Well, if you’ve been with me since day one of reading through the Bible in a year…CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve made it through the first week. I hope that you’ve (and others) have noticed a change in your attitude and how you handle situations. I know I have more peace as 2020 begins.
When signing some Christmas cards or commenting to others at the end of 2019, my go-to line was I hope you have a refreshing 2020. Refreshing…yes…many of folks were ready for 2019 to be over and have 2020 begin…so why not start off refreshed…ahhh. Reading through the Bible in a year has definitely accomplished that statement so far. It has invigorated me. If you haven’t began reading it with me, it’s not too late. You can either read from day 1 just start today on day 7. Join me in stimulating our hearts and minds. Let’s have a refreshing 2020 together.
Genesis 16:1-18:15
*First of all…ummm…no way! I’m not sharing my man with anyone. Just like I texted my daughter last night while watching the first night of The Bachelor, “I would hate to be on this show. No one messes with my man.” Sarai will regret her decision later. What was she thinking in verse 2? Wait, she wasn’t thinking! Just like many of us make decisions now, we don’t always think about the consequences later or others. Ugh. The Bible is crazier than any reality show there is. Get ready.
*And what was Abram thinking agreeing to Sarai’s proposal?!
*V.5, sister! You were both wrong! (Okay, I’ll try to keep my commentary to myself, or I would be commenting on every verse. Just go read this drama for yourself. Oh, and hold your spouse tight and do not share them with anyone. Just sayin’.)
*In verse 11 of chapter 17…all men will cringe. This action, given by God, occurred when Abram, now Abraham, was 99 years of age. Just imagine…or not.
*There may be times when we laugh at the path we understand God wanting us to take, and other times there is great pain. Obeying God isn’t always the most understood and brings about diverse emotions, but in the end His way is always best. Following God will save you from more heartache and suffering when all is said and done.
*Sarah laughed at God’s truth that she was going to have a baby in a year. She doubted Him. Then once questioned about her remark, she denied it. We must be honest with others, ourselves, and God. You can’t hide anything from Him anyhow.
*verse 14 of character 18 poses the question, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” I have previously handwritten a response to that question in my bible. It simply read…NOPE! Y’all, nothing is too difficult for God.
*God said the ole “No, you didn’t” comment. I can imagine Him bobbing His head, moving His pointer finger side to side, and saying, “Oh, girl, no you di’n’t just lie to Me. You DID laugh.” Okay, so maybe (probably…for sure) God was a bit more classy than my imagination, but I’m just keeping it relevant to today. Check out verse 15.
Matthew 6:1-24
*Be humble, generous, and sincere. God knows your motive on giving.
*Don’t pray for show, pray to know.
*FORGIVE…others and self. It is a must. Verse 15 says…in red letters…Jesus says, “If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you.”
*When I read verses 16-18 regarding fasting, Miranda lambert’s lyrics came to mind. In her song, “Mama’s Broken Heart” she sings, “Go and fix your make up, girl, it’s just a break up. Run and hide your crazy and start actin’ like a lady.”
*Be wise in your spending. Serve God and not money.
Psalm 7:1-17
*Cry out to God, The Protector, to rescue you. Pray to the Lord instead of taking matters into your own hands. David gave us this example.
*God is just and Judge.
Proverbs 2:1-5
*Seek wisdom, understanding, and insight, for they are true treasures that lead to gaining knowledge of God.
When you read the Bible, you will discover that it is better than cable or television show, Netflix drama, or any other book you could pick up. This stuff is ridiculously real. God is good, y’all. I pray that you will dive into His word and be REFRESHED.
If you just read my journaling, you may be a bit confused, yet I hope it encourages you to read the Bible with me.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
