21 Monday Jan 2013
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If you’ve never heard of the Skit Guys, you are in for a treat. As I researched for something to share for our reflection day, I remember seeing this video five years ago when I needed to see it most. Today, as I come across it again, God reminded me how much I needed to see it again. Be prepared to laugh and cry as you watch it; I know I did. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
20 Sunday Jan 2013
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I know reading the Bible should be taken serious and for real life application, but the scene in Mark 18:47-50a was pretty humorous to me as I read it. 47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” I almost picture Jesus pulling a prank on the disciples, trying to scare the heck out of them. I literally laugh every time I read “He was about to pass by them…” I have to believe Jesus had a sense of humor through many of his encounters with the disciples and many of people around Him.
19 Saturday Jan 2013
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Today we begin in the book of Mark. In this Gospel, Mark tells us dramatic and action packed stories that focus more on Christ’s activities rather than on His teachings. The main thing to pull from the book of Mark is the description of how Jesus lived His life and the perfect example of how we should live ours.
Today we also read Psalm 17. Verses 8-9 stood out to me, 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings 9 from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. I love the term apple of your eye which references a Hebrew idiom referring to the tiny reflection of yourself that you can see in other people’s pupils. David is literally asking God to keep his reflection in His eye. Once I broke down the original meaning of the phrase it made me think of how much I want my reflection to be in God’s eyes. The only way I can be reflected in His eye is for God to be looking straight at me. This gave me chills when I thought about the power of God constantly looking after me.
18 Friday Jan 2013
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There is a lot going on in the last few chapters of Genesis. I think the main thing to remember is that in the end the faithfulness of one man saved God’s people. While everyone else in the region was becoming slaves or integrated into the Egyptian population, the Israelites were set apart and allowed to stay separate from the Egyptians, thus preserving the Israelite as a separate people. Looking ahead, this does cause problems for the Israelites, but once again, this is all part of God’s plan for them. It’s hard to trust God and see that he has a plan for us, but we must trust and have faith He will pull us through.
17 Thursday Jan 2013
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Joseph’s life is amazing for many reason. But the biggest reason, in my opinion, was because he had the ability to see the big picture. In Genesis chapter 45, when he reveals his true identity to his brothers, he explains in verse 5, And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. Joseph saw the ultimate purpose for his life was to save lives even through all the suffering he endured to this point. Joseph’s life is an example of living to fulfill God’s purpose. I hope I am able to live my life to see that much of the big picture. At a minimum, I hope I accept the fact that my life was created to fulfill God’s purpose even if I am unable to see why.
16 Wednesday Jan 2013
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There is a lot going on in today’s reading about Joseph. The part that stood out to me, and one of the things I love about Joseph is found in Genesis 41:16, “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” No matter how much power Joseph received, he never forgot to give God the glory. Even when given the reputation of someone who interprets dreams, he gives God all the glory as the One who blessed him with the ability to satisfy the needs of Pharaoh. This is a great reminder to me; when I think I am doing something awesome, I need to remember the One who gave me the ability to do it in the first place.
15 Tuesday Jan 2013
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I always love reading the story of Joseph. While I don’t think he handled his brothers in an honorable way, he was not lying when he talked about the future of his relationship with his brothers as it was revealed in his dream. Joseph was a man of integrity and honor, and while it sometimes got him into trouble, in the end, he was always willing to accept the consequences of doing what was right. Joseph is one of those men we can all model our lives after as long as we realize there are sometimes difficult choices we must make to maintain the level of character and integrity expected of us by God.
14 Monday Jan 2013
Posted in Reflection
If you know me, you know I’m a huge Francis Chan fan. For this week’s reflection day I decided to share one of my favorite videos. It’s only 4 minutes, 20 seconds long, but it’s a powerful video that illustrates our lives in the light of eternity and asks the question, “What are you living for?” I hope you enjoy it. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments of this post.
13 Sunday Jan 2013
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Today’s reading went in many directions, but the story that stood out to me the most was the story of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter. While I may find Simeon’s and Levi’s revenge distasteful,it is an example of the consequences of sin. Sin ultimately leads to pain. Sometimes it is greater than others, but through the Holy Spirit, God always convicts us of what we have allowed to deceive us in our lives. However, we must never lose sight that God’s grace and mercy is greater than any sin in our lives. When sin is allowed to creep in, we must repent (turn away) and commit our lives to following God’s leading. We will never be perfect or free from sin, but we must always strive to be more like Christ each day we are alive.
12 Saturday Jan 2013
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Jacob is an interesting man. He is very crafty in all he does. He likes to manipulate every situation to his advantage. And he trusts God to bless him through everything he does. I’m not sure how much of Jacob’s life should be emulated, but I think his effort and determination should be. I think too many believers pray and wait for God to act on their behalf. I don’t think that is the way God wants us to work. While there are times God wants us to settle down and wait for His leading, He eventually does just that; He leads us. We are still commanded to act.
Daily Devotion 