One Year Bible for Today: Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalm 3:1-8; and Proverbs 1:10-19.
The Genesis passage is the story of Noah and the Great Flood. I am reminded of Jesus words when He said the days just preceding His return would be like the days of Noah. That is a sobering considertion. It speaks volumes to us. Here's the picture:
1. Rampant, uncontrolled violence, evil, and perversion. The real first flood of Noah's day was not water, but wickedness. When I look around today, it seems that unthinkable wickedness is being created around us.
2. A righteous man and his family were still intact right in the midst of this confusion. It is possible to walk with God and find His grace even in a debauched environment.
3. God provided protection. This brings me great confidence, faith, and hope. No matter how difficult our world becomes, God will provide an "Ark" for His people. I want to be in the right place as the events of coming years unfold!
Final thoughts:
Our God is speaking very strongly in our day. We really need to hear and heed. It isn't hard. Just a matter of listening and then obeying. If we do that, He will help us ride out whatever is coming and ultimately to prevail. Great days lie ahead!
Thoughts/questions concerning specific design God gave Noah --- (1)Noah responded in faith to God's instruction and it effected all under his authority and for generations to come; (2) individual specifics of design were given for practical application before-during-after the flood; not sure if there is spiritual application in each specific?; (3) God did not leave the specifics upto Noah; (4) Noah was focused doing as God commanded - he was not distracted by all the "outside" influences of his day. Imagine focusing on God and his instruction (listening) and fulfilling his instruction (obeying) and that life would be much simpler and rewarding.
ReplyDeletePowerful insights. #1 -- what we do now affects generations to come!! With Noah it's clear. His obedience affected us all. Our obedience is focused on our families and all those we influence. #2 and #3 -- specific instruction. God always gives it. Do we always hear it? Another example: the building of the tabernacle -- VERY DETAILED instruction. God cares about the details. #4 -- focus. This is one of my biggest challenges. So many things to deal with; so many distractions. LISTEN and OBEY. Great!
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