In the final verses of chapter 9, we find Noah in a state of shame.
This isn’t the Noah that obediently gathered all the animals into an ark + patiently waited on God after the flood.
The Noah that walked with God so faithfully.
The Noah who submitted to the Lord’s Will.
Noah is drunk and naked.
Read MoreGod establishes a covenant with Noah “that never again shall all bodily creatures be destroyed by the waters of a flood,” sealed by the sign of a beautiful rainbow.
I love watching my children’s wide-eyed wonder at God’s incredible promise. Their eyes light up and their hearts overflow with joy that they literally squeal with delight.
The vibrant colors. The endless, curious “whys” over how rainbows actually form.
Read MoreAnyone who knows me knows I’m not a patient person (AT ALL).
And I usually prefer to get things done myself because if I want something done RIGHT and in the time frame I want it done, I don’t like waiting around for people to hustle.
Read MoreIn the Great Flood, we see a second Genesis. A new creation, a new beginning, a rebirth.
We also find the number 40 for the first time, which turns out to be a significant number in the Bible -- a number that symbolizes a time of test + trial.
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Have you ever been called to do something out of your comfort zone?
When God calls us to do something, it’s usually something big, scary, and overwhelming. You’re not ready for this enormous change. In fact, you resist it (at first).
Read MoreIn my dark days of turning from God, I couldn't forgive others in my heart.
Couldn't forgive my divorced parents.
Couldn't forgive God for taking my siblings.
Couldn't forgive myself for the anger + pride that consumed my heart.
So when I finally did peace in the Lord 15 years later, I think of God's faithfulness and unending mercy + love, and I'm simply and humbly moved to tears.
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When I was in college, I was in a long-term relationship with someone I thought I would marry. We dreamed of growing old together, having children, and being happy.
Long story short, after a few years of dating, the Holy Spirit spoke directly to me and placed it on my heart to end the relationship.
This happened a few other times with toxic, drama-filled friendships.
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Truth be told, I found the fifth chapter of Genesis, a bit depressing.
I had no idea how to start the New Year’s study talking about death, but that’s precisely what...
Read MoreI can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be starting this New Year with you as we unwrap the gifts of God in Genesis.
What began as an extraordinary beginning -- the creation of the Earth, living things, and man -- with the promise of abundant life with God, soon turned into sorrow and sin as Adam and Eve fell into temptation.
Read MoreOne of the most cliche quotes we hear is, “home is where the heart is.” When we are preparing our hearts, we are often preparing our homes to welcome people into as well. When we welcome people into our heart and homes, we are called to be vulnerable with them.
Read MoreIn this season, we have so many obligations and to dos. For us alone, we have to finish buying gifts, we have to pack our bags, wrap our gifts, my husband Christopher has two fire company Santa runs, we have a family Advent party, and probably a million other things I can not think of off the top of my head. IN a season of wanting to spend time with people, making sure we make it to every party, of wanting to go Christmas caroling, ice skating, gingerbread house making, and the list goes on. But we have to realize that it is okay to say "no" to the world so that we can make time to prepare for the Lord, to make sure that we have time to spend with our family and not just make another obligation of Christmas.
Read MoreSo as we close in towards Christmas day, I know that I often have, lost sight of the Christmas season being about Jesus. I am so caught up in gift buying, cookie making, and house decorating that when I am setting up my Nativity I lose sight that this nativity is supposed to remind me of the true reason for Christmas. Every single time we say "Merry Christmas" we are stating right there what this holiday is about… Christ.
Read MoreImagine coming into your living room on Christmas day and under your Christmas tree, or where ever you see/ put the gifts, you see one that you didn’t see there the night before. You’re intrigued. These thoughts run through our mind: “Where did this gift come from?” “Who is this gift for?” “What is it?”
Read MorePretty lights everywhere! Snowmen in our front yards right next to Santa on our roof or the life-size nativity set in front for all to see! We see commercials where we can find all the discounts of Christmas décor. Decorating our homes and our rooms for Christmas can be a great tradition and a fun way for the family to spend time together. But we are constantly bombarded with a spirit of doing! We can feel obligated to decorate and buy when sales are on. These things can be a distraction just like how Martha was distracted by serving.
Read MoreDecorating the Christmas Tree, decorating the house, going to see Santa, shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts, cutting down the Christmas tree; these all may be on the list of family traditions you have. When we think of the religious traditions we have in our own families, it is a much shorter list.
Read MoreSo who’s on social media? Got a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram? If you don’t, you’re not missing out.
The irony of social media is it’s supposed to connect us to people, right? Yet, I see it all the time: a couple of friends at a coffeeshop, for example, or out to dinner — and they’re all on their devices updating their profiles!
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