This photo above expresses how I feel about diving into God’s word…esctatic! We were at Captain Tony’s Bar in Key West. There are three pics on the wall with different expressions that was taken of Tony. I imitated each.
Y’all, I am so encouraged by God’s word. If you read the scriptures from these three days, or even glance through my bullet points, you’ll discover the key to life, God’s reckless love He has for you, His faithfulness and unfailing love.
Day 20 of 2020:
GENESIS 41:17-42:17
- While reading these verses in chapter 41, I can’t help but think about how Joseph was 17 years of age when he first was sold to slavery, and now…13 years later…he is second in command of all of Egypt. He remained faithful to God. He listened and obeyed the LORD. Because of his obedience, he was well taken care of and saved many people. Let this encourage us to stay faith to God and obey Him, so that others will come to know Him through us and be saved.
MATTHEW 13:24-46
- Believers and unbelievers live on this earth. In the end, those who believe in the Son of Man will shine in heaven. Those who do not believe will go to hell, where there is gnashing of teeth and eternal fire. The choice is yours. If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus. Christ, I want to encourage you to click on the section titled “Want to be a Christian” on this website, go and seek a bible believing pastor/friend and talk with them about your decision. I pray that I will see you in Heaven one day.
PSALM 18:1-15
- I LOVE the Lord!
- Phrases like “death entangled me”, “destruction swept over me”, “the grave wrapped its ropes around me”, and “death laid a trap in my path” are within these verses. Do you ever feel like desperate times are knocking at your door? Cry out to Jesus. He is here. He will be your rock, strength, fortress, savior, protection, shield, and source of power. Yes, these words are in these verses too. God is good.
- When reading verses 7-15, I couldn’t help but sing Cory Asbury’s song “Reckless Love”. If you’ve never heard it…go, watch this video, listen to the words, and know that God will fight for you. He loves you so much!! https://youtu.be/Sc6SSHuZvQE
PROVERBS 4:1-6
- I am so grateful that my children have a wise and wonderful earthly father who gives sound advice and guidance. I just hope and pray they listen and accept his wisdom.
Day 21 of 2020:
GENESIS 42:18-43:34
- Joseph’s original dream is coming true. God will reveal things to us, we just have to be patient and know that he will do as He says in His time.
- Joseph was overcome with emotion. He couldn’t contain himself. Knowing that his true brother is safe brought much joy to him. I treasure my siblings.
MATTHEW 13:47-14:12
- So sad to see one’s hometown not being supportive and believing in Christ. I am grateful for my hometown. When someone succeeds in their goals, many rally around and support one another. It is so important to have encouragers in our life. I hope that you do have this within your community, whether your community is family, friends, church, work, school, neighborhood, or town, be supportive when it is the right thing to support. I believe supporting Jesus is definitely the right thing to do.
- Be careful what you say.
PSALM 18:16-36
- Friend, God delights in you. Show yourself faithful to The Faithful One.
- God’s ways are perfect and His promises prove true. Period. Drop the mic. Amen.
- Please read theses chapter 18 and be encouraged and empowered by God’s love, support, protection, and generosity.
PROVERBS 4:7-10
- Get wisdom…read, learn, and obey God’s word.
- Develop good judgment…read, learn, and obey God’s word.
- Live a good life…read, learn, and obey God’s word.
Day 22 of 2020:
GENESIS 44:1-45:28
- Instances in life that truly devastate us at that time. We don’t see what God knows is to come. Joseph’s slavery incident happened so that others will be saved. Think about it…Jesus was tortured and killed so that we can be saved. Joseph became like royalty. Jesus was royalty. Joseph really was alive. Jesus truly is alive! When troubles and trials do come your way, hold on to the fact that God has great plans for you.
- Such a sweet family reunion between brothers. Tears of joy from them all.
- Reading Joseph’s statement to his brothers in verse 24, made me ponder, “Did he say this because he could see in the future that they would quarrel and be jealous over Benjamin’s greater reward. He knew the bitterness the brothers held with him being the favorite 13 years ago, and didn’t want the same to happen to Ben. Although they repented and were forgiven, sometimes those old ways can creep up within them (us) and then greed/jealousy/bitterness could overcome.” This is a reminder to us as well to stay focused on God and be reminded of the good He has done, instead of being reminded by Satan who we were before.
MATTHEW 14:13-36
- A picture just came to my mind after reading the verses about the five loaves and two fish. Recently, in my hometown, Franklin Graham came to speak and Jeremy Camp performed a concert. The event was held at our Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. It was estimated that a little over 10,000 people attended. It was fabulous!! So…envisioning 10,000 people was easy for me to do. If I were to bring two Chick-fil-A sandwiches and an extra bun to the festival grounds, stand on the stage holding my to-go bag up high, and say “dinner is ready”, they would look at me like I’ve lost my ever-lovin’ mind and laugh at me. They’d probably start calling for a food delivery service from their cell phones. But, hey, I’m not God…He is. The Bible reads that about 5,000 men were fed in addition to all the women and children. So, it wasn’t just 5,000 people eating two fish and five loaves of bread, but nearly 10,000. God provides!
- Even when Jesus was sad and wanting to be alone, He saw a need and showed compassion. He did end up getting His time alone, but it was after He took care of others’ needs…spiritually and physically. We need to be selfless like Jesus, especially during those moments of wanting to be selfish.
- Keep your eyes on Jesus. Have faith. He is with you giving your courage. Never doubt God.
- The disciples crack me up. I have written in my bible the word “duh” after verse 33. I often shake my head thinking how Jesus was with the disciples all the time, and they still had trouble believing who He was. “You really are the Son of God!”…Duh.
PSALM 18:37-50
- David recognized God’s hand in his life. He knows that God armed him with strength, subdued his enemies, gave him victory, appointed him ruler over many nations, held him safely, saved him from violence, gave David great victories,and showed unfailing love to him. David gave credit where credit was due. We need to let this be an example of giving God all the glory in all we do. It is NOT by our own strength, will, and love that blessings come our way. It is from our Heavenly Daddy.
PROVERBS 4:11-13
- When you search the web for “key to life” a plethora of quotes, books, and various sites appear. Look no further…these verses tell us. The key to life is…taking hold of/not letting go of/guarding Wisdom’s instruction/God’s word. Allowing God to guide you down life’s path to keep you on the straight road. Read your bible, folks. God’s wise words ARE the keys to life.
Isn’t this some good stuff? Can I get an AMEN?
I pray that you will be encouraged to seek and follow His wisdom.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
