Bible Study & Devotional (January 12, 2021)
Guiding Scripture: Luke 9:62 “Jesus replied, “Suppose someone starts to plow and then looks back. That person is not fit for service in God’s kingdom.” Luke 9:62
🔴 LOOKING BACK
Looking back is not bad if it reminds you not to repeat a past mistake. But dwelling on the past and stewing in what was is unproductive.
In the Book Genesis, we learn how Lot’s (Abraham’s nephew), character revealed by his greed, wanted better grazing for his livestock and took no thought for its sinful surroundings. Lot gave his two virgin daughters to be raped by perverts. Consequently, his daughters committed incest to preserve their family line. When Lot and his family was rescued by Abraham’s initiation and pleas to God, Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of ________. (Challenge – Read Genesis 19:26 for the answer). Caution, don’t judge Lot’s wife too harshly; he wasn’t excited to leave the wealth and position that he comfortably enjoyed in Sodom.
We learn as we see God’s patience and intercessory of the righteous on our behalf reaches God; we should develop our faith.
Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, help us to move forward with you and not hold on to pieces of our sin-sick old life and begin anew and serve only you. Create in us a clean heart. Please forgive us when we fall short, and give us the strength to follow you and your plans for us.
We love and adore you, Holy God. Amen
~Diana L.W. Coleman
This devotional was submitted by Diana L.W. Coleman, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Genesis 26:17-27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:6-18, Proverbs 3:9-10
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Bible in a Year Day 15
Climatic Revelation?
Wow, this timely reading is an incredible lesson to receive from our Lord! The story of Jacob returning home with fear in his heart(Gen 32:7) and Christ is forewarning us of name-calling and murders. Wow!
My God shot is the unbelievably current state the living word of God presents. I’ve received email warnings and social media messages notifying us of a disturbance. Life as we know it is fading away. But God!
Jesus says in Matthew 10:28, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
In the state of ‘now,’ I am preparing. Jesus equips us His disciples by teaching us:
We will be called demons and worse names. (Matt. 10:25)
To not be afraid of threats. (Matt.10:26)
The truth will uncover secrets, and light will shine in the darkness. (Matt. 10:27)
When we are tortured to fear God, call on His name to save our soul. (Matt. 10:28)
While it may seem unrealistic to prepare a toddler to endure the sorrows of this fallen world, I believe it is necessary to the Christ-driven commission.
Hate protects no one, but the love-blood of Jesus covers His sons and daughters. We are responsible for the behaviors our impulsive thoughts carry us to; I pray we will teach them to obey Christ. Our Redeemer has warned us of coming pestilences; my hope is we humble ourselves before our Lord and evolve into a right relationship with Him.