6 Minute Read + Scripture readings

Today’s Bible Reading:

Genesis 20
Matthew 19
Nehemiah 9
Acts 19

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

“Then God said to him in the dream, ‘Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. I have also kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I have not let you touch her.’”
Genesis 20:6 (CSB)

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Three days ago, on January 16th, I shared some reflections on my understanding of how God is fully in control in a blog post that I titled, “Trusting God When Evil Happens.” Briefly stated, when evil occurs, it had to come from God’s hands. He either had to actively will it (i.e. Acts 2:23) or passively allow it (i.e. Job 1-2). While God cannot do evil, Bible-believing Christians believe that God rules supremely even over things and actions that are evil.

But, when we read our Verse to Today, we see that sometimes God overrules evil … by keeping it from happening. In Genesis 20, we see that God kept Abimelech from violating Sarah when Abraham failed to tell the king that Sarah was his wife.

And, even today, there may be evil things that could have happened to you but God is going to overrule them and keep them from occurring.

While I could select many personal stories, my mind is drawn back to a day in my childhood. One of my brothers and I were staying with my Aunt and Uncle in Alabama. They made plans to have a fun, family day in Huntsville at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. However, one of my cousins stepped on an insect the day before and his foot got infected. So my Uncle decided to simply take my brother and me while leaving behind his wife and three children. On the way back from our adventure in Huntsville, we were hit by a drunk driver who ran a red light. The blanket, in the back of the station wagon that my cousins would have been sitting on, was thrown out of the car into the middle of the busy intersection. God overruled the possible death(s) of my cousins by allowing an insect to sting my cousin’s foot the day before.

Friend, God is invisible (Colossians 1:15) so you won’t see Him today. Yet, His fingerprints are everywhere. In fact, it is quite possible that something horrible could happen to you or a loved one today but God is going to overrule it. It’s not going to happen. Maybe God will use that slow driver in front of you that keeps you from getting to your destination quickly. It’s quite possible that God could even use an insect bite.

Allow God to do His job today without your vocalized frustration. If things don’t go well, it could be that God is orchestrating your day to keep you from experiencing evil. So, thank Him for that driver in front of you who is going 5 miles under the speed limit.

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord Jesus, I rest in You today. I recognize Your control over my life and the events of this day. When things don’t go as planned, I will remember that You are working in even the smallest details and it just might be that You are working to protect me from something that could have hurt me today. So, when I am tempted to complain, I want to offer up a prayer of gratitude. Amen.

mitch-lensink-Ismnr6WSHCU-unsplash

___________________________________________________

“Taking a Trip to Israel:
Pictures, Videos, Reflections and Tips from a Trip to the Holy Land”

Train Monochromatic Red Thriller Kindle Cover (1)A trip to Israel can bring the stories of the Bible to life! It is unfortunate that most people will never be able to afford such a trip or fit it into their busy schedules.

Let Matt Ellis take you on a trip with his wife. They went to Israel in the summer of 2018 and spent much time taking pictures, capturing videos, and providing reflections on the numerous sites he visited.

In the pages of this digital book, you’ll visit places like Nazareth and Capernaum. You’ll take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. You’ll visit the possible site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. And these are just a few of the more than 20 sites that are highlighted in this interactive book.

Making your way through the pages of this book will help you to ultimately get more out of your time in the greatest Book of all, God’s Word.

Click here to purchase this digital, interactive book on Amazon for $2.99.

Advertisement