Week Three

The Sermon on the Mount, the very words of Jesus. May our hearts be open to allow your Spirit to align our minds with Yours.

In Isaiah 12, the prophet encourages joy and trust in God's salvation, yet chapters 13–17 describe God’s severe judgment on surrounding nations for their pride and arrogance. In what areas of your life are you currently trusting in your own strength (as the nations did) rather than in God, and how does the promise that 'The Lord... is my strength and my song' (12:2) challenge you to shift your reliance?

Job's suffering and pain outweighs the the sand of the sea, and his anguish has influenced his perception. In his suffering Job's limits have been exposed. Job expresses his need for his friends to comfort him and show him mercy in his deepest suffering. He shares his honest raw emotions to God who's covenant love is everlasting.

In Psalms 6 and 7 this week, David cries out to God in deep distress and anguish crying out for justice against his enemies. He doesn't seek revenge, but turns to God knowing He will come to the right conclusions. In the end of Psalm 7, David recognizes that the enemy will suffer from their own sin, and any traps they lay for others will be a part of their own judgement. After he expresses his concerns, David is free to worship and honor God. Psalm 8 leads us to David praisin

Significant things are happening in the Promise Land. Joshua's account of conquering 31 Kings is written into history, Joshua is aging, but has conquered the North and South of Canaan, and God continues to counsel him on the quest to drive out the enemy and settle the Israelites in their Promise Land. Consider these questions... How can Joshua's faith in God's promise, despite the daunting number of enemies, inspire us when facing our seemingly impossible tasks?  How do these

Questions to consider as we continue in Genesis. What steps can you take to show gratitude for God's mercy in your life, similar to Noah's sacrifices? How can we cultivate a consistent awareness and appreciation of God's promises, symbolized by the rainbow What lessons can we learn about God's sovereignty and plan from these genealogies?

Affliction and suffering, grace, sin, and New Beginnings. Our walks with God are not promised to be perfect and free from pain. But in affliction we have the opportunity to grow deeper in Christ and experience His hope. How has God used suffering in your life to bring about growth, change, and hope?