Days 2-5

Days 2-5

Genesis 17:1-Exodus 15:18

Important people that I read about were:

Genesis

• Abraham
• Sarah
• Melchizedek
• Ishmael
• Isaac
• Rachel
• Joseph
• Rebekah
• Esau
• Jacob
• Laban
• Leah
• Judah

Exodus:

• Moses
• Aaron
• Miriam
• Jethro
• Zipporah

Key Verses:

Genesis 50:20—You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

Exodus 3:14— God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.”

One of my favorite verses came from today’s (day 5) reading:

Exodus 14:13-14—But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

When I read, “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” I gain a sense of promise. Even today when I may doubt what God has told me, I can read that scripture and be reassured that no matter what, God WILL fight for me. Sometimes the concept of; if God promised it, you better believe He’s gonna do it, is hard for some people to swallow. We get caught up in the “what ifs” (just like Moses did at first) to the point of where we forget what God is really capable of doing.

Moses is introduced to us in the book of Exodus and at first, God surprised me with how complicated the plan is for freeing the Israelites was. Then I read, “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16. God told Moses and Aaron of each plaque that He would bring upon Egypt, and each time Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened. I think that Pharaoh’s thinking in the midst of it all was that if he told Moses he would allow his people to go worship God the plaques would leave. But once each plaque left, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he refuses to let them go. It was like it may have been a game with Pharaoh, like he was thinking towards Moses, “Okay, wise guy. You tell the plaque to leave and I will act like I am going to let you go, but once the plaque is gone, I am changing my mind (over and over again).” It’s like he tried to outsmart God, or see who would be more persistent. How dumb did the Pharaoh have to be to not realize after plaque number 2, 3 or 4-8 that God was in control and if he didn’t let the Israelites go, there was going to be major trouble. As if things weren’t going horrible enough for the Pharaoh and his people (list of the plaques go like this: blood, frogs, flies, livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness), God sends the plaque of the firstborn. Of course, this plaque hit a little closer to home for the Pharaoh, because his firstborn son dies. This is when Pharaoh finally lets Moses and the Israelites leave. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (one last time) and he (Pharaoh) and his officials went after them. God informed Moses this would happen by saying, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them (the Israelites). But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am LORD.” Exodus 14:4. So, there we have it, 8 plaques, the parting of the Red Sea and 430 years later, God delivers the Israelites from the Egyptians.

Not only did I read about the favor that was on Moses and Aaron, but also on Joseph. Joseph was one of many boys and he was shown favor from his father (Jacob). Of course jealousy took over (most) of his brothers and they attempt to kill him, but Reuben steps in at his defense. Instead of being killed, Joseph is sold in Egypt to Potiphar (one of Pharaoh’s officials). Joseph remained faithful to God during his time and had the gift of interrupting dreams. Potiphar found favor with Joseph and placed him second in charge of his palace. (If that’s not favor, I don’t know what is). The story goes on to tell of how the seven years of famine came and Joseph’s brothers come face to face with their brother. After they declare to be honest men, not spies, Joseph ask that one of the older brothers stays in prison and another brings the youngest back with him (Benjamin), to prove that they surely are not spies. Of course, Jacob doesn’t want to give up his youngest son, after what happened to Joseph, do you blame him? After all is said and done, Joseph goes back and forth with his brothers over different matters but finally reveals himself. In the end, Joseph is able to reunite with his father (Jacob) before he dies and peace is made with is brothers (Genesis 50:20-21). From all this, we are introduced to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Throughout the reading the past 4 days, I have seen how deceit can come in and take over at times, but God is still the great I AM and proves himself to be faithful each time. And how marvelous is God’s favor with His people? God has precise, detailed plans for each of our lives. A lot of times we forget the plans God has for us because we are too busy questioning every thing He says. I am encouraged to abandon all fears of worry, doubt and the silent whisper of “what if.” I am ready to let God be in control of every aspect of my life. I want to hear from Him the amazing plan he has made just for me. I want to completely trust that whatever He says, he will do and in the end he will be glorified. Too many times I say, “You’re in control God,” but I don’t really allow him to have it ALL. I pray that I am able to let go a little easier and give God the trust he deserves.

Day 1

Day 1 of the 90 day challenge is complete. I read Genesis 1:1-16:16.

Important people that I read about today were:

• Adam and Eve
• Cain and Abel
• Noah
• Abraham and Sarah

Key verses were:

Genesis 1:28--"God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Genesis 12:3--"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

A few things that stuck out to me:

As I went through the accounts of creation, there were two things that were repeated. The word "good," (everything God did, He saw that is was good). It is mentioned seven times, the last time it is mentioned, "God saw that all he had made, and it was very good." (Gen.1:31)

Also, the phrase "Be fruitful and increase in number...." is mentioned three times (Gen. 1:22, 1:28 and 9:1). Do you think God was stressing something here? To be fruitful means, producing good results; beneficial; profitable. To increase means, to become greater, as in number, size, strength, or quality, also to reproduce or multiply. Yes, we not only increase in number but we are called to produce good fruit. Are you/I/we producing good fruit?

Genesis 4:7— “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” This is what God said to Cain after he (pitched a fit) got upset about Abel’s offering being favored more than his. Right there, God says it all. If you do what is right, what is there to worry about? If you don’t, just remember that sin is at your door, wanting to get in and take over. The amazing part about it all is that we have a choice to take control over it (along with help from God). To me, this scripture is almost a challenge. When sin is crouching at my door, will I be able to stand firm on God’s word and my faith to MASTER (rule over) it?

Genesis 15:1—“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Simply put: Trust in God, he is our protector and in the end it's all good.

Genesis 15:7—“He also said to him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.” God reassures us (numerous times) that He knows what he said and he meant every word of it. Sometimes, it is hard for us to believe that God really does have it under control. Good thing for us, He doesn’t mind repeating himself every now and then. God told Abraham more than once that his offspring would great in number. Abraham was hesitant that it would really happen, which in his defense, he was childless and had no prospect of producing a child at this point. (Good thing I already know the outcome of Abraham and Sarah’s story, or I would be a little hesitant too).

Overall, I have gained a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness. So far in my reading, God has followed through with every promise he made. He was faithful then and He is STILL faithful now. I have a feeling, better yet, I know that as I continue to read the next 89 days, I will constantly be reminded of God’s faithfulness to his children.

What is the 90 Day Challenge?

Our young adults class will be starting a new book tonight; The Bible in 90 days (B90 challenge).

These past few days, I have been praying that God will allow me to see things in a different light as I take on this challenge. I want to get everything possible out of this challenge. While praying I also felt led to give up a few things and add one thing to my daily routine.

For the next 90 days, I will not be consuming any chocolate and most sweets. I am also giving up coke. I am sure this will be a challenge considering I will be starting a cake decorating class in August. I am fully confident that I can do it. I know that there is a reason why I feel led to cut these things out of my life for awhile. What I will be adding is more exercise. I have gotten away without having to do much of it and I have become downright lazy.

I think this challenge will not only help me spiritually but also physically. Sometimes we have to take a step back and give up the junk that

can get in the way, and allow God to be our provider for ALL things. I plan on blogging for the next 90 days. Hopefully I will stay strong and not fall behind. I am sure there will be moments where I struggle and want to throw in the towel, but the majority of the time, I know I will get to share with you how God is transforming my life.

I hope I can humor you, enlighten you and share everything I am able to gain from this.

So long chocolate and coke. You will be missed.