Scripture Read: Genesis 6 - 7
Title: Noah, The Righteous Man H.E.A.R. Entry (H) Highlight verse:: "But Noah found favor in the eyes of God" Genesis 6:8 (E) Explain: It doesn't take long for us to see in these chapters the negative consequences of sin come into full bloom. Sin has become rampant, even the norm in this new society of God's creation. There was corruption, sexual sins and humanity was in the tight grasps of sin and evil. This broke God's heart. We are told he actually had regrets about even creating all living things. However, there was ONE righteous man in the midst of all this evil... His name was Noah. We are told that Noah found favor in the eyes of God. This means God showed kindness to Noah because of his faithfulness to God. Noah was a righteous man (7:1). He was blameless or the Hebrew word is Tamim which is associated with the idiom "walk before" or "not guilty of idolatrous practices.". He had a proper relationship with God, unlike the rest of society. He was obedient (6:22, 7:5). All in all Noah was a righteous dude. Unfortunately, the rest of the world was not and this broke God's heart. He needed to cleanse or purge the known world of this evil, so he told Noah He was sending a flood. Only Noah and his family survived this flood (because of the grace and protection of God and Noah's obedience). Even though we see a catastrophic event in the world (the flood) we can see God's grace in full effect in the life of Noah. (A) Application: Living a holy, upright and righteous life still matters today. I strive, often very poorly, to live an upright life through the power of the Holy Spirit. I also need to be reminded that it is not my righteousness that brings salvation to my life. Salvation is only attained because of Jesus' righteousness. I may be called or considered a child of God because through Jesus' life, death and resurrection I am made right with God. This is grace. I want to live a righteous life before God, so I may bring glory to Him and His Kingdom here on earth. Because of Jesus' righteousness I may experience God's grace, mercy, and blessings in my life. (R) Respond: Lord, I pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit I may live a life that is pleasing to you. May I never depend on my righteousness because they are as filthy rags without Jesus in my life. May I fully depend on your righteousness, cleanse me and purge me of sin in my life, so I may live a blessed life in your presence.
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Scripture Read: Genesis 3 - 4
Title: The Beginnings of and Consequences of Sin H.E.A.R. Entry (H) Highlight verse:: "And if you do not do well sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it" Genesis 4:7b (E) Explain: These chapters document the introduction of sin into the world of humanity and also the negative consequences unchecked sin brings. In these verses we see sin and its consequences... blame, pride, anger, violence, deceit, selfish desires, pain, struggle, hostility, suffering, death (physical and spiritual), broken relationships, separation from God and much more. I find it interesting that whenever a sin in committed in these chapters God always responds to the guilty party with a question. "What have you done?" (3:13, 4:10) "Where are you?" (3:9) Who told you that you were naked?" (3:11) I believe this is God's way of lovingly confronting the sinner and offering them a chance to confess their sins and seek forgiveness. Unfortunately, Adam, Eve and Cain choose blame or excuses instead of confession. Things have not changed much today. Often people choose excuses and blame over confession and owning up to their sin. (A) Application: I face the temptation of sin daily. We all do. Sin continually crouches at the doors of our lives daily. Sin desires to entangle me and cause me to give in to its tempting lures. But I must rule over it. The problem is I cannot rule over it in my own power. Fortunately, because of Jesus, I can can overcome sin and even rule over it. Since Jesus "crushed the head of the serpent" (His death on the cross and his resurrection so the world can be set right) sin no longer has dominion over me. I can choose to not sin through the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. (R) Respond: Lord, help me to overcome the temptations of sin that I face daily. Sin has been defeated through Jesus Christ, but the temptations are daily. I fully rely on you and your Spirit in me to withstand these temptations and live in the power of your victory. Scripture Read: Genesis 1 - 2
Title: Created in God's Image H.E.A.R. Entry (H) Highlight verse:: "So God created man in his own image - in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them." Genesis 1:27-28a (E) Explain: Genesis is the account of beginnings. It highlights the beginnings of creation (universe), humanity (male and female), the earth, relationships (marriage) and more. In these chapters we read about the great thought, care and detail that God puts into creating all things. The author mentions three times in Genesis 1:27 that God created humanity, and twice it is mentioned that humanity was created in his image. I think the author wants us to know and understand this. Maybe we should take note of this? (A) Application: I am blessed because I am created in God's image. God has breathed life into humanity. We have the breathe of God (spirit) in us. God created us in his image and blesses us continually. May I be continually reminded that God's presence is with me and no matter the circumstances I face, I am blessed. (R) Respond: Lord, help me to be reminded that I am created and blessed by you. May I live my life in your presence and be sustained by your spirit daily. |
Jeff has been in full-time ministry for thirty years. He currently serves as Executive Director at Anchor House Ministry at SeaPort Manatee in Palmetto, FL and he is a part-time Campus Pastor at West Bradenton Southside in Bradenton, Florida.
Jeff Has authored A Lent Devotional (A Spiritual Journey to Lent) an Advent Devotional (The Advent of Jesus) and a devotional on the book of James (James: Where Faith and Life Meet). All three are available on Amazon. He is married to Carrie and they have four children, Micaiah, Gabe, Simon, and Berea. Preview or purchase Jeff's Books
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