Relationship not project

The words, "Go in peace, serve the Lord," proclaimed at the end of most worship services is familiar language. Do we stop to consider what is meant? Some churches post signs which read, "You are now entering the mission field," at the top of their doorways. These are situated so as to be read as we leave the building. Catchy phrase for sure. Again, what is meant?

For this writer, I am beginning to understand that I am constantly on mission - or least I should be. If I take a trip to Honduras, or Haiti it is recognized as mission, but what about when I turn down my neighborhood and prepare to pull into my driveway? Do I see this place as a mission field? 

I have been on a few short-term mission trips overseas and been blessed and fulfilled by those opportunities. There is also a need to sign up for long-term mission work right at home. By allowing people access to us, we form friendships, lasting and meaningful bonds that change lives.

The things we do on Sunday morning matter because they should be preparing us for the other six days of the week. Learning about Jesus and how He loved people, how He took the time to build relationships with these people, is the example I want to follow. Not to mark another notch on my mission belt, but because every relationship I build is a new friend in my life. 

Once there is a relationship, who knows where God will take it? You may gain an opportunity to speak into their life, or maybe they will speak into yours.


To listen to the sermon by Joe Valentino on the topic of Sending, click here.

Matthew 22:37-39

It all begins with a relationship

Hebrews 13:7-8 (MSG)

7-8 Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.

Have you always had a strong faith; always known a personal relationship with Jesus, or did someone help you develop this faith?  Many of us were guided on the right path by our parents or grandparents, but many of us did not have that blessing in our lives as children. It all starts with a healthy relationship; first with God and then with another.

I was blessed when God placed a Believer in my life who shared the truth with me. I remember the first person I listened to.  There may have been others who tried to share, but I did not hear them. One day though, I was ready.

We are taught that we must make the effort and extend the invitation. We are to come alongside our neighbor and hold out our hand. The rest is up to God. It is God who prepares their hearts, it is God who does the heavy lifting, we only need to allow Him to use us.

I believed those words, but they didn't always register. Remembering the woman who made the invite which I responded to, I now thank God for her boldness.  God worked behind the scene for years, preparing me, years working on my heart. Many forces stalled my response, but God patiently worked on me.  The truth is, He allowed me to get to the point where I felt lost and hopeless.  I saw no reason to continue on as I was; lost and alone.

Looking back, I can see how life's trials and challenges had meaning.  The situations that seemed to drag me under were the very things Jesus used to prepare my heart for His invitation. And it all began with a relationship.


Hebrews 13:7-16

Shine the Light of Trust as you Walk Around the Block

Do you find it easy to trust? Do you need to be friends with someone before you trust them? Or, are there stages of trust. There are most likely as many differing responses to these questions as there are situations where trust was born or broken.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 

In recent years, I have found it easier to trust people and share some of my life with them. There are some people who seem naturally to be trustworthy. There is a chemistry when we meet and it doesn't take long before there is a feeling like we have been friends for a while. Comfort is in their words and conversation is easy.

Those of you who know me have heard this part of my story. How there was a time I didn't have any friends and I didn't want any.  That was much of my life. Then, someone I trusted, (a few someone's actually), introduced me to Jesus and He became a reason for mto go on. And over time, I started to crave meaningful relationships.

Remembering my past, from where I came, is helpful now as I want to help someone else find that special relationship with Jesus. The thing is, it will begin with a relationship with me.  Sounds like bait and switch doesn't it? But in the best way possible.

The trick is for me to keep my eyes open to anyone God may be placing right in front of me. That someone who doesn't know it yet, but just might become a real friend. Then with prayer and my trust in the Holy Spirit, we will move around that Discipleship Block one step at a time.

Matthew 5:13-16

Trust or Bust

"Now is the day of salvation.  Put no obstacle in anyone's way." (2 Corinthians 6:1-3)

We can't have genuine relationships without trust. If trust is broken, the relationship suffers and often crumbles. When we find someone we respect and can trust with our pain and troubles, a valuable friendship is established. If I can trust you, I will listen to you and value your opinion.

Do you have many friends? There are lots of people in my life, but not all of them would I consider a friend. A friend is someone I trust. Trust is a very big one syllable word, and no true or real relationship can exist without it.

As we learn to Walk Around the Block with someone, as we get ready to help them accept Jesus into their life, there must be trust. To even get someone to the point of being willing to listen to us, we must have developed a relationship of trust. Trust is a two-way street, as we have to trust them as well.  Truth arises out of trust.

Many of us have issues with trust. We have been disappointed and let down by folks we expected would have been there for us. Spouses, parents, siblings and even best friends are often the culprits. Parents divorce, spouses lie or cheat, siblings turn their backs on each other and best friends betray. That is a reality in this world. We can't expect perfect behavior from people who don't know Jesus.

In fact, we are all capable of doing things untrustworthy. That is why we need Jesus, why we need to be careful and to always be on guard. We need prayer and we need relationships which help us keep in touch with our sinful nature while we embrace righteousness from God. While we are helping someone else recognize Jesus as redeemer we need someone who is coming alongside us too. We all need a mentor - an accountability partner you can trust to speak truth into your life.

2 Corinthians 6:2-11

Invite a Friend to go Fishing

Do you like to fish? When I was a young girl we lived near a lake and in the spring and summer my sister and I would sometimes accompany our father fishing in the evening. I was always excited when we were able to go with him, not because I loved to fish, but because just maybe I would catch something and my father would be proud.

Today we find Peter, James, and John receiving a fishing lesson from the Master. Jesus suggested they go out where it was deeper and let down their nets to catch some fish. Peter explained to Jesus the reality of the fishing business and shared some basic tactics with Him.

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” (Luke 5:5)

I used to go fishing to get my father's attention because I wanted to do something he would approve of. Jesus taught His good friends that fishing was going to take on a whole new meaning for them. The analogy of fishing for men was one they didn't understand but would soon embrace with all their hearts.

Now I want to go fishing but taking a different stance. I want to invite one or two people to build a new relationship with and for them to get to know me better. I would love to have a few more people to talk and laugh with; to be real with. Who doesn't need more friends, people to share life's ups and downs and process life with? 

Fishing is fun and who knows how it might change a life.  

Luke 5:1-11

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Imagine That

One of my favorite come back phrases is “imagine that.” I generally use it in a light hearted way when I’m told something that is not really surprising, like “The Brewers lost.” or when my daughter says, “I’m going to be late.” Either aloud or in my mind I say, “Imagine that” and then I smile.

I do imagine many things, but I also hope, dream and pray. At times I pray so long and hard I become exhausted because it seems my prayers will go unanswered.

Often my prayers are for healing people both physically and emotionally, but most of the time my prayers revolve around relationships and peace. Our God is a relational God, and the bible screams with pleas for people to love and respect one another. The letter Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12 about the body having many parts is a beautiful expression of how we as The Body of Christ are to view ourselves and each other.

We are all different yet part of the same body,  The Body of Christ. We need each other. When one part feels less significant, that one must be taken care of and honored by the other parts.

“so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-26

This speaks to jealousy, envy, passing judgment, and a host of other negatives that divide us. I long for this type unity in relationships within families, churches, communities, and the world in general, but that type of peace and unity begins with me and you.

We are all part of something so big and great we can’t even imagine. “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?” 1 Corinthians 12:18-19

United we stand, divided we fall.

Oh what a world we could have if only we would see ourselves as one. What a difference we could make if The Body of Christ had an attitude of togetherness, continually honoring and supporting each other!

Just Imagine That!

 Read/Listen to 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reproofing and Correction

The Sunday Scripture Reading for September remains the same: 

"All scripture is God -breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Consider the phrase

“He doesn't know what he doesn't know.”

I've used that line myself when referring to new employees at my workplace, I was responsible for mentoring. It takes a while for the fog to clear when people are put into new situations. Everyone else has an understanding of the common goal. Those who surround the newbie are in the know about the importance of the details that need to be addressed. While the rookie thinks he is working hard and doing what is expected, the others are picking up the slack.

As the numbers on the desk calendar are peeled away, his co-workers correct, redirect, explain, and allow mistakes in order to provide understanding and clarity. Through this process of correction, reproofing, experience, and guidance, the new guy settles into a place within the ranks because he now “gets it.”

Perhaps there was a business manual available to assist with understanding the common practices involved with the job. Maybe the new employee was referred to the internet to view a web cam or provided video training CD’s to get an overview of his role and responsibilities. Though valuable tools, the importance of the personal relationships accompanying those training opportunities cannot be overstated.

If we are true Christ followers, we are also spiritual mentors. We have a God given training manual at our fingertips we call the Bible; His Holy Word. We can provide this tool to others, but must also model, guide, correct, and reproof in order to bring our brothers and sisters to a place of understanding their responsibilities as Christians. To help them know what they don't know. 

2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.”

Building Relationships

In 1974 Harry Chapin wrote a song called, Cat’s in the Cradle. It is a story of a busy man who had a son and did not spend much time with his son. He loved his son, yet his son was low on his priority list of people and things to spend time.

 

When the son was older, he was just like his father. There was not much of a father-son relationship.

 

Today’s reading is Nehemiah 13:10-14.

 

The Jews had returned from exile and had previously repented of their sin. They were now restructuring their lives and rebuilding their culture based on the commandments God had given them.

Is God Atop Your To Do List?

 

However, the Jews were neglecting God by not giving the Levites, God’s priests, their fair share of land and grain offerings. An angry and distraught Nehemiah corrected the situation.

 

We all lead busy lives. Soccer practices, piano lessons, Girl Scouts and swim team takes up a lot of our time. Not to mention our jobs, where overtime is almost mandatory these days. And of course, there is yard work to do and football games that must be watched.

 

Are we neglecting the things God asks us to do?

 

He wants us to “Go forth and make disciples”, “Love our neighbors as ourselves” and “Love the Lord our God”. It takes money to do some of these things and we are to give to the Lord so these things can be done.

 

We are not under compulsion of the Law to do these things. Rather, we should do them because God loved us first. Our response should be a reflection of how we feel about Christ's love for us!

 

The Jews were neglecting their relationship with God. The father in Chapin’s song had neglected his relationship with his son. When relationships are not nurtured, they atrophy and are in danger of dying.

 

Let’s respond to God’s love. Let’s build our relationship with him.

 

Let’s make God our number one priority!

Commitment - Not Neglect

Nehemiah 9:1-3, 32-38, 10:28-32, 39b

Neglect:

1. Fail to take care of someone. To fail to take care of someone when you are responsible for them

1b. Fail to take care of a place. To fail to take care of a place, for example a house or garden

 2. Fail to do something you should do.

 3. Fail to pay attention to something. To fail to pay attention to something such as an idea or a work of art

                             “We will not neglect the house of our God.”

                                              Nehemiah 10:39b

Fail is not a word or feeling any of us like, particularly when it refers to our own actions…… or lack of. Why then do we so often neglect our responsibilities as Christ followers to do what our God asks of us? Do we use the excuse that we are human, or place blame on others due to their lack of Christian behavior or a personality conflict? Perhaps because we know our Lord will forgive us, we get somewhat sloppy in our approach to life and then confess, reconcile, focus for a while, and eventually fall back again only to start the process over? How exhausting!

We beat ourselves and each other up when we forget how to focus our lives on God just as when the “chosen people” turned away from Him. There was sin, conflict and unrest.

Though our God is a righteous and forgiving God, we know that He will be more than delighted if we remain in his will rather than fading in and out. Why then do we do that? Well it’s hard! 

Maintaining relationships is very challenging, yet our God is a relational God, and we are here to serve one another. Within marriages, families, communities, and far beyond, “to the ends of the earth” actually, we are given the responsibility to spread the Word and Love of our Savior. Let’s not fail to keep Him in the middle of all our relationships. Trust God with your heart and “He Will Restore.” 

Listen to: He Will Restore by Chris August

                                                                                             

Read/Listen to: Nehemiah 9:1-3

                           Nehemiah 9:32-38

                           Nehemiah 10:28-32

                           Nehemiah  10:39

Relationship: Handle With Care!

“Now, are you ready for the real reason I didn’t visit you in Corinth?  As God is my witness, the only reason I didn’t come was to spare you pain.  I was being considerate of you, not indifferent, not manipulative. We’re not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical.  We’re partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not by ours. That’s why I decided not to make another visit that could only be painful to both of us.” 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:1 (The Message)

[To see today’s text in 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4 (The Message), click here.]

“Use things and love people ... not the other way around,” recalled Chuck Swindoll in a radio sermon many years ago.  It was a lesson his father had taught him as a boy.

We’re good at protecting the things we value.  We encase our collectibles ... frame our first-place ribbons ... preserve our memorabilia in the attic ... place breakables out of reach of grandchildren ... lock up our coin collections ... slip our photos behind cellophane ... wash and wax our trophy cars.  You can pretty much tell what we treasure by the lengths we go to protect them from harm.

But when it comes to the people in our lives, I’m afraid we’re not always so careful.  If we were, I think it would look something like this: We would listen hard to understand before jumping to imagined conclusions ... offer mercy and grace instead of condemnation ... celebrate their successes, instead of stewing in jealousy ... forgive, truly forgive, instead of resenting a list of wrongs ... stand up for people, rather than remaining silent before their accusers ... expect the best and not give up ... encourage, rather than stymie ... give of our time ... and speak truth, always and only in love.

Relationships require sensitivity. After all, there is, as Solomon said, “... a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: ... a time to weep and a time to laugh ... a time to mourn and a time to dance ... a time to embrace and a time to refrain ... a time to be silent and a time to speak ...”

And along with that, my wife might add, “... a time to talk things through, and a time to put them behind us and go forward in ‘right relating.’” 

Paul modeled right relating and a keen understanding of “a season for every activity under heaven.” When it was time to plant and grow Jesus' church in Corinth, he went there.  When it was time to address unhealthy developments in the church at Corinth, he wrote there.  And when it was time to let the church in Corinth heal on its own, Paul stayed away from there.

In all things – whether going, writing or not returning to the Corinthians – Paul acted in love ... caring love.  They were, after all, people and not things. 

And people deserve our very best.

The Story - Chapter 2 - Genesis 32-33

Family reunions can be stressful and they can also be the highlight of the year.  If you are the one planning the reunion there is much thought and effort involved to pull this feat together.  Timing is important, for you have to plan the event during the time of year families can travel together, so that means during the months when children are out of school.

Then there are financial issues to consider.  The location for this party needs to be easily accessible.  Unless your family is wealthy, you would not reserve the Intercontinental Motel on Maui.  So, it is important to consider all aspects of family when pulling those folks together.

Then there are relationships to consider.  It is important this special time together as family is peaceful and there are a few cousins who do not get along with one another.  Oh, don’t forget that Aunt Sadie and Aunt Agnes don’t speak to each other.  The sisters had a feud many years ago and neither has let it go.  At least that is the story told by their families.

Jacob and Esau experienced a strained relationship.  Many years ago, Jacob deceived their father into giving him, Esau’s birthright.  The guilt Jacob carried for the many years the two were apart was over-whelming.  Perhaps at this stage of his life he wanted to make things right with his brother.  The meeting that was planned, the family reunion of sorts, was beginning to come together and Jacob was getting a case of the nerves.  His conscience took over and he feared for his life and the lives of his loved ones.

“Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.” (Genesis 32:11)

Jacob wanted to make peace and have his brother back in his life.  “Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.” (Genesis 32:3)

Isn't it time we too examine those fractured relationships, isn’t it time to face up to the ones we have wronged and rebuild the love.  So often we have magnified the separation in our own minds and once a step is taken to right a wrong, love takes over.

We will find the same thing with God.  If our relationship with Him is broken, we only need take a step toward Him and He will meet us more than half-way.  He will take a giant step over all the stuff we laid between and bridge the gap with love.  Like Jacob who felt the warm embrace of his brother Esau after years of separation, we too can rest in the arms of our loving Father.

Read Genesis 32-33 here

Listen to Genesis 32-33 here

The Story - Chapter 1 - Genesis 4

Relationships can be tricky.  We are all different; our looks, family history, and environment all help to make us who we are. Our childhood circumstances had much to do with the way we view life and deal with people. We act like we do because of the influences we encountered along the way.  We tend to reflect the ideals and standards of those we grew up with.

People are capable of amazing acts of heroism but we are also able to commit horrendous acts of violence.  We saw both in action on September 11th.  The story of Cain and Abel is one we have all heard many times, and it is so sad to think murder could have happened so early in the history of the world.

A big part of handling our relationships is knowing how and when to admit we are wrong.  Because of the sin of Adam and Eve we will struggle with sin and therefore in our relationships.  We will make mistakes but there is always an opportunity to make things right with those we have wronged. We don’t know what Cain did to displease God, but we do know that God gave him a chance to make it right.

“God spoke to Cain: "Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won't you be accepted? And if you don't do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it's out to get you, you've got to master it." (Genesis 4:6-7 MSG)

Cain refused to listen to God. It would seem he could not bear to admit his wrong doing.  Pride got in the way.  Pride is a factor in our sinful lives today.  Our pride gets in the way when we need to make amends to someone we have wronged. Prideful behavior isolates us from others, from healthy and loving relationships.  Pride is another word for arrogance.  An arrogant heart is a cold heart and can only be warmed at the hearth of humility.

Read Genesis 4 here

Listen to Genesis 4 here

Proverbs 25:1-12

Don't jump to conclusions—there may be 
   a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw. (Proverbs 25:8)

Have you ever jumped to conclusions?  Have you ever thought you had something you witnessed, all figured out, only to find how wrong you were?  Talk about embarrassing moments that humble us!

  In the heat of an argument, 
   don't betray confidences;
Word is sure to get around, 
   and no one will trust you. (Proverbs 25:9-10)

The lessons in this Book of Proverbs are very convicting, don't you agree?  Reading the two verses above I am cringing as I recall a time when I allowed my emotions to rule my better judgment.  It takes a lot of effort to find a good and faithful friend, but it only takes one stupid moment to lose that friend.

   The right word at the right time 
   is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend's timely reprimand 
   is like a gold ring slipped on your finger. (Proverbs 25:11-12 MSG)

Proverbs is about relationships, like last week’s Scripture verses.  Proverbs contains so much wisdom and it points me in the direction I need to go.  I feel like God is speaking through Solomon and telling me that humility is the only way to build relationship.  I am instructed not to let pride get in the way of my heart.  Pride is at the root of broken friendships and humility is at the center of a lasting bond. (Sounds like a Proverb, doesn't it?)

Read the Proverbs 25:1-12 text here.  Listen to a reading of the Proverbs 25:1-12 text here.

Act Now - Malachi 4:1-6

I was reading a devotional this morning and was stopped by this comment about relationships.  "In the intensive care waiting room the world changes."  Many of you reading this can understand what it means.  I know I can, but if not for the 'waiting room' experiences of almost a year ago, I probably couldn't.

"Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them." (Malachi 4:1)
Do we place too much value on feelings?  Feelings aren't facts, as they say in 12-step recovery rooms.  Our painful memories aren't accurate or at the very least no longer relevant. In the waiting rooms of life we find that grudges disappear, past hurts fade and hearts are healed.  Why should it take a waiting room experience to find peace and to give love a second chance?

God is instructing us to cast aside our arrogant ways and embrace our relationships, appreciating the fact they may only be for a season.  God is preparing us for eternity with Him, but we have to learn how to love each other so we can love Him.

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2)

Read the Malachi 4:1-6 text here.  Listen to a reading of the  text here.

Ain't Love Grand? 1 Corinthians 13

Back in April, a couple weeks before Easter, we spent two days on these verses. Now, during VBS (Vacation Bible School) we are addressing them again.  There must be something very important and profound about love.  What do you think?   Is love significant in your life?

"And now I will show you the most excellent way."  This sounds awfully significant to me.  Think about it, love is the most excellent way. Our lives are filled with love, different types of love and different focuses as well.  We might love our brothers and sisters, and also love our pet; but these loves are different.  I love a good book or a great dish of ice cream, but that love is different and cannot be compared to loving a family member.

When a relationship is experiencing difficult times, love hurts.  During those seasons in our lives when we are happy and contented and feel loved, all is right with the world.  How many times have we heard of someone struggling with trust and peace only to find they were deprived of love during their childhood years.  Love is the most excellent way for sure.

Read 1 Corinthians 13 at Biblegateway.com

Romans 5:1-11

I have a dear friend who was not always so dear to me. Before I came to know Christ as I now do, I did not treat this person well; did not realize the potential relationship we could have, did not really feel much at all about this person. At the time, I did not know how impossible it was to have a meaningful relationship with someone if I did not have one with God.

God sent His Holy Spirit to set me straight. Once, I lived life as a loner--no friends or people to call upon or care for--and I liked it that way. I was unhappy, but didn't know it. You can't miss what you never had, you just go along blindly, fumbling in the dark.

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus." (Romans 5:1 MSG)

The Holy Spirit must have orchestrated a meeting between this woman and I, because one day we both discovered we had a faith life in common. We both discovered Jesus and both encountered the Holy Spirit in our lives.

"And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." (Romans 5:2 MSG)

There is no longer anything blocking this relationship. There is no longer any reason to be alone in this life. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit fill my life now, and they have provided many relationships with other Christians to enhance life.

"If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! " (Romans 5:10 MSG)



Read all the Romans 5:1-11 text here.

Paul in Corinth - Acts 18:1-16

When Bob and I moved to a small community in Virginia, we noticed square dancing was what people did for entertainment. We joined a group and as a result, met many people.

Paul arrives in Corinth not knowing anyone. He meets Aquila and Priscilla, who have also just arrived. As they talk, they realize they have tent making in common. They commit to work together and Paul moves in with them. Paul uses tent making to support himself and to build relationships with people. He is able to share his story about how Jesus changed his life.

Paul goes to the meeting place on the Sabbath. He tells both Jews and Greeks how much God loves them, and about the relationship they can have with Him through Jesus. The people argue and contradict him. Paul gets frustrated and exhausted. He shouts out telling them he is done with them. He is moving on to other places.

When Timothy and Silas arrive in Corinth, they encourage Paul. He is uplifted and continues on his mission to teach God’s Word.

Paul begins to see things happening. He meets Titius Justus and Crispus, two sincere believers. Many Corinthians begin to believe and be baptized.

God has His eyes on Paul. God encourages him with His Words of guidance and protection. When the Jews bring Paul into court, God shows how powerless they are.

We're encouraged to be witnesses for Christ. In our daily lives we are asked to tell our faith stories. We should encourage each other and pray for each other as we go out into the world or within our neighborhoods to proclaim the Good News.

Read today's text on Biblegateway.

Leah and Rachael -- Genesis 29

Years ago, more than forty years actually, I was on a first date with the man who became my husband. He took me to a movie, Romeo and Juliet. I know, you are probably saying "Awe, how sweet.” Before you get to impressed, let me continue. Half way into the movie my date leaned close and whispered in my ear, “Do you know …?” He named my sister. It seems he had been interested in her at one point in time.

“As we move through Genesis, it amazes me how much life in biblical time mirrors life in the modern world. The stories we are studying are about relationships; with each other and with God, just like today. These relationships have similar struggles and pain. One of the lessons in Genesis 29 is about two sisters, Leah and Rachel. Of course there is a man involved, named Jacob. Jacob loved Rachel, but, as a result of a deception by her father, Jacob married Rachel’s sister, Leah.

Leah loved Jacob, but scripture tells us in Genesis 29:30 “…he loved Rachel more than Leah.” What must this fact have done to the relationship between the sisters?  My heart goes out to Leah, who loved her husband all the while she knew she was not his first choice. 

There are many stories to be gleaned from Genesis 29.  Which one is speaking to your heart today?

To read all of Genesis 29 click here.

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No Lone Rangers, Genesis 2:4-25

As I write this devotion, I am watching my husband play with our son in the swimming pool. Steve is patiently teaching our three year old how to kick in order to move and not just splash. I am having one of those moments were I see how blessed I am. God in his infinite knowledge took me, my needs, dreams and desires into consideration when matching me with Steve. I feel so undeserving.

We have wonderful balance. On days where I am tired and in need of a break, Steve will be ready to wrestle or run around the backyard with Evan. We compliment each other’s weaknesses, or rather struggles for that day.

We see in our scripture today that God didn’t want Adam to be alone. He created someone Adam could share his life with. God still does that today. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard being married. All relationships have their struggles. There are days when I wonder why we put ourselves through so much. That doesn’t mean that it’s not worth it. Steve and I talk frequently about how God’s was active in putting the two of us together.

Whether it’s your spouse, best friend or maybe like me you have an adopted child. I believe God’s puts us in each other’s lives for a reason. He does not want us to be alone. We were created to complement each other.

Read today's entire scripture on Biblegateway Genesis 2:4-25

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