something about this just sparks something in me. knowing that even when i don’t see where God’s plan is going, i know all i have to do is trust in Him because He is working for the good in me!
44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Convicting – thank you Holy Spirit!
God deserves all the glory. Lift Him up in praise. Be reminded that Jesus is the way to God the Father. Take your eyes up from the earthly things around you and focus on the eternal things that are all joy and life giving.
23that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 22The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 11But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” 24Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
These verses also highlight today’s society when we seek judgement from one another on all the many social media platforms, instead of worrying about the only judgement that truly matters. I pray that as a society, we become less and Jesus becomes more.
41I do not receive glory from people. 43I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 42But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.
I agree with this. Not everything we read is straightforward. Most days I can read and understand. Today, I had to respond in a very honest prayer for understanding.
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
The Lord showed me that I can do the same thing. I can make my bible reading a checklist item, or use a cute scripture phrase as a bandaid for a problem. He reminded me that scripture is powerful because of the Spirit that breathes life into it. It was a powerful reminder to pause and listen to the Him in the middle of my reading.
I always think about how vast our visions need to be whenever I read the scripture about God telling Abram to count the stars if he can. We need to have faith as vast as those stars that God will provide even in the darkest of times and nothing seems possible.
Holly, I’ll paste here an explanation given by John Piper:
“The main point here is that Jesus raises all the dead. Let that sink in. All the dead who have ever lived will be raised from the dead by Jesus. Millions of Chinese and Nigerians and Indonesians and Germans. He will raise Julius Caesar from the dead, and Judas Iscariot, and Isaiah the prophet, and Michelangelo, and Johann Sebastian Bach, and Adolf Hitler, and Marilyn Monroe, and Kurt Cobain, and Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson, and Ted Kennedy. He will raise them, and they will stand before him. And you too.
“All these people and millions more—all people, without exception, will be raised from the dead by Jesus. Jesus is universally superior to all these people. He is universally sovereign over all these people. He holds them in being and will give existence to their decomposed bodies so that there is a continuity between the body that was and the body that will be raised. He lets no one go out of existence—there is no such loss for the righteous, and no such hope for the wicked. Jesus raises them all.”
We will all be judged by Christ at His second coming. The difference in eternal placement (resurrection of life [Heaven] or resurrection of judgment [Hell]) is determined by the evidence of believing faith in Him in our lives. Hope this helps.
I love how Jesus challenges the people about their belief in the words Moses spoke. How many times have I read scripture but haven’t actually believed scripture?? It was a convicting moment there.
I think that the Bible is so beautiful because of the repetition and foreshadowing that it possesses. in today’s reading it talked about how the Jews did not like Jesus because he was performing miracles and healing’s on the day of the Sabbath. This is ironic because Jesus was a Jew. Later in the Bible it talks about how even though we are living in this world we will still feel alone and like outcasts because we are not going to be a part of the world. That is a great way of foreshadowing and it really helps us connect with Jesus because he was not this popular man who everyone loved and wanted to be like. Only some chose to love and be like him. So although we can get discouraged about this world and them using God’s name in vain or ripping on Christianity, we just have to remember that Jesus continued to love even when people wanted to cast stones at him and hang him on a cross.
28Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
These verses confuse me! In the translation I’m reading ESV does it sound like not everyone will be judged?
Why do God’s promises take so long? What a mess we can make when we try to Help God.
God, help me to trust You. I know You are faithful and keep Your word.
There is a lot to chew on here in these passages. Convicting, challenging, questioning, and bringing me to repenting where I have not allowed Jesus to fully rule my life. Am I reading the scriptures to “get it done” and make me feel better without truly allowing His working power in my life? I am going to put John 5:39-40 on a card to see daily as a reminder to Seek Him First.
39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. ~ What a reminder on how we are to approach knowing God!
Day 6 done. This year will be great. Do you want to know why? Because God is faithful. His promises are true last year and we must proclaim His promises this year. Praise God. He cares for us deeply and wants a relationship with us. Not only should we read but let us have conversation with Him throughout the day.
These passages remind me that reading the scripture isn’t enough. I need to truly welcome the lord into my heart and have faith that he has a plan for me
It is the same it’s just a link that allows you to go to it in the Bible where you can see where it is or read verses before or after. Or you can click on words or verses in a bible app that have references to them so it allows you to look those up
13Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
Remission of sins comes with Baptism in Jesus Name. (Acts 2:38) The ability to walk in freedom of those sins comes by the power of the Holy Ghost after Holy Ghost baptism evidenced by speaking in tongues. (Acts Chapters 2, 8, 10, 19)
I love how Abram gave Lot the choice of the land- graciously. Lot took what he thought was the best (water and all) and Abram was fine with that. God blessed Abram. I think in my life I need to be humble enough to be gracious to others and God will bless that giving spirit.
Wow. I gotta get my life together. Today hit me hard. Do I read the Bible and try to practice His works but not actually have Jesus in my heart? I have been baptized, but still feel hatred from my past in my heart that is hard to shake.
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John 5:39-40
Taught me to be intentional with prayers and your relationship with God. It is one thing to be devoted to the word and learn through studying…but it is completely different to know and love him, to have an actual relationship with our creator ♥️
Prayer and open dialogue with God is so important! I am guilty myself of reading The Word and moving on, forgetting to ask God to open my eyes and heart and thank Him for what hes teaching me.
Genesis 13:17–“Arise, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I will give it to you”—reminds me of Ephesians 3:17-19–“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Abram was given these promises from God about the land God would give him and the offspring that was to come. Abram was called to step in to these promises and explore what God had for him. It is the same for us! Because of Jesus, we are given the promise of His love and of His presence. May we explore this promise today, to know the length and the breadth and the depth of God’s love and God’s presence in our lives more than we have before!
“Do you want to be well?” This hit me today. Do I want to break destructive speech patterns? Do I want to let the Holy Spirit transform me from the inside? Yes. I want to be well Father.
There is a Facebook group of a bunch of us reading through together—you’re welcome to join us! Search for: The Bible in a Year w/ SRT. We’d love to have you along!
“ 1After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”” What a great reminder for us today.
These passages demonstrate the power of God and his Son. He provides for us. He listens to us. He heals us.
John 5:16-46 just about grabbed me out of my chair. I felt the power of God in those words, in Jesus’ convictions. How blessed are we to honor a God who sent his flesh down from heaven to teach us and guide us in honoring our good God?
Jesus loves every single person. If we had seen that man by the pool, I wonder how many of us would have avoided him in his brokenness. Jesus picked him out of the crowd to heal and love. One of us is not more broken than another, even though we are different in the way we show our brokenness. But Jesus love us, brokenness and all.
28‘Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.
Works…we must know the Word as a whole or scriptures like this are taken out of context.
14Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” This one really stuck with me!! Jesus is so kind and loving that when we are cynical of his power and sovereignty that he waits on us to come to understand and simply respond with “See, you are well!” in such a loving and friendly way. Almost as if to say, “I still remember you and your struggles, and I still love you and was waiting for you to find me.” So much grace and love in such a small phrase.
“And He brought him outside and said … ‘number the stars, if you are able to … So shall your offspring be’. And he believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:5-6). Abraham believed God when His promise seemed humanly impossible. God’s promise was more sure than everything he could see around him. He believed in the face of common sense that says, “it’s just not possible”. Oh God, give me such faith.
Grateful for these passages that remind us it is belief in the promises of the Father that is counted as righteousness and leads to eternal life. No external work secures our eternal salvation, only trust in the Lord and His truth.
Lord give me the same humility that Abraham showed in extending the better land to Lot. Thank you for your word and the convenant that you made with Abraham. Amen!
“ And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” …. a short little verse, but so important, since it shows that even in the Old Testament it is by grace through faith that we are saved. Not works. Not sacrifices. Just faith.
John 5:44 hit me hard. Especially living in a world consumed with social media. It’s so easy to get caught up in comparison and seeking affirmation from others but God’s approval is the only one that matters!!! A good reminder to seek Him and His glory.
Yes!!! I highlighted that passage as well. I own a small business where most of my brand and business building is through social media and it’s SO EASY to get caught up in the likes/comments etc.
This reminds me to be patient. God is faithful. Abraham waited 25 years from the covenant to Issac. The man at the pool waited 38 years for healing. Sometimes resolution is not immediate or the way we planned. God is faithful. Sometimes we have to wait but that doesn’t change his faithfulness.
God is so awesome! In my small group last night we were working thru a passage in Hebrews and we ended up talking about Genesis 15:1-21 and someone was explaining how during that time people would make covenants with each by cutting animals in half & both people would walk between the two parts as a symbol of the binding oath. Here God put Abram asleep and He walks through himself. It’s a one sided covenant. God is faithful and he knows that we are weak, so he makes a way which is very similar to what Jesus did on the cross. I’m so grateful for his faithfulness and his love!
39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41I do not receive glory from people. 43I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 42But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 44How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
This is so powerful to me today.. my good friend is not a believer but is willing to read the word. I mean bam here it is… it’s all about the Son. No one deserves the glory but him
Other religions that do not acknowledge Jesus are dishonoring God. In John 5:22-23 it says, “The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all people may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him”.
I was reading the sections in Genesis along with a kids Bible colored map and it was so helpful to see all these places and I thought it was interesting that God promised Abraham land from Egypt to the Euphrates but I don’t think they ever fully followed God and obtained all of the promised land.
One more note on genealogies…They were very important in Jewish culture, as noted, and the gospels shows in numerous ways that Jesus is the fulfillment of the expectant Messiah. The lineage of Jesus shows Jesus’s first qualification to be the Christ, that he is of the family line of David. The Old Testament tells us that David will have a descendant who sits on the throne forever. I can’t explain all the messianic prophecy off the top of my head but point being, that the original audience is often understanding a point that is obvious to them but not to us.
Hi ladies, I’m new at reading the Bible so I don’t quite understand why there are so many family lineages they go over and the hundreds of years they last. What does it mean?
Alison, welcome! So glad you are joining us! Lineages are common in the Bible. In brief, it’s a way of remembering where we came from. It’s a way to see how God uses the imperfect for His purposes. Also, the Bible is not just a book of stories, but is an historical document, allowing us to compare lives to other documents created during those times. As the stories were handed down verbally (before parchment or paper), part of telling the story was recounting the lineages. God’s heart has always been for individuals and families and people groups. They can be tedious to get through at times, but sometimes there are small nuggets of someone who did something awesome for the Lord tucked within. I hope that helps!
Beautiful answer SarahMay! And I love that you pointed out the sweet fact that there are sometimes small nuggets of someone who did something awesome for the Lord tucked within. So we read
His words s l o w … it’s like the greatest Treasure hunt ever. You never know what you might find, but it’s a guarantee you won’t leave wanting ❤️
The genealogies serve multiple purposes. For one, it documents where tribes came from, and how the sins of one generation can affect the tribe later. For example, Noah’s son Ham, from whom the Canaanites came… Keep watching how the Canaanites behave and what happens to them. It also documents the lineage of Christ, which will be revealed later in the Bible & shows the ultimate fulfillment of these initial promises God is making to Abram now. I know some of this early stuff is confusing the first time around, but just stick with it. ❤️
24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
❤️
I have really enjoyed writing this so far and it does my native resolution to actually read the Bible through as a Christian since seven years old I never have and so I’m encouraged by you all I think the coolest part of this writing plan is that it reminds me that the Old Testament and the New Testament are linked together maybe not linked together the way that the plan is but you will notice that the Old Testament is all black letters and the new testament as has red letters I think that is a good reminder that Jesus is in the old testament and very present in the New Testament as well that is amazing to me the word is alive
I think God’s response to Abraham in Chapter 15 is so mysterious. He doesn’t give him a clear cut answer when Abraham says, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” God asks for a sacrifice. It isn’t until the next day that He passes the fire between the sacrificial animals, which seems cryptic to me in it’s own right. It might sound odd but God’s complexity and crypticness here is very comforting to me. I often feel like I want a clear cut response from God, something immediate and apparent, and I don’t get what I’m looking for. But God speaks to me in ways that are subtle and maybe I can’t identify immediately. He’s quietly letting me know He is there and He wants me to trust Him and give up my “control.” It’s ok to walk in mystery and to not have all the answers.
I’m so glad I read your response to this. I was struggling with the immediate words following his sacrifice and not letting myself understand what followed. I always want immediate action and/or answer as well. Thank you!
That passage stood out to me too. Not only did Abram need to wait, he had to defense his sacrifice and offering to the Lord from the birds of prey. It spoke to me about how doing His will isn’t always easy or doesn’t always go smoothly. I could easily say “well, since I’m experiencing all this trouble and hassle, I must not have heard God right,” and give up or take things into my own hands. But we need to see it through and wait on His timing, and let go of control and expectations of God to come through for us on our terms rather than His.
If I remember from teachings, the passing of the fire between the sacrificed animals was a traditional way (then) of sealing a covenant between two parties. While it may seem cryptic to us, the meaning was very clear to Abram. It’s also the only time God seals a covenant this way in the Bible. ❤️
“Then God instructed Abram to get everything ready so He could “cut a covenant” with him to confirm His promise.
“Cutting a Covenant” was a solemn binding agreement, like signing a legal contract. When entering a covenant during Abram’s time, both parties would walk between the divided pieces of a dead animal and repeat the terms of the covenant. They did this to signify that if one of the parties broke the covenant, the other person could do the same thing to them.
Abram obeyed God and got everything ready for the ceremony. He waited and protected the dead animal, knowing it would soon be the sacrifice. When Abram fell into a deep sleep, God spoke to him.
God made it clear Abram’s descendants would be enslaved and mistreated for 400 years, but God would punish their persecutors and bring them out with great wealth. Then they would possess the Promised Land.
This covenant was made and confirmed by God alone. He was the only one who passed through the pieces. Abram was asleep! A smoking firepot and a blazing torch passing between the pieces symbolized God’s presence.”
From Proverbs31 Ministries’ First5 teaching on Genesis 15
We read the Bible not to gain salvation but to learn more about the One who saves. Jesus stated that really clearly in John 5:39-40. It’s an interesting thing to keep in mind as we study and read His truth! So ex
I so needed this today. Right before I read this passage, I was sitting in our empty extra bedroom thanking God for the little blessing that He is about to fill our bedroom with. The little baby blessing that we have been trying so hard to have. It’s all in His hands and I can’t wait to meet the little one He has planned for us.
I am new to this and I just wanted to say that it is so cool how this plan is set up because when you look at the scripture the old testament is all black letters and the New Testament has read because she’s assist actually talking but what is so interesting to me is after her mama self that Jesus is and Old Testament and the New Testament and that is so amazing to me
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ” Genesis 15:1
This verse is so powerful because it is the Lord telling each and every one of us that He is for us and He is with us and He will ALWAYS protect us. All we must do it let Him in and give him our complete trust and loyalty.
I like that He tells Abram this right after Abram denies the acceptance of riches from the King because of his covenant with God. It is like God is reiterating and reassuring Abram that He is all he needs. God tells Him to deny earthly riches and position and gives Him so much more- A covenant and legacy of faith as the Father of nations. God is such a good father, asking us to be obedient and always giving us something infinitely better than we could have hoped for or imagined. He truly is everything!
25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
The time is here. We, who were dead in our sin, heard the voice of the Son of God, and now we live! Such amazing grace we are given!
I have never read the whole story of the battle over Sodom and Gomorrah and the other cities the Lord had Abram conquer. I am learning. So much already and it’s only day 6! What a wonderful and powerful Abba we serve.
I also really love what John 5 was telling us today–Jesus straight up CALLED OUT the Pharisees on believing his words. “If you believe Moses’ words..he wrote of me!”
BOOM. I LOVE THIS. blessings, everyone!
I love the part about Melchizedek, the foreshadowing of Christ….and in John 5 where Jesus says all the scripture is about and points to him. We have the benefit of knowing the whole story, I imagine it was hard to have faith when you don’t have the gift of seeing the whole picture
Love your insight on having faith back then. Growing up I always thought it would be easier to believe if you were seeing everything firsthand, but it’s so true that we have the whole story! Makes me feel very lucky, and confident in my faith. Thank you!
Jesus says he works on the Sabbath because his father still works. But the Sabbath was created as a day of rest because God said ‘I will rest in the seventh day. My work is done. It is good.’ So how does Jesus say he works because his father still works? Anyone understand this contradiction?
I didn’t take it as literal work (a job, manual labor, etc.) but work as in performing miracles and working for His people. The sabbath was not just created as a day of rest but as a day of worship and as God is forever working for us we should constantly be working for and worshipping Him.
God did rest on the seventh day from creating the world , and everything in it. But that does not mean that he was not working. In another New Testament story Jesus asks the Jewish leadership if they wouldn’t help someone who was stuck on the side of the road on the sabbath purely because it is the sabbath. We help others all the time, which can be considered work.
I have actually been able to participate in a traditional sabbath celebration and observance and can truly understand what Jesus is saying. The Jews do nothing on the sabbath. They can’t drive they can’t walk they can’t pick vegetables from the garden and etc. that is all considered work. There is a big difference between the word rested and doing absolute nothing. I know this is long but I hope it helps.
Thank you all! Makes sense now!
Manual labor type of work (or jobs, errands, chores, creating the universe, lol) are the work spoken of for ‘resting on the seventh day’ but working for Gods kingdom never has a day off, as Jesus never stopped spreading His word. Gotcha.
“39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” This totally hit me! We’re trying to read the scriptures (even all of it in one year) and yet if we don’t seek Jesus it is no useful to read the Bible. Jesus is the center. Jesus is life. He gives you and me LIFE <3 be blessed from France, dear sisters ! :)
44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
This verse really stood out to me tonight. How often we seek happiness in material possessions, people, other relationships, jobs, money. This is not where happiness comes from! Happiness peace and glory come from our Loving Father! Seek, and you shall find…
2Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him!
Satan is called the accuser of the brethren. With that said I believe he is referring to the Ten Commandments the law and how they are hypocrites and sinners satan loves to condemn us by using these laws showing us that we could never be good enough. But they are meant to convict and show us we are in need of a savior we are under grace..
What does it mean to worship the father in spirit and in truth? It’s repeated twice in scripture. I would love to hear your thoughts. ” yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the father in the spirit and in truth for they are the kind of worshipers the father seeks. GOD IS SPIRIT and his worshipers must worship in the spirit and in truth.
When we received the Lord as savior, we received His life. His Spirit with our spirit became “scrambled” together to form one SPIRIT. He abides in us and we abide in Him. We are no longer dead in our sins and trespasses, we are alive in Christ who now lives in our Spirit. So we worship in our Spirit, not our flesh. The Spirit is truth, because Christ dwells in us, in our Spirit and Christ is the truth.
We must worship in our Spirit every day so that Christ may infuse Himself in our hearts, our soul and mind. That is to say, our will, emotions and thoughts. When we worship in truth, we are saturated by Christ Himself. So, every day we are more like Him.
This is late to the game but I wanted to share. While reading John 5 it is so apparent that the only way we can complete anything (including mindless things such as breathing) is by Gods power. In John 5:30 Jesus proclaims, “I can do nothing on My own. I judge only as I hear, and My judgement is righteous, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”
Not even the perfect, sinless Son of God tries to say that He can do things without the Lord Gods power. This should be evident to us, that a sinful, evil creature by nature cannot complete ANYTHING without God.
Amen.
John 5:17 God is always at work even though we do not know or see or realize or even long. Always doing is good. John 5:39 so search the Scriptures to find Him. Alive. Wide-open Arms waiting for me. Unbelievable.
And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. (Genesis 15:6 NLT)
Grace upon grace!
I love seeing examples of God’s grace in the Old Testament. Abram was counted righteous–right before God. This had nothing to do with anything he had done or would do. It all had to do with his faith in God.
I believe that is the “take home” theme of the entire Bible. These men, Noah, Abram/Abraham, David, Solomon, etc. are representative of the Righteous. We also see that they sin. Despite their sin, they are counted as Righteous because of their faith.
I don’t know why but the Genesis reading really spoke to me tonight. Sorry if I’m not articulating my thoughts correctly. I find it interesting that Lot chooses which way he is going to go based on that it’s well watered, and then chooses to live next to Sodom, even though they are known as wicked people, just to be close to said selling point. And then it turns out bad for him because the four kings come in and snatch everything up. Granted Abram comes and saves him but still.
Also I find it interesting how much faith Abram has about money. He gives Melchizedek a tithe and then when he says he can take the money back, Abram tells him it’s okay, I made an oath with my God and my riches come from him. Where was that faith with his wife with the Pharoh? And with having a son with her?
Lastly, God doesn’t yet give them the land because “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (v15:16) so they had to wait 400 years(v13) before they could be given their promised land. So many people had to be hurt. So that Gods promise would be fulfilled, his miracle. Wow, this really hit me. I wonder how many times something has happened to me and I wonder why could this be happening and when is it going to stop, when is the promise going to be fulfilled. And bigger picture, it is filled on his time, for his glory. And it is going to be done in a way that his glory is shown. And I’m just glad I don’t have to wait 400 years.
If even Jesus said he could do nothing apart from the Father, how much more do I need intimacy with God to be the foundation of my faith walk? We’re not called to change the world, we’re called to first get close enough to the Father so we can see what He’s doing and join in!
YES! I have the same thought when you read that Jesus withdraws from all the people to be by Himself. If Jesus needed time alone with the Father, HOW MUCH MORE must we make time with the Father a priority in our lives…
I love the image of God being an example to Jesus. It’s just like an earthly father is an example for their children! “…whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.”
After struggling with infertility this verse is such a comfort. I am thankful for the reminder that regardless of children or possessions, my reward is Christ. HE is my reward… His love is the prize that I can’t earn or win- He gives it freely!
Loving this study! I’m using my new David Jeremiah study bible and his explanations are amazing!
Always wondered why God changed Abram and Sarai’s names. Their original names honored pagans. God gave them new names to signify their new relationship with the one true God! Abram to Abraham went from “Exalted Father” to “Father of Multitudes”, while Sarai to Sarah went from “Princess” to “Princess of God”.
Love this!!
John 28-29 scare me so badly because it says we will rise from our graves and I have an extreme fear of death bc I don’t want to be buried. This verse justifies my fear in that we will remain in the ground until he comes back?!?! I want to go to heaven as soon as I die! Someone please explain!!
I was always under the impression that our souls go to heaven as soon as we die… I’m a little confused exactly how this works as well…I would love more explanation myself!
My understanding is our souls enter heaven upon death (see thief on the cross…Jesus tells him “today you will be with Me in paradise.” When Christ returns I believe we are to get new heavenly bodies…maybe that’s why he raises our old bodies up?
I believe, someone can correct me if I am wrong, that our souls do go to heaven right away but our bodies do not. Later, at the second redirection, our bodies will and will be remade.
John 5 really paints a beautiful picture of Gods sovereignty, and most importantly His love. “And just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son also gives life to anyone He wants to.” This lets us know who’s in control. A few verses later we read this: “I assure you: anyone who hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life” I love this! A direct parallel to revelation 22:17 “both the Spirit and the bride say, “come!” Anyone who is thirsty should come. Whoever desires should take the living water as a gift.” :-)
5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
I find it hard to believe the Lords promises. Thank you the reminder of the lord’s faithfulness
Genesis 15:6 “Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness”. This is what God desires: Faith! He doesn’t give us a “to-do list” to win His favor. He asks for faith. Then He sees the righteousness of Jesus credited to our account. This hasn’t changed. Here we are at the beginning of the OT and the beginning of the NT and the message is the same. All of the Gospel can be expressed in 2 words: repentance and faith.
In John 5, Jesus heals the man at the pool. Then later finds him to say, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (v.14) This verse left me unsettled. I read a harshness in Jesus’ voice. Does anyone have any thoughts on the context of this verse?
I was also struck by this but I see it as God’s tender mercy prodding him to a life of repentance. If we continue on our pathway of sin and destruction something far worse than a physical handicap is coming our way: the eternal judgment. Jesus saved this man from his physical condition, but then Jesus comes to seek this man again to save him from so much more- eternal judgment. I would love to hear others thoughts on this!
I agree..it does sound a little harsh. But, I do not believe Jesus was a harsh man. So I also wonder if anyone has some insight/thoughts on the context of this verse?
I do not find scripture to describe Christ as “harsh” toward His own, but he did rebuke His own when it was called for. The modern church has kind of made Jesus into a figure Who people see as always gentle and soft, when in reality, as King, there were times when he was neither gentle nor soft.
I do as well, but he is giving warning to the man that if he keeps following darkness then bad things will continue to happen. If he follows the light of Jesus then he will be protected :)
I think Jesus is giving him a firm reminder that though he was physically healed by a miracle, he still needed to turn from his sins repent in order to be healed spiritually. If not, the consequences would be far worse than not being able to walk for 38 years.
To me this feels like a father taking his sons chin gently but firmly in his hand and giving him advice on how to be a man. Like a “hey now, that was just a swat on the wrist, I want to to do well- change your ways child or the next consequence will hurt more”
John 6:26 ‘For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself;
He IS the only source of life! Outside if Him, there is no life in me, but because by His grace, His spirit lives in me, I have His life in me. I cannot find real life anywhere else, and He is the one who continually sustains. My hope, my joy, my light, my very life is entirely dependent upon my Savior, who not only provides these things, but Who IS those things!
I love seeing details in Scripture I have never noticed before. Gen. 15:16, the Israelites will come back to the land because of the sin of the Amorites. It’s amazing to see how detailed God’s plan is and how things work out not just with His chosen ones but how other nations/people work into His plan as well.
John 5:44 just punched me in the gut. “How can you believe? While accepting glory from one another, you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God.” We look for glory, fame, fortune, a good name, a wonderful position at the office…all of it is to bring glory to ourselves in the eyes of others. We tend to seek glory from our peers because that is what we see in today’s culture (and clearly back then, too). I pray that I will ignore what the world seeks from me and I will begin to bring glory to God through what I do daily!
Genesis 15:1- After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ”
This stuck out to me. God is our shield. He is our protection. But God is also our reward! So often I find myself looking for material, tangible blessings. But God gave us our biggest blessing and reward when he sent his son to die on the cross for MY sin. HE is my reward.
I really loved John 5:17 – “Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.'” For me, this really tied to Psalm 4:8 that we read Sunday that said, “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O LORD make me dwell in safety.” It just really reminded me of how God never stops working for our good and how He never gives up on us. I feel that so often, we think that God has turned away from us because of something we have done or said, but He continually shows us that He ALWAYS is guiding and helping us along the way – what a relief and an amazing reassurance!
Thank you for showing us this connection! I have really been connecting with images of God as a protector and as safety. He is so strong and greater than every painful situation. So to know that he is where I can find true safety brings me such peace!
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
There have been days where I’ve spent hours in study while refusing to kneel for one short moment in direct communication. Just as it frustrated Jesus then, I believe it frustrates Him now. He died so we could have relationship!
Love this… So true… Many times I feel guilty because as a mom of young kids my energy can be spent and I can find it hard to focus when reading my bible and I feel guilty about not having fruitful time in the word… But just sitting at his feet and spending time with him just in prayer and in intimacy with him is what he wants most instead of time in the word to just cross it off. Yes being in the word is important and the Lord calls us to it and there is intimacy when in the word… But if we are solely doing it to find life instead of how it applies to our relationship with him and to grow in our knowledge of him. Not sure if what I am saying is making sense… Haha
Makes total sense! I have two little ones and to be honest, there are days I go to bible study hoping the time with my girlfriends will just give me rest. But He is our ultimate rest, whether Sunday at church, a weeknight at women’s group or any minute we are stressed and call to Him. It’s like, we can read about His presence, or enter into it :) I’ll be praying for you mama!
Wow I am so convicted by this as well. It’s so easy to get lost in the distractions and just go through the motions, yet it’s where we fall on our knees in broken humility that life change and genuine transformation happens. I have to constantly remind myself of this! Beautifully said Kristin!
Gen. 14:17 After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
It’s the little things that blow me away sometimes, I never noticed how God just threw in the fact that Abram defeated Chedorlaomer and ALL the Kings that were with him. It’s just noted quickly but when you stop to think about it this must’ve been a HUGE battle! Crazy! God truly is our shield and it is He that gives our enemies over to us. Love this:)
Again today, the Genesis passages combined with John are speaking to me. I have always loved the covenant God makes with Abram, and the emphasis on the fact that it is all God (Abram is asleep!) God is reminding me today that even as I struggle to follow Him, pick up my mat, and walk in shalom / complete wellness of body/mind/spirit, He is already at work to make this happen. No matter what shortcomings I have, His will & purpose for my life WILL be accomplished and nothing can prevent that!!
This devotional has spoke volumes to my life. I bless GOD for his power and presence in every situation. The bible says in all thy getting get an understanding. Which again teaches us to seek him for answers study to show yourselves approved.
This really helped me to reassure myself that I am now back on track with my walk with Him. For I obeyed His command even though I really do not want it myself. But because the Holy Spirit convicts me of my ways and reminds me the essence of what He has done. By His Grace, I did it.
That Jesus…he just stated like it was…you wanna follow Moses than Moses will judge you fine…since you are listening to what Moses wrote because I am who he wrote about then pretty much you are screwed. I love it! You wanna do it than do it, but don’t be surprised by the out come!
Jesus said to the Pharisees, you believed Moses but Moses wrote about me!!!! Believing is so important! We are so blessed that we believe on The Lord Jesus Christ! Some need a sign but blessed are we who believe!!!!! And Lord help my unbelief!!!!!
The past few years Go has been revealing new things to me regarding His sovereignty and the story about the healing of the lame man in John really hit me. There were many invalids in this place. It was crowded with people who needed healing. Yet Jesus looked on one man — a man who didn’t even ask to be healed! Yet Jesus chose him from the crowd to heal him. Then later, in verse 21, Jesus emphasizes that He gives life “to whom he will”. This is deepening my understanding of salvation and God’s sovereignty.
Wow! Thanks for that Brittany!! God’s sovereignty is a hard thing to grasp and digest… But it is all over scripture!!! It sure makes us all more grateful that God took notice of me and saved me!! May the Lord continue to give you peace and understanding into his sovereignty! I did not catch the significance of that in John 5 until I read your comment.
I love the don’t be afraid passages of the Bible. Abram had victoriously saved Lot and the next statement is from God: “After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ” Abram was still concerned
about his future, had refused the King’s reward and still didn’t have an heir. In your “still don’ts “, God is your very great reward!
This is so encouraging to me in this passage! Ultimately, our great reward is the Lord! Whatever need we face is trump to the fact that our greatest need has been taken care of at the cross! We are reconciled with him and we can be in communion with him! I asked myself if I was in Abram’s place, if I would have turned down the Kings reward because of what could come about down the road as a result… I don’t know that I could have done that! Only in God’s grace for sure. just convicts me of my selfishness and reminds me that God is good and he is my provider and I can trust him for provisions and know that ultimately he has provided for me more than I already need, I am forgive and pure!! May I always be reminded that HE is my reward!!
I thought of the same thing while reading about Abram. In today’s society we are stuck in the MORE and what can we do to reach the top. Abram was offered riches and glory but he said no because of a covenant he had with God and because he knew that God was faithful. Such an incredible example of a man firm in God’s will.
God is so faithful! He is consistent, constant and always the same. He repeatedly provided for Abram and just like Abram I question his provision and wonder how it will be or where it will come from. God is abundant in his love for us and we never have to question him. He is so good!
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
This scripture really blessed me. On my job, seemingly you have to seek approval from colleagues but I know that I don’t have to do that any longer. As long as I work as unto the LORD, HE will honor it and bless my hands to be prosperous so that everything I touch will prosper. So thankful for the Word of GOD which speaks to every situation in life
The words Lord Jesus spoke to the Pharisees are deep. This is my 4th time going through John within a group, and I am so thankful how God pulls new things for my eyes to see each time. Just seeing how Jesus has every and all authority, and how he tells them that because they are keeping the Law of Moses , they will be judged by it. How much I need that for me today! I get caught up in the do’s and don’ts because I want a neat and tidy list.
A key point of why His teaching was so radical was that He was (in a sense) chucking the list out the window. We walk in obedience out of love for Him, and a desire to model His likeness. Not a grueling “Gotta win points with God” type of thing.
Grace upon grace upon a beautiful, awesome, radical love and relationship that should change the way we look at this life. Wow. Hallelujah, what a Savior.
This passage has given me new hope in the patience I should have now. For a long while I have felt despair, but I’m reminded that my time is nothing compared to God’s timing. What a wonderful day and privilege to live with these words.
The alter was to be a reminder of what the Lord has done there for current and future generations. It was a marker to stir the heart and mind to remember the faithfulness of God. Our alters can be anything that calls to mind and prompts the proclamation of Gods greatness and faithfulness.
“So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”…
Love this!
1. Their is no mention of a long needed prayer taking place, of what he should ‘really’ do (Abram walked with God daily!).
2. He went directly to the source (and Lot was his nephew).
3. Was honest, wise & used discernment.
4. Was not above the situation, but rather humble in allowing Lot to choose…no demand of getting ‘his’ way, just honest feedback & a tangible resolution in place!
How many times do we avoid things? Pray about it forever? Where simply just saying in “love”, ‘hey, it is not working’… This approach might solve many of our anxieties in life!
YES! What a good role model Abraham was for us in this moment! He told Lot that something was not working out and he figured out what would make it work. Abraham didn’t go to 10 other people to discuss the issues. Abraham didn’t belittle Lot. I find myself in a “he said, she said” situation when really all I have to do is go to the person in LOVE and solve the issue then and there! Thank you for pointing this out, Moni!
Love this! God tells us that if we have an issue w/ a bro/sis in Christ, we are to go to them directly. This is a perfect example. Also so humbling to see that Abraham did it in a way that put him second. His faith showed through even in his dealings with people. He knew the Lord would provide no matter where he went. That’s complete trust!!
Thank you for this, it’s something I really needed to hear at this moment. It’s sometimes easy for me to use the need to pray as an excuse not to have hard conversations the Lord has already made clear to me need to happen.
I love verse 25 – “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. ” My heart was so stirred when I read this – how I long for those dead parts of me to hear the voice of the Lord and live! There are so many parts of me that are yet to yield to the Lordship of Christ and I find myself often thinking “how long am I going to wrestle with this flesh which desires so many things other than Jesus” And when I read this verse I think there’s hope – I believe that I will see the presence of the Lord in the land of the living – I believe He is bigger than my sin and flesh and self – and I believe that one day these parts of me will hear the voice of the Lord and live! Amen!
Your insight encouraged me today. There are many parts of my heart that need the LIFE this verse speaks of as well! Only Christ has that power to turn death into life and I needed the reminder. Thank you for sharing, Rebecca!
Reading the story of Abraham really stirred me up today. I imagine Abraham encountering God and hearing the amazing promises and wondering how?? He was in a long season of painful waiting wondering when God was going to work. It seemed so impossible. He had been faithfully following God for so many years. Why wasn’t God fulfilling his promises? Where was the promised heir?
But despite how he felt, he believe that God was faithful. What faith that must have taken! He took his stand on the promises of God. How could this be?
Hebrews 11 says that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Abraham’s hope was in a different country- a heavenly one. He trusted God and was willing to suffer and struggle and wait because of a better hope, a better life waiting for him!
I am in a painful and despairing season of waiting and I have been struggling to believe God’s promises. My problem is my vision is too shortsighted. For now I suffer, I struggle, I sin, but this isn’t it! I have a better hope, a better life waiting for me if I endure till the end. Pluck up heart! Jesus has not forgotten you for one second. This waiting is painful, but it is not the end. There is so much more to look forward to in Christ. Be patient in your waiting and stake your all on his promises!
“Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country…afterward they will come out with great possessions.”
400 years is a long time! But awesome that God already foresaw that… And while the road wasn’t easy, especially being slaves, they came out with “great possessions”… I love the future perspective! It is the ~endurance~ part that is difficult during any season. However, if we look back to God’s already foresaw plan, we can take comfort… Easier said than done for sure, but a daily we have to work to remind ourselves of this…it is a process.
I loved how Jesus talked to the Pharisees. Which is something that always stick with me, the Pharisees who KNEW the prophecies about Jesus couldn’t see what was right before them?? .
It struck me that we call them “seasons” of waiting. A beautiful reminder that there is a beginning and an end. I know in my seasons of waiting, they feel as if they’ll never end! But I can take heart that there is hope in the waiting and always an opportunity to draw closer to God’s heart. Sending prayers of hope and comfort and joy to all in this season.
Malia- Gen 2:16 says they could eat of any tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. At that time, if Adam and Eve ate of the tree of life they would not be in danger of living in a forever state of sin. (This is how I understand it. If I am wrong someone please correct me!) So the serpent tempted Eve to eat from the one tree that God commanded them not to eat from. Because she ate, sin entered the world which is why we need the Gospel. The tree of life represents eternal life but God did not want us to eat of that tree after we put ourselves in a sinful condition. If we were able to eat from the tree of life now we would be in an eternal state of our downfall. But God is gracious! He made sure we could be saved from our sins before giving eternal life. :)
I have a question: are there two trees they weren’t supposed to eat from in Gen 2:9? The tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life, right? Why did the serpent temp Eve to eat from the first and not the second? What do these trees represent in light of the Gospel?
I believe Amanda is right. The trees in the garden were for eternal life. Adam and Eve would have lived with the Lord in the garden forever if they had not sinned. They had to leave the garden after eating from the tree of good & evil because if they didn’t they would live forever(because of the fruits). So, God did not lie to them. They did ‘most surely die’. Just not immediately.
I think also, if Adam and Eve had eaten from the tree of life, God would not be able to punish them, as He said, “if you eat from the tree of knowledge, thou shalt surely die.” And Satan was jealous of Adam and Eve because they were in good graces with God, he didn’t want them to live forever; I believe that he wanted them gone completely from the earth.
And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6
Amen ❤️
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i’m catching up a bit
Day 6 ✅ a couple days late is better than never
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
That was an amazing day to read! Trust in Him always!
Jesus showed so much grace to even those who persecuted him! He just brings back the truth of His Father!
we must trust God because He knows what’s best for us. He got us covered an
something about this just sparks something in me. knowing that even when i don’t see where God’s plan is going, i know all i have to do is trust in Him because He is working for the good in me!
44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Convicting – thank you Holy Spirit!
44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. – John 5:27
God deserves all the glory. Lift Him up in praise. Be reminded that Jesus is the way to God the Father. Take your eyes up from the earthly things around you and focus on the eternal things that are all joy and life giving.
God deserves all the glory. Lift Him up in praise. Be reminded that Jesus is the way to God the Father. Take your eyes up from
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23that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 22The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 11But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” 24Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Sometimes it is hard to see the love of God within people
These verses also highlight today’s society when we seek judgement from one another on all the many social media platforms, instead of worrying about the only judgement that truly matters. I pray that as a society, we become less and Jesus becomes more.
About a week behind, working on catching up!
Jesus’ words are so direct yet powerful! Thankful for Him!!!
Me too!
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41I do not receive glory from people. 43I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 42But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.
Beautiful n prophetic verses even to today!
Thank you God for your love.
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Day 6 ✅
This really helped me grasp how much I need Jesus
Day 6 done!
Loved the John passage!! Chills!!
I hope to grow strong in my faith as I get farther in to the Bible
Day 6 done! ☺️
I agree with this. Not everything we read is straightforward. Most days I can read and understand. Today, I had to respond in a very honest prayer for understanding.
God is faithful and His timing is perfect. One day He will return to judge the living and the dead.
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
The Lord showed me that I can do the same thing. I can make my bible reading a checklist item, or use a cute scripture phrase as a bandaid for a problem. He reminded me that scripture is powerful because of the Spirit that breathes life into it. It was a powerful reminder to pause and listen to the Him in the middle of my reading.
I was a little confused on today’s passage. Anyone?
So good! This is perfect clarity for all. We will all be judged and then given an eternal placement:)
I always think about how vast our visions need to be whenever I read the scripture about God telling Abram to count the stars if he can. We need to have faith as vast as those stars that God will provide even in the darkest of times and nothing seems possible.
Holly, I’ll paste here an explanation given by John Piper:
“The main point here is that Jesus raises all the dead. Let that sink in. All the dead who have ever lived will be raised from the dead by Jesus. Millions of Chinese and Nigerians and Indonesians and Germans. He will raise Julius Caesar from the dead, and Judas Iscariot, and Isaiah the prophet, and Michelangelo, and Johann Sebastian Bach, and Adolf Hitler, and Marilyn Monroe, and Kurt Cobain, and Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson, and Ted Kennedy. He will raise them, and they will stand before him. And you too.
“All these people and millions more—all people, without exception, will be raised from the dead by Jesus. Jesus is universally superior to all these people. He is universally sovereign over all these people. He holds them in being and will give existence to their decomposed bodies so that there is a continuity between the body that was and the body that will be raised. He lets no one go out of existence—there is no such loss for the righteous, and no such hope for the wicked. Jesus raises them all.”
We will all be judged by Christ at His second coming. The difference in eternal placement (resurrection of life [Heaven] or resurrection of judgment [Hell]) is determined by the evidence of believing faith in Him in our lives. Hope this helps.
Has helped an incredible lot!
I love how Jesus challenges the people about their belief in the words Moses spoke. How many times have I read scripture but haven’t actually believed scripture?? It was a convicting moment there.
What conviction in John today !
I think that the Bible is so beautiful because of the repetition and foreshadowing that it possesses. in today’s reading it talked about how the Jews did not like Jesus because he was performing miracles and healing’s on the day of the Sabbath. This is ironic because Jesus was a Jew. Later in the Bible it talks about how even though we are living in this world we will still feel alone and like outcasts because we are not going to be a part of the world. That is a great way of foreshadowing and it really helps us connect with Jesus because he was not this popular man who everyone loved and wanted to be like. Only some chose to love and be like him. So although we can get discouraged about this world and them using God’s name in vain or ripping on Christianity, we just have to remember that Jesus continued to love even when people wanted to cast stones at him and hang him on a cross.
Holly you might want to delete all the duplicates
Gen 15:11 Abram drove away the birds of prey. There’s a message there
28Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
These verses confuse me! In the translation I’m reading ESV does it sound like not everyone will be judged?
28Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
Done with day 6
Why do God’s promises take so long? What a mess we can make when we try to Help God.
God, help me to trust You. I know You are faithful and keep Your word.
There is a lot to chew on here in these passages. Convicting, challenging, questioning, and bringing me to repenting where I have not allowed Jesus to fully rule my life. Am I reading the scriptures to “get it done” and make me feel better without truly allowing His working power in my life? I am going to put John 5:39-40 on a card to see daily as a reminder to Seek Him First.
That line hit me too.
39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. ~ What a reminder on how we are to approach knowing God!
Day 6 done. This year will be great. Do you want to know why? Because God is faithful. His promises are true last year and we must proclaim His promises this year. Praise God. He cares for us deeply and wants a relationship with us. Not only should we read but let us have conversation with Him throughout the day.
These passages remind me that reading the scripture isn’t enough. I need to truly welcome the lord into my heart and have faith that he has a plan for me
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47But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
Thought provoking and one of those “WOW!!” verses. It’s an eye opener for sure!!
Why does it say read in bible? Is it not the same?!
I am not sure, I would like to know as well.
It is the same it’s just a link that allows you to go to it in the Bible where you can see where it is or read verses before or after. Or you can click on words or verses in a bible app that have references to them so it allows you to look those up
13Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
I really enjoyed this blog that relates to John 5. https://www.google.com/amp/s/empowermentmomentsblog.com/2014/06/29/a-call-to-action-get-up-pick-up-your-bed-and-walk/amp/
39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
So convicting!
Remission of sins comes with Baptism in Jesus Name. (Acts 2:38) The ability to walk in freedom of those sins comes by the power of the Holy Ghost after Holy Ghost baptism evidenced by speaking in tongues. (Acts Chapters 2, 8, 10, 19)
Day 6 completed. I can relate to what Anna Kay commented so hard. Although I have never been baptized, I need to shake some hatred.
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6/365 ✅
I love how Abram gave Lot the choice of the land- graciously. Lot took what he thought was the best (water and all) and Abram was fine with that. God blessed Abram. I think in my life I need to be humble enough to be gracious to others and God will bless that giving spirit.
Wow. I gotta get my life together. Today hit me hard. Do I read the Bible and try to practice His works but not actually have Jesus in my heart? I have been baptized, but still feel hatred from my past in my heart that is hard to shake.
You aren’t alone.
The fact that you uttered these very words is beautiful and powerful Anna Kay, as God’s word is working in your heart❤️
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6/365
John 5:39-40
Taught me to be intentional with prayers and your relationship with God. It is one thing to be devoted to the word and learn through studying…but it is completely different to know and love him, to have an actual relationship with our creator ♥️
Prayer and open dialogue with God is so important! I am guilty myself of reading The Word and moving on, forgetting to ask God to open my eyes and heart and thank Him for what hes teaching me.
Day 6! ❤️
Genesis 13:17–“Arise, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I will give it to you”—reminds me of Ephesians 3:17-19–“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Abram was given these promises from God about the land God would give him and the offspring that was to come. Abram was called to step in to these promises and explore what God had for him. It is the same for us! Because of Jesus, we are given the promise of His love and of His presence. May we explore this promise today, to know the length and the breadth and the depth of God’s love and God’s presence in our lives more than we have before!
I like this parallel that you drew! Good truth and reminder
Nearly a week into the new year ❤️
Day 6 ✔️
“Do you want to be well?” This hit me today. Do I want to break destructive speech patterns? Do I want to let the Holy Spirit transform me from the inside? Yes. I want to be well Father.
❤️Thank you for sharing! Breaking my bad thought patterns with His help today!
Love this!! Reminds me of Romans 12:2.
Day 6 ❤️
There is a Facebook group of a bunch of us reading through together—you’re welcome to join us! Search for: The Bible in a Year w/ SRT. We’d love to have you along!
That’s awesome! I’ll search it and join!
<3
“ 1After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”” What a great reminder for us today.
Simply amazing reminded of God’s love everyday
Day 6 complete
These passages demonstrate the power of God and his Son. He provides for us. He listens to us. He heals us.
John 5:16-46 just about grabbed me out of my chair. I felt the power of God in those words, in Jesus’ convictions. How blessed are we to honor a God who sent his flesh down from heaven to teach us and guide us in honoring our good God?
Jesus loves every single person. If we had seen that man by the pool, I wonder how many of us would have avoided him in his brokenness. Jesus picked him out of the crowd to heal and love. One of us is not more broken than another, even though we are different in the way we show our brokenness. But Jesus love us, brokenness and all.
28‘Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.
Works…we must know the Word as a whole or scriptures like this are taken out of context.
14Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” This one really stuck with me!! Jesus is so kind and loving that when we are cynical of his power and sovereignty that he waits on us to come to understand and simply respond with “See, you are well!” in such a loving and friendly way. Almost as if to say, “I still remember you and your struggles, and I still love you and was waiting for you to find me.” So much grace and love in such a small phrase.
“And He brought him outside and said … ‘number the stars, if you are able to … So shall your offspring be’. And he believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:5-6). Abraham believed God when His promise seemed humanly impossible. God’s promise was more sure than everything he could see around him. He believed in the face of common sense that says, “it’s just not possible”. Oh God, give me such faith.
Day 6 ✅
What is ESV?
English standard version
God is so good -ellie
Grateful for these passages that remind us it is belief in the promises of the Father that is counted as righteousness and leads to eternal life. No external work secures our eternal salvation, only trust in the Lord and His truth.
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His judgement is just ❤️ in a world where people think Gods love is not fair, I will remember that only God can have just judgement.
Day 6! Quickly catching up!
Only The Lord shall judge us ❤️
Day 6! ✔
Lord give me the same humility that Abraham showed in extending the better land to Lot. Thank you for your word and the convenant that you made with Abraham. Amen!
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Done❤️
I want to be found seeking Jesus giving him all Glory and praise for He is the king of kings and Lord if Lords!
Day1- onward!!
This is my Day 1✔️
Believe❤️
Day 6✅
Day 6 ✅
Day 6✔️
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Faith in him!
“ And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” …. a short little verse, but so important, since it shows that even in the Old Testament it is by grace through faith that we are saved. Not works. Not sacrifices. Just faith.
Day 6
Amen!
This taught me that the lords timing is perfect ❤️
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John 5:44 hit me hard. Especially living in a world consumed with social media. It’s so easy to get caught up in comparison and seeking affirmation from others but God’s approval is the only one that matters!!! A good reminder to seek Him and His glory.
I had the same thoughts!!! Amen!
Yes!!! I highlighted that passage as well. I own a small business where most of my brand and business building is through social media and it’s SO EASY to get caught up in the likes/comments etc.
This reminds me to be patient. God is faithful. Abraham waited 25 years from the covenant to Issac. The man at the pool waited 38 years for healing. Sometimes resolution is not immediate or the way we planned. God is faithful. Sometimes we have to wait but that doesn’t change his faithfulness.
What a great observation!
Genesis 15 is what led me to Christ three years ago. My favorite story
God is so awesome! In my small group last night we were working thru a passage in Hebrews and we ended up talking about Genesis 15:1-21 and someone was explaining how during that time people would make covenants with each by cutting animals in half & both people would walk between the two parts as a symbol of the binding oath. Here God put Abram asleep and He walks through himself. It’s a one sided covenant. God is faithful and he knows that we are weak, so he makes a way which is very similar to what Jesus did on the cross. I’m so grateful for his faithfulness and his love!
This was the scripture that my chiropractor shared with me that turned my heart and led me to ask Christ into my life. It’s one of my favorite stories
This was the scripture my chiropractor shared with me that led me to Christ. It’s one of my favorites.
44How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
This has hit me so hard today, as so often I find myself looking to others for affirmation!
Happy Sunday Everyone! ❤️
John 5:22 says it all.
39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41I do not receive glory from people. 43I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 42But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 44How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
This is so powerful to me today.. my good friend is not a believer but is willing to read the word. I mean bam here it is… it’s all about the Son. No one deserves the glory but him
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Other religions that do not acknowledge Jesus are dishonoring God. In John 5:22-23 it says, “The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all people may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him”.
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John 5:24☀️
I was reading the sections in Genesis along with a kids Bible colored map and it was so helpful to see all these places and I thought it was interesting that God promised Abraham land from Egypt to the Euphrates but I don’t think they ever fully followed God and obtained all of the promised land.
Yeah what colored map did you use??
Day 6 ❤️
8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”
I love how God can perform great miracles just by the words that come from his mouth ❣️
44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
This stuck with me tonight. How often I look to others for affirmation when I should be looking to the Lord. Something I will work on.
Yes me too!
One more note on genealogies…They were very important in Jewish culture, as noted, and the gospels shows in numerous ways that Jesus is the fulfillment of the expectant Messiah. The lineage of Jesus shows Jesus’s first qualification to be the Christ, that he is of the family line of David. The Old Testament tells us that David will have a descendant who sits on the throne forever. I can’t explain all the messianic prophecy off the top of my head but point being, that the original audience is often understanding a point that is obvious to them but not to us.
Hi ladies, I’m new at reading the Bible so I don’t quite understand why there are so many family lineages they go over and the hundreds of years they last. What does it mean?
Alison, welcome! So glad you are joining us! Lineages are common in the Bible. In brief, it’s a way of remembering where we came from. It’s a way to see how God uses the imperfect for His purposes. Also, the Bible is not just a book of stories, but is an historical document, allowing us to compare lives to other documents created during those times. As the stories were handed down verbally (before parchment or paper), part of telling the story was recounting the lineages. God’s heart has always been for individuals and families and people groups. They can be tedious to get through at times, but sometimes there are small nuggets of someone who did something awesome for the Lord tucked within. I hope that helps!
Beautiful answer SarahMay! And I love that you pointed out the sweet fact that there are sometimes small nuggets of someone who did something awesome for the Lord tucked within. So we read
His words s l o w … it’s like the greatest Treasure hunt ever. You never know what you might find, but it’s a guarantee you won’t leave wanting ❤️
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The genealogies serve multiple purposes. For one, it documents where tribes came from, and how the sins of one generation can affect the tribe later. For example, Noah’s son Ham, from whom the Canaanites came… Keep watching how the Canaanites behave and what happens to them. It also documents the lineage of Christ, which will be revealed later in the Bible & shows the ultimate fulfillment of these initial promises God is making to Abram now. I know some of this early stuff is confusing the first time around, but just stick with it. ❤️
24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
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I have really enjoyed writing this so far and it does my native resolution to actually read the Bible through as a Christian since seven years old I never have and so I’m encouraged by you all I think the coolest part of this writing plan is that it reminds me that the Old Testament and the New Testament are linked together maybe not linked together the way that the plan is but you will notice that the Old Testament is all black letters and the new testament as has red letters I think that is a good reminder that Jesus is in the old testament and very present in the New Testament as well that is amazing to me the word is alive
‘I am your shield your very great reward!’
A reminder of who GOD is in my life and to always trust in him.
Lady’s this was an amazing scripture. I agree to all your responses.
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I think God’s response to Abraham in Chapter 15 is so mysterious. He doesn’t give him a clear cut answer when Abraham says, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” God asks for a sacrifice. It isn’t until the next day that He passes the fire between the sacrificial animals, which seems cryptic to me in it’s own right. It might sound odd but God’s complexity and crypticness here is very comforting to me. I often feel like I want a clear cut response from God, something immediate and apparent, and I don’t get what I’m looking for. But God speaks to me in ways that are subtle and maybe I can’t identify immediately. He’s quietly letting me know He is there and He wants me to trust Him and give up my “control.” It’s ok to walk in mystery and to not have all the answers.
I’m so glad I read your response to this. I was struggling with the immediate words following his sacrifice and not letting myself understand what followed. I always want immediate action and/or answer as well. Thank you!
That passage stood out to me too. Not only did Abram need to wait, he had to defense his sacrifice and offering to the Lord from the birds of prey. It spoke to me about how doing His will isn’t always easy or doesn’t always go smoothly. I could easily say “well, since I’m experiencing all this trouble and hassle, I must not have heard God right,” and give up or take things into my own hands. But we need to see it through and wait on His timing, and let go of control and expectations of God to come through for us on our terms rather than His.
And we also may go through darkness before we receive the promise… so much symbolism in that small passage.
Wow amen!!!
If I remember from teachings, the passing of the fire between the sacrificed animals was a traditional way (then) of sealing a covenant between two parties. While it may seem cryptic to us, the meaning was very clear to Abram. It’s also the only time God seals a covenant this way in the Bible. ❤️
“Then God instructed Abram to get everything ready so He could “cut a covenant” with him to confirm His promise.
“Cutting a Covenant” was a solemn binding agreement, like signing a legal contract. When entering a covenant during Abram’s time, both parties would walk between the divided pieces of a dead animal and repeat the terms of the covenant. They did this to signify that if one of the parties broke the covenant, the other person could do the same thing to them.
Abram obeyed God and got everything ready for the ceremony. He waited and protected the dead animal, knowing it would soon be the sacrifice. When Abram fell into a deep sleep, God spoke to him.
God made it clear Abram’s descendants would be enslaved and mistreated for 400 years, but God would punish their persecutors and bring them out with great wealth. Then they would possess the Promised Land.
This covenant was made and confirmed by God alone. He was the only one who passed through the pieces. Abram was asleep! A smoking firepot and a blazing torch passing between the pieces symbolized God’s presence.”
From Proverbs31 Ministries’ First5 teaching on Genesis 15
We read the Bible not to gain salvation but to learn more about the One who saves. Jesus stated that really clearly in John 5:39-40. It’s an interesting thing to keep in mind as we study and read His truth! So ex
So excited to be doing this alongside you ladies!
So thankful that His timing is perfect in what I read!
I so needed this today. Right before I read this passage, I was sitting in our empty extra bedroom thanking God for the little blessing that He is about to fill our bedroom with. The little baby blessing that we have been trying so hard to have. It’s all in His hands and I can’t wait to meet the little one He has planned for us.
I am new to this and I just wanted to say that it is so cool how this plan is set up because when you look at the scripture the old testament is all black letters and the New Testament has read because she’s assist actually talking but what is so interesting to me is after her mama self that Jesus is and Old Testament and the New Testament and that is so amazing to me
Love reading through these passages! So much God breathed truth!!!
Love how God works<3
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ” Genesis 15:1
This verse is so powerful because it is the Lord telling each and every one of us that He is for us and He is with us and He will ALWAYS protect us. All we must do it let Him in and give him our complete trust and loyalty.
I like that He tells Abram this right after Abram denies the acceptance of riches from the King because of his covenant with God. It is like God is reiterating and reassuring Abram that He is all he needs. God tells Him to deny earthly riches and position and gives Him so much more- A covenant and legacy of faith as the Father of nations. God is such a good father, asking us to be obedient and always giving us something infinitely better than we could have hoped for or imagined. He truly is everything!
John 5: 44 stuck out so much to me today !! I have an audition coming up that I’ve been really nervous about !
Praying for confidence during your audition! I’m a violinist, so I can definitely relate to pre-audition jitters!
With each of the days of reading I’ve been writing down a verse that really stands out to me // John 5 : 44 was the verse I put down for today!
That is a great idea!!
John 5:44 is amazing! ❤️❤️✝
Yes!
“I’m holding on to your promises, you are faithful, You are faithful”
25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
The time is here. We, who were dead in our sin, heard the voice of the Son of God, and now we live! Such amazing grace we are given!
Amen!
I have never read the whole story of the battle over Sodom and Gomorrah and the other cities the Lord had Abram conquer. I am learning. So much already and it’s only day 6! What a wonderful and powerful Abba we serve.
I also really love what John 5 was telling us today–Jesus straight up CALLED OUT the Pharisees on believing his words. “If you believe Moses’ words..he wrote of me!”
BOOM. I LOVE THIS. blessings, everyone!
I’m finally understanding more in six days as well. This app is awesome. Blessings to you!
I love the part about Melchizedek, the foreshadowing of Christ….and in John 5 where Jesus says all the scripture is about and points to him. We have the benefit of knowing the whole story, I imagine it was hard to have faith when you don’t have the gift of seeing the whole picture
Such a great way to look at it! It makes me wonder why we have such a hard time accepting all of this when everything points to answers!
Love your insight on having faith back then. Growing up I always thought it would be easier to believe if you were seeing everything firsthand, but it’s so true that we have the whole story! Makes me feel very lucky, and confident in my faith. Thank you!
Jesus says he works on the Sabbath because his father still works. But the Sabbath was created as a day of rest because God said ‘I will rest in the seventh day. My work is done. It is good.’ So how does Jesus say he works because his father still works? Anyone understand this contradiction?
I didn’t take it as literal work (a job, manual labor, etc.) but work as in performing miracles and working for His people. The sabbath was not just created as a day of rest but as a day of worship and as God is forever working for us we should constantly be working for and worshipping Him.
Hey Wendy! In my commentary it explains that “God did not cease work altogether; He merely rested from the work of creation.” Hope this helps!
God did rest on the seventh day from creating the world , and everything in it. But that does not mean that he was not working. In another New Testament story Jesus asks the Jewish leadership if they wouldn’t help someone who was stuck on the side of the road on the sabbath purely because it is the sabbath. We help others all the time, which can be considered work.
I have actually been able to participate in a traditional sabbath celebration and observance and can truly understand what Jesus is saying. The Jews do nothing on the sabbath. They can’t drive they can’t walk they can’t pick vegetables from the garden and etc. that is all considered work. There is a big difference between the word rested and doing absolute nothing. I know this is long but I hope it helps.
Thank you all! Makes sense now!
Manual labor type of work (or jobs, errands, chores, creating the universe, lol) are the work spoken of for ‘resting on the seventh day’ but working for Gods kingdom never has a day off, as Jesus never stopped spreading His word. Gotcha.
That was very powerful!!!
“39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” This totally hit me! We’re trying to read the scriptures (even all of it in one year) and yet if we don’t seek Jesus it is no useful to read the Bible. Jesus is the center. Jesus is life. He gives you and me LIFE <3 be blessed from France, dear sisters ! :)
Amen!
Amen!!
44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
This verse really stood out to me tonight. How often we seek happiness in material possessions, people, other relationships, jobs, money. This is not where happiness comes from! Happiness peace and glory come from our Loving Father! Seek, and you shall find…
2Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him!
Does anyone understand what Jesus means when he says Moses is their accuser in vs 45? Just a little curious about that. Thx!
Good read today! God is good!
Satan is called the accuser of the brethren. With that said I believe he is referring to the Ten Commandments the law and how they are hypocrites and sinners satan loves to condemn us by using these laws showing us that we could never be good enough. But they are meant to convict and show us we are in need of a savior we are under grace..
Thx!
What does it mean to worship the father in spirit and in truth? It’s repeated twice in scripture. I would love to hear your thoughts. ” yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the father in the spirit and in truth for they are the kind of worshipers the father seeks. GOD IS SPIRIT and his worshipers must worship in the spirit and in truth.
Blessings! :)
When we received the Lord as savior, we received His life. His Spirit with our spirit became “scrambled” together to form one SPIRIT. He abides in us and we abide in Him. We are no longer dead in our sins and trespasses, we are alive in Christ who now lives in our Spirit. So we worship in our Spirit, not our flesh. The Spirit is truth, because Christ dwells in us, in our Spirit and Christ is the truth.
We must worship in our Spirit every day so that Christ may infuse Himself in our hearts, our soul and mind. That is to say, our will, emotions and thoughts. When we worship in truth, we are saturated by Christ Himself. So, every day we are more like Him.
Hello
This is late to the game but I wanted to share. While reading John 5 it is so apparent that the only way we can complete anything (including mindless things such as breathing) is by Gods power. In John 5:30 Jesus proclaims, “I can do nothing on My own. I judge only as I hear, and My judgement is righteous, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”
Not even the perfect, sinless Son of God tries to say that He can do things without the Lord Gods power. This should be evident to us, that a sinful, evil creature by nature cannot complete ANYTHING without God.
Amen.
John 5:17 God is always at work even though we do not know or see or realize or even long. Always doing is good. John 5:39 so search the Scriptures to find Him. Alive. Wide-open Arms waiting for me. Unbelievable.
And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. (Genesis 15:6 NLT)
Grace upon grace!
I love seeing examples of God’s grace in the Old Testament. Abram was counted righteous–right before God. This had nothing to do with anything he had done or would do. It all had to do with his faith in God.
I believe that is the “take home” theme of the entire Bible. These men, Noah, Abram/Abraham, David, Solomon, etc. are representative of the Righteous. We also see that they sin. Despite their sin, they are counted as Righteous because of their faith.
And what is a pallet?
A pallet is like a bedroll, or a mat that you could carry with you, spread out, and recline on.
What is a porticoe?
A portico is like a porch. A covered extension of a building.
I don’t know why but the Genesis reading really spoke to me tonight. Sorry if I’m not articulating my thoughts correctly. I find it interesting that Lot chooses which way he is going to go based on that it’s well watered, and then chooses to live next to Sodom, even though they are known as wicked people, just to be close to said selling point. And then it turns out bad for him because the four kings come in and snatch everything up. Granted Abram comes and saves him but still.
Also I find it interesting how much faith Abram has about money. He gives Melchizedek a tithe and then when he says he can take the money back, Abram tells him it’s okay, I made an oath with my God and my riches come from him. Where was that faith with his wife with the Pharoh? And with having a son with her?
Lastly, God doesn’t yet give them the land because “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (v15:16) so they had to wait 400 years(v13) before they could be given their promised land. So many people had to be hurt. So that Gods promise would be fulfilled, his miracle. Wow, this really hit me. I wonder how many times something has happened to me and I wonder why could this be happening and when is it going to stop, when is the promise going to be fulfilled. And bigger picture, it is filled on his time, for his glory. And it is going to be done in a way that his glory is shown. And I’m just glad I don’t have to wait 400 years.
I never thought about it like that. Thank you for making this section make more sense to me!
If even Jesus said he could do nothing apart from the Father, how much more do I need intimacy with God to be the foundation of my faith walk? We’re not called to change the world, we’re called to first get close enough to the Father so we can see what He’s doing and join in!
Yes!
Amen!
YES! I have the same thought when you read that Jesus withdraws from all the people to be by Himself. If Jesus needed time alone with the Father, HOW MUCH MORE must we make time with the Father a priority in our lives…
Beautifully said.
I love the image of God being an example to Jesus. It’s just like an earthly father is an example for their children! “…whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.”
John 5 is so comforting. To know what criticisms Jesus faced and yet still spoke God’s message, incredible!
Yes, I love that too, Meagan! So thankful to cling to these truths!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Glad to be a part of this community. This is my first study and I am loving it
Jamie, welcome!! So glad you are here! Praying for you as you study God\’s Word!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
By ourselves we can do nothing!
“I am your shield, your very great reward. ”
After struggling with infertility this verse is such a comfort. I am thankful for the reminder that regardless of children or possessions, my reward is Christ. HE is my reward… His love is the prize that I can’t earn or win- He gives it freely!
Thankful for this passage today…
Loving this study! I’m using my new David Jeremiah study bible and his explanations are amazing!
Always wondered why God changed Abram and Sarai’s names. Their original names honored pagans. God gave them new names to signify their new relationship with the one true God! Abram to Abraham went from “Exalted Father” to “Father of Multitudes”, while Sarai to Sarah went from “Princess” to “Princess of God”.
Love this!!
Love this. I’ve always wondered about this as well.
John 28-29 scare me so badly because it says we will rise from our graves and I have an extreme fear of death bc I don’t want to be buried. This verse justifies my fear in that we will remain in the ground until he comes back?!?! I want to go to heaven as soon as I die! Someone please explain!!
I was always under the impression that our souls go to heaven as soon as we die… I’m a little confused exactly how this works as well…I would love more explanation myself!
I believe that death is a sleep- waiting in the grave for the return of Christ. See Ecclesiastes 9:5, Psalm 6:5, John 11:11,12
My understanding is our souls enter heaven upon death (see thief on the cross…Jesus tells him “today you will be with Me in paradise.” When Christ returns I believe we are to get new heavenly bodies…maybe that’s why he raises our old bodies up?
I believe, someone can correct me if I am wrong, that our souls do go to heaven right away but our bodies do not. Later, at the second redirection, our bodies will and will be remade.
Either way, death has no victory over you! You have nothing to fear. Christ has conquered death and the grave.
My husband (who is a basically theologian ) just confirmed that it is talking about our bodies not our souls. :)
John 5 really paints a beautiful picture of Gods sovereignty, and most importantly His love. “And just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son also gives life to anyone He wants to.” This lets us know who’s in control. A few verses later we read this: “I assure you: anyone who hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life” I love this! A direct parallel to revelation 22:17 “both the Spirit and the bride say, “come!” Anyone who is thirsty should come. Whoever desires should take the living water as a gift.” :-)
5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
I find it hard to believe the Lords promises. Thank you the reminder of the lord’s faithfulness
Genesis 15:6 “Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness”. This is what God desires: Faith! He doesn’t give us a “to-do list” to win His favor. He asks for faith. Then He sees the righteousness of Jesus credited to our account. This hasn’t changed. Here we are at the beginning of the OT and the beginning of the NT and the message is the same. All of the Gospel can be expressed in 2 words: repentance and faith.
Love this
In John 5, Jesus heals the man at the pool. Then later finds him to say, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (v.14) This verse left me unsettled. I read a harshness in Jesus’ voice. Does anyone have any thoughts on the context of this verse?
I was also struck by this but I see it as God’s tender mercy prodding him to a life of repentance. If we continue on our pathway of sin and destruction something far worse than a physical handicap is coming our way: the eternal judgment. Jesus saved this man from his physical condition, but then Jesus comes to seek this man again to save him from so much more- eternal judgment. I would love to hear others thoughts on this!
I agree..it does sound a little harsh. But, I do not believe Jesus was a harsh man. So I also wonder if anyone has some insight/thoughts on the context of this verse?
I do not find scripture to describe Christ as “harsh” toward His own, but he did rebuke His own when it was called for. The modern church has kind of made Jesus into a figure Who people see as always gentle and soft, when in reality, as King, there were times when he was neither gentle nor soft.
…very much like a parent should be! Constantly teaching, encouraging, correcting and lovingly guiding His children.
I do as well, but he is giving warning to the man that if he keeps following darkness then bad things will continue to happen. If he follows the light of Jesus then he will be protected :)
I think Jesus is giving him a firm reminder that though he was physically healed by a miracle, he still needed to turn from his sins repent in order to be healed spiritually. If not, the consequences would be far worse than not being able to walk for 38 years.
To me this feels like a father taking his sons chin gently but firmly in his hand and giving him advice on how to be a man. Like a “hey now, that was just a swat on the wrist, I want to to do well- change your ways child or the next consequence will hurt more”
Thanks, ladies! This is great insight. I also found that looking at other translations helped contextualize this verse.
John 6:26 ‘For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself;
He IS the only source of life! Outside if Him, there is no life in me, but because by His grace, His spirit lives in me, I have His life in me. I cannot find real life anywhere else, and He is the one who continually sustains. My hope, my joy, my light, my very life is entirely dependent upon my Savior, who not only provides these things, but Who IS those things!
I love seeing details in Scripture I have never noticed before. Gen. 15:16, the Israelites will come back to the land because of the sin of the Amorites. It’s amazing to see how detailed God’s plan is and how things work out not just with His chosen ones but how other nations/people work into His plan as well.
I have a question…what does “I do not accept glory from human beings” mean in John 5:41 ??
I think it means that he’s not “a great man” He’s the Son of God, Messiah, he should accept only the Glory that established his deity.
Thank you!!
He is not looking for approval from men, but is focusing on doing His Father’s will and pleasing Him only.
Thank you!!
John 5:44 just punched me in the gut. “How can you believe? While accepting glory from one another, you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God.” We look for glory, fame, fortune, a good name, a wonderful position at the office…all of it is to bring glory to ourselves in the eyes of others. We tend to seek glory from our peers because that is what we see in today’s culture (and clearly back then, too). I pray that I will ignore what the world seeks from me and I will begin to bring glory to God through what I do daily!
YES!
Genesis 15:1- After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ”
This stuck out to me. God is our shield. He is our protection. But God is also our reward! So often I find myself looking for material, tangible blessings. But God gave us our biggest blessing and reward when he sent his son to die on the cross for MY sin. HE is my reward.
Yes!
Knowing he is our reward is so comforting. The sacrifices he gave for us is so amazing that it has me at a loss for words. Very nicely said!
I really loved John 5:17 – “Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.'” For me, this really tied to Psalm 4:8 that we read Sunday that said, “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O LORD make me dwell in safety.” It just really reminded me of how God never stops working for our good and how He never gives up on us. I feel that so often, we think that God has turned away from us because of something we have done or said, but He continually shows us that He ALWAYS is guiding and helping us along the way – what a relief and an amazing reassurance!
Thank you for showing us this connection! I have really been connecting with images of God as a protector and as safety. He is so strong and greater than every painful situation. So to know that he is where I can find true safety brings me such peace!
So beautifully convicted by John 5:39-40:
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
There have been days where I’ve spent hours in study while refusing to kneel for one short moment in direct communication. Just as it frustrated Jesus then, I believe it frustrates Him now. He died so we could have relationship!
Love this… So true… Many times I feel guilty because as a mom of young kids my energy can be spent and I can find it hard to focus when reading my bible and I feel guilty about not having fruitful time in the word… But just sitting at his feet and spending time with him just in prayer and in intimacy with him is what he wants most instead of time in the word to just cross it off. Yes being in the word is important and the Lord calls us to it and there is intimacy when in the word… But if we are solely doing it to find life instead of how it applies to our relationship with him and to grow in our knowledge of him. Not sure if what I am saying is making sense… Haha
Makes total sense! I have two little ones and to be honest, there are days I go to bible study hoping the time with my girlfriends will just give me rest. But He is our ultimate rest, whether Sunday at church, a weeknight at women’s group or any minute we are stressed and call to Him. It’s like, we can read about His presence, or enter into it :) I’ll be praying for you mama!
This is so true! I can totally relate! Thanks for sharing and putting it so wonderfully! I needed this reminder!
Wow I am so convicted by this as well. It’s so easy to get lost in the distractions and just go through the motions, yet it’s where we fall on our knees in broken humility that life change and genuine transformation happens. I have to constantly remind myself of this! Beautifully said Kristin!
So true Kristin!
Gen. 14:17 After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
It’s the little things that blow me away sometimes, I never noticed how God just threw in the fact that Abram defeated Chedorlaomer and ALL the Kings that were with him. It’s just noted quickly but when you stop to think about it this must’ve been a HUGE battle! Crazy! God truly is our shield and it is He that gives our enemies over to us. Love this:)
Again today, the Genesis passages combined with John are speaking to me. I have always loved the covenant God makes with Abram, and the emphasis on the fact that it is all God (Abram is asleep!) God is reminding me today that even as I struggle to follow Him, pick up my mat, and walk in shalom / complete wellness of body/mind/spirit, He is already at work to make this happen. No matter what shortcomings I have, His will & purpose for my life WILL be accomplished and nothing can prevent that!!
This devotional has spoke volumes to my life. I bless GOD for his power and presence in every situation. The bible says in all thy getting get an understanding. Which again teaches us to seek him for answers study to show yourselves approved.
This really helped me to reassure myself that I am now back on track with my walk with Him. For I obeyed His command even though I really do not want it myself. But because the Holy Spirit convicts me of my ways and reminds me the essence of what He has done. By His Grace, I did it.
That Jesus…he just stated like it was…you wanna follow Moses than Moses will judge you fine…since you are listening to what Moses wrote because I am who he wrote about then pretty much you are screwed. I love it! You wanna do it than do it, but don’t be surprised by the out come!
Love it!
I just want to say I really enjoy reading everyone’s posts! Thank you all!
Jesus said to the Pharisees, you believed Moses but Moses wrote about me!!!! Believing is so important! We are so blessed that we believe on The Lord Jesus Christ! Some need a sign but blessed are we who believe!!!!! And Lord help my unbelief!!!!!
The past few years Go has been revealing new things to me regarding His sovereignty and the story about the healing of the lame man in John really hit me. There were many invalids in this place. It was crowded with people who needed healing. Yet Jesus looked on one man — a man who didn’t even ask to be healed! Yet Jesus chose him from the crowd to heal him. Then later, in verse 21, Jesus emphasizes that He gives life “to whom he will”. This is deepening my understanding of salvation and God’s sovereignty.
Wow! Thanks for that Brittany!! God’s sovereignty is a hard thing to grasp and digest… But it is all over scripture!!! It sure makes us all more grateful that God took notice of me and saved me!! May the Lord continue to give you peace and understanding into his sovereignty! I did not catch the significance of that in John 5 until I read your comment.
I love the don’t be afraid passages of the Bible. Abram had victoriously saved Lot and the next statement is from God: “After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ” Abram was still concerned
about his future, had refused the King’s reward and still didn’t have an heir. In your “still don’ts “, God is your very great reward!
This is so encouraging to me in this passage! Ultimately, our great reward is the Lord! Whatever need we face is trump to the fact that our greatest need has been taken care of at the cross! We are reconciled with him and we can be in communion with him! I asked myself if I was in Abram’s place, if I would have turned down the Kings reward because of what could come about down the road as a result… I don’t know that I could have done that! Only in God’s grace for sure. just convicts me of my selfishness and reminds me that God is good and he is my provider and I can trust him for provisions and know that ultimately he has provided for me more than I already need, I am forgive and pure!! May I always be reminded that HE is my reward!!
I thought of the same thing while reading about Abram. In today’s society we are stuck in the MORE and what can we do to reach the top. Abram was offered riches and glory but he said no because of a covenant he had with God and because he knew that God was faithful. Such an incredible example of a man firm in God’s will.
God is so faithful! He is consistent, constant and always the same. He repeatedly provided for Abram and just like Abram I question his provision and wonder how it will be or where it will come from. God is abundant in his love for us and we never have to question him. He is so good!
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
This scripture really blessed me. On my job, seemingly you have to seek approval from colleagues but I know that I don’t have to do that any longer. As long as I work as unto the LORD, HE will honor it and bless my hands to be prosperous so that everything I touch will prosper. So thankful for the Word of GOD which speaks to every situation in life
Thanks for this reminder to seek glory/affirmation from God alone!
The words Lord Jesus spoke to the Pharisees are deep. This is my 4th time going through John within a group, and I am so thankful how God pulls new things for my eyes to see each time. Just seeing how Jesus has every and all authority, and how he tells them that because they are keeping the Law of Moses , they will be judged by it. How much I need that for me today! I get caught up in the do’s and don’ts because I want a neat and tidy list.
A key point of why His teaching was so radical was that He was (in a sense) chucking the list out the window. We walk in obedience out of love for Him, and a desire to model His likeness. Not a grueling “Gotta win points with God” type of thing.
Grace upon grace upon a beautiful, awesome, radical love and relationship that should change the way we look at this life. Wow. Hallelujah, what a Savior.
This passage has given me new hope in the patience I should have now. For a long while I have felt despair, but I’m reminded that my time is nothing compared to God’s timing. What a wonderful day and privilege to live with these words.
At various times Abram is building an “alter to the Lord”… I wonder what that “alter” should look for us, to the Lord?
The alter was to be a reminder of what the Lord has done there for current and future generations. It was a marker to stir the heart and mind to remember the faithfulness of God. Our alters can be anything that calls to mind and prompts the proclamation of Gods greatness and faithfulness.
“So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”…
Love this!
1. Their is no mention of a long needed prayer taking place, of what he should ‘really’ do (Abram walked with God daily!).
2. He went directly to the source (and Lot was his nephew).
3. Was honest, wise & used discernment.
4. Was not above the situation, but rather humble in allowing Lot to choose…no demand of getting ‘his’ way, just honest feedback & a tangible resolution in place!
How many times do we avoid things? Pray about it forever? Where simply just saying in “love”, ‘hey, it is not working’… This approach might solve many of our anxieties in life!
YES! What a good role model Abraham was for us in this moment! He told Lot that something was not working out and he figured out what would make it work. Abraham didn’t go to 10 other people to discuss the issues. Abraham didn’t belittle Lot. I find myself in a “he said, she said” situation when really all I have to do is go to the person in LOVE and solve the issue then and there! Thank you for pointing this out, Moni!
I really love this too! My head and my heart pull different ways sometimes, so this is a good reminder!
Love this! God tells us that if we have an issue w/ a bro/sis in Christ, we are to go to them directly. This is a perfect example. Also so humbling to see that Abraham did it in a way that put him second. His faith showed through even in his dealings with people. He knew the Lord would provide no matter where he went. That’s complete trust!!
Thank you for this, it’s something I really needed to hear at this moment. It’s sometimes easy for me to use the need to pray as an excuse not to have hard conversations the Lord has already made clear to me need to happen.
I love verse 25 – “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. ” My heart was so stirred when I read this – how I long for those dead parts of me to hear the voice of the Lord and live! There are so many parts of me that are yet to yield to the Lordship of Christ and I find myself often thinking “how long am I going to wrestle with this flesh which desires so many things other than Jesus” And when I read this verse I think there’s hope – I believe that I will see the presence of the Lord in the land of the living – I believe He is bigger than my sin and flesh and self – and I believe that one day these parts of me will hear the voice of the Lord and live! Amen!
Your insight encouraged me today. There are many parts of my heart that need the LIFE this verse speaks of as well! Only Christ has that power to turn death into life and I needed the reminder. Thank you for sharing, Rebecca!
Amen!
Amen! Your words are beautiful and spoke right to my heart! Thank you!
Thank you for this!
Reading the story of Abraham really stirred me up today. I imagine Abraham encountering God and hearing the amazing promises and wondering how?? He was in a long season of painful waiting wondering when God was going to work. It seemed so impossible. He had been faithfully following God for so many years. Why wasn’t God fulfilling his promises? Where was the promised heir?
But despite how he felt, he believe that God was faithful. What faith that must have taken! He took his stand on the promises of God. How could this be?
Hebrews 11 says that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Abraham’s hope was in a different country- a heavenly one. He trusted God and was willing to suffer and struggle and wait because of a better hope, a better life waiting for him!
I am in a painful and despairing season of waiting and I have been struggling to believe God’s promises. My problem is my vision is too shortsighted. For now I suffer, I struggle, I sin, but this isn’t it! I have a better hope, a better life waiting for me if I endure till the end. Pluck up heart! Jesus has not forgotten you for one second. This waiting is painful, but it is not the end. There is so much more to look forward to in Christ. Be patient in your waiting and stake your all on his promises!
What an amazing message. Thank you for that!
Your comment here just really spoke to my heart. Thank you for voicing your thoughts that are my own; I just didn’t realize it until I read this. :)
Awesome. In a season of waiting myself… We just have to fix our eyes on Jesus! Thanks for this.
Jess, to piggyback on your comment,
“Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country…afterward they will come out with great possessions.”
400 years is a long time! But awesome that God already foresaw that… And while the road wasn’t easy, especially being slaves, they came out with “great possessions”… I love the future perspective! It is the ~endurance~ part that is difficult during any season. However, if we look back to God’s already foresaw plan, we can take comfort… Easier said than done for sure, but a daily we have to work to remind ourselves of this…it is a process.
Beautiful. Thank you so much for this reminder!
I was feeling that too… He kept asking him how?? And the lord kept saying this will all be your descendants.
I loved how Jesus talked to the Pharisees. Which is something that always stick with me, the Pharisees who KNEW the prophecies about Jesus couldn’t see what was right before them?? .
That struck me, too!
It struck me that we call them “seasons” of waiting. A beautiful reminder that there is a beginning and an end. I know in my seasons of waiting, they feel as if they’ll never end! But I can take heart that there is hope in the waiting and always an opportunity to draw closer to God’s heart. Sending prayers of hope and comfort and joy to all in this season.
Oh Beverly what wonderful insight! I found this so encouraging
Malia- Gen 2:16 says they could eat of any tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. At that time, if Adam and Eve ate of the tree of life they would not be in danger of living in a forever state of sin. (This is how I understand it. If I am wrong someone please correct me!) So the serpent tempted Eve to eat from the one tree that God commanded them not to eat from. Because she ate, sin entered the world which is why we need the Gospel. The tree of life represents eternal life but God did not want us to eat of that tree after we put ourselves in a sinful condition. If we were able to eat from the tree of life now we would be in an eternal state of our downfall. But God is gracious! He made sure we could be saved from our sins before giving eternal life. :)
I have a question: are there two trees they weren’t supposed to eat from in Gen 2:9? The tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life, right? Why did the serpent temp Eve to eat from the first and not the second? What do these trees represent in light of the Gospel?
I believe Amanda is right. The trees in the garden were for eternal life. Adam and Eve would have lived with the Lord in the garden forever if they had not sinned. They had to leave the garden after eating from the tree of good & evil because if they didn’t they would live forever(because of the fruits). So, God did not lie to them. They did ‘most surely die’. Just not immediately.
I think also, if Adam and Eve had eaten from the tree of life, God would not be able to punish them, as He said, “if you eat from the tree of knowledge, thou shalt surely die.” And Satan was jealous of Adam and Eve because they were in good graces with God, he didn’t want them to live forever; I believe that he wanted them gone completely from the earth.