This year, I have been listening to the One Year Chronological Bible on my phone. I highly recommend the accompanying Bible Study Guide and Daily Reflections linked above. (I’m not an affiliate, I just find these resources helpful!)
I also have the same version of this Bible in paperback, which has been restructured (not rewritten!) as if it all happened in order. It is a fun way to ‘read’ the Bible and helps bring a different perspective!
Overall, I enjoy hearing God’s love come through, but at times, it is a little heartbreaking! In the books of Isaiah and 2 Kings, God keeps calling out to His people, Israel, and they keep refusing to listen. How sad!
God kept giving His people chances to put away their idols and change their ways. But, they continually ignored Him, eventually going into captivity in a foreign land (Babylon) as punishment. God sent His judgment, but not before He promised to rescue His people and bring them back to Jerusalem.
To me, this sounds a little familiar to our present day situation… We may not be in literal captivity, but we do have several restrictions (or recommendations) in place right now. Perhaps God is using this time to reach us at a deeper level.
Are we listening? Are we turning our hearts toward Jesus or doing our own thing?
For me, it is clear we need to have God, our Rock, as our firm foundation. We cannot build our lives upon the idols of self-sufficiency and false humility. We cannot brag about how well we are doing when it’s only possible because of God’s grace. Similarly, we cannot say we love God and then show disregard for those He created.
You can see how far that’s gotten us lately!
Every day, we have a new chance to build our lives. We can be wise and build with intention, planning for the rough times ahead. Or, we can be foolish, building passively “as things come up” or just waiting for things to change. Are you building a strong foundation or shifting sand? It’s not too late.
Every day, God gives us a new opportunity to walk with Him. We cannot go wrong with Jesus Christ as our firm foundation. It’s not that it’s always rosy, but He helps us navigate the thorns and smell the flowers. 😉
When we invite Him to help us, He leads us through each difficulty and sets us up for success.
God sees every hair on our heads. How comforting it is to know He cares about each detail of our lives, no matter how big or small. He loves us so much.
If God brings us to a challenging situation, we can pray, and then trust He will cover us with His grace and mercy. We don’t have to be afraid or try to figure it all out on our own!
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God, thanks for being our anchor and our firm foundation. Thanks for holding us secure amid life’s storms and trials. Please strengthen us for this next season and help us trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: How do you know your foundation is secure? Should you wait for it to be shaken and crack or do you do routine maintenance?
Tasks: Listen to this song, “Build My Life,” by Pat Barrett.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to know where you stand with Jesus Christ. If you want to be with Him for eternity and need His help to live life fully now, pray this prayer:
Dear Lord, I admit that I am a sinner and have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself only. I am sorry, and I repent. I ask you to forgive me.
Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life; I give it to you. From this day forward, help me to live every day for you and in a way that pleases you.
I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you. Amen.
