you may apply this to practices we use today as our defining marks.

Before the time of Christ, to be that heir, that child  of God, to be adopted into the family, a mark (via circumcision) was required.

What we see here is that now, that mark, that sign, or thing that brands us as God’s people is faith. Faith becomes that public, no-going-back, change to distinguish us. Not our actions.

Faith is not a marching in rank kind of thing. It is a gift. A freedom, and a hope.

To wrap this all up, I’d like to ask you a question. Please answer honestly in your journal. If you feel comfortable, please also share here in our community.

Q: What have you been depending on as your defining mark to set you apart?

Is it your deeds? Attending church? Your language? Or is it just faith alone?

Please don’t remain enslaved by the “do”.

Galatians 4:9 “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?” NASB

We are heirs not because of what we do. We are not slaves. We are faith-children. (Galatians 4:31)

For more on this, you may read http://v3.blueletterbible.org/Comm/smith_chuck/c2000_Gal/Gal_004.cfm?a=1095008#anchor_Gal480

Don't forget to get your free printable of our memory passage here

Set Free 3 - Breaking Bondage to Power of Sin

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”

(Romans 7:15, NLT) I don’t know about you, but I’m so glad that Paul opens up and says this. It makes it all sound so much more real. And I can totally relate.

Today’s text: Romans 7-8

So we are at war within ourselves. The nature we were born with against the new nature we inherited when we were born again.

Read Ephesians 4:17-23

When we were born, we were slaves to sun, and our sin nature. Slaves must obey their master.

Titus 2:9a “Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them…” NLT

But when we became a Christian, our captivity to sin was exchanged for freedom in Christ – Romans 7:4-6. Now we are free to serve whom we choose. This is freedom in Christ.

Then why is it so hard?

What I want you to understand is this. There is a whole layer behind the scenes that we cannot see. Just take a look at Job 1:6-12. Satan is after us. He wants so badly to destroy us. So he will do whatever he can to keep us from leaning on God and serving God. And he’s got an army to help him. It’s a whole organized force out there. The powers are real. The power is real.

Yet we do not need to be afraid, amen?

So how do we break free from our desire to sin, and desire to live for self?

Even Paul, who seems like a super-Christian at times, struggled with this.

The answer (as always, yes?) is Jesus.

Romans 7:25 “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” NLT emphasis mine

Romans 8:1-2 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” NLT emphasis mine

And the answer lies also in Romans 8:8-14. You have His Spirit living in you! Praise Jesus! Praise God for that.

Romans 8:12 “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” NLT

We have no obligation to serve sin any longer. We have a higher calling. We are bound to the Spirit. See Acts 20:22. This word “bound” does literally (or figuratively in this case) mean bound or tied or even knit together, but also carries with it the idea of being so closely knit that they are one; part of the same whole. Imagine saying with confidence that you are one with the Holy Spirit.

Q: Can you say that your goals, your plans, dreams and mind are one with God’s? Knit together so you cannot tell them apart?

Q: If not, what do you suppose is standing in the way?

And just in case we were confused, we have Romans 8:15.

Romans 8:15 “ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry,“Abba Father.” NIV

Because we have His Spirit does not mean that we have only exchanged owners, helplessly serving one, then freed only to be in bondage to another.

No it says we are not made slaves, but rather adopted as sons (and daughters, of course).

So this opens up a new realm of possibilities. Because we are sons, we can now serve out of love, without fear of messing up, and being “fired” from our position. We can serve because we want to. Because we are grateful.

Ephesians 6:6 “Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.” NLT

From a heart grateful for the chance to live, for the rescue from bondage. Bondage to sin and its eternal sentence. A heart willing, fulfilling its new purpose, one that is knit with Christ’s.

So I’d argue, then, that the more we serve Him out of gratitude, the more pleased we are to do it. And the more pleased we are to do it, the less appeal going back to serving self will hold.

Please ponder this. Write down your thoughts and share them in the comments too.

So we are free. But we choose to be God’s slaves. Because we owe Him our lives and we’re delighted to give Him all we’ve got to give. Because we want to, not because we have to.

1 Peter 2:16 “For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.” NLT

So when those powers we talked about are warring in the heavenlies against us, then what?

Just remember this. We looked at Job’s story, and remember it was Satan asking God’s permission to have at him? And take a look, too, at Luke 8:29.

The demons, dark angels and powers, and yes, even Satan himself, are under God’s and Christ’s authority.

You’ll never be swept away without God’s permission. And you will certainly never be swept away without His knowledge. He’s got you.

You do have a choice. Even if Satan is tempting you, or throwing obstacles in your way to get you to stumble, you are still free.

Romans 6:6-7 “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.” NLT

Romans 6:17-18 “Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.” NLT

Romans 8:2 “And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” NLT

I would like for you to think for a moment about this freedom. Meditate on it, and believe it. Believe it from the core of your being. If you believe on it, then you will begin to act upon it.

Ephesians 6:16 “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts [arrows] of the wicked one.” NKJV

Answer these questions:

Q: In what areas do you seem to continue to stumble?

Q: Do you believe you are free from sin’s power through Christ?

Q: If not, what is stopping you from believing it?

Pray for help in this area. It is also a good idea to partner up with an accountability buddy or mentor who will join you in prayer.

We are not in this battle alone.

Don't forget to get your free printable of our memory passage here

Faith Spoken Of

Hosea 13:6 "As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, And being satisfied, their heart became proud; Therefore they forgot Me."

Friends!!! Oh let us keep grateful praise on our lips at. all. times. for how He cares for us, in unknowable, wonderful ways, in the MIDST of us selfishly ignoring Him throughout most of our day.

This was on my heart today. I have been burdened to share my faith and my journey with the Lord with more than just my close family and friends. I can count on one hand the people I feel deeply close to, close enough to share that with. Close enough that conversations go deeper than what we did this week, or what plans we have for the upcoming weekend. Those precious friends have sharpened me, and been truly used by God to strengthen my heart for Him. Anyone else I might begin to share with always comes with a measure of discomfort. Not a lot, but just a bit, enough to make me squirm in my shoes a little and think what if they don't accept what I'm saying? What if I make us Christians look weird? I don't want to tarnish God's reputation. I'll just keep my mouth closed. There. That feels more comfortable.

But then, He has never called us to stay where we are comfortable. And He can take care of His own reputation.

My blog title has a twofold meaning. Primarily derived from Romans 1:8
Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ  for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

How humbling would that be? And how awesome. That your faith would be renowned like that.

My second reason for titling the blog as I have is this. 'Faith spoken of' is a call to speak up! Speak your faith!
Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.

Let's speak up! If your faith is going to be spoken of, let it start with you!
Let mine start with me!