Thursday, February 14th: Exodus 37:1 - 38:31, Matthew 28: 1-20, Psalm 34: 11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 37:1-38:31, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

Matthew 28: 16-17
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Hard to believe that after all the disciples saw Jesus go through while living, then dying, then rising from the dead - just as He said would happen, some didn't believe! How often do I doubt, after all He's done for me. I pray for strength and that my will to believe would grow stronger.

Psalm 34:19
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time

Just because we live for the Lord and try our best to do things the way He wants, we will still have troubles. The world is far from perfect and so are we. We will face many tough times, but we have Jesus to lean on for strength and for wisdom, and that is all we need!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12 

Tuesday, February 12th: Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6 

My devotional today talked about the "sins of the parents".

I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations. - Exodus 34:7b - 

It's pretty scary to think that our sins could have lasting affects that our children and their children may feel. I pray that God shows be any patterns of sin that could leave such a lasting effect on my children.

Another thing that really stood out to me today was the importance that God placed on the 7th day - a day set aside for complete rest. It was important enough that it comes up twice in today's reading.

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest. - Exodus 34:21 -

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on that day must be put to death. You must not even light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath.” - Exodus 35:2-3 - 

I wonder, in today's world of craziness, if we were, as christians, to truly take this as seriously as it is stated in these verses, what our world would look like. This would be a VERY difficult thing to do. So many things we are involved in require us to be DOING something on Sunday's (assuming that is the 7th day). Today's society doesn't necessarily allow us to take this day completely as rest but maybe being more intentional about how we spend this time would allow us to feel more rested. I think there is definite value in setting aside time and being intentional about finding time to REST in Jesus.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8

Saturday, February 9th: Exodus 28:1-43; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:12-13 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26

Matthew 26:39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.  Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.

That must be one of the hardest prayers we will ever pray.  I'm sure it was for Jesus, too!  He knew the awful road of torture and death He was about to go down, and He begged God to find another way.  But this was the way.  And ultimately, Jesus wanted to fulfill God's purpose and plan more than anything else.

We, too, need to be willing to surrender what we want, to what God wants.

The prayer in my devotional ends with this line....
Help me to truly believe that they joy of surrendering to your will - whatever it may be - will be worth whatever it may cost.

May that be our prayer today.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32

Friday, February 8th: Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13


14 But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
Psalms 31:14


We read how distressed the writer is in the first few verses, and then we come to this verse. Though he felt like everything in his world was crashing down, he was choosing to trust in God.

Lord, let us put our hope and our faith in You. Whether it’s a good day, a bad day, or an average day, help us always to trust in You.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26

Thursday, February 7th: Exodus 26:1- 27:21, Matthew 25: 1-30, Psalm 31: 1-8, Proverbs 8: 1-11 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 8:1-11 

Matthew 25: 10-13
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
[11] “Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!'
[12] “But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.'
[13] “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

This parable reminds us today that we need to be ready, God could take us anytime. Are we living for God the way He wants, do I put Him first?

Proverbs 8: 10-11
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
[11] for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

A good reminder of the importance of wisdom and living for the Lord. We often get caught up in working toward making more money or having more things, here we see a reminder that those things fall far short of following Jesus.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13 

Tuesday, February 5th: Exodus 21:22-23:13, Matthew 24:1-28, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-23 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 21:22-23:13, Matthew 24:1-28, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-23

Matthew 24 talks about what the end of days will look like and I'm pretty sure every generation throughout history feels like it can't get much worse and the end must be at hand. Verse 12 really stood out to me today though.

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

We live in a world where we are increasingly busy and as I watch my kids grow I pray that some habits of resting and quietly coming before God take root but I know that I find it harder in my own life to find that time and with all the distractions of today's world I fear this will just become harder and harder. And the lack of prayer, bible reading, attending church and cultivating friendships with like minded individuals will pull us further away for God which in turn may cause our "love to grow cold".

Lord, I pray for ourselves and for our children, that you would sustain a love in our/their hearts for you. That the distractions of the world will not pull them or us away from you and that we will continue to worship and stand firm to the very end.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

Monday: February 4: Exodus 19:16-21:21 Matthew 23:13-39 Psalm 28:1-9 Proverbs 7:1-5 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 19:16-21:21Matthew 23:13-39Psalm 28:1-9Proverbs 7:1-5 

Some things that stood out for me from today's readings:

Exodus

19:20 The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.

God meets us halfway. He does not impose himself. He does not beg. He does not command us like robots with no free will. He calls us but we need to come to him. He will chase us but will not overtake us without our willingness to submit to Him.

20:1 Then God gave the people all these instructions[a]:

God gave. He did not make these commands without choice. He gave us the rules and boundaries to live a good life. We are told to follow them but we do have a choice. We are free to choose to live outside these instructions but we are not free from the consequences of those choices.

Matthew

13: 23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,[c] but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

Following all the rules that God sets out for us does not mean that we are perfect and without sin. We can follow all the commandments like a checklist and still not enter the kingdom of Heaven. 

13: 25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish,[e] and then the outside will become clean, too.

It is not only our outward appearance that God notices but our hearts, our minds, and our motivation as well. It's not good enough to look the part we need to acknowledge our sin and how short we fall from God's expectations for us. 

Psalm

28:8&9 (ish)

8 The Lord gives his people strength.......

 
.......Lead them like a shepherd,
    and carry them in your arms forever.

Although strength comes from God when we ask for it. True strength is in total submission to Him and allowing Him to carry us.

Proverbs

7:1-3

Follow my advice, my son;
    always treasure my commands.
2 Obey my commands and live!
    Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.[a]
3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.

God desires us to come to Him. He gives us commandments and rules for our benefit. However, the rules are not to be obeyed verbatim as a checklist without love and compassion. We need to remind ourselves often that we are in need of a shepherd to lead us in the way we should go. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 5 Exodus 21:22-23:13Matthew 24:1-28Psalm 29:1-11Proverbs 7:6-23 

Sunday, February 3rd: Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35

I love the story of God helping the Israelites in battle with Moses needing to keep his hands raised.  It was a fitting reminder for the Israelites that God was fighting this battle on their behalf, and that the glory of victory was His.

It was wise of Moses to accept advice from his FIL.  We are not always quick to listen to advice, especially when someone tells us to do something different than what we've been doing.  But Moses was wise, and implemented the advice he received from his FIL.

Obviously I've read this passage numerous times, but this is the first time I noticed that Moses' wife and children hadn't been with him for awhile - I wonder how long they had been with her family and what experiences they all missed out on, and why Moses sent them away. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Love God and love each other - so simple and yet sometimes so difficult.  A good reminder also to impress on our children that this is what's most important.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 19:16-21:21, Matthew 23:13-39, Psalm 28:1-9, Proverbs 7:1-5

Friday, February 1st: Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle

 - Exodus 13:17-18

It often feels like we are in seasons of waiting. And a lot of times we question why God would make us wait, and even tell Him that we think we’re ready for what’s coming next.

But, we are not God, so we don’t know the big picture, and we don’t have everything figured out perfectly (although sometimes we think we do). Like the Israelites, sometimes God needs to take us in a roundabout way to get to the end goal to teach us something, or show His glory.

In times of waiting, let’s remember that God has a plan, and He will get us where we need to go. We just need to trust in Him. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26

Wednesday, January 30th: Exodus 10:1-12:13, Matthew 20:1-28, Psalm 25:1-15, Proverbs 6:6-11~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 10:1-12:13, Matthew 20:1-28, Psalm 25:1-15, Proverbs 6:6-11

I have to admit that if I was one of the original vineyard workers, I would've been upset at the unfairness of the wages payed out at the end of the day.  However, I totally understand the point of the parable - salvation is open to anyone, whether they've been a Christian since before they can remember, or they became one on their death bed.  Eternity is offered equally to all.  And for that I am thankful!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 12:14 - 13:16, Matthew 20:29 - 21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

Tuesday, January 29th: Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 

I always enjoy reading the story of Moses and the 10 plagues. I find it entertaining how Pharoah kept hardening his heart even after all of the VERY unpleasant plagues that he and the people had to endure. How disgusting some of these plagues are and that Pharoah could continually ignore the power that these plagues show is beyond me. I could not even imagine how disgusting it would be to have frogs EVERYWHERE. And then gnats and rivers of blood. Just really, really gross. I'm not sure how you could live through all that and not believe...and yet the Israelites witnessed all this too and eventually they start complaining about things and wondering if God is still with them.

I also find the magicians kind of amusing too. They manage to keep up with God (to some degree) with the first 3 plagues but after those, they can no longer compete and I feel like they want to believe and maybe don't understand why Pharoah is continuing being so stubborn.

Though miracles are not nearly as obvious in today's society, I do believe that they happen and occur regularly, we may just have to look a little harder to see them. I pray that I recognize the miracles around me and give credit where credit is due.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 

Monday, January 28th: Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23 

Our NT passage contains an important reminder that we should be thankful for the forgiveness, grace, and mercy we have received from God, and be willing to extend that same forgiveness to those who have wronged us.  It cannot be a one way street.

~~~
I love this promise from Psalm 23.......
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5

Friday, January 25th: Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6

19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them

- Genesis 50:19-21

Joseph was treated brutally by his brothers for most of his early life. And yet, this is the attitude he had. He knew that God had a plan for Him when he was sold into slavery, sent to jail, and sure he would never see his family again. He saw that all of this had to happen so he could save so many peoples lives. He spoke kindly to his brothers, and showed them mercy just like God showed him, and just like God shows us. 

Next time someone upsets us or wrongs us, let’s remember the kind of faith Joseph had in God and the plan He had for him. Let’s remember that there is nothing others can do to us that is worse than what we did to Christ. And let’s remember that God forgave us, so we should also forgive others.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14

Wednesday, January 23rd: Genesis 46:1-47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 46:1-47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19

Even though the story of Joseph and his brothers actually contains a lot of detail compared to some other stories in the Bible, it still leaves me with lots of questions!

At what point did Jacob find out about his sons selling Joseph into slavery?  The Bible doesn't actually tell us if he did, but I imagine finding out he was still alive needed a pretty good explanation to go with it.  The Bible doesn't give us Jacob's reaction, if he did find out, which I imagine would've been pretty major considering how long he had grieved for Joseph.  Unless the joy of Joseph being alive overshadowed the brothers deception? 

What did Joseph's servants think of the whole drama with the money in the sacks and the cup?  It must have seemed awfully strange!

I would've loved to see the reactions from all the brothers when Joseph revealed who he was! 

It was definitely clear from their willingness to sacrifice themselves for their brother (and for the sake of their father) that at least some of them had changed quite significantly over the years.  Their hearts had changed.

As we see in our NT passage, that is the key.  Often the words we speak and the things we do, reveal the truth about our heart.  Not in the little things - it's easy to say and do the "right things" without actually meaning it.  But in the big things (like Joseph's brothers being willing to sacrifice themselves) or when we're under intense pressure, our hearts are revealed in our words and deeds.

This is something that is so important to keep in mind when it comes to parenting.  Of course, as parents, we want our children to say and do the right things.  But rule-keeping doesn't mean their hearts are pure or have been made new by the Holy Spirit - and that is where our true focus should be. 

This quote from my devotional resonated with me.....
We don't want to have a home in which outer conformity covers up inner rebellion that goes unrecognized or unchallenged. We long for sincere faith and a humble awareness of our need for God, by his Spirit and through his Word, to give us and our children new hearts, pure hearts, sincere hearts.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27

Tuesday, January 22nd: Genesis 44:1-45:28; Matthew 14:13-36; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 4:11-13 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 44:1-45:28; Matthew 14:13-36; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 4:11-13

The story of Jesus (and Peter) walking on the water has always been one of my favorite stories. Maybe because I love being out in the boat on the lake and can just imagine what an experience it would have been to be out in the boat and see Jesus walking on the water coming towards you. And then to be Peter and have the courage to ask to walk on the water too!

Would I have the courage to step out and walk on that water? I imagine that it would be a bit easier if Jesus was physically out there waiting for me. But when the wind and waves pick up and you take your eyes off of Him, you start to lose focus on who it is you are walking toward.

How often in our walk towards heaven don't we lose focus when the winds of life start blowing over us? I know it's happened to me too often and I'm sure I look like Peter as he starts to sink and says, "Lord, save me!"

Lord, help us to maintain our focus on you. Regardless of what life throws at us, or what trials we face, help us to keep our eyes fixed on you and eternity. When we lose our focus we slowly start to sink, sometimes so far in that our hair even gets wet, but when we lift our eyes back up to you, you reach down and pull us up. Thank you so much for your patience and your saving grace.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 46:1-47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19

Monday: January 21: Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10

When we sin, as Joseph's brothers did when they sold their brother and then lied to their father that Joseph had been killed, we live in guilt. We know what we did. God knows what we did. In this case, all the brothers know what they did too. Our sin is known. The guilt was eating the brothers and they knew they deserved punishment for it. But just as Joseph showed mercy to his brothers, God also shows mercy on us.

I read an interesting book by Karen Kingbury  over the Christmas holidays. In her fictional account of Mary and Joseph, she tells of how the conception of Jesus was cause for gossip and rumours around Nazareth and I'm sure that was close to the truth. Maybe this is a reason that Jesus was not believed in his own hometown. People may have still believe Mary was a cheater and Jesus was not who he said he was. The book also told about how Jesus may have took the news about John's death and how Mary may have visited Elizabeth and just as she learned how to go through pregnancy with Elizabeth, Elizabeth may have also taught Mary how to grieve the loss of a son. Of course this is all fiction but it made me think that these are more than just players in the story of Jesus but real people who would have experienced rumours and gossip and worry and loss in a way that we don't often stop and consider as we read through the stories of the Bible.

But we know that through it all:

God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

and

My child,[a] listen to me and do as I say,
    and you will have a long, good life.

When we sin, when we deal with people who don't believe us, when we deal with hard stuff we can remember that God's promises and plan are perfect and He offers protection from all we have to deal with and when we listen and obey Him, we will have eternal life.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 42:18-43:34Matthew 13:47-14:12Psalm 18:16-36Proverbs 4:7-10 

Thursday, January 17th: Genesis 35 - 36:43, Matthew 12: 1-21, Psalm 15: 1-5, Proverbs 3: 21-26 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 35 - 36:43, Matthew 12: 1-21, Psalm 15: 1-5, Proverbs 3: 21-26

Matthew 12: 11-12
He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? [12] How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

I remember as a child having to help my dad bring wood to my grandparents so they could heat their house, on a Sunday. I couldn't believe that I would have to do this, this was brutal!

I don't remember the details but I'm sure there was a good reason why it was being done that day because we never did work like that on Sundays, always a "Saturday" type of job.

Just as Jesus was saying in these verses, for us the job we did that Sunday couldn't wait and had to be done. A good lesson for me that I need to follow Jesus and what He wants - and not just a bunch of "rules".

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32

Tuesday, January 15th: Genesis 31:17-32:12; Matthew 10:24-11:6; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 3:16-18 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 31:17-32:12; Matthew 10:24-11:6; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 3:16-18

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:37-39

I find it so interesting how often the words of the New Testament passages fit with what we read in the Old.

This verse stuck out today and it goes along with what Tammy said yesterday. Jesus is all we should be clinging to in this life. And that is not always easy...especially when our hearts were made to love so very deeply. As my children get older and are moving into adulthood I'm finding it so difficult to let go. Some days I know that am clinging onto them. And I'm realizing that maybe I've been so focused on parenting my kids than they've in some ways taken a place in my heart that God should be filling. So I'm praying that God will help me release them and fill the hole that this may leave and then trusting that He has good things in store for my children - that He loves them so much more than I ever can.

I just recently read this article called Sacred Parenting: Perfecting Holiness and really feel this excerpt says what I'm trying to say...

"God may be telling us, Grow in Me every day — in faith, patience, virtue, love, and worship, and let that faith and growth perfume your house and anoint your children."

"Our own spiritual quest must drive our parenting. Unfinished or neglected spiritual business inevitably works its way out through our relationships in a negative fashion. We become more demanding, more controlling, more intolerant, more resentful. Our children cannot quench the God-given spiritual hunger in our souls. When we neglect God, we may ask our parenting to become stand-ins for God — something it was never designed to do."

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 32:13-34:31; Matthew 11:7-30; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 3:19-20

Sunday, January 13th: Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12

Matthew 9:36-38 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
This was the focus verse in my devotional today, and the prayer was a more difficult one to pray honestly......

Lord, you are in charge of the harvest of the souls of men and women. Only your Spirit can call and convict and convert. But your Spirit uses the proclamation of your Word to bring this about. So I'm praying that you will send more workers, more proclaimers to bring in a harvest of souls. But I can't pray for ore workers without also praying that you would show us what it means for our family to be workers in your fields. And I can't pray for our children without offering them up to be a worker in your fields, even if that proves uncomfortable or costly. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Genesis 30:1-31:16, Matthew 10:1-23, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15

Saturday, January 12th: Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:9-10 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:9-10

Our NT passage shows us that we sometimes fail to recognize our greatest need.  The paralyzed man's friends had faith that Jesus could heal their friend of his paralysis, but what they didn't recognize was that his spiritual need was even greater than his physical need.

Maybe we think that our need of a job, or physical healing, or relief from stress, or mending of relationship is most important - and make no mistake, they are important needs and Jesus wants us to bring them to Him.

But maybe our greater need is salvation, or a willingness to forgive, or a determination to rid a specific sin from our lives, or practicing faith in God despite hard circumstances. 

Jesus wants to meet our greatest needs first.  I pray we prioritize the way Jesus did.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12