The Bible in 90 Days

Well, its been a few days. Our family went to the lake camping for the New Year, and I started my readings there. It was amazing to be on the stillness of the water, fishing. It was like glass when we headed out. I could not help but think of Jesus walking on the water and calming the sea. It was so tranquil. I had never been on the water and seen it like that. It was an amazing time...I will leave the part where we had to paddle back to shore because the water was so low, out...haha.

Anyhow, I am 5 days in to my readings and ended in Exodus 15 today. I will just give some thoughts or insights I have gained from the readings here. I know everyone who reads the Bible gets different things at different times, and I can already tell this time is different from my last time. The last time I read it, I just wanted to know what it said...This time I want to see and most importantly hear what God is telling me.

1. God created man in His image- since we have not seen God, we don't know what God looks like, but since we were created in His image ( a physical likeness or representation of a person, animal, or thing, photographed, painted, sculptured, or otherwise made visible. Also, form, appearance, symbolance) we have to be formed similarly in appearance. I know this seems basic, but just like putting a face with a name, it may be easier to make the connection to God being a person (Jesus). This may help when praying for those that are not Christians and don't yet understand. When told to pray they do not know what or who to pray to--to know God is in heaven and is like us in form could help make the connection personal.

2. Genesis 3:16- God says: Your desire will be for your husband. God created us to have that longing for their love and attention. I believe this is why women are so romantic at heart. We were created to desire that from them and want them. It is our nature.

3. Jealousy- Jealousy began with the first siblings, Cain and Abel. A truth that shows what jealousy and burning with anger can do to someone--destroy them.

4. The first of Genesis shows that women can cause some trouble by trying to get things done their way. We see this with Eve and Sarai. Instead of listening to their husbands, and letting him be the leader of the relationship(I mean this in a loving submissive way as the Bible tells) we see the fall of man, and the first recorded ~affair(well, that is what it is no matter the consent). Had they been obedient, and patient, and listened to their husbands, and of course obedient to God's plan... well, I guess we all know what would have not happened. Sin would have no reign in our lives, and we would be blameless, pure, and holy in God's eyes...Also, Sarai would have had Isaac and not had to go through all the problems she dealt with when she became jealous of Hagar and Ishmael. This is a good lesson. Pray for God to help you to trust your husband to be the leader of your family, and make good wise decisions for your family. Pray that when you think you know what is best, you would prayerfully ask God to let you know if you are in the right or wrong. Pray for your husband and build him up. Let him lead, as God intends it to be. If he is not where he should be to lead your family, keep praying. God will get him there.

5. Genesis 50:20- Here we see Joseph talking with his brothers after their father dies and they are scared he will harm them for selling him:"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done..."

I cannot help but think of Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (This verse is my life verse)

No matter what we go through, God will work it for good. He may even allow us to go through times and seasons of hurt, pain, and trials to get us to a better place. If we recognize why we went through what we did, and gain wisdom from it, and can use it to help others, then we have grown from it. Pray during your trials that God will show you what He is trying to teach you, to reveal it to you, and know whatever it is...you are going through it to benefit something or someone. It could be yourself, someone you love, or someone you don't know. Just know it will be for good to accomplish His will.

6. This one is a personal one for me. I speak and talk in public, have given speeches, spoke on different topics to various groups, and have no problem doing so. My only problem I have is more times than few I get up to speak and my words escape me, and I feel like I am coming across not in the light I would like. I feel like I am a much better writer and if I have it written and don't lose my place, haha, then I do much better. I always say I am not the most eloquent speaker...Here in Exodus 4:12 we see Moses questioning God and telling God he does not feel worthy enough to speak to the Israelites and Pharaoh and that he is not eloquent...He took my word!!! Anyway, this really got me. God tells him in verse 12, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Again not a revelation to some, but for me, I want people to like me and think I am somewhat intelligent. I want to come across knowledgeable, but as I have came to learn ITS NOT ABOUT ME!!!! It is about Him, His message, and just me being a vessel to get across what He wants me to. He will give me the words and the message in His timing when He wants me to speak. Thank you Jesus, for showing me this passage. I know this truth, but to see it here, and know Moses, a hero of faith, felt the same is amazing. I am trusting Him for this, and believing Him to use me when He sees fit.

7. What is plaguing you? I could write a whole chapter on this topic alone. In Exodus 10:3 Moses tells Pharaoh God's words, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?"

How long before you humble yourself before God? What all will you allow yourself to go through until you finally heed His call and answer Him? If we would just try to quit doing things in our own strength, and in our own time, we would find there is a much easier better way that gets us where we need to be. Gods ways are perfect and as Isaiah 55:9 says: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Also, Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Humble yourself before Him, and allow Him to work in you.

Well, that is it for today. Feel free to comment in the comments section, I would love to see if you are on this 90 day journey with me. I encourage you to read your Bible, and pray that God will open your eyes and ears to what He wants you to get from His word. Thank Him for His word, and for your gift of salvation.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.