Day 13: Genesis 32-36

This is Day 13 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about The Struggles of Jacob and Esau.

Genesis 32: "Jacob's Encounter with an Angel" (Jacob's Struggles with Esau)
Genesis 33: "Jacob's Encounter with Esau" (Jacob's Struggles with Esau)
Genesis 34: "Dinah's Encounter with Shechem" (Jacob's Family Struggles)
Genesis 35-36: "Jacob's Encounter with God" (Jacob's Family Struggles)

The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 32.

Overview:
After his departure from Laban, Jacob fears the reunion with his brother Esau, who he deceived twenty years earlier. Before the meeting, Jacob wrestles with God, demands a blessing, and leaves with a new name. No longer a "deceiver," Jacob's name changes to Israel, which means "God strives." Jacob's reunion with Esau is a happy one, and God renews His promises to Jacob.


Daily Walk:
God richly blessed Jacob with wealth and material possessions. Jacob realizes these things come from God, and he is not worthy of them.


Reflect on the material possessions God has given you. Is it so you can be a blessing to others? If so, who?

• God has given us so much. We have more than we need right now, and I am extremely grateful.
• I would love to do something good with some of our money. Ideally, I think sponsoring a child in a third world country would be an amazing thing to do.

Acts 20:35
"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner, you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Your response:
What blessings has God given you, and how can you use those blessings to help others? Are you ready to make those changes in your life today? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I hope to encourage others to spend time reading the Bible every day. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 12: Genesis 27-31

This is Day 12 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about Jacob's Birthright and Dream.

Genesis 27: "Jacob's Stolen Blessing" (Jacob's Spiritual Life)
Genesis 28: "Jacob's Dream" (Jacob's Spiritual Life)
Genesis 29-30: "Jacob's Wives and Children" (Jacob's Family Life)
Genesis 31: "Jacob's Quick Exit" (Jacob's Family Life)

The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 27 and 29.

Thanks to http://gardenofpraise.com/bibl83s.htm for this image

Overview:
Jacob, whose name means "deceiver," certainly lived up to his name. He schemes with his mother to steal his brother, Esau's blessing. This was something he did not need to do. God had already foretold that Abraham's blessing and Covenant would continue through Jacob's line, even though he was the younger brother. But because of his deception, Jacob had to flee Esau's wrath and went to Laban.


During his twenty year stay, Jacob works for seven years to wed Rachel. However, Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Leah instead. Jacob does not find out until the next morning. After a total of 20 years, Jacob has married both Leah and Rachel, and also has sons by two of their maids. When he leaves Laban, Jacob has 11 sons, one daughter, and many flocks.


Daily Walk:
God used Laban to build Jacob's character. Despite Jacob's scheming, God still had great plans for him. However, if Jacob had only trusted God to fulfill His promises, he would have spared himself years worth of grief. God uses discipline to help cultivate spiritual maturity.


What will I do the next time I feel like rushing ahead of God?

• First, I have to recognize that I am trying to force my own timing instead of waiting on God's.
• I should devote time to prayer and listen for God's response before taking hasty action.
• Then, I need to let go of things and trust God to answer my prayers and guide my actions.

Insight:

• God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. 
• One man (Jacob) and two wives (Leah and Rachel) created so much jealousy, bickering, scheming, and competition.

Genesis 2:23-24 - God's Perfect Plan for Marriage
"The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man.'  For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh."

1 Kings 11:1-11 - Multiple Wives Creates Multiple Problems
"King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.

As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.

On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods.

The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. So the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates." 1 Kings 11:1-11

My Interpretation of this passage:

• Multiple wives (700 plus 300 concubines!) causes big problems.
• Solomon married pagan women, which God had specifically warned against.
• These pagan women turned Solomon from God.
• Solomon built pagan idols and alters for his wives.
• Because Solomon did these things, and did not keep the Covenant with God, God would tear the kingdom away from Solomon and his line.

Your response:
One of the focuses of today's study was waiting for God's timing. Do you ever feel impatient when you feel as though God hasn't answered your prayers? How do you cope? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I hope to encourage others to spend time reading the Bible every day. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 11: Genesis 25-26

This is Day 11 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about Isaac's Family and Work.

Genesis 25: "Abraham's Death, Jacob's Birth, Esau's Birthright" (Isaac's Family)
Genesis 26: "Isaac the Deceiver, Isaac the Farmer, Isaac the Well Digger" (Isaac's Work)

The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 25:19-26:5.

Thanks to http://www.free-stories.net/children-bible-stories/old-testament-stories for this image.

Overview:
God's promises to Abraham live on in His promises to Isaac and Isaac's twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Sin also lives on as Jacob steals Esau's birthright, and Isaac imitates Abraham's deception (calling his wife his sister to protect himself). Despite Isaac's and Jacob's failings, God upholds his Covenant.

Daily Walk:
Each one of us must be saved by our own faith. We cannot rely on our parents, spouses, or friends to help us.

John 1:12
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name."

Insight:

• When Rebekah could not conceive, Isaac turned to God in prayer.
• When Rebekah had pain in her pregnancy, she followed Isaac's example and turned to God in prayer.
• God explained to Rebekah that she was carrying twins, and foretold that the older would serve the younger.
• Jacob and Esau were very different and were each favored by opposing parents, which led to heart ache.
• Jacob's deception also causes heart ache later in Genesis.

Your response:
When you have troubles, what is your immediate response? Where do you turn? Do you turn to God? How do you feel after prayer? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I hope to encourage others to spend time reading the Bible every day. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 10: Genesis 21-14

This is Day 10 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about Isaac's Birth, Sarah Death, and Isaac's Bride.

Genesis 21: "Isaac's Birth" (Abraham's Faith Vindicated)
Genesis 22: "Isaac's Sacrifice" (Abraham's Faith Vindicated)
Genesis 23: "Sarah's Death" (Abraham's Faith Verified) 
Genesis 24: "Isaac's Bride" (Abraham's Faith Verified) 
                 
The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 21:1-22:19.

Thanks to http://www.free-stories.net/children-bible-stories/ for this image.

Overview:
Twenty faith-stretching years later, Sarah gives birth to Isaac. Abraham is tested as God commands him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham obeys, God intervenes, and rewards Abraham's faithfulness. After Sarah's death, Abraham finds a wife for Isaac - Rebekah. His servant led the quest and is the perfect example of a man of faith. He prayed to God to show him the perfect bride for Isaac, and praised Him when his job was complete.

Daily Walk:
Genesis 21:1-2
"Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him."

My understanding of this passage:

• God answers our prayers in His perfect timing!
• Unfortunately, we don't have a countdown to God answering our prayers. We just have to trust that He will!

Insight:
God was testing Abraham's faith in His Covenant promise:

Hebrews 11:17-19
"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death."

My understanding of this passage:

Abraham trusted God's promise to make a great nation from Isaac (who he and Sarah had conceived miraculously through God in their old age), and he believed that if he had to sacrifice Isaac, God would resurrect him.

James 2:21-23
"Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God’s friend."

My understanding of this passage:

Abraham's faith was perfected when he demonstrated it to God in this way.

Salvation is determined by faith alone, and demonstrated by faithfulness to obey God's will alone.

Your response:

So what are your thoughts about Abraham's test? Is your faith as strong as Abraham's? I can't imagine how hard that moment had to be for him. But I can only hope that my faith in God grows stronger daily.

 Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I hope to encourage others to spend time reading the Bible every day. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 9: Step Back

This is Day 9 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today, we took a break from our reading in Genesis to focus on an overview of The Abrahamic Covenant.

Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 8:6-12
Galations 3:6-9

Thanks to http://www.searchingthescriptures.net/main_pages/free_bible_clip-art.htm for this image.

Step Back:
God made a promise to Abraham regarding his future (Genesis 12). Then He made a covenant (Genesis 15, 17). He is a God of His word. After years passed with no son, Abraham was doubtful. So hd and Sarah took matters into their own hands and Abraham fathered a son through Sarah's maid, Hagar.

Look Up:
We have an advantage to keep our faith strong that Abraham and Sarah did not have. The Bible is filled with records of God's promises and His fulfillments. God always follows through on His promises.

Hebrews 8:6-12
"But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said:

“The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand  to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them," declares the Lord.

"This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

This is my understanding of the passage:

• This passage indicates a New Covenant. The old covenant was flawed. Israel did not keep the old covenant, and God did not care for them after.
• New Covenant: (When you become saved) God will put His laws in your mind and write them on our hearts. 
• He will be our God, and we are His people. 
• We will all know Him. 
• He will be merciful to our iniquities and remember our sins no more!

My prayer today:
Thank you, God, for your loving sacrifice. That you sent Your Son to die on the cross for my sins, that I may have a relationship with You and eternal life! Amen.


Move Ahead:
Galatians 3:6-9
"So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”
So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."

This is my understanding of the passage:

• As those who believe, we are children of Abraham and ineritors of his blessing!
• God intends for me to be a blessing to the world. 

Your response:
God intends for all of us to be a blessing to the world. Are you an encouragement for your family, friends, and coworkers? Are you showing them the way to our trustworthy God? These are all things I know I can personally work on. What are ways you can become more of a blessing to others? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I hope to encourage others to spend time reading the Bible every day. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 8: Genesis 18-20

This is Day 8 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about The Destruction of Sodom.

Genesis 18: "Abraham Prays for Lot" (Lot Saved from Defilement)
Genesis 19: "God Destroys Sodom and Gomorrah" (Lot Saved from Defilement)
Genesis 20: "Abraham Lies about Sarah" (Sarah Saved from Defilement)
     
The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 18.

Thanks to http://www.canvasreplicas.com/Tanner.htm for this image.

Overview:
Lot's life of compromise contrasts with Abraham's life of faith. God spares Lot when destroying his town because of Abraham's fervent prayers. Yet, even Abraham sometimes stumbles, when he lies and calls Sarah his sister to protect himself from harm. He believed that the men would want to take Sarah and would harm him to take her. But Abraham did not need to act on his own. God was already protecting him.


Daily Walk:
What is the most difficult miracle God could ever perform? List some ideas.

• Curing all disease
• World peace
• Raise someone from the dead
• Fix broken relationships
• Take away fear
• Erase hate

How do these miracles compare with God giving Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age?

• They are very similar. What God did was physically impossible, yet it happened. Strangely, everything I listed as difficult miracles exists in heaven. What a wonderful place!

If you could ask God for one miracle today, what would it be?

• To find fulfillment and contentment in my career, marriage, and my entire life.

Genesis 18:14 
"Is anything too difficult for the Lord?"

Your response:
What do you think? What would be the most difficult miracle God could ever perform? If you could ask God personally for one miracle today, what would you ask Him for?

Let me know what you think! I'd love to hear.

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I hope to encourage others to spend time reading the Bible every day. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 7: Genesis 15-17

This is Day 7 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about God's Covenant with Abraham.

Genesis 15: "Abrahamic Covenant Given" (Isaac Promised)
Genesis 16: "Abram's Impatience" (Ishmael Born)
Genesis 17: "Abrahamic Covenant Repeated" (Isaac Promised) v. 1-21
                    "Abraham's Obedience" (Ishmael's Blessing) v. 22-27

The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 12:1-9 and Genesis 13:14-18.

Thanks to http://www.free-stories.net/children-bible-stories/old-testament-stories for this photo.

Overview:
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, confirms it with a treaty, repeats it, and seals it with the sign of circumcision. When years pass without fulfillment (Abraham fathering a son), Abraham becomes impatient. He has a son through Sarah's maid, Hagar, who he names Ishmael. Ishmael causes Abraham grief in later years and serves as a constant reminder of Abraham's lack of faith.

Daily Walk:
What fears paralyze me the most?

• Fear of Failure: After quitting my job as a nurse, and quitting graphic design after one semester (due to moving across the country), I am scared of going after the "wrong" career again. I don't want to feel like I fail, and I don't want to let anyone down.
• Fear of the Unknown: I have no idea where to turn in my career, when we'll ever be able to travel, when we'll have kids, when my husband will be able to leave his job and work for himself, how long we'll live here, or where we'll end up living long term.

Lesson:
Obey God's Will, and you will have the last amount of regrets. Trust God to lead you in the right direction.

My prayer today:
Dear God,
Please guide me to make the right decisions in my life. Give me wisdom and strength as I follow you. Please help me keep my faith strong in you, and trust that you have a plan for me.
Amen.

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I hope to encourage others to spend time reading the Bible every day. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 6: Genesis 12-14

This is Day 6 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about The Call and Travels of Abram.

Genesis 12: "The Call of Abram in Ur, Travels of Abram in Canaan"
Genesis 13-14: "Troubles of Abram with Lot"

The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 12:1-9 and Genesis 13:14-18.

Thanks to http://www.dodsonlumber.com/acts242/?p=295 for this photo

Overview:
God calls Abram to leave his home in Ur and travel to a distant land.
Mission: Complete faith in God to keep His promises.
Reward: Great name, great nation, great blessings, numerous descendants.

Daily Walk:
How much room in my life have I allowed God to redirect my steps?

• Trusted God to lead me to marry the right person
• Trusted God in the move to Chicago
• Trusted God in the move to San Francisco

What do I need to trust God with right now?

• Guide me to find the right career choice
• Help strengthen and improve my marriage
• Take care of us financially if we ever need to leave SF
• Help my husband handle the stress of his job

My prayer today:
Dear God,
I am willing to listen and follow your guidance. Please show me your plan for me and my family. Help me to see what steps I need to take in the journey you have planned for me. Please give us the wisdom and strength to make the right decisions in our lives so that we may follow you and live up to our full potential.
Amen

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I hope to encourage others to spend time reading the Bible every day. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 5: Genesis 10-11

This is Day 5 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about Babel and the Spread of Nations.

Genesis 10: "Descendants of Japeth, Ham, and Shem" (Noah's Family Tree)
Genesis 11: "Old Problem: Pride, New Problem: Languages, New Focus: Abram" (Deluge of Judgment)

The heart of this passage lies in Genesis 11:1-9, 27-32.

Thanks to http://www.logoi.com/pastimages/tower_of_babel.html for this photo

Overview:
Noah and his sons repopulate the world, but man's heart is still full of sin, resulting in proud, disobedient actions. The Tower of Babel is an example of their rebellion against God - refusing to scatter across the earth. God intervenes by scrambling their languages, causing them to spread out and fill the earth.

Daily Walk:
Disobeying God carries consequences. Adam and Eve were evicted from the Garden of Eden. Mankind (except Noah and his family) was destroyed by the catastrophic Flood. And the Tower of Babel (man's pride and disobedience to God) caused the confusion of languages.

Lesson:
When God commands or directs us to do something, it is always in our best interest to obey. The Bible illustrates the rewards of obedience and the punishment for disobedience. God always has our best interest at heart and can see the bigger picture that we cannot.

I will save myself some grief today if I obey God by...

• Praying daily for guidance
• Trusting that He is in control and has a plan for my life
• Praising God for all of our blessings
• Loving my husband, trusting and respecting him
• Spending time in worship and fellowship with other Christians every week by going to church

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 4: Genesis 6-9

This is Day 4 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about Noah and the Flood.

Genesis 6: "Building the Ark" (Preparation for Judgment)
Genesis 7: "In the Ark" (Deluge of Judgment)
Genesis 8: "Leaving the Ark" (Aftermath of Judgment)
Genesis 9: "Leaving the Ark" (Promise of Unrepeated Judgment)

The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 6.

Thanks to http://www.eventnow.com/ for this photo

Overview:
Because humanity has rebelled and turned against God, He plans to erase the existence of man from the earth. Noah is a righteous man who walks with God. Through grace, God decides to save Noah and his family and the animals by ordering him to build an ark for their safety.

Daily Walk:
Noah's Faith-Inspired Steps:
1. Noah built the ark according to God's directions.
2. He brought two of every animal onto the ark, male and female.
3. He brought food for his family and the animals on the ark.
4. He entered the ark with his wife, sons, and sons' wives.
5. After an entire year of being on the ark, God commanded Noah to leave the ark, and he obeyed.
6. Noah built an ark to the Lord, and he offered sacrifices to worship God for sparing him and his family.


What are my Faith-Inspired Steps?
This is a difficult question for me to answer right now. I quit my job as a nurse almost two years ago to get married and follow Nick to Chicago, and then to San Francisco for his job. I was so unhappy at my nursing job that I thought I needed to change careers.

I prayed about it, but didn't feel any direction. I took it as a sign when everything fell into place for me to study graphic design at a community college near Chicago. I did well in my classes, but quickly discovered that it was not my real passion and I didn't have a strong talent in the arts. Halfway through the semester, we learned that we would need to move to San Francisco for Nick's job.

We've been here for several months now, and I've continued to think and pray about what I should do, but I still feel very lost. I decided to get my California nursing license just in case I see a job that I want to apply for, but it doesn't seem right to me yet either.

I'm really hoping that God will speak to me and show me what His plans for me are. I want to find something that I love and that I'm passionate about. God has always provided for me. He's given me a wonderful husband who I love very much. He's given him a wonderful job that provides for us financially. I know he can help guide me as well, and I have faith that He will.

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 3: Stepping Back - Stewards of God's Creation

This is Day 3 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today, we took a break from our reading in Genesis to focus on an overview of Creation.

Thanks to http://www.examiner.com/biblical-studies-in-tampa-bay/ for this photo

My biggest discovery was that Jesus, the Son of God, was the agent in Creation. I had not realized this before. Here are some verses that support this claim.

Colossians 1:15-16 "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."

John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."

Hebrews 1:2 "but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."

My understanding of these verses: Jesus is the agent of Creation, Creator of all things visible and invisible (Colossians 1:15-16). Nothing has come into being without the Son of God (John 1:1-3). Through Jesus, God made the world (Hebrews 1:2).

Step Back:
What does it mean to me that God Himself fashioned the natural elements of the world that I see, and the supernatural elements that I cannot see - for Himself?
God created a very intricate world, full of complex creatures. Then He created man to inhabit the earth and care for His creation.

Look Up:
Isaiah 45:18 "For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited—he says: 'I am the LORD, and there is no other.' "

God is all-creative and all-powerful!
 "Just as a book requires an author, Creation requires a God!" (Your Daily Walk, page 3)

Move Ahead:
God created this world "not in vain," but "to be inhabited."

How responsibly am I caring for this world? What actions am I taking as a Steward of God's Creation?
We recycle and take public transportation more often than we drive.

Why?
God's creation deserves special care!

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 2: Genesis 3-5

This is Day 2 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about The Entrance and Extent of Sin.

Genesis 3: "The Root of Sin: Adam's Rebellion" (The Entrance of Sin)
Genesis 4: "The Fruit of Sin: Cain's Evil Line" (The Extent of Sin)
Genesis 5: "The Fruit of Faith: Seth's Godly Line" (The Extent of Sin)

The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 3.

Photo by http://althistory.wikia.com/wiki/File:Garden-of-eden.jpg

Entrance of Sin:

• Satan, disguised as a serpent, deceives Eve into disobeying God and eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
• Eve offers Adam the fruit from the tree, and he also eats.
• They realize their guilt and that they are naked and quickly make coverings for themselves from a fig tree.

God's Reaction:

• He asks them what happened (because they are hiding), which offers them a chance to accept responsibility for disobeying and a chance to ask for forgiveness.
• Adam blames Eve, and Eve blames the serpent. By refusing to admit their own fault, they are making their situation worse.
• God curses the serpent - he must crawl on his belly. Eve's curse - pain in childbirth. Adam's curse - tough soil for farming.
• Adam and Eve are banished from the Garden of Eden.

Extent of Sin:

• Cain murders Abel, ignoring God's warning to do well and master the temptation to sin.
• Cain is cursed as is his lineage, but God protects him from the harm of others. He is marked, which protects him but also serves as a constant reminder of what he has done.
• Seth is faithful, his line is godly, and God blesses him and his descendants.

Daily Walk:
What are some of my daily temptations?
Laziness
Feeling sorry for myself instead of seeing positively
Not being grateful for all of the wonderful things in my life
Being impatient
Thinking hateful thoughts when I get annoyed or frustrated
Snapping at my husband
Gossiping
Vanity

All temptations to sin are caused by Satan. But there is hope.
"Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

Jesus was also tempted by Satan three times in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11). The temptations were lust of flesh, lust of eyes, and pride of life (1 John 2:16). When tempted, Jesus RESISTED and Satan fled from His presence.

My own conclusion for today:
We are all tempted daily to sin. These temptations are caused by Satan. It's not always easy to resist, but there are rewards for trying to live in a way that is pleasing to God. And there are consequences for giving into temptation, which is by far the easier option. With God's help, we can overcome temptations and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Day 1: Genesis 1-2

This is Day 1 in my Daily Walk Journey. I'm following along with Your Daily Walk, by Bruce H. Wilkinson. Today's reading was about The Six Days of Creation.

Chapter 1: "Six Days through a Telescope"
Chapter 2: "Sixth Day through a Microscope"

The heart of today's passage lies in Genesis 2:4-25.

As Creator, God designed every part of this world and all the creatures in it with a purpose. He has a greater picture in mind than we can see in this moment.

After creating Adam, God said, "It is not good the for man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." Then God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. Then He took one of Adam's ribs and created a woman that Adam later named Eve. God designed men and women to leave their own families to unite with each other.

Part of my devotional asked me to write down answers to the following phrase: "By God's design, I am..." I could only come up with two answers. First, we are created in God's image. Secondly, I am meant to be a helper to my husband. After that, I was stumped.

The book suggested several verses to come up with other specific ways God has designed us. The verses are:
Psalm 139:14
1 Corinthians 11:3
Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 5:21-:9
Titus 2:14

After reading those verses, I concluded that "By God's Design, I am..."
1. Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
2. God is the head of man, and man is the head of the woman and the entire household (1 Corinthians 11:3)
3. We are created for good works (Ephesians 2:10)
4. Wives are meant to submit to their husbands, husbands are to love their wives as themselves, and wives are to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:21-6:9)
5. We are redeemed by Jesus Christ, purified, and should be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14)

I know that a lot of people are offended by the idea that women must be subservient to their husbands. I can admit that it sometimes rubs me the wrong way as well. However, I do believe that men are natural leaders of the household. And although I think it's fair to have discussions and make decisions together, I also know it's important for wives to respect their husbands. The subservient nature should come from a place of love and deep respect. As a wife, I know that I want nothing more than to feel like my husband truly loves me.

My own conclusion for today:
God created everything (including men and women) with a purpose. We compliment each other and are meant to create a strong union as the basis for starting a family. God gives us advice to help guide us in our daily lives. If we follow God's advice, we should see a better harmony in our relationship with our spouses.

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and insights from my own time studying the Bible. I am not trying to teach, instruct, or push my thoughts on others. Please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions.

Introduction

I have made a commitment to walk daily in Scripture. I have always wanted to read through the entire Bible, and I plan to do that this year. I will be sharing my experience here in the hopes of inspiring others to start and enjoy their own Daily Walk.

Just to put it out there - I do not claim to be a theologian, nor am I involved in the ministry in any way. I am just a normal person looking to learn more about God and hopefully live a better life by grounding myself in Scripture.

(Thanks to http://eldercatron.blogspot.com for this photo)

Because I know how daunting the task of daily Bible reading can be, I've decided to use some help along the way. I've found a book that I hope will be very helpful, called Your Daily Walk. It breaks up the daily Bible reading for you, with an introduction and some helpful insight along the way.

I hope to follow through with my goal to read through the entire Bible this year. Thank you for joining me on my journey.