Hi! Happy Saturday. :) I've loved hearing from many of you as we've been on this journey telling me how these have been helping you, how you've enjoyed them, how you're doing them with your family and more. I truly, truly believe that reading the Bible everyday can change your life - and hearing that come true for you brings my heart so much joy. I know it's not always exciting, like these books currently are, but God's voice can always be heard. Let's jump on in to todays reading.
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
What does this teach me about myself?
What sticks out to me from todays reading - why?
Would Jesus say amen to this?
- My Thoughts -
Ah, more thoughts on mildew and pestilence. This was kind of fun to read about how people panic when in new environments. The region of Caanan is right up against the sea, therefore, increased moisture in the air would certainly lead to more moldy situations in their homes. As someone who is packing up for another move here shortly (not from the church just homes) I'm laughing to myself about the joys of moving and the unexpected problems that come with new territory.
But the part I want to focus my thoughts on today is the super weird part about taking a live bird and dipping it in the blood of another bird and then setting it free after. Something about that verse really stuck with me. I find the image of this now stained bird that was otherwise innocent very telling for what sin does to our own lives and what it does to those around us. Sin not only makes us dirty, but sin affects our relationships, which ultimately affects other relationships. Sin can cause otherwise profane places in our lives to become tainted forever. The ending of a marriage can make it impossible for your house to ever feel like a home again, for example. That's what I think about when I think of that bird flying away stained in blood. Yes, when God forgives us we are made clean again and that deserves praise, but, we need to ask ourselves "at what cost" and make the efforts to repair any damages that we might have caused with our sin. In other words, say sorry to God knowing God will forgive and then say sorry to the images of God in your own life as well.
On the other hand, I imagine that some of you feel like that little bird covered in blood from someone else mistakes. You've weathered peoples storms, you've been the victim to manipulation, abuse, under-appreciation, or taken advantage of. For this, I am sorry that the sin of the world has harmed you. I hope that you've been able to come to peace with whatever it is has that has harmed you before. Lastly, I want you to know this, just because you have some blood on your beautiful feathers that God made for you - it does not diminish in God's eyes how wonderful you are. So keep singing your wonderful songs to the "birdies" that read this blog. You are loved and nothing will ever change that.
Prayer:
Thank you God for always forgiving me when I make mistakes. The depth of your love is overwhelming to imagine sometimes. It's deeper than the oceans, it's wider than the vastness of space. Give my heart just a drop of the cosmo's that is your mercy, your patience, your wisdom so that my inevitable sins will not harm another precious child of God. In your holy name I pray, amen.