GENESIS 10
Genesis 10:32 These are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their lines of descent, within their nations. From these the nations spread out over the earth after the flood.
First time today that I ran into a long list of just name after name and generation after generation. Crazy part, was that most were names of future nations that were constant thorns in Israels side. I read the names of the nations that at various times took over, destroyed, and decimated the nation of Israel and hadnt ever taken the time to think that they started out as family leaders. All coming from the line of Noah and his sons...
GENESIS 11
Genesis 11: Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves...
In this chapter we find the story of the tower of Babel...a structure that was meant to reach to the heavens. Really stood out to me that the problem wasnt in the building of the tower, but in the attitude of the hearts of those who were building it. What was the motivation that they had? To "make a name for THEMSELVES". What a crazy contrast to what I read yesterday about Noah immediately giving thanks after he and his family left the ark. They wanted glory, to be known for the greatness of their creation (the tower), and to be praised and remembered by all! Instead of wanting praise, worship, and admiration to go the way of Christ, they wanted it for themselves...
Before I get too far in condemning the people who attempted to build it though, I have to remember that I often too seek my glory and not that of Christ. I am the most fiercely competitive person that I know. I want to win at EVERYTHING that I do. I literally will evaluate under the thought of..."can I be the best, or one of the best at this"...and if not, will often times refuse to participate. And in this, the question becomes who's glory am I really seeking? God help my attitude be to reflect and give your glory and not my own...
GENESIS 12
Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
I love that Abram just went. He didnt question it, he just up and moved EVERYONE. I can only imagine that conversation with his wife..."honey, we are packing up everything and moving...and here is the catch! I have no clue where to!". I love it! I spend far too much time reasoning and thinking about if it REALLY is what God wants for me. Abram didnt. I need to be more like that...
MATTHEW 4
Matthew 4:2 ...After fasting forty days and forty nights...
This chapter was super tough to have only one thought on. I could have had a bunch! Great thoughts through this whole section...but I was struck by the fact, that the very first thing that Jesus does when He is getting ready to start His ministry, is to disappear and fast and pray for 40 days. He knew that it was going to be challenging, frustrating, and ultimately cost Him His life. And He knew that it had to start on His knees in fasting, prayer, and devotion to God. In the face of big decisions and choices that I have to make, I far too infrequently find myself following the example that Jesus set. It needs to be the first thing that I do...not the after thought. Are you serving leftovers to God? Or the best that you have...
To Date...
Books read: 0
Chapters read: 16
Verses read: 409
No comments:
Post a Comment