Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Putting our Attention on His Greatness

In the study of Genesis 16 and writing about it yesterday in the post Trust in His Perfect Timing, the lesson for me is that we should be careful not to force the issue. We should put our attention on God and do things according to His timing; to trust Him to work situations out for us.

God may get our attention in many ways. There are times of the year that inspire and bring out  memories; the end of summer when football starts, the fall and the smell of pecan pie, the winter when the leaves have fallen and you look up into the cold night sky and see more stars than you could ever count. The spring and the memories of playing baseball and the summers going to the water park; you can count on the seasons. They are coming, you can depend on it, but they never are exactly the same because life and how we see things is always changing.

Music also has a way of bringing out memories and giving inspiration. Here is a video about God’s greatness from a young lady in my local community that does just that: How Great Thou Art – Holly Tucker on the Voice.



Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

Monday, February 23, 2015

Encouraging Word

God encouraged Abraham through His Word. The Word came to Abraham in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid, Abraham. I am your shield, your very great reward.” It is the same for us today as God is by our side to protect and encourage. Enjoy today’s video: Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin.



You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life. - Lamentations 3:57-58

Be encouraged by His Word at "This Day with God" devotional.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Surround Yourself with People of Integrity

The post Association contained some written thoughts from the study of Genesis 14. A lesson learned was that the people we associate with are so very important. Lot was near the sinful city of Sodom and because of this association; he lost all his possessions and was taken captive. On the other hand, Abraham was where God wanted him to be and with the people He wanted him to be.

Being around a negative environment can cause great damage in societies. Think of societies that begin to break down. Respect for people breaks down, respect for authority breaks down, and respect for keeping the surroundings upright breaks down.

Like in Genesis 14, the area became a crime riddled wasteland and wars broke out. What once was the place to be, near prosperous activity and growth became a devalued area not because of location but because of the lack of integrity around it.

We need today more people of integrity like Abraham who promised God not to take the spoils of war. He kept his promise when he refused to take anything from the king of Sodom. Here is a video that inspires integrity: Search me Lord – Gaither Vocal Band.



Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. -  Psalm 25:4-5



Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Caring for Others

Abram demonstrated that he cared for others. We also show that we care for others by giving back what we have learned in life. What we make happen for others, God will make happen for us.

You may have a child or friend with an issue at school or work and you can be there for them; offering ideas or suggestions. Your purpose in life may not be a great preacher, singer, or teacher but just being free to be you as explained in this video: Free to be Me – Francesca Battistelli.



Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. –  Philippians 2:3

Monday, February 16, 2015

Questions for Reflection for Study of Genesis 13-16

After the flood, God made a promise to Noah that He would never flood the earth again and the symbol of this promise is the rainbow. Today, God can provide music for our ears, laughter for our soul, and a rainbow after every storm because of His love demonstrated to us through His son Jesus. His Word provides food for the mind and His Son creates light for understanding so our acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God truly washes sins away.

The Bible is not about great people doing things for God; it is just regular people doing extraordinary things because of an amazing God. He knows each of us by name and has a place for each of us in this world. That is why it is important to take the initiative in being prepared for each day. Being the best “you” everyday so God can do His work.

In life, we all have doubts but those who can step ahead even while having doubts are the people God can use to do great things. It takes humility and it takes the willingness to learn from each other. Associating with others of integrity is important along with trust and when our trust is in God’s way, we are assured of getting to our destination.

As the journey continues through God’s Word for the weeks to come. The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to apply His Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Genesis 13-16 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next two weeks.



What is Abraham and Lot’s problem? How does Abraham resolve the problem? How does the way you settle differences and arguments reveal your trust (or lack of trust) in God? What does Lot’s choice reveal about his character?

What are the dangers of close association with ungodly people? Who is Melchizedek? How do you act toward fellow Christians?

What is Abraham’s main concern? How does God encourage Abraham? What predictions and promises does God make while Abraham is asleep (watch the future developments)?

How did Sarah and Abraham try to “push” God? What is their basic problem? In what ways do your actions affect future generations?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.


Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

Friday, February 13, 2015

Faith Gives Assistance to Step Ahead Even in Doubt

We all have doubts; even great people of God in the Bible like Abraham had doubts. When Abraham faced the famine upon entering the land God had promised, doubt led him away from the difficult situation into a place he thought to be less difficult in Egypt.

On top of that, he thought the men in Egypt might take his beautiful wife named Sarah away. She was so beautiful that Abraham believed they couldn’t resist and would kill him for her so Abraham dreams up a lie for protection. He tells everyone they meet that she is his sister.

In life, we all have doubts but those who can step ahead even while having doubts are the people God can use to do great things. Today’s video is about these doubts we face but encourages us to have faith which gives assistance to step ahead even in doubt: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United.



So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.- Col 2:6-7

Trust in God and you will be blessed. To keep up with post on a daily basis, click this link: http://wp.me/1ar6D

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Glorify God

I’m currently reading and studying in Genesis 11 about the Tower of Babel. It’s about the world rejecting God and believing they have all the answers. Even today when history has proven the strategy of secularism a failure, after all the struggles the world has faced, including wars, disasters, and disease; pride keeps society going in the wrong direction.

Things can get messy in life but God is there to help us pick up the messes. There is a constant need to search our heart and know why we do certain things. Is it to glorify God or to make a name for ourselves?
If it is to glorify God, then there are no limits to what can be accomplished. To get us thinking in this direction, here is today’s video: The Stand – Hillsong.



I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. - Psalm 16:8


You are invited to read and study the Bible each day at http://wp.me/1ar6D