Bible Study & Devotional (January 14, 2021)
Guiding Scripture: James 1:2-4
🔴 TODAY’S TRIALS TOMORROW’S TESTIMONY!
Hardships are something that we all face. What if we never had any problems, nothing terrible ever happened to us, and life was always sunshine and rainbows? That would be delightful! We could just hop, skip, and sing a happy song every day with no worry or care in the world. Reality check!!! Adam and Eve had that in the Garden of Eden before they sinned against God.
How do we get back to the utopia Adam and Eve shared in Eden?
- By acknowledging that we are sinners and disobey God.
- Ask God for forgiveness and turn from sin.
- Accept God as the One and only true God by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ.
- Ask God to forgive us and save us by His grace and mercy.
When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we receive His salvation. Remember this: What belongs to God is His, and no one has the power to take from God what belongs to Him! How’s that for security?!
Our education taught us to read and study. Schools tested our knowledge for retention. Likewise, trials and tests from life grow our faith and our ability to trust in God. Hardships help define our character, and the struggles define our attributes.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, we know that you always provide a means of escape. Help us follow the path directly to you. Thanks for your promise to never leave or forsake us. Please remind us that when we are at the end of our rope, you are at work for us. We love you, Lord, and we come out shouting hallelujah and glorious praise and honor to you! 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 30:1-31:16, Matthew 10:1-23, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Bible in a Year Day 14
Proverbs 3:13-15
Happy. Joyful. Blessed is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Pro.9:10)
We find wisdom when we seek God and submit to His sovereignty. Wow, how gloriously graceful is our God?!
Our Father is a life-giver and the source through whom we lead a successful life. Nothing we desire can compare to the divine alignment of being in God’s will.
Following Jacob’s family’s story, we watch Laban become increasingly wealthy while Jacob’s wives, sons, and servants look to him for direction. Is it a little messy? Well, of course, it is! While the timeline rapidly moves as we read, we must remember Jacob’s sons and daughters’ birth occurred over time.
How long does it take to acquire the authentic joy of the Lord? If someone were to summarize the last seven years of your life, what would be the overwhelming takeaway?
Psalm 12:2 hangs over the dispute of Laban and Jacob. Much time has passed, and Jacob was ready to receive his portion. Remember Jacob entered this chapter of his life a richly blessed man.( Gen.27:27-30, Gen.27:36, Gen. 28:3-4)
Oh, the deceitful hearts of two cunning men. Laban told Jacob his wealth came through the God Jacob worshiped (Gen 30:27). Laban needed Jacob. Under the circumstances, wisdom told Jacob he needed to be crafty if he desired life from under Laban’s thumb (Gen. 30:31-43). They struck a deal, and both men deceived the other (Psalm 12:2).
As you read Gen. 30 with Proverbs 3:13-15, as a lens, ask yourself: Is this behavior getting them closer to the joy of wisdom? Who have I deceived in my heart?
Why is your well essential to the quality of your life, and what have you named it? How far away is your well, and how often do you drink from it?