A hostile world

Today's Readings: Genesis 25:1-26, 1 Chronicles 1:34

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Ishmael lives for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. Ishmael's descendants occupied the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur. There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives." Genesis 25:17-18

Today's reading was shorter than most, and I underlined very little. It began after Sarah's death and told of Abraham marrying again and having many more sons. But little is said of those sons after Abraham gave all to his son, Isaac, and then sent them off to 'a land in the east, away from Isaac'. What is said is about Ishmael, the son of Sarah's servant. His descendants 'lived in open hostility toward all their relatives'. All I could say is Why. Why more pain for Ishmael? First he was sent away from his father...to a sure death in the wilderness until God stepped in. He survived, and even thrived, fathering twelve sons. But, even in the end, at his death, more pain was to come -- this time a hostile life for his descendants.

God can be in our lives, being 'with' us, and we can still have pain. But, he will help us through that pain.

Faith + Obedience = Blessings

Today's Readings: Genesis 11-14, 1 Chronicles 1:24-27

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.' So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran." Genesis 12:1-4

In reading this again, I am hit much harder with what this verse really meant to Abram (Abraham). How would you feel if God told you to pack up all your relatives and all your belongings and leave the only home you know? Oh, and you are seventy-five years old. Yes, you could argue that seventy-five in Abram's time was not like seventy-five today. Yes, you could argue that times are just different now. But, the fact still remains that it was a lesson in obedience. It probably was helpful that Abram had such a relationship with God to receive his promises of blessings. But, it still gets down to faith and obedience.

Life chain

Today's Readings: Genesis 7-10, 1 Chronicles 1:8-23

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Noah was 600 years old when the flood covered the earth. He went on board the boat to escape the flood -- he and his wife and his sons and their wives. With them were all the various kinds of animals -- those approved for eating and for sacrifice and those that were not -- along with all the birds and the small animals that scurry along the ground." Genesis 7:6-8

"All the animals of the earth, all the birds of the sky, all the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the fish in the sea will look on you with fear and terror. I have placed them in your power. I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables." Genesis 9:2-3

"Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When i see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth." Genesis 9:15b-16

A few days ago I questioned that there was no mention to eating meat, just the plant-based foods. Today I got my answer, at least in part (there are limitations as to the types of animals that were approved for eating). But, I think it all boils down (no pun intended) to God's word specifically saying that man has dominion over animals and that they were put here on earth for our use. I don't think this should be looked at as a vegetarian vs. carnivore discussion, but as a reminder of where animals fit in the 'life' chain. The life of human beings should always come before the life of animals. Always.

He deserves the very best

Today's Readings: Genesis 4-6, 1 Chronicles 1:1-4

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift -- the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected." Genesis 4:2b-5

"The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart...But Noah found favor with the Lord. This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God." Genesis 6:5-9

"Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. But I will confirm my covenant with you." Genesis 6:17-18a

"So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him." Genesis 6:22

The first verse above really reminded me that we are to give our best to God, not just some of our stuff. God was pleased with the best that Abel brought, not with the gift given just for the sake of giving.

When I read through this beginning of Noah's story, it really hit me how alone Noah must have felt. He was the only righteous person on the entire earth. But then I was quickly reminded by the following verses that he walked in close fellowship with God. Wow. Having one friend in God is better than a million earthly friends. He was a blessed man. And Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded -- true obedience that comes with that close fellowship.

My response to God: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and friendship. Help me to never stray and to walk like Noah walked -- in close fellowship with you. Also, Lord, please forgive me for the times that I did not give you my best -- and give me the strength to always remember that you deserve the very best.

Dreams fulfilled

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 8:29-9:1a; Daniel 4:1-37; Ezekiel 40:1-37

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven.  My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever." Daniel 4:34

King Nebuchadnezzar had ruled and lived in comfort in his palace until he had THE dream.  He finally found someone, Daniel, to interpret his dream for him.  Unfortunately, Daniel did not have good news for the King.  The fulfillment of the dream was when he was driven mad, away from all people and his kingdom, and lived in insanity for seven periods of time.  After this time had passed was when the Lord allowed his sanity to return and that he be brought back as King.  It took this very traumatic experience for him to listen to God and change his wicked ways.  How many of the traumatic experiences in our lives are brought about to get our attention?  Are we going to be like the King and change our ways by honoring 'the one who lives forever'?

My response to God: O God, help me to learn from my mistakes without being 'driven from human society' like it took to get King Nebuchadnezzar's attention.  Let me hear your word and heed it the first time, not the second, or third, or fourth, or hundredth.  Forgive me for all the times I have not done that.

Trust or consequences

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 5:18-26, 6:3b, 6:4-15, 6:49, 7:1-40, 8:1-28

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him."  1 Chronicles 5:20

"But these tribes were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors."  1 Chronicles 5:25a

Today's scriptures are from the time that the tribes east of the Jordan waged war and acquired land and property.  The part that stood out to me was where they showed their faith in God by asking for his help to win their battle -- and God answered that prayer because they did believe.  It was sad, however, that only a short time later these very people turned their backs on God and began to not pray to him but began to worship the gods of the nations that God had helped them to destroy.  Just like children who are disobedient, the tribes had to suffer the consequences of their actions when God caused the Assyrians to invade the land and exile the Israelites. Oh, how God must have disappointed and frustrated in his children who, yet again, disobeyed him.

My response to God: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for answering my prayers.  I admit they are not always answered the way I am expecting, or hoping for, but they are answered.  Help me, Lord, to always worship you and not be distracted and pulled away by the gods of this world.  Forgive me for the times I have let that happen in the past.

Being a Watchman

Today's Readings: Ezekiel 32:17-32, 33:1-20; Jeremiah 52:28-30; Psalm 137; 1 Chronicles 4:24-43, 5:1-17

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity."  Ezekiel 33:6

"Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel.  Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me.  If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths."  Ezekiel 33:7-8

"I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.  I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.  Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel!"  Ezekiel 33:11

"The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins."  Ezekiel 33:12

Ezekiel was given such a huge responsibility by the Lord when he was given that task as 'the watchman'.  Not only was his responsibility to warn the people, but he was also held accountable if they died in their sins.  Earlier this week I heard an interview of an avowed atheist that hit home on this point.  He shared how a Christian had kindly and gently given him a Gideon New Testament.  He said this man's actions had really impressed him and then the atheist shared something that was crucial: If you truly believe that only those with faith will have eternal life, then how can you not share that faith with anyone that you care anything about?  Otherwise, you must just not want them to have this great thing you have (paraphrased of his comments).  Wow.  Such wisdom coming out of the mouth of someone who does not even believe.  How many times have I not even mentioned the Lord while in a conversation with someone who may not know him?

My response to God: Heavenly Father, give me the words to speak to those who do not know you.  Help me to bring them to your saving grace and love.  Forgive me for all of the times I have not taken the time or effort to share you with others.  Thank you for the grace through Jesus Christ that gives us all the way to life eternal.

A call for prayer

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 37:1-10, 51:15-58, 52:1-3a; 2 Kings 24:10-20a; 1 Chronicles 3:10-16; 2 Chronicles 36:10-14

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But neither King Zedekiah not his attendants nor the people who were left in the land listened to what the Lord said through Jeremiah.  Nevertheless, King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the priest, son of Maaseiah, to ask Jeremiah, 'Please pray to the Lord our God for us.'"  Jeremiah 37:2-3

"For the Lord is a God who gives just punishment; he always repays in full." Jeremiah 51:56b

It is amazing to me how bold people can be.  Jeremiah has spent all of this time telling the people how they are brazenly disobeying the Lord, yet when they feel the need they come right out and ask him to pray to the same Lord on their behalf.  In this particular instance, the Lord responded by telling Jeremiah to tell the King of Judah (Zedekiah) that the Babylonians will be coming back to destroy the city.

My response to God: Lord, help me to not be like the people of Judah who only go to you when they need your protection.  Draw me to you through your Word and through your Holy Spirit.  Let me never stray away from your presence.  Remind me daily to show my love for you by loving those around me.