After reading today’s passages, use the guiding content below to help you reflect, respond, and engage with one another.
In the beginning, God gave humans dominion over the earth and called them to rule, cultivate, and care for creation. Ultimately, though, the first people abdicated their responsibility. In the end, God’s people reign alongside Him.
In prayer and in the comments, reflect on the good things in the new creation that you already see (in part) in the present world. What might the restoration of new creation look like in your own life?
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115 thoughts on "Abdication and Dominion"
Amen, I totally relate. we are a new creation in him.
Welcome! I love this site; been using it for my daily devotions for quite a while now. We’re definitely happy to have you. I hope you’re having a beautifully blessed week.
I got this website from my friend who shared with me on the topic of this site and now this time I am browsing this web site and
reading very informative content at this time.
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Even through sin, God forgives and gives us grace. His will to live eternally with His children will soon be fulfilled- by His word. Amen!
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New creation for me is to stop complaining and conforming to the world around me
God calls us to reign, to be leaders and not followers. Ser cabeza y no cola. Sometimes we might forget who we are as children of the Lord, but He is always faithful to remind us, and to place us in our rightful place as heirs whenever we come to Him.
thankful He created all things in the perfect order and that I am a continued work in progress for HIS glory.
I love the verse in 2 Timothy: “if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself”. It is in Jesus’s very nature to be faithful to us despite our shortcomings and it gives me hope knowing that I can miss up and he will not turn from me. Thank you Lord for your son and who he is to and for me!
Restoration and renewal in my life has been evident through seeing how God has been so intentionalabout my journey as an individual, mother and wife. My mistakes have been forgiven so I need to focus on forgiving myself and living in my restoration and new life.
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Living in Gods sovereignty
I had that experience when I became a mom too! They notice the miracles around us. The way water droplets gather on a leaf or an oddly shaped stick. Life slows down and we get to experience all those moments again.
Todays reading made me think and reflect on this passage…
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect [1] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
I feel like my eyes have been opened to the beauty around me since my daughter was born. She has caused me to slow down and savor! At a little over a year old, she loves to be outside and finds great joy in the simplest of things (walks, books, TV remotes). I find delight in being with her and enjoying alongside her.
To me, finding moments to be with God in the simplicity brings Heaven here. Taking a picture of the clouds at sunset, singing praise to Jesus in the shower, inviting friends and neighbors to sit around our dinner table, and stopping to pray for a friend in the middle of a workout are all tastes of restoration.
I see sunsets,sunrises and the fire that burns inside when someone finds Jesus
I see people actively seeking God and trying to get closer to him than they have before, myself included. To me, that is true beauty in the current world. I see family and friends who love and accept me every day regardless of my flaws. I see nature and sunrises and sunsets and rainbows and creation that only proves to us just what God is capable of creating. That only makes me wonder just how beautiful Heaven and the new Earth will be!!
In my personal life, I’ve come to see the restoration of the new creation as a beautiful journey of spiritual renewal, emotional healing, and character transformation. It’s about experiencing forgiveness, reconciliation, and a deeper connection with God. I’ve found inner peace, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s all about aligning my life with the divine values of love, justice, and compassion, reflecting the redeemed state that the concept of the new creation promises.
@ AIMEE ROGERS — praying
The beauty of nature, love of family and friends, miracle of growing the baby inside of me! These are some of the good earthly things that come to my mind. I can only imagine what heaven will be like with the goodness of Earth magnified to perfection. The restoration in my life I think would look like a faith that never doubts and a heart that is never confused or lonely. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful” that scripture really stuck out to me today
this is so good!!!
Aimme Roger’s praying for you all.
Thankful He loves us. That He hasn’t given up, that He has a plan.
I see the seasons as a sign of Jesus’ death (Fall & Winter) and resurrection)Spring & Summer). I see this also as a sign of new life.
Praying @Aimee Rogers for your friend ❤️
Shes I need prayers. It is almost 3am here. I skipped past the reading…we had a road wash out and a good friend of ours wrecked his golf cart and was last seen being carried away by the current down the creek towards the lake we live on. That was at 7pm. My husband was out til midnight when they called off the search. We are digging out the John boat and heading out to search in the morning. It doesn’t look good.
I’m so sorry. That’s awful. Praying for his family and loved ones, and even a miracle.
Praying!!!
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There are so many good things in new creation that I already see— I see nature and little glimpses of this in the kindness and beauty of my community, my family, my children. I am trying to consider how I can cultivate new creation in my own life. I think by stewarding my own physical and spiritual health is the best way to start, as well as looking for ways to serve those around me.
As we are preparing for D-Now youth conference at my church this weekend. I am excited about seeing all the young boys and girls worship and excited about God. We do a mission outreach at a truck stop. We had out care packets and pray with them.
God thank you for reminding me today of the importance of you and your love. Thank you for offering me eternal life. Please help me to remember this beauty and help spread the gospel to others
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God bless you for this sister.
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I think the way that I can cultivate new creation in my life is by refocusing on a relationship with God. That in turn develops new growth. It leads to other actionable steps like maybe swearing less, making tithing a priority, helping more in my church community. Growth doesn’t just have to be upward, it can also be side to side.
From the moment we believed in Jesus, the Lord Jesus became our king, and enjoy a sweet fellowship with him. In addition, the Lord has giving us power and authority over all that he has giving us.
The body of Christ, when it is acting the way it is meant to be, is a beautiful thing. I see people putting each other’s needs first, serving each other with prayer and practical help, and weeping and rejoicing together. This is not natural, it has to be a new creation.
Restoration in my life would be a renewed diligence in my prayer life, feeling God’s Presence and hearing His voice. I always feel restored when reading the comments and requests from all of you. My time spent with SRT everyday is like a warm, loving hug from God and my SRT sisters.
Today, I’m praying for:
MARI V – God, be with MARI as she tests little kindergartners and with her daughter who is home sick today.
CEE GEE – thank you for your prayers for Abby, and asking God to bless you in your prayer ministry.
GAYLE CRAIK – Father, bless Gayle as she begins a new round of chemo. Help her to tolerate it well, and bring about the miracle of healing in her body. Bless her as she blesses others.
ARLENE – God bless Arlene in anxiety and depression with healing. Restore her to health and to the joy of your salvation.
CARSON GILLIAM – God, please give Carson peace as she waits to hear about cuts at her job, and provide for her whatever the outcome.
TAMI C – Thank you for your prayers for Abby. I will email you about Campus for Christ.
I pray for blessings and joy for each of our SRT sisters. God is so good.
My favorite part of creation is the ocean. It reminds me of God, endless and goes on forever. This devotional has reminded me how connected to creation we are. I sometimes feel disconnected from nature.
When I see the word “Abdication” I think of the royal family, and how the throne, the position, the title…. all the privileges have been abdicated in the past. King Edward VIII let go of all of it… for something else that he loved more. The law also took his children out of any possible succession to the throne. So, it was a generational thing. What has man done to himself and generations to follow by abdicating their position of caretakers of all God’s creation? We’ve miss out. We’ve abused it. We took from all the resources and never thought to care for it so it would care for us and all the generations to come. Man was given the privilege of being care takers of this world, to rule over it, to care for it, to take what was needed from it and also put back into the world so it would last for generations. What small thing can we do now to put back into the earth some of what we’ve stolen from it? I think we forget that the earth is also God’s creation, something to be valued and held in high esteem. He gave it to us to live on and to give us beauty and give us food and land and resources to make our lives better. We really need to care for it and nurture it and make sure it has what it needs so it can keep on giving to the generations to come.
** Please note, I am not a tree-hugger or anything, I’m just saying we need to respect the earth and all it’s resources.
MICHELLE PATIRE ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
ANNIKA.. I had never thought about God’s creation of humanity like that before either!! God just dropped it in me several days ago!!! It has been blowing my mind!! I absolutely LOVE your insight on ezer!!! SO good!!! That gave me goosebumps!!
ARLENE.. praying for you dear sister!! God hears you and sees you and He is wrapping His arms around you!! ❤️
MERCY.. AMEN!!! God is SO AWESOME!!!
KELLY (NEO).. Ooooo!!! Never thought of that before!!! SOO Good!!! Thank you for sharing that!! Goosebumps!!
I see it in people wanting to get back to a more simple way of life. Gardening, fresh foods, using what God has given us medicinally. The younger generation seeking out God. It does give me hope to see this. I can look at all the bad going on around us and feel hopeless. I’m thankful that this study is making me look at it differetnly.
For those of you that got a chuckle out of my caffeine debacle, I only had about 3-4 ounces of chai tea! lol I was a mess. I was talking fast and way too much! lol
Yes! I so agree with your thoughts here.
This morning I saw women serving life sentences in prison working in a program to train dogs. One woman commented on wrongs she had done and how she was working now to put good in the world. I can’t help but see Jesus with these women, forgiving and making them his new creation.
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Grateful
Gods love for us is the sweetest thing we get to experience in the right now. He has always made a way for His people to be loved by Him, even when He knew we wouldn’t always reciprocate it.It started directly after the fall, continued each time the Israelites turned away from Him in sin, and He continues to do the same for us each time we fall away from Him. He made a way for us through His son and He is continually calling us back into a relationship with Him when we stray. It’s not something we can see, but it certainly many times has almost felt tangible to me. The love He has for us I can’t even comprehend, but I’m in awe of it. I’m thankful for it. It brings me to tears when I truly sit and soak in it. Today and everyday I want to soak in that abounding love of His.
January 9
Genesis 1:
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
Father, I praise you name. You created me in your image. You give me purpose on this earth. You provide for my every need. I have the hope is eternal life.
I see restoration in the beauty of a sunrise as God says “Good morning” or in a glorious sunset. My son lives in NH on a lot of land and experiences these most beautiful events and shares them with me. It makes me realize His majesty and to ponder all He has created. My happy place and a feeling of closeness to my Lord is in nature. The ocean, a mountain top, a quiet walk in the woods, a field of flowers. In my mind I pretend that, that’s what heaven would be like. A peace, my soul sings and I am in total AWE! Thank you all for sharing this day and blessings and prayers for needs spoken and held in hearts.
As somebody who has been through some pretty hard and traumatic things it’s so important to see beauty through pain. I’ve said it before I can’t imagine how none believers get through hard times. When my dad had his accident God was in every single detail of that and it’s so nice to be able to see the beauty behind it.
@Jennifer KaneJasper – love your comment about the snow. As somebody who lives in Montana where it’s cold and awful a lot of the year the snow is at least a blessing for the farmers and the summer months. Plus you’re right it’s pretty! I have a hard time seeing the beauty when things don’t feel great but it’s so important to stop and see the beauty in every day things.
Amen I love snow too
My husband reminds me of this restorative ruler in part. He works for State Parks and is passionate about caring for our land and the natural beauty and wildlife and habitat. As a follower of Christ, He has shared with me his heart of not rulling and subjecting the land for the purpose of profit of immediate gain of some sort, but rather this view of our Father’s world that we are here to care for- to take care of the animals and plants, to enjoy this beauty with the generations and our neighbors, to care for and steward the design of the plants that are supposed to grow there…and looking at the perspective of how God meets, speaks and fellowships with his people in such a unique way when they are able to spend time in some of the raw nature that He created. It reminds me of the garden intention of rulling over creation…to take care of it ♥️ it excites my imagination to look forward to experiencing the beauty that is going to be one day when it is perfectly restored and redeemed!
I’m so grateful for the powerful love, testimonies, insight, wisdom that is expressed and shared here that links us to the only real and true relationship that frees us and brings revelation, redemption, restoration. We are thankful for you Jesus.❤️
The Lord has always spared such a special place for us humans among His creation. We are the crown of creation. We are to rule, subdue and replenish (the stewards- how I love this word). What does that look like in our life as we see in part right now? Is it broken, neglected, or thriving within our domain of stewardship? The Lord has given us power, authority over the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means harm us (Luke 10:19). God’s divine power has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3). He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessings in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). We can do all things through Christ who enables us (Philippians 4:13). Glory in the highest! Knowing all these truths, we are called to exercise and apply them into our lives, renewing the mind that says otherwise, going against the culture that dismisses the power of Christ as if He is dead. Yet, here and now, what does it look like for us? Do we believe without seeing (John 20:29)? May we search our realities and ponder. Let the battles in our mind be overcome, let this mind be renewed, may we believe with all our heart that God delivers His promises. Let it not be us that “the Lord did not do many miracles because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58). Let not our unbelief nullify the miracles we ought to receive.
Oh we thank you Lord for the power You have invested in us through Jesus, that we have everything we need to subdue the things entrusted to us, by the power of the Cross, the power in the Name, the measure of the faith of the Son of God, that we may endure that we may reign.
@GAYLE CRAIK: prayers for strength as you go through chemo.
@ARLENE: deliverance from anxiety and depression.
@RHONDA J: prayers for jail ministry and the ladies. Amen to “lay down pride”, before the true nature can set in, our pride and arrogance must return to dust. Btw, is your back still bothering you?
@DAWN PRENATT: thank you so much❤️!
@ERB: praise God, brain tumor is no match for Jesus- though men’s report is “incurable”, BUT … all is curable for God. I am so happy to hear that!
@CARSON GILLIAM: prayers that you’re not among the 7% lay off, may the Lord sustain you in His grace.
@MEG MENKE: prayers for your husband who is a school principal, and you, all other teachers/staffs, and other schools in Perry area ❤️, for safety, strength, preservation of life, deliverance from fear/trauma/grief/ptsd. May God guard the sound mind for all kids, teenagers, against the poison, toxicity and depravity of Satan. So sorry!
@LAURA DIANE: you will love Heaven, it’s a high level of society and complexity, beauty and infrastructure from the supreme mind and wisdom of God. We won’t just be bored and float around singing worship all day long (like I used to think lol).
@SEARCHING:❤️
@JODI I: for your son to grow strong in faith, and all aspects of his life be touched by God. What a lovely story that God drew him to Himself.
@TAYLOR: for devotional time :)
Be blessed dear sisters.
ANNIKA & ERB – another thought on Gen. 1:27 – a little foreshadowing of Christ’s bride coming from His side (pierced by the Roman’s spear)?
Just listened to a podcast with Max Lucado. The whole thing was good. (It is called, “Facing the New Year with Faith”.) I wrote down a quote, though, he said, “Face the problems of this life by focusing on the promises of the next.” This is a paraphrase from 2 Cor. 4.
So. Good.
And, amen!
The good that I see is one of my favorites. It is currently snowing and pretty good right now. The trees are covered with snow, event has a new look in the dead of winter when it is covered in snow white. ❄️
Seeing the Holy spirit hard at work in the hearts of fellow believers gives me a glimpse of the new creation that is to come.
@ERB, your reflections on Genesis 1:27 gave me goosebumps. I’ve never thought about God’s creation of humanity like that! I was reminded that the name Eve comes from the Hebrew word “ezer” which means “helper” or someone who can do something for you that you cannot do for yourself. In other places in the Bible, “ezer” is translated to “savior.” The connection between God sending part of Himself to us and God taking woman out of man… wow. I think you’re right that we are so stuck in our human, earthly paradigms we just can’t grasp the fullness of creation or God’s design. Lots to ponder.
Praying for all of you sisters with prayer requests this morning!
Watching my sweet baby grow has helped me get closer to Christ. I want to lead by example and the way he sees the world has changed how I see it as well.
Something in the new creation that I already see in the present day is new life or earth life that gets to keep going. All Glory to God!
Great message this morning! I have been saying that we are selfish because we fight to live with these diseases that now plague us, if we truly understood what God has waiting for us we would beg to go early. (Coming from incurable stage 4c mentality.) Death is a gift really for those of us whom know God.
Today is my first day back in chemo. Gods got me! Yesterday I was led by God to pray over a woman who is in terrible pain from bone c. I felt God take over & it was such a powerful spirit filled prayer. There were around 10 of us getting infusions with the nurses. I just got up, asked her if I could lay hands on her & pray over her & she is also a believer & welcomed it.
I challenge you to listen & obey when God places this on your heart, no matter where you are or if it’s for a stranger. We believers need to be out doing the works of God & prayer is powerful!
I ask for prayer today. I have been struggling with Anxiety/Depression for the last 8 months. I’ve seen a doctor and a mental health counsellor, I’ve had several medication increases, the last one 4 weeks ago. I’ve had fellow believers pray over me. It feels like God is silent through all this and the enemy of my soul is relentless in his attacks. I long to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Arlene, I’m praying for you right now. Jesus, be near. Make Your presence known; show up in unexpected and undeniable ways, Lord! I mourn with Arlene as she suffers, and I ask You, God to intervene on her behalf!
Hello Shes. I am wowed & humbled by self-less comments on the lesson today. We are striving, searching, seeking, sensing, savoring & sharing our stories of good times & bad times. Knocked down, but still we rise. Saved from our transgressions, mercifully, a thousand times. Awestruck by myriad ways He shows up. In smiles, shoulders to lean on, somebody’s text or phone call, something delicious to eat, in our finances somehow stretching, and an overall sense of being seen & held safe. Today & tomorrow. The “right here & not yet” talked about. Reminding me of a Girl Scout slogan (may still exist & enhanced). “Girl Scouts: Where Girls Grow Strong”. Our community of sisters, “She Reads Truth: Where Women Grow Strong”.
Good Morning!
Thank goodness God shows us restoration now to give us insight to the new ahead. Otherwise I think we could really get caught up in the negative of sin and degeneration, deterioration, and rot. He always has the perfect plan that is so fascinating! Like many of you have mentioned…babies, the ocean, the stars, seeds to food…EVERYTHING in nature is amazing! And then the restoration in our own sinful lives to something beautiful! I am so thankful that God has given us, His children, this wisdom to realize this. I love reading scripture that reveals this over and over. The restoring of Israel each time a leader turns back to God, the restoring of individuals in their lives as they turn to God. It is an impactful lesson, and then we see it in our own lives, and share it to impact others!
I get blessed seeing my ladies in jail come to our ministry, and lay down their pride, because….they know they have failed in their own strength, and what they have been doing is not working. (Like us all). I see the ashes slowly turning into beauty each week. I see the same, yet different in our enduring chronic pain group, when we just don’t have the strength to go on, but through Him and encouragement and testimonies of His healing, we indeed are renewed! And how could we have any hope when loved ones die, if not for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, knowing we will see our precious ones again! Oh Hallelujah, Praise God for revealing…slowly sometimes, and other times, BAM! Right there in our Spirit! Thank you Lord.
I am still working on memorization of scripture! My first verse of the year is Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. !! This will be a great one for myself and to share in the ministries! Be blessed sisters, SHE”s!!
Amen, CHRIS UNANDER and KRYSTAL LORENZO!
I look forward to not being deemed a weirdo because I eschew meat, etc. Heeheehee!
He created such beauty and wonder for us, sweet sisters. Let us always look for beauty, wherever it may be found. And let us always notice when our glass is half full instead of seeing it as half empty because we see the world in its current state of _______ (fill in the blank).
Praise God, @Gayle C ❤️❤️❤️ God bless you!
@Tina ❤️
@Erb ❤️
@Rhonda J ❤️
@Tami C- Seems the Holy Spirit is working in you because here we are reading about the millennial reign of Christ today :) Your question answered! ❤️
@Traci G- LOL to your comment yesterday. Your body is very sensitive to caffeine! Maybe you drank too much, too?? Lol. I just went a few days without drinking coffee when I was really sick and feel fine this morning as I drink it again ;) lol. Some people are highly sensitive – especially if you’ve gone your whole life without it! You’re probably better saving your money LOL or drinking herbal/decaf ❤️
@Carson – did you find out what happened with your job? Hope you are well ❤️
@Mari V- was thinking of you yesterday as I drove past an elementary school ❤️ God bless you and your job!
Love you Shes ❤️ there’s nothing better to me than reading the revelation of Christ together :)
Let’s see, good things in the new creation that I already see… well, that brings me back to my last trip to Oregon. Driving through forests
Good morning and HAPPY Tuesday sweet, sweet She’s! I love that throughout the WORD we read and are reminded, OUR God, OUR Jesus remains Faithful even when we’re not! Now that’s OUR GOD!! Cutting it short as I hit the snooze twice this morning! LOVE you all and could use prayer as I start testing the kinders AGAIN this month! Lots and lots to do please pray for this old brain of mine. Funny I have more physical energy then my brain. Also pray for my daughter, she called me from school yesterday not feeling well, since she had no fever I had her stay but last night she could not get warm. I’m having her stay home today. Thank God for technology as she can sent out a few emails to stay caught up with school work.
When I see people excited about serving the Lord, sharing that passion with others, and inviting them to participate – that gives me a glimpse of the new creation. Everything will have a purpose and everyone will have a place.
On a side note today’s reading reminded of of the argument James and John had about who would be greatest (Luke 22:24-30). I have no worries because I know Who is in control and know He is just.
Like many of you I love gardening and the private teachings that come from God as I work the soil, pull weeds, feed and water. So much depth of thought and so many Scriptures come to mind while working!
I, too, hear Sandi Patty every time I read Psalm 8:1!
I was reminded also of her song, We Shall Behold Him. The starting lyrics:
The sky shall unfold
Preparing His entrance
The stars shall applaud Him
With thunders of praise
The sweet light in His eyes shall
Shall enhance those awaiting
And we shall behold Him
Then face to face.
SEARCHING – ❤
TERESA DONLEY- Joining in prayer for Abby!
ERB – Blessed by your sharing as always! Thankful for the news of your friend!
TINA – ❤
SHARON JG – How refreshing and encouraging to see what you shared about DC!
Praying for all affected by the storm in the East and Southeast. Schools in the upstate of SC and all around us are closed today. A day of e-learning here.
Remembering the concerns on each of your hearts. ❤
Watching my grandkids grow and mature has shown me the beauty in God’s creation. As they choose to follow God not because mom and dad do but because they choose God. It is just a joy.
In my own life, I love how God has never stopped doing new things in me. Pruning, watering, and sowing His word in my life. Then I see the new things from God yak in no root and sprouting
KELLY (NEO).. Wow! Thank you for your faithfulness and your continued prayers for my friend with brain cancer!! Such a gift and testimony you are!! At his last scan the “incurable” and deathly tumors in my friend’s brain seem to have shrunk so much that they’re barely there at all!!! A total MIRACLE!!! To God be ALL the glory!!! May God’s love and blessings surround and fill you today and always!! Xoxo
SEARCHING.. great to see you too!! May God continue to bless you with insight and love!! Your compassion and faithfulness are a huge testimony!! His biggest blessings upon you!! Xoxo
Such an awesome gift and testimony to read ALL your comments and insights!! Very encouraging!!! ❤️
Another day of sharing! Yay!! SO thankful for this release!! I hope you all are having a really blessed day and that you are seeing God and His insight/revelation everywhere you look and go!! Much love to each of you!! Xoxo
Genesis 1:27 *this verse keeps sticking out to me!! And I have been ruminating on it for several days now… This verse says that God created mankind in Their own image, both male and female. God is three in one: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. (Hence the reference to They/Their) ..Does this mean that God created man multifaceted like He is? Was woman already inside of man? Like one COMPLETE being, as God is! …then later on, took from what was already inside Adam and created Eve as a separate being, a helpmate! …A reflection of God taking a part of Himself and sending His Son to us! It’s a LOT to think about!! I don’t know or care if we’ll ever have the answers.. what I believe God is trying to do is EXPAND our minds and way of thinking, and is shifting it to a place (heavenly) where there are only God made boundaries, not boxed in man-made ones!! Where things we have grown comfortable in our understanding of, are no longer!! God wants us FREE and solely dependent on Him for understanding!! It may not make sense to our human minds or paradigms but to our heavenly minds it connects, clicks and connects again!!! EXPANSION!! Such a beautiful and challenging thing!!! Thank You God for expanding us with these revelations and questions! Thank You that we don’t need the answers to them, that we just need You!!! Help us to be solely dependent on You, erasing man’s knowledge and replacing it with Yours, which is life-altering and mind-blowing!!! Thank You Father!! Amen.
Psalm 8:1, Psalm 8:3-6, Psalm 8:9 *Wow!! Verses 4-6 REALLY stood out to me! They put things in the right perspective!! A heavenly perspective!!! Who are we but mere mortals!! Talk about humbling!! God has given us EVERYTHING!!! We should be glorifying and magnifying God every single day and moment!! These verses also brought to mind this song “None Like You” by Joshua Aaron and Aaron Shust. Every time I hear this song my spirit gets lifted up and ministered to!!! I hope it blesses you the same way!
Romans 8:16-17 *The Spirit testifies TOGETHER with our spirit!!! Wow!! That’s a huge statement right there!!! Children, heirs and coheirs..another huge statement!!! Wow!!!
..I like the REMINDER that suffering & sacrifice is involved with this process!! Our flesh/pride must die so that He may once again take His rightful place in each of us!! Are we willing to die (or be tortured) for Christ, so that His name may be glorified? An easy YES when we’re not sacrificing, suffering, in the midst of deep depths or something heavy/challenging..but when we ARE, what is our go-to then? Definitely chiropractically adjusts, aligns and puts things into perspective and in the right order!! Very humbling, but in such a good way!!
2 Timothy 2:11-13 *Wow! We serve such an AMAZING God!! So thankful for these important reminders!! Verse 13 really stuck out to me!! There is a depth there that goes beyond!!! Thank You Lord for highlighting it, and help me to grasp and understand what it is You’re trying to show me!! Thank You Father. Amen.
Revelation 20:4-6 *there is MUCH to understand in these verses… God will give the understanding in His time! Let us trust Him and may we always be at the ready, prepared with oil for our lamps! May we not give in to the gods of this age nor the ways of the world!! Give us strength and insight Lord for the things that are coming.. let us live for You alone!!
**also found the Got Questions website (search: 1st resurrection, 2nd resurrection) super helpful in understanding these verses..
Well said Laura Diane, I struggle with some of the same things. Thank you for your honesty.
Blessings to all the Shes,
Kris
Interesting how in Gods perfect sinless creation all humans and animals ate plants and when he restored the earth it will again be so Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. Very lovely to read during my Daniel fast without meat or dairy ❤️
I think I see part of the new creation now in hearing the word of our Lord and partially understanding, (I’m always learning something new y’all!! LOL!!), in my 30’s more than I’ve ever understood. More knowledge about the stories of failure, consequences, love, hope, and redemption have shown me just how much our Lord cares for us, hopes in us, and sees the good in us even when we do bad things. That we are redeemable!
I see the new creation in knowing that we will see that new heaven and new earth. That we will see each other together in our Father and his Son’s presence.
I look at the sun, moon, stars, all of nature, and it’s just so amazing to me. I can see the beauty of God and His nature, creativity, glory in it…I cannot even begin to imagine how glorious it will be in total perfection when it is made new, the heavens and the earth!!! I can’t wait!!!!
I haven’t commented yet during this study but I have really been thinking and pondering what it all means to me. I’ve never really thought much about the afterlife. I feel like I am an “in the moment” kind of person. I tend to not worry too much about things and just take it one day at a time. A personality trait, I guess.
Doing the Screwtape Letters in my book club this past fall really gave me a lot to think about though when it comes to the after life. First of all, Satan’s biggest motivation is to keep us from getting there. He wants to win over our souls so we will spend eternity with him. How does he do this? One way is to make earth seem like heaven. To make us love where we are so much that we think this is heaven. I have had to really think about that one. Because I definitely do that. I think that is why I have never really wanted to read about what heaven is like that much. Because I am afraid I won’t like it. But then I think about the OT and all of the references to Jesus, and how he will come to earth, and die, and live again, and rule, etc. and how everyone seems to miss the message. Even when He was alive on earth, the very people who were walking with Him didn’t get what He was saying. And so I have to pause…I think when I read about heaven in the Bible, I’m missing a lot of things. I think I am comparing it to what I know here on earth, and I am thinking that I might not like the things that are said about heaven (cities, light, no sea, etc.). But I’m pretty sure I’m not really getting it. So when I read the Bible and I don’t get it, I try to go back to what I do get. And what I do get is this: I trust God to do what is best. I trust Him to always make things better than I can even imagine. So even though I don’t really understand what heaven will be like, I know that God will be there and so I can rest in that.
Reading through the verses this morning, I was struck by the kingdom imagery, along with the position of man in the sight of God—both in the beginning, in the psalm, and at the end of days. Then I was reminded of 1 Samuel 8 when the people of Israel demand a king so that they may be like all the other nations. God instructs Samuel to tell them what it will be like working under an earthly king, but the people continue their demands, and God grants it to them, even detailing how the people have continually looked away from Him as their King, despite all He has done for them. Sadly, I think we can often times point to our demands mirroring those of the Israelites in the Old Testament. BUT GOD, in His mercy and grace, still crowns us with glory and honor, still holds a high place for us with Him, still desires that we hold dominion over His creation on this current earth, but more importantly, in the New Earth. Where we reject and demand, He justifies and makes new. Where we fail, He charges into victory and not only redeems His people, but he still calls us “good,” even as he did on our creation day in the garden. Praise be to God for all He has done and continues to do.
I see God’s faithfulness to me over and over and over again. I tend to isolate myself and each time He brings loving people into my life to draw me back. And every time a new grandchild is born is a new creation of His ❤️
In reading Psalm 8:3-4 it reminded me of a song by Ron Hamilton. If you don’t know who he is, he was a song writer, singer with Majesty Music and was known as “Patch the Pirate.” This is a little of his story: …”Ron Hamilton never planned to become a pirate; it just happened, in a divine way. In 1978, the discovery of cancer in Ron’s left eye resulted in the loss of his eye. The surgeon removed the bandages a week later and presented Hamilton with a black eye patch—the real-life prop that thrust him into his role as a pirate evangelist. Everywhere he went, children pointed and exclaimed, “Look! A pirate!”
“Hearing a doctor say I had cancer and may die was a very sobering experience,” he says. “Many people would see the loss of my eye and the need for wearing a patch as a great trial. But I see it as one of the greatest blessings of my life. It reminds me that God teaches us the greatest lessons in the deepest valleys.”
Immediately following the loss of his eye due to cancer, Ron Hamilton penned a song based on Philippians 4:4. Its message has encouraged many folks while journeying through a dark valley.” Ron became known as Patch the Pirate and had a wonderful children’s evangelism ministry.
In 2010 he began suffering with dementia and passed away in 2023. It’s always baffling to me why God would let a man with such talent and love for God suffer so terribly and die not even knowing his own family…But God. Ron is fully restored now in heaven. We may or may not find restoration in this life, but it’s not up to us – it’s up to our heavenly Father, who always knows whats best. “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
@Meg Menke – prayers for the town of Perry and for all who have suffered loss.
@Teresa Donley – prayers for your granddaughter to walk close with the Lord and be protected from any evil around her…but as an encouragement, there are many believers in D.C. and in and around the White House. I know this because I have a friend that works there, and has many dealings in the WH. She is a vibrant believer and works with others who are too and there are some really good churches there. I will be praying that she gets connected to one and makes some friends her age that are in the faith.
Praying for all your requests. Have a wonderful Tuesday! Blessings and love to you all!
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – thank you for the encouragement about DC and the Christians there. And thank you for your prayers for Abby that she will connect with a church and other young Christians her age. Your prayers are so very appreciated, as are you.
Our pastor was preaching on the Kingdom of God this past Sunday, and he talked about how when the sun is about to rise, we see splashes of color on the horizon before the sun arrives. The “splashes of color” we see now (the kingdom of God on this earth) are the places in our lives where we are submitting to the reign of Christ as our King! Whenever love overcomes hate, or peace takes the place of fear and anxiety; whenever hope, joy, truth, and goodness prevail over evil… wherever God’s presence is experienced and reflected in this world through us, that is a foretaste of what is to come! Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven!” Let us live for His glory and bringing His kingdom on earth through our submission to Him as our King of glory!
We do see people ruling over a country (to a certain extent). Leaving behind your purpose before you die is really such a shame.
I see new creation in the growth and maturation of my teenagers. Reminds me that God’s plan for our future is coming to pass.
While reading the Genesis passage this morning about all God provided the though came to me that like Eve I am sometimes tempted by more rather that being thankful and joyful in what I have been given. When I meet those who focus on blessing others, sharing and caring for others, that is where I see the kingdom of Jesus at work. Ministries to refugees, prisoners, homeless, and people marginalized in our society are truly the hands and feet of Jesus.
In my job as an occupational therapist, I get to take part in restoring people’s health, independence, and quality of life, even in their “old age”. I love being the hands and feet of Jesus in this way.
Back for day 2! Thank you to those who said hello and have been praying for me <3
Redemption. That has been the story of my life. He has made me a new creation and continues to work on me daily. He is so so very good.
❤️
I love Psalm 8 & will have the song ‘O Lord our Lord how majestic is Your name in all the earth’ running through my mind today. How majestic indeed!
The restoration of new creation in my own life? Motivation to show kindness, patience, understanding toward others, especially those that push every button and get on every nerve. Seeing relationships restored and healing happen.
ERB ❤️ thank you for sharing. So good to see you.
TRACI GENDRON – laughed at your comment yesterday … maybe decaf next time ;)
MARTHA HIX – ❤️ always good to see you. Are you fully recovered?
TAYLOR – good to see you
TINA, CEE GEE, MICHELLE PATIRE, MERCY, RHONDA J, KELLY (NEO) ❤️
Praying for:
ADRIENNE and others in the path of storm – safety and protection
GAYLE CRAIK – healing, and praise for the interest your son is showing in the Bible
TERESA DONLEY – Abby, that she will stand firm in truth
CARSON GILLIAM – your job and financial provision if needed
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – Kobi
MEG MENKE – all in Perry Iowa
JODI I – your son, that his faith will grow, that a study would be found that clicks with him. So awesome that he ordered the Bible!
I appreciate so many of the comments today reminding me of the many good gifts from God ghat I take for granted. I am amazed at God’s provision in the little details of the daily. He hears my heart and desire for connection and often allows me to meet others where mutual encouragement flows in the ability to spur one another on. Whether a smile, a held open door when arms are full, or a kind word among strangers.
The ocean waves on the shore remind of things being made new or regenerated. A washing away of old with the arrival of the new.
For me restoration has been a slow process in the area of pride. I know it’s there, but I’ve struggled at times to see how it takes shape in me. Most recently, I’ve begun to understand that me not asking for help is some pride. I’m slowly working at being less independent where it is not needed & help is available.
I agree! When I see others getting laing and respecting one another, and when I am part of promoting that, I see the new creation bubbling up! I long for so much more of this, to see it everywhere and always.
In todays world it can be challenging to find glimpses of this new earth and new creation. Illness, death, and the destruction of the earth that we are very stark reminders that this fallen world is not how God originally designed it to be. We have started gardening the last few years and it is something that we look forward to. It is amazing to plant tiny seeds and watch them germinate into plants that sustain us with food. We just started a reading plan at the start of the year and find ourselves drawn to the fact that living in the garden and having access to all the seeds and plants of the earth was how things were originally intended to be.
Hi KC,
I started a cut flower garden last year and everytime I worked in my garden I felt like I was witnessing a piece of the word come to life. Lessons and scriptures from the past came to mind and life right in front of my eyes.
And much like you, I think a lot about how beautiful the garden must have been and I can’t even fathom how it will be when all is restored.
Looking back on my life and seeing that God has been true and faithful every time and has blessed me so much despite myself.
I see his new creation when I see an act of kindness between strangers, love between families, and in my own life, when I have peace that makes no sense to our limited human minds, but makes all the sense when we abide in Jesus.
When I feel His peace and presence.
Something in the new creation that I already see (in part) in the present world is when God give man the ability to create something new, whether it is and invention or method/process to make this life of toil easier.
If you squint, the restoration of new creation in my life looks like I’ve become a little more like Jesus.
TERESA DONLEY – prayers for Abby to be wise and a world changer to those she meets.
ERB – thank you for sharing your insights yesterday. It is such a blessing to see you and what the Lord has shown you. Still praying for your friend with brain cancer ❤️
CARSON GILLIAM – praying for your peace of mind and heart no matter the outcome with your employment
SHARON JG & SEARCHING – thanks for the updates
TINA ❤️
I see it in the return of loving fresh fruits and vegetables, in home cooked meals with home grown foods and a love of nurturing plants and tending to gardens. I see it in less screen time and more time in nature. In people meeting together in the homes to break bread together.
❤️
Restoration of new creation looks like my family thriving on what we have and what we are able to produce. We love to garden and being able to grow beautiful new life is one of the most precious gifts.
Asa fellow gardener and home grown fanatic I feel this so much ❤️
I see the new creation in people’s acts of kindness and service. I see it in beautiful ocean views, and brilliant sunsets, and new babies. Hope. In my life restoration might look like a warm and joyous heart.
TINA.. lovely to see you too! I love how you mention and pray for people by name! Such a blessing and gift!
RHONDA J. ..God has me in a season of sitting at His feet waiting, listening and doing only as He directs, leads and asks.. so I am quiet on most days..still present and praying, but quiet! So such a blessing to be able to share!! May God’s love surround and fill you today! And to Him be ALL the Glory!
ALLISON BENTLEY.. so very blessed to be able to share yesterday! To God be all the glory!! I hope to share again soon! May God bless you and touch your heart exactly the way you’ve been asking Him to! Hugs and love!
MICHELLE PATIRE oh I’m so glad!! God is so good to us!! He SEES you my friend!! Big ((hugs)) and lots of love!! To God be ALL the glory!!
To ALL you sisters (mentioned by name or not) THANK YOU for your faithfulness, your encouragement, your honesty, your willingness, your insights and your desire to have God be first in your life!! Such a blessing and a gift each of you are!! Your lights are shining bright!!! His biggest blessings to your day!! Xoxo
Thank you for praying Tina. I am really loving this study during this season of grief and change our family is walking through. Grace and peace be with all of you ladies, ❤️
Dear sisters,
GAYLE CRAIK.. CONGRATULATIONS!!❤ The beauty of God making things new!
Continued prayers for you covered in joy, if the safe arrival of your grandson. God bless you.❤
MICHELLE PATIRE.. BLESSINGS and healing, prayed over you. Thank you!❤
ERB.. lovely to see you. And thank you for your insight.❤
JENNIFER AKERS.. WOW, indeed!❤
ADRIENNE.. praying.❤
MARTHA HIX.. holding you close in my prayers..❤
TERESA DONLEY.. Thinking of you And prayerful over you and Abby too.❤
TRACI GENDRON..❤ you had me chuckling yesterday.❤
RHONDA J.. BUT God, right? He was, He is, He will forever be..Amen.
So very thankful for you.❤
CEE GEE..❤
SEARCHING..❤ my sister, bless you for ALL you are to this community.❤
MEH MENKE.. praying God’s comforting arms to envelope ALL involved and affected by this tragedy. Bless you.❤
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN.. Thank you!❤
TAYLOR.. HELLOOOO.❤
KELLY NEO..Thankful for you… Always..❤
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL..absolutely, keeping my eyes on Him, the author and perfectly of my faith..love to you sis..❤
DONNA WOLCOTT..praying for your daughter in law and the wider family.❤
GRAMSIESUE..❤ you are in my prayers dear heart, as is Steve.. God be with you..❤
CHURCHMOUSE..❤ I miss you. Hope all is well. Wrapping you in love and prayers.❤
CHERIE BREWER..❤ Good morning!❤
CLAIRE B..❤ Right back atcha sister!❤
MARI V.. Praying over you and yours..❤
ALEIDA.. Continued prayers for you and yours. Prayerful Victors heart is being made new in Jesus’ name . Amen..❤
SARAH.. (with new baby) praying today is a God blessed great day for you and the little one..❤
MARYA.. Lifting your heart and you up in prayer today. Know the Lord’s loving arms( and ours) around you..❤
VICTORIA E.. hopeful life is looking up. I in my prayers sis.❤
MERCY..always here, loving on us, Thank you!❤
LYNNE FROM ALABAMA.. ❤
EILEEN DOWD.., Prayerful your visit with your siblings went well and that you could see God at work throughout the visit..❤
And to ALL, I pray God’s abundant blessings throughout your day and the week ahead.. He is, and continues to make ALL things new.. Much love as always, wrapped in prayers and hugs..❤
I’ve seen God’s faithfulness reign in my life, despite my unfaithfulness at times and the unfaithfulness of my children. He gives us the strength to endure hardship so we can reign with Him.
The restoration of new life in my life right now would completely eliminate all of my fears, anxieties, worries, hardships, and bring His peace at all times. I would feel His love constantly pouring in me and my family.