Bible Bits:January 29th

Bible Reading:  Job 35:1-37:24

Daily Tidbits:

• Don't worry about whether others will be punished for their godlessness.(Job 36:17)
• God wants to use our afflictions, and the way He delivers us from them, to lead us into a deeper and richer relationship with Him.  We should treat adversity as a bridge to a clear walk with God. (Job 36:15)
• God cares He is in control and He will speak.  Be ready to hear His message-- in the Bible, through the Holy Spirit, through prayer, and through circumstances and reltaionships.           (Job 37:2)
• Faith in God is more important than our desire for an explanation. (Job 37:21-24)

 

Jesus Calling Gems

"Keep your focus on Me...Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me...In My radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away.  Judgemental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love.  Confused ideas are untangled while you rest in the simplicity of My Peace.  I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me."



Bible Bits: January 28th

Bible Reading: Job 32:1-34:37

Daily Tidbits:

• Becoming wise is an ongoing, lifelong pursuit. Don't be content just to know about wisdom; makeit a part of your life. (Job 32:7-9)
• Our greatest test may be that we must trust God's goodness even though we don't understand why our lives are going a certain way.  We must learn to trust in God, who is good and not in goodness of life. (Job 33:13)
• Although we might have a wealth of Bible knowledge and life experiences, we must make sure our conclusions are consistent with all of God's word, not just parts of it. (Job 34:10-15)

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

"When My Presence is the focal point of your consciousness, all the pieces of your life fall into place.  As you gaze at Me through the eyes of your heart, you canseethe world around you from My perspective. The fact that I am with you  makes every moment of your life meaningful."

Bible Bits: January 27th

Bible Reading: Job 30:1-31:40

 

Daily Tidbit:

Just because God waits to answer our prayers does not mean that He has forgotten us orthat He has failed to hear our requests.  He works on our behalf even when we can't see His activity or feel His presence."

 

Hurtful Effects of Suffering:

• We become hardened and reject God
• We refuse to ask any questionsand miss any lessons that might be good for us.
• We withdraw from the help others can give.
• We reject the fact that god can bring good out of calamity.
• We accuse God of beeing unjust and perhaps lead others to reject him.
• We refuse to be open to any changes in our lives.

Helpful Effects of Suffering:

• We turn to God for understanding, endurance, and deliverance.
• We ask important questions we might not take time to think about in our normal routine.
• We are prepared by it to identify and comfort others who suffer.
• We are open to being helped by others who are obeying God.
• We are ready to learn from a trustworthy God.
• We realize we can identify with what Christ suffered on the cross for us.
• We are sensitized to the amount of suffering in the world.

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

"Dare to walk on the high road with Me, for it is the most direct route to heaven.  Relying on your own understanding will weigh you down.  Trust in Me absolutely, and I will make your path straight."

Bible Bits: January 26th

Bible Reading: Job 26:1-29:25

Daily Tidbits:

• Compassion produces greater results than criticism or blame. (Job 26:2-4)
• When looking for guidance, seek God's wisdom as revealed in the Bible.  To be lifted above and beyond the boundaries of life we must know and trust the Lord of life. (Job 28:13)
• "And this is what he says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding." (Job 28:28) "The fear of the Lord" means to have respect and reverence for God and to be in awe of His majesty and power.  This is the starting point to finding real wisdom."

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems

"Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life...Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven...It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances.  In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark...When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway.  I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way."



Bible Bits: January 25th

Bible Reading: Job 22:1-25:6

 

Daily Tidbits:

 

"I have not departed from His commands, but treasured His words more than daily food."  Job 23:10

 

We are always likely to have hidden sin in our lives, sin we don't even know about because God's standards are so high and our performance is so imperfect.  But if we are true believers, allo our sins are forgiven because of what Christ did on the cross on our behalf (Romans 5:1;8:1).  The Bible also teaches that even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings. (1 John 3:20)

 

"Yield now and be at peace with Him; Thereby good will com to you.  Please receive instruction from His mouth.  And establish His words in your heart." Job 22:21-22 (NASB)

 

     yield (give in to): submit (to be used exhibit, use, show harmony with, know intimately), aquaint(get familiar with)

 

     peace/strong- be in covenant with peace; to be sound; to be uninjured

 

     store- establish, put in place, to set apart, to make

 

     recieve - seize, listen

 

1. Submit to Him (Aquaint and know Him intimately)
2. Listen to His instructions (seize, listen)
3. Store His instructions in my heart (establish, put in place, set apart)

 

 

Jesus Calling Gem

"Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones.  Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out.  As you keep your focus on Me.  I form you into the one I desire you to be.  Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up.  Enjoy the tempo of a God - breathed life by letting Me set the pace."

 

Bible Bits: January 24th

Bible Reading: Job 19:1-21:34

 

Daily Reading: 

 

 Even after he was lamenting about his hardship Job says "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last."  No matter what happens, God is still on His throne!!!  AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! (Job 19:25)

 

God does as He wills to individuals (Job 21:22-25), and people cannot use their circumstances to measure their own goodness or God's -- they are sometimes (but not always) related.

 

God bases success on a person's heart.

 

The way you respond to your personal struggles shows your attitude toward God...Although it is sometimes difficult to see, God is in control.  We must commit ourselves to Him so we won't resent His timing. (Job 21:22)

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

"Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials."



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Bits: January 23rd

Bible Reading: Job 15:1-18:21

 

Daily Tidbits:

• "Your sins are telling your mouth what to say. Your words are based on clever deception."   Job 15:5 The key to restored hope and repaired hearts is confession.
• Until we get right with God we will have a "less than" life.
• Stay "real" with God.
• Don't talk just for the sake of talking; don't sermonize by giving pat answers; don't accuse or criticize; put yourself in the other person's place; and offer help and encouragement.  The best comforters are those who know something about personal suffering.

/Without confession and repentance our:

• talk becomes and empty and words serve no purpose
• words become deceiving and manipulative
• mouth condemns us

Until we come clean with concerning our sin, empty words remain like the wind, chatter serves no purpose and our mouth will eventually drive others away.

 

 

 

Jesus Calling Gem:

 

"It's all right to be human. When your mind wanders while you are praying, don't be surprised or upset.  Simply return your attention to Me."

Toilet Paper Makes Me Cry?

How weird is it that toilet paper makes me cry?  It just reminds me of Nate because it came from the old house, which is now gone, and had been in his truck, which youngest now drives, so it has Nate's smell.  I know it sound weird, but if you've been with someone day in and day out for over 20 years, you recognize their smell.  I didn't realize it til the boys brought something home from the old house wrapped in a bath towel. I was getting ready to throw it in the wash when for some reason I smelled it.  It smelled like Nate, I hadn't smelled that in a bit over a year and it literally dropped me to my knees and I started crying.  The boys came home and found me laying on the couch with the blue towel wrapped around my shoulders...I tried to explain, they said they understood but does anyone really? So who cares if the toilet paper makes me cry, I'm entitled.

Bible Bits: January 22nd

Bible Reading: Job 12-14

Daily Tidbit: We must be careful and compassionate in how we apply biblical condemnations to others; we must be slow to judge. (Job 13:4)

Jesus Calling Gem:

 "Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity...Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment- accepting things exactly as they are and search exactly for My way in the midst of those circumstances. Trust is like a staff you can lean on, ... If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed."

Bible Bits: January 21st

Bible Reading: Job 8-11

Lessons from Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophas):

• Those who wish to comfort people in sorrow should consider silence before sppech, empathy before explanations and patience with their pain.
• Even the hardest questions that come out of grief don't require instant answers.
• Genuine friendship includes attentive, compassionate presence in times of sorrow and loss.

Daily Tidbits: Life's trials, whether allowed by God or sent by God, can be a means for development and refinement. (Job 10:1)

Jesus Calling Gem

"I want you to be all Mine...Depending only on Me may feel like walking on a tightrope, but there is a safety net underneath: the everlasting arms."

Bible Bits: January 20th

Bible Reading: Job 5:1- 7:21

Daily Tidbits:

• God doesn't eliminate all hardship when we are following Him closely, and good behavior is not always rewarded by prosperity. (Job 5:17-26)
• Be open with god about your pain. (Job 7:11)

Jesus Calling Gem: "Approach this day with the awareness of who is Boss. As you make plans for the day, remember that it is I who orchestrate the events of your life...Don't try to figure out what is happening simply trust Me and thank Me in advance for the good that will come out of it all."

Jesus Calling Gems:

"Approach this day with the awareness of Who is Boss.  As you make plans for the day, remember that ist is I who orchestrate the events of your life... Don't try to figure out what is happening.  Simply trust Me and thank Me in advance for the good that will come out of it all."



Bible Bits January 19th

Bible Reading: Job 1:1-4:21

Themes of Job:God is sovereign, even in the face of life's worst trials. He will not allow us to be tested beyon our ability to withstand whatever adversity confronts us. (LP)

Lessons from Job's Life:

• Knowing God is better than knowing answers.
• Pain is not always a punishment.

Daily Tidbits:

• Because our behavior matters, we need to live life one day at a time without complete answers to all of our questions. (Job 1:1)
• Any person committed to God should expect to be attacked by Satan. (Job 1:6-7)
• Although God loves us, believing and obeying Him do not shelter us from life's calamities. (Job 1:8, 12)
• While God may allow us to suffer He is never caught off guard by our troubles and is always compassionate. (Job 1:12)
• Don't limit God to your perspective and finite understanding of life. (Job 4:12-13)

This brings to mind the Facts of Life theme song "You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and then you have the Facts of Life."

Today's troubles are opportunities for God to prove His faithfulness.

Jesus Calling Gems

"Let Me displace worry at the center of your being...Glorify Me by receiving My blessings gratefully.  I am the goal of all your searching.  When you seek me, you find Me and are satisfied...Live radiantly by expanding your focus to include Me in all your moments."



 

Bible Bits: January 18th

Bible Reading: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Daily Tidbits:

• Our past also affects our present and future. (Genesis 49:3-28)
• Remember to thank God for what you have so that your trust doesn't become misplaced. (Genesis 49:18)

Jacob's Sons and Notable Descendants:

1. Reuben
2. Simeon
3. Levi: Aaron, Moses, Eli and John the Baptist
4. Judah: ;David, Jesus
5. Dan: Samson
6. Naphtali: Barak, Elijah
7. Gad: Jephthath
8. Asher
9. Issachar
10. Zebulun
11. Joseph: Joshua, Gideon, Samuel
12. Benjamin: Saul, Esther, Paul

Jesus Calling Gems

"Your assignment is to follow Me, allowing Me to direct your path...Learn to trust Me when things go 'wrong'.  Disruptions to your routine highlight your despendence on Me.  Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all."

 



Bible Bits: January 17th

Bible Reading: Genesis 45:16-47:27

Daily Tidbits: We may not always see the effects of our faith, but we can be sure that God will honor our faithfulness. (Genesis 47:1-6)

Some reasons God doesn't answer prayers sooner:

• Doubt (James 1:5-8; Mark 9:23)
• Attempt to manipulate (1 Samuel 13:9-14)
• Wrong motivation (James 4:3)
• Disobedience (Psalm 81:10-12)
• Lack of responsibility (Proverbs 19:19)
• Rejecting God's method (Joshua 6; 2 Kings 5:8-14)
• God's redirection (Genesis 37:39-50; Is. 43:19)
• God's desire to teach us (Is. 48:18)

 

Jesus Calling Gems

"Search for all that I have prepared for you, anticipating abundan blessings and accepting difficulties as they come, I can weave miracles into the most mundane day if you keep your focus on Me...Stay in continual communication with Me, so that you can live with Me, so that you can live above your circumstances even while you are in the midst of them."

Bible Bits: January 16th

Bible Reading: Genesis 42:1-45:15

Lessons from Judah's Life:

• God is in control, far beyond the immediate situation.
• Procrastination often makes matters worse.

Daily Tidbits: It's not about "I told you so's." (Genesis 42:8-9)

Jesus Calling Gems

"As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you - now and always...  Come to Me, and relax in My Peace.  I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust."

Bible Bits: January 15th

Bible Reading: Genesis 40:1-23; 35:28-29; 41:1-57

Daily Tidbits:

• One secret of effective witnessing is to recognize opportunities to relate God to the other persons experience.(Genesis 40:8)
• Be ready for opportunities by staying close to God. (Genesis 41:14)
• Don't be silent when you know you should be glory and credit to God. (Genesis 41:16)

Jesus Calling Gems

"You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to face with Me, your Peace.  As long as you focus on Me, you are safe.  If you gaze too long at the myriad of problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens.  When you start to sink, simply call out, 'Help me, Jesus!' and I will lift you up...I am always beside you, helping you face today's  waves.

"

Bible Bits: January 14th

Bible Reading: Genesis 37:1-38:30; 1 Chronicles 2:3-6, 2:8; Genesis 39:1-23

Lessons from Reuben's Life:

• Public and private integrity must be the same or one will destroy the other.
• Punishment for sin may not be immediate, but it is certain.

Lessons from Potiphar and His Wife:

• God can accomplish His purposes through other's mistakes and sins.
• One person with character stands out among those who possess little of it.

Jesus Calling Gem

"There is no place for pretense in your relationship with Me.  Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood.  Talk with Me about your struggles...Remember that your relationship with Me is saturated in grace.  Therefore, nothing that you do or don't do can separate you from My presence."

Bible Bits: January 13th

Bible Reading: Genesis 16:1-19; 1 Chronicles 1:35-37; Genesis 36:20-30; 1 Chronicles 1:38-42; Genesis 36:31-43; 1 Chronicles 1:43-2:2

Lessons from Joseph's Life:

• What matters is not so much the events or circumstances of life, but our response to them.
• With God's help, any situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil.

Jesus Calling Gems

"Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide... Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense My Presence of not  A thankful trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective. See your life from My perspective.  A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable...Be willing to follow wherever I lead.  No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side."

Bible Bits: January 12th

Bible Reading: Genesis 32:1-33:27

Lessons from Dinah's Life:

• Thoughtless avengers often hurt the original victims a 2nd time.
• Family members can be trampled in the crush for family honor.

Daily tidbits:

• When we face a difficult situation we can run or pray. (Genesis 32:9-12)
• We can remove bitterness from our lives by honestly expressing our feelings to God, forgiving those who have wronged us and being content with what we have. (Genesis 33:1-11)

Jesus Calling Gems:

"Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you.  I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it...I will not show you what is on the road ahead , but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey...Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts.  Thus you can walk through this day with your focus on Me.  My abiding Presence is the best road map available."

Bible Bits: January 11th

Bible Reading:Genesis 30:25-31:55

Daily Tidbits:
"God's power is not limited by lack of fair play." Genesis 31:4-13

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

"When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me.  Speak to Me candidly, pour out your heart.  Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results.  When your requests come to mind again continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way.  if you keep stating your concerns you will live in a state of tension.  When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mindset becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and My promises." 

Bible Bits: Jan 10th

Bible Reading: Genesis 28:6-30:24

Lessons from Rachel's Life:

• Loyalty must be controlled by what is true and right.
• Love is accepted, not earned.

Lessons from Leah's Lesson:

• Opportunities for joy can be missed through wrong motives toward others.
• God has a way of using unexpected people to accomplish His purposes and plans.

Lessons from Laban's Life:

Daily Tidbits:

• God will always stay with us and keep all His promises to us, even when we go through the storms of life. (28:15)
• God eventually answered Rachel's prayers but she wasn't patient. Trusting God when nothing seems to be happening is difficult but not as difficult as the consequences of taking things into our own hands. ( 30:22-24)

 

Jesus Calling Gems

"Every time you affirm your trust in Me, you put a coin into My treasury, thus you build up equity in preparation for days of trouble."

Shattered Princess

The last yearish (yes, I'm sure somewhere that is a word) has been a very rough one with lots of changes and lessons learned.

              Changes:

• My husband had a second major break with reality.  He'd been hospitalized once for "paranoid delusions" but was doing okay. This time was very bad, there are no words, and it's not for public, I will NEVER forget the horrors.  He was released, (without medicine) and he disappeared for 3 days.  When he returned he tried to have me arrested for poisoning him.  The previous year had been one of the best of our 22 year marriage.  For the safety of myself and my boys, I left. Because we feared for his life, my oldest (19 at the time) took all of the guns out of the house.  After we left, the only thing he wanted from us was his 9mm.  This time he was diagnosed with 4 different personality disorders, no one medicine would help and some would work against each other, the doctors said it would only get worse and he would eventually not be able to function in the "regular" world.
• My heart was shattered, I never wanted to leave my marriage, but what I realized when I left is how I had spent the last 22 years of my life not just being a submissive wife but being a beat-down wife.  What I had seen as personality quirks were the beginnings of his mental illness.  Again, I won't get into all the details, they are forever etched on my mind.  I stayed until God released me, He opened door after door for my freedom, had one roadblock been put up, I would have returned to my husband.  I stood by him for half of my life even through the infidelity and emotional abuse. But I never stopped loving him or hurting for him.
• We never spoke again, I knew if I had anything to do with him, I'd go back.  He cut both of our sons off (now 18 and 20).  It wasn't a lack of love for any of us, he just couldn't deal with it.  In order to move on, I filed for divorce, God had protected me throughout our marriage by keeping our finances separate. I didn't fight for anything...I just needed to be released. Shattered.....I was....broken in many little pieces. It wasn't a lack of love.
• October 26th he was found dead, suicide....broken in even more pieces was I....I loved him and he was gone. I'd held him together for 22 years, I realize that now and sadly might have been able to hold him together for a few more, but at what price?  My life?  My boys lives? My sanity? I have very little doubt that had we been there, we would have been dead, too.  He lost touch with reality and that was bad, so bad. Shockingly, he left me the beneficiary to his life insurance policy. When I asked my boys why, one replied, "He never stopped loving you mom, he just couldn't handle living with you or anyone." Broken but grateful....he provided more for us in his death than he ever did in life. But I'd continue working 2 jobs to put my boys through college singlehandely if it meant he would still be here, in our lives or not.  Broken.....into many tiny pieces....It wasn't a lack of love.

               Lessons: (off the top of my head)

Blessings really do come from teardrops.
Strength comes through brokeness and pain.
Friends are worth investing in.
Saying "no" is okay.
Taking time for yourself and taking care of yourself is okay.
Crying is catharic.
Family time helps heal.
You don't have to understand to be okay.
Faith matters.
God's big enough to hold you up and put you back together.               

  It made me start a new blog.  I still consider myself a princess, my Father is the King of Kings, but the pieces of my life are being rearranged. Beauty out of the ashes and all that.  That's why I chose the name "Shattered Princess" for my blog.  It's my place to write what I need and want.  It may never be viewed by anyone but myself, and that's okay. I have alot I want to say, alot I want to remember.  So, I'm still Missy, but I'm becoming "new".  

Looking forward to the journey,
Missy

Bible Bits: January 9th

Bible Reading: Genesis 25:27-28:5

Lessons from Esau's Life:

• God allows certain events in our lives to happen to accomplish his overall purposes, but we are still responsible for our actions.
• Consequences are important to consider.

Lessons from Jacob's Life:

• Security does not lie in the accumulation of goods.
• All human intentions and actions for good or evil-- are woven by God into His ongoing plan.

Daily Tidbits:
There are always consequences to our deceitfulness even if we get what we wanted. (Gen. 27:24)

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

"I am with you and for you, when you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you...Do not expect an easy path as you journey and and hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very present Helper am omnipotent.  Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is inthe timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment."

Bible Bits: January 8th

Bible Reading: Genesis 25:1-4; 1 Chronicles 1:32-33; Genesis 25:5-6; Genesis 25:12-18; 1 Chronicles 1:28-31,34; Genesis 25:19-26, 7-11

Profile of a true servant (Eliezer) from Genesis 24:

• Accepted the challenge (3,9)
• Examined the alternatives(8)
• Promised to follow instructions (9)
• Made a plan (12-14)
• Submitted the plan to God (12-14)
• Prayed for guidance. (12-14)
• Devised a strategy with room for God to operate (12-14)
• Waited (21)
• Watched closely (21)
• Accepted the answer thankfully (26)
• Explained the situation to concerned parties (34-49)
• Refused unnecessary delay (56)
• Followed through with the entire plan (60)

Ishmael and his decendents were always at odds/hated Isaac's family. (Genesis 25:17)

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

"Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help. Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Cling to home, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness."



Bible Bits: January 7th

Bible Reading: Genesis 21:8-23:20; 11:32; 24:1-67

Lessons from Hagar's Life:

• God is faithful to His plans and promises, even when humans complicate the process.
• God shows Himself as one who knows us and wants to be known by us. (El Roi)

Lessons from Isaac's Life:

• Patience often brings rewards.
• God keeps His promises. He remains faithful even when we are faithless.
• Playing favorites is sure to bring family conflict.

Lessons from Rebekah's Life:

• Our actions must be guided  by God's Word.
• God even makes use of our mistakes in His plan.
• Parental favortism hurts a family.

 

Daily Tidbits:

• God tested Abraham, not to trick him and watch him fail but to deepen his capacity to obey God and thus to develop our character.  Just like fire refines metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances.  When we are tested we can complain, or we can try to see how God is stretching us to develop our character. (Genesis 28:1)
• The purpose of testing is to strengthenour character and deepen our commitment to God and His perfect timing.  Through this difficult experience, Abraham strengthened his commitment of obedience and learned about God's ability to provide."

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems
"Thankfulness, also is a royal road to draw near Me.  A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me...Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving.  This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence."



Bible Bits: January 6th

Bible Reading: Genesis 18:1-21:7

Lessons from Sarah's Life:

• God responds to faith even in the midst of failure.
• God is not bound by what usually happens.

Instead of being a liight to others, Lot allowed himself to be compromised by the people around him. (Gen. 19:14)

Lot's wife turned back because she was clinging to the past.  You can't make progresswith God as long as you are holding onto pieces of your old life. (Genesis 19:26)

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems

"I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine come to Me with positive expectations,...Keep your eyes and youor mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life."

Bible Bits; January 5th

Bible Reading: Genesis 15:10-17:27

Lessons from Ishmael's Life:

• God's plans incorporate people's mistakes.

Although much of what happened throughout his life can't be blamed on him, Ishmael's actions show that he had become part of the problem and not the solution.  He chose to live under his circumstances rather than above them.

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

 

"True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do.  It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you."

Bible Bits: January 4th

Daily Reading: Gen. 11:1-26; 1 Chronicles 1:24-27; Gen 11:27-31, 12:1-14:24

Lessons from Abraham:

• God desires dependence, trust and faith in Him- not faith in our ability to please Him.
• God's plan from the beginning has been to make himself known to all people.

"And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:6

 

 

Lessons form King Melchizedek (not a Jew):

• Live for God and you're likely to be at the right place at the right time.
• Examine your heart-- to whom is your greatest loyalty?

Daily Tidbit(s):

The Tower of Babel was a monument the people built to show THEIR greatness and not God's.  In the same way we sometimes allow our achievements to give us our identiy and self-worth instead of letting God do that.  We must watch out for the towers we build in our lives.

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

"No matter what happens say, 'I trust You, Jesus.' Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities whan you affirm your trust in God no matter what."

 

 

 



Bible Bits: January 3rd

 

Bible Readings:  Gen 7: 1-10:5: 1 Chronicles 1:5-7; Genesis 10:6-20; 1 Chronicles 1:8-16; Genesis 10:21-30; 1 Chronicles 1:17-23; Genesis 10:31-32

Daily tidbits:

• "So Noah did everything as the LORD commanded him." Gen. 7:5 How often can I say that?
• The first thing Noah did when leaving the ark was worship-- to grow in our relationship with the Lord we must make worship a priority. (Gen 8:20)

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

 

"Learn to 'hid' in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world.  I am both with you and within you...Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your Burden-bearer.  In the world you have trials and distress, but don't let them get you down.  I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you.  In Me, you may have confident peace."

 

Bible Bits January 2nd

Bible Reading: Genesis 4:1-5:32; 1 Chronicles 1:1-4;; Genesis 6:1-22

 

 

Lessons from Abel's Life:

• God hears those who come to Him
• God recognizes the innocent person and sooner or later punishes the guilty.

 

Lessons from Cain's Life:

• Anger is not necessarily a sin but the actions motivated by anger can be sinful.
• What we offer God must be from the heart-- the best we are and have.
• The consequences of sin may last a lifetime.
 

Lessons from Noah's Life:

 

• God is faithful to those who obey Him.
• God does not always protect us from trouble, but cares for us in spite of it.
• Obedience is a long term commitment.
• We amy be faithful but our sinful nature always travels with us.

 

 

Daily tidbit(s)

 

Do I give God some or my best?

 

 

Life Principle 1: (Gen 1:26)

"Our intimacy with God-- His highest priority for our lives--determines the impact of our lives."

 

God seeks our surrender:

• He loves us and desires our fellowship and worship.
• He wants our service for Him to be effective and fruitful.
• He waits for the freedom to bless us.

 

 

Jesus Calling Gems:

 

"Relax in My healing presence...Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me."

Bible Bits: January 1st

Bible Reading:  Genesis 1:1- 3:24.

Lessons from Adam's Life:

• We all reflect the image of God
• We should not blame others for our faults
• We cannot hide from God.

Lessons from Eve's Life:

• The basic human tendancy to sin goes back to the beginning of the human race
• Satan's plan against us: doubt, siscouragement, diversion, defeat and delay.

Daily tidbit:

God gave us the freedom of choice but freedom isn't doing anything we want but from obedience and knowing what not to do. The restrictions He gives us are to help us avoid evil. (Gen 3:5)

 

Jesus Calling Gem:

 

"As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence."