Tag: faith

Daily Word

Genesis 17

judyinthesky91

Read Genesis 17 – Faith and time – Abram is 99 years old and Sarai is 90.  It has been roughly 23 years since the LORD promised Abram he would be the father of many, and 13 years since God reminded Abram of His promise after the birth of Ishmael. 

God is outside of time.  Just because you have to wait longer than you want, do not lose faith. 

The LORD gives Abram a new name.  Abram means ‘the father of many’; his new name will be Abraham, meaning ‘the father of many nations’. (:5)  The LORD makes a covenant with Abraham to give him and his offspring the land of Canaan and to be their God.

This covenant will be sealed through the act of circumcision… much like Salvation in Christ Jesus is offered, yet one must seal it by saying yes and asking Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. 

God required circumcision of every male, 8 days old and older.  Science would discover the 7th day of life is when an infant’s immune system begins to mature and their bodies develop blood clotting agents (vitamin k and prothrombin), making the 8th day the most optimal… as God knew all along. 

The LORD also has a promise for Sarai, and a new name, Sarah.  Both versions mean princess, the first Sarai, is to one family; the second Sarah is princess over a multitude. 

In verses 17-22 we see how very real Abraham’s relationship is with the LORD, pointing out the problem of their advanced years and suggesting that the LORD is referring to Ishmael, to which God says no.  “But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” (:22) 

We see Abraham’s great faith and leadership in :23 when he, and Ishmael and every male in his household is circumcised on that very day. 

Beloved, is there something you’ve been waiting for a long time?  I pray these Scriptures would refresh your faith that the LORD has not forgotten your prayers.  He is at work in His timing and purpose, and when it is time, you will say, “Yes, LORD, that was perfect.”

Daily Word

Acts 14

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Read Acts 14 – Victory and persecution – Oh my heart!  Why do you suppose the Gospel is so clear and precious to some, while others despise it?  And for those who despise it, it’s not a simple, “No thank you.”  They want to destroy the messengers.

Barnabas and Paul preached boldly and the Lord proved their message to be true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders, :3.  A mob incited against them and they fled to Lystra and Derbe, where they continued to preach.  While Paul was preaching he locked eyes with a crippled man, realized the man had faith, and called him to stand up!  The man did (Yay!) and the crowd went crazy – but too crazy – they began to worship Paul and Barnabas, thinking them to be the Greek gods, Zeus and Hermes (Oops!).  Paul and Barnabas tore their robes in dismay and immediately urged the crowd to stop worshipping them and worship God. 

Beloved, may this serve as a caution to you in either direction.  If you are serving the Lord and people praise you for it, be quick to turn that praise to Jesus Christ. Likewise, if you find yourself thinking more highly of your pastor, or anyone, than Jesus, examine your heart, repent and give all glory to God Almighty. 

The rollercoaster of victory and persecution continues.  Our apostles keep the faith and keep going. 

Beloved, be victory minded.  Persecution will come, deal with it, flee when it’s time to flee, and press on with and for Jesus Christ. To Him be the Glory! ❣☝🙌🙏🙌☝❣

Daily Word

Luke 8

judyinthesky91

Read Luke 8 – Sometimes God says no.   Sometimes we have expectations but the Lord’s purpose is different for us.  

The farmer plants seeds expecting crops, but not every seed thrives. Where did you fall in the seed parable(:4-:15).  It’s not too late to start taking care of your roots… get yourself in the ‘good soil’ of Jesus. 

The possessed man from Gadarenes was miraculously delivered from the legion of demons, and wanted to follow Jesus(8:26-38).  That seems noble, right?  But in verse :39 we learn Jesus sent him home telling him,  ” ‘No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.’  So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.” 

Do you ever get answers that are different from your expectations?   Do you respond with gratitude and obedience like the man did? Beloved, there is much more than this to be gleaned from our chapter,  happy reading!📖📖📖💖📖📖📖

Daily Word

Luke 7

judyinthesky91

Read Luke 7 – It starts and ends with faith. 

Our chapter begins with the Centurion, who has faith that Jesus’s word will heal his servant, even without his presence. And ends with the fallen woman at Jesus’s feet, whose faith comes from her brokenness, leading to her grateful adoration. 

In between the two, our tenderhearted Shepherd, Jesus, sees a widow in such grief he revived her son from death right from the coffin! And Jesus has a fascinating interaction with the disciples of John the Baptist. It shows us that we can have questions. Jesus IS Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man.  He is Lord and Savior, and he welcomes questions.

Beloved, is your faith strong?   What questions will strengthen your faith? Where do you need Jesus to meet you?   Ask, seek, knock… Jesus loves you so fully!  💖

Daily Word

John 4

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Read John 4 – It’s on!   The ministry of Jesus Christ has hit the ground running!   Read carefully,  there are so many treasures like in :6 it says Jesus was weary.   That is so human.  Lord Jesus experienced what it is to be human, and what it is to be weary and thirsty.   The Samaritan woman is rather spirited in her conversation.  Jesus tells her, “I AM the Messiah!” (4:26), and she responds as we should – passionately telling everyone!! We are told many believed because of her(4:39).  What a glorious thing!   Will it be said of you when you are standing before Him one day – my prayer for all of us is YES.  The faith of the official in :50 is excellent.  How is your faith?  Do you trust Jesus with your prayers?  Stay the course, John’s account will grow your love for Jesus, as well as your faith, hope, joy and love…. May all of these things lead MANY to our Lord and Savior,  Jesus Christ. 💖🙏🏻📖☝️💖