Genesis_3

ScriptureGenesis 3:4-5 NLT““You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”” Observation-What does it say?The serpent (Satan), was up to his old tricks again. Here he was, in the Garden of Eden, deceiving Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The tree that God specifically told both Adam and herself not to eat from. But the serpent was crafty. He twisted God’s Words to trick her into disobeying God. Understanding-What does it mean?The world is the devil’s playground, and he will use anything in it to bring mankind down with him.In this passage, Eve was tricked into disobeying God. She let someone/something else influence her into making a very bad decision. Instead of trusting God, and trusting in His commands, she let an outside influence pressure her into disobedience towards her Creator. I wonder how many of us get caught up doing the same thing? We let the world influence us into making bad decisions, decisions that aren’t very pleasing to God. Instead of trusting the ways of the only One in this world that is holy and righteous, we let the world determine things that are good and bad. And as Christ Followers, it’s time we need to take a stand in this world for God’s ways over the world’s ways. Because if we don’t, well, just look at the world we are living in now. A world that pushed God out of its schools and government. It is a world doomed for destruction. Life ApplicationTake a stand for what you believe in!Isn’t it about time we stand up and fight for what we believe in?! Sure it can be an unpopular choice, but it’s a choice we have to make. We are called to a higher standard as God’s children. Instead of letting the world conform us, it is us as His disciples that should be transforming the world through teaching His ways and His truth.Father God, I pray that You give me courage today to stand up for what I believe in...to stand up for You! May You help all Your children stand united in bringing back your values and ways into our schools and governments once again. Help us to put You back on the throne where You belong. It is the only way we can make America and this world great again! In Your Holy name Jesus I pray these things, Amen.-Moses Gaddi  

1 Corinthians_11

Scripture 

1 Corinthians 11:33-34  So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.  If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will arrange when I come. Observation-What does it say?  At the very beginning of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:9-10)  From here Paul shares his purpose for writing the letter, to encourage unity in Christ and to address issues of division and moral problems.  In chapter 11, Paul addresses issues of order within the church and a misuse of communion during their gatherings.  People were being selfish when they met together, looking after their own desires, “for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk” (11:21).  At the end of the chapter, Paul reminds the reader to look out for the interests of others first and to focus on seeking God as the purpose of meeting together.   Understanding-What does it mean?  Henry Ford is often credited with the invention of the assembly line.  But, he only refined the process.  Others preceded him, such as Venetian ship makers in the 12th century who built ships along a canal, or Eli Whitney who perfected the use of interchangeable parts in succession.  Though, the importance of Ford’s contribution was perfecting the process and defining each job of the different steps.  This perfection in the order of building a car made the Ford company the most successful in the early part of the 20th century. God created an order for us, which He defined for us in the Bible.  One of the parts of the order is how our meetings and gatherings are supposed to be, with one of the parts of order placing the needs of others before our own.  In Philippians, Paul plainly states, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (2:3-4)  Our gathering together is a place for us to learn how to serve others and to focus on absorbing the word of God.  When we practice the order of things, it moves us out of the way and makes room for God to do his work.   Life Application   Jesus, help me not to be in the way of you doing your works.  Help me to look for ways to serve others and help your word go forth.  -Tyler Galloway

Genesis_1

Scripture - What stood out?Genesis 1:27So God created man in his own image,    in the image of God he created him;

    male and female he created them. Observation - What does it say?In the beginning, God...The book of Genesis explains how it all began. The first chapter explains God’s work in six days. And the first words of the bible provides the basis for all of it. In the beginning, God... Understanding - What does it mean?Any non-creatives out there? Do you ever read the first chapter of the bible, look at all that was accomplished and wonder at the level of genius required to create everything you and I know? Forget about the workload, just the sheer amount of “creativity” seems daunting. I have a hard time creating internet passwords! Just as we are all drawn to our own names whether read or spoken aloud, I am drawn to the moment when we (humans) were created by God. Created in his own image. I have sped past this verse so many times in my lust to get another iteration of bible completion under my belt. Yet as I slowed down and read and re-read this verse I have decided to make this verse pivotal to who I am. Here are some things that I know that I know that I know about God-  God is love, God is creative, and God is hard working. And I am created in His image.  Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?I am going to look into the mirror this morning and tell myself:"Kenneth, you were created in God’s image. You are loved, You are creative, and You are hard working!" God may I stay true to You. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen. -kenneth lee