# 86 Though the Earth Has Been Washed, Sin Is Still Present

The Book of Genesis Day 85 Ge 9:1 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. 2 "And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. 3 "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 4 "But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. It’s time to start all over again. New earth and some new rules. There are some differences this time, the biggest being that sin has arrived and remains on the scene, and will until our Lord returns! The imagination of man’s heart continues to be evil from his youth, that is, man’s tendency is to do evil, to sin. I’ve always loved the Charlie Daniel’s song. “ Two Out Of Three.” The chorus goes like this:” Oh Jesus how could you love me,” Jesus how could you love me. When I have a choice between good and bad, I pick bad two out of three!” How true! In spite of sin plaguing the world, God passes the original blessing given to Adam and Eve on to Noah and his family. “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth because in spite of sin, there is that sweet aroma of God’s worshiping saints that makes it all worthwhile! Something else is new here. In the original garden, the animals and birds, and other living creatures had no fear of man! That was a wonderful arrangement and we know that one day that kind of relationship will be restored. Isa 11:8 says, “The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den.” (It’s not that we are all going to spend eternity as nursing children, or toddlers, this is just a picture of the childlike innocence that will be ours for eternity! Think back to the pre-flood days, when sin entered the world, this lack of fear must have resulted in many a violent clash between man and animals. This was all part of the violence that filled the earth and prompted God to destroy everything. From this day forward, until Jesus comes again and restores Paradise, birds, and animals will have the fear and dread of man in them. All birds, animals, and fish were now given into the hands of man for all sorts of uses including food. But even with these new rules, God placed a restriction. No flesh was to be eaten with its blood. Why did God lift this restriction against eating flesh? Why did the flesh have to be thoroughly cooked? Perhaps it would serve as a reminder to us of that first act of Noah upon leaving the ark! That soothing aroma of voluntary worship and thanksgiving to God that pleased Him so. Maybe instead of asking why, we should just think about this the next time we are grilling out, and simply whisper a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving to God! Reflect: Have you ever considered how wicked your heart is, or do you focus on the wickedness of others? Pray: Lord, thank You for the reminder, that it is only by Your mercy and grace that my actions are held in check!

# 85 Touching the heart of God

The Book of Genesis Day 85 Ge 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. 22 "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease." Animal sacrifices as an act of worship have been around since the days of Abel., and the first thing Noah did after leaving the ark was engage in a voluntary act of worship, expressing gratitude to God for sparing he and his family from the flood. What to offer? Well certainly not one of the pairs of animals that God had brought to him, they would be needed to replenish the earth. But God had brought extra clean animals (7 of each) to him, and they were available for sacrifice! Now just imagine the condition of the earth at this time. It has gone from a place of violence that was a stench to the nostrils of God, to the fragrance of the aftermath of a summer rain shower. Now add to that the smell of barbecued chicken, or a turkey in the oven for Thanksgiving, or any of your favorite smells coming out of the kitchen. This was what was now wafting up to the nostrils of God, but it wasn’t so much the smell, as it was the grateful condition of Noah’s heart., and the foreshadowing of the “clean” sacrifice of God’s only Son. Eph 5:2 reminds us of this sweet smell, “ And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Look how this simple act of worship on Noah’s part moved the heart of God! God in effect said “Even though man is for the most part evil, there are times when men voluntarily engage in acts of love and worship toward Me, and these isolated acts of worship make it so worthwhile, and I love this so much, that I will never curse the earth again for man’s sake. As long as the earth remains, seedtime, harvest, cold, heat, and day and night shall not cease!” What a promise! All because Noah touched the heart of God as he freely offered burnt offerings. This kind of worship flows out of a heart that has been convinced that God is God! True worshipers will worship theFather in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. Noah was convinced that God was God and out of that conviction flowed simple acts of faith and obedience (Build and load) and these acts put the stamp of truth and genuineness of his faith and obedience. The challenge for us is to ask ourselves, “What is wafting it’s way up to the nostrils of God from our lives?” Would it be enough for God to spare the earth. Are we worshipping Him in spirit and truth, or just going through the motions? Reflect: What are ways we can express our gratitude toward God for His gift of salvation? Pray: Lord, help my life to be a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to You!

# 84 Testing the Waters

The Book of Genesis Day 84 Ge 8:6 So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. 7 Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth. 8 He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. 9 But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. 10 And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. 11 Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. 12 So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore. 13 And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed the surface of the ground was dry. 14 And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dried. 15 Then God spoke to Noah, saying, 16 "Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. 17 "Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." 18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him. 19 Every animal, every creeping thing, every bird, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark. Even though the rain had ceased, Noah had to wait. You can’t just hop off of the boat after such a devastating flood and expect life to return to normal! It would take time for the land to dry out and for vegetation to be restored. Now, Noah didn’t just sit there and twiddle his thumbs. He sent out birds in an attempt to “test the waters” if you will. The raven was first. A hardy bird, it could perch just about anywhere and on anything, and of course eat just about anything as well. It never returned , likely feeding on some remnants of carrion that had resulted from the flood. This told Noah, that things had calmed down a little. Then he sent out a dove. A dove needs more settled conditions to survive and it’s diet consists mainly of seeds. Finding none, the dove returns to the ark. Noah waited a week and sent the dove out again, this time it returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf in it’s beak. Wow! Trees! A good sign, especially since olive trees thrive at lower elevations! Nonetheless, the dove returned, still needing the ark for food and rest. Noah waited another seven days and sent the dove out again, this time the dove did not return. So Noah knew it was okay to leave the ark, and after 376 days (according to my Lutheran Study Bible) in the ark, Noah removed the covering of the ark and could see dry ground. Did he and his family rush out? Nope! He waited until He heard from God. “Then God spoke to Noah saying, “Go out of the ark, bring out with you every living thing,” and the Bible says, So Noah went out.” There it is again! Exercising that simple faith obeying a simple one word command from God….”Go!” Noah waited until he was sure he heard from the Lord, then he did according to what the Lord commanded him. This was such a part of the character of the righteous Noah. Oh, that we would learn to exercise such simple faith! Waiting on the lord, desiring to do His will! Not rushing, but prodding, testing the doors and windows of His Word, until we are sure we are hearing from Him! And then, once assured, just stepping off the boat in faith for no other reason than that’s what God told us to do! Reflect: Can you think of another time when Jesus issued the simple command of “Go!” Pray: Lord, help us to always test the spirits in accordance with Your Word, and when we are sure we have heard from You, grant us the faith necessary to do Your will!

# 83 God Has Not Forgotten You

The Book of Genesis Day 83 Ge 8:1 Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. 2 The fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were also stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained. 3 And the waters receded continually from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters decreased. 4 Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. 5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. I served in the Navy for six years, and four of those years were on a destroyer. In that time I saw some very nasty seas, but they would only last for several days at most. Noah and his family endured stormy seas for 150 straight days! They were cooped up with every smelly animal of the earth, (at least we had showers in the Navy) They had no Dramamine, and no way to unload the manure of all these animals! In these kind of conditions , you might think at times that God had forgotten about you! But we read here that “God remembered Noah.” He remembered his state. He remembered his condition, and he knew it was time for some relief. Maybe you are feeling a bit like Noah today. Cooped up and tossed about on the sea of life, seemingly forgotten by God. If so, I want you to listen to these words from Isaiah: Isa 54:7 "For a mere moment I have forsaken you, But with great mercies I will gather you. 8 With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you," Says the LORD, your Redeemer. 9 "For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. 10 For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed," Says the LORD, who has mercy on you. 11 "O you afflicted one, Tossed with tempest, and not comforted, Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, And lay your foundations with sapphires. 12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies, Your gates of crystal, And all your walls of precious stones. Oh my! Can we just let these words sink in to the depths of our soul and know that God will not forget us? Do you see the similarities between Noah’s ride and the ride you may be experiencing today? The mountains departed and the hills were removed but God’s kindness did not depart from Noah! He did not forget him and He has not forgotten you. Stay in the ark! Stay with Jesus! Hang on in the midst of your tempest, knowing the precious stones of heaven, that await those who persevere! Reflect: Rubies, gates of crystal, precious stones, should remind us all of heaven…..the end result of our faith. How can this passage from Isaiah help you in the tribulations and trials of earth! Pray: Lord God, help those who are struggling today with the turmoil of life. Remember tham and grant them relief, help them to keep their eyes on the prize!

# 82 It Was A Rough Ride!

The Book of Genesis Day 82 Ge 7:17 Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18 The waters prevailed and greatly increased on the earth, and the ark moved about on the surface of the waters. 19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered. 20 The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered. 21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth: birds and cattle and beasts and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. 22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, all that was on the dry land, died. 23 So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. 24 And the waters prevailed on the earth one hundred and fifty days. Sometimes I think we live with the Sunday School picture of the flood. We think it was nothing more than a steady downpour of rain for 40 days. That’s NOT the picture portrayed here. The word “prevailed” shows up four times in this section, and that kind of repetition bears looking into. In the Hebrew, the word means “to be strong, to prevail. To act insolently! We normally use the word “insolent” to describe human behavior. An insolent person is one who shows no reverence or respect. This flood was a strong willed child on steroids! As we apply that concept to the flood waters, it’s easy to see that this was no ordinary shower! Listen to that term again as we substitute it for the word prevailed in theses verses: V18 – “The waters prevailed (acted without reverence or respect) and greatly increased on the earth.” V19- “and the waters prevailed (acted without reverence or respect) exceedingly on the earth.” V20- “the waters prevailed (acted without reverence or respect) 15 cubits upward and the mountains were covered” And finally, v 24- “and the waters prevailed (acted without reverence or respect) on the earth 150 days. That’s a long time in the washing machine folks. This was not a glassy sea! It was turbulent! It was violent! It was a violent end to a violent world! A thorough cleansing! Even after the rain stopped, the waters prevailed (acted without respect or reverence) for a total of 150 days! Even in the receding waters, things were being rearranged! Anything that was not in the ark did not have a chance! All that was on the dry land died! The earth as Noah had known it was completely re-sculptured by the prevailing waters. The earth was destroyed just as God had promised in Gen 6:13, “I will destroy them with the earth!” Understand the destructive force of this flood! Nothing left on dry land survived! God’s judgment is thorough and sure, and His coming final judgment will also be thorough and sure. One more thing. This violent flood did not make for a smooth ride on the S.S. Noah. It was a rough ride! God does not promise a smooth ride for His baptized children either. In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart Jesus has overcome the world. Don’t abandon ship! Don’t abandon your baptism, endure to the end no matter the turbulence and you will be saved! Reflect: What has struck you most about recent floods? What struck you about the tsunami of in the Indian Ocean in 2004? (168,000 people died!) Pray: Lord, let me be ready for the second coming of Jesus. Help me to not abandon ship when times get rough, guide me, lead me to the end.

# 81 Shut De Door

The Book of Genesis Day 81 Ge 7:13 On the very same day Noah and Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark- 14 they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. 15 And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. 16 So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in. “And the Lord shut him in.” Isn’t that interesting? The door of the ark closed from the outside. It was God who applied the final pitch and sealed the door. When God secures the door to danger, no power on heaven or earth can break it down in order to do harm to those who have entered the ark of His protection. I’m reminded of these lyrics from the song, “In Christ Alone,” “No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.” But it’s not just song lyrics that speak of God’s protection, let’s look at some Scripture that speaks loud and clear on the subject as well: Ps 37:28 reminds us, “he will not forsake his saints. The righteous shall be preserved for ever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.” Perhaps even more applicable to Noah’s situation, we read in Ps 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah” Then there’s the reminder in Isa 49:8, that also seems very fitting for Noah’s situation: “I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages;” These words and promises of God were very real to Noah and his family, but they became a frightening opposite reality to those who willfully rebelled against God, and were left scratching at the door looking for a way in, but it was too late! Noah and his family could say with the Apostle Paul in Ro 8:38,39, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is the confidence we may have as God shuts the door on the devil, and seals us with His Holy Spirit of promise found in baptism (which is likened to the ark in 1 Pet 3:20,21) Jesus said in Joh 10:28 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” We are placed in His hand, given eternal life, at baptism, but it is important to realize that God doesn’t hold us with a clenched fist, it is rather an open hand. And though the devil may buzz us and distracts us with all sorts of lies and difficulties, he cannot snatch us out of the hand of Jesus, however, we can choose to leave that protection and walk out of that hand on our own volition Therefore, baptism must be accompanied by enduring faith in order to save! Mr 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Reflect: Noah hopped in the ark but God sealed the door, we hop in the waters of baptism and God seals us (marks us as His own) Can you name any other benefits of baptism that God promises! Pray: Thank You Lord for the pure grace of baptism, we enter into it willingly through faith and we thankfully receive all of Your blessings associated with it in accordance with Your Word!

# 80 The Day God Put the Earth In A Blender

The Book of Genesis Day 80 Ge 7:4 "For after seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and I will destroy from the face of the earth all living things that I have made." 5 And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him. 6 Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth. 7 So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood. 8 Of clean animals, of animals that are unclean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the earth, 9 two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And it came to pass after seven days that the waters of the flood were on the earth. 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all he fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. 12 And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights. Again, we read the words, “And Noah did according to ALL that the Lord commanded him.” This is the secret of walking in faith. This is the secret of powerful living. As we step out in obedience to God’s simple commands, (for Noah, that meant “build and load,”) He meets us with His supernatural power and provision. This is how mountains are moved! Another way that mountains are literally moved is when water rages at them. This is the picture captured in verse 11. The first day of the flood saw the fountains of the great deep uncapped, and the windows of heaven opened up. Remember back to Creation? The Lord had created a canopy of water above the earth, “Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament.” On this first day of the flood, the windows of heaven were opened and this canopy of water rushed out. That kind of rushing water will do an awful lot of altering and reshaping of the landscape. In addition, the fountains of the deep were uncapped. They gushed forth like giant waterpics, sculpting even more of the earth’s surface. As scientists dig and make discoveries on this earth and try to put an age on the various layers of sediment, they would do well to consider the natural effects of this flood as recorded in Scripture, and admit, that with all this swirling and gushing of water, they really can’t tell much about the earth as it was before the flood. It would be like trying to figure out the makeup of a milk shake after it had been put into a blender. We have had enough catastrophic floods in our lifetime to grasp a small portion of the power of raging water against a landscape, and when talk of “millions of years” of glacial activity comes around, I just reflect on verse 11 and the power of a milk shake. That’s enough to explain any rock formation to me. Pray: Lord, be with those today who have recently experienced catastrophic flooding. Let it serve as an opportunity to remind us of the power of water, and may it move our hearts with compassion for those whose worlds have been turned upside down to the effects of raging waters.

# 79 Nothing But the Blood

The Book of Genesis Day 79 Ge 7:2 "You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; 3 "also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. Noah and his family have tickets to board the ark, now God gives him the rest of the passenger list. This list will help Noah understand what is to come in the way of dietary restrictions after the flood. There is no written record in Scripture at this juncture that defines “clean” and “unclean” animals, but no need to worry, remember, it is God who brings the animals to Noah. Ge 6:20 "Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive.” Noah only had to see the groups of seven to know what would be considered clean and unclean. These excessive clean animals would be necessary after the flood for the purpose of suitable sacrifices to God and suitable food for Noah and his family. The first thing Noah did after the flood, was offer a sacrifice of clean animals to the Lord. Ge 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Noah and his descendants would now be allowed to eat flesh, as long as the blood had been removed. Ge 9:4 "But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. In blood, there is life, and this restriction would serve as a reminder that one day the precious blood of Jesus would be shed for the sins of the world! 1Pe 1:18 says, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Once Jesus had died, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven the “blood” restrictions were lifted” (See yesterday’s devotion) I think it is interesting to look at the list of “unclean animals found in Leviticus 11, you will see that basically they are not vegetarians . Their diet consists of flesh or carrion. The food chain of the unclean animal is typically tainted with blood in one way or another! Again this speaks of how precious God considers the blood of His only Son Jesus. This “blood” was a type of the blood of Jesus and once Jesus shed His blood, the restrictions were no longer necessary. Oh how precious is the blood of Jesus and its benefits: Ro 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Re 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. No wonder Jesus said in Joh 6:53, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” And as He instituted the Lord’s Supper in Mt 26:28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. The blood of Jesus! Precious! Let us never make it common! Hence the stern warning found in 1Co 11:29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. Reflect: What are some ways we can eat and drink at the Lord’s table in an unworthy manner? Pray: Lord, let us never forget Your costly sacrifice for our sins. For without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness.

# 78 What to Eat

The Book of Genesis Day 78 Ge 7:2 "You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; 3 "also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. Let’s talk a little bit about dietary restrictions found in Scripture. Before the flood, man’s diet was supposed to be strictly vegetarian as we read in Ge 1:29, “And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.” After the flood, God lifted restrictions regarding meat as we read in Ge 9:3,4 "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 4 "But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.” If Noah was going to order steak it would have to be “well done.” These dietary laws would be further expounded on and codified for God’s people in Leviticus chapter 11. They would stay in place until New Testament times when God lifted all the restrictions as we read in Ac 10:9-16, “ The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." 14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean." 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.” In 1Ti 4:3,4, the Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostle Paul gives us even more dietary instruction as he warns Timothy of those who apply man-made rules to our eating habits. “ and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;” In short, eat, what you will, just be thankful to God for providing it. The mere act of thanking God for our food, sanctifies it, no matter what it may be! Just one word of caution here. Don’t use that freedom to eat a rare steak to be a stumbling block for those who struggle with what their conscience allows them to eat and not eat. This principle is beautifully spelled out for us in Romans 14, 1-3, “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.” And in v6, He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; (again sanctified by thanksgiving!)and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.” And in verses 13-17, “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.” 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” And in verses 20-18-21, “ For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. No need to walk on eggs in this regard. If your brother is offended by eating meat, you will know it, and when and if you know it, yield to it, lest it be a stumbling block. It is the loving thing to do, but remember no matter what you eat, eat it with a thankful heart. It what Jesus did before He broke bread and we should do it too! Pray: Father thank You for giving us our daily bread, let us always remember the words of the Psalmist who said in Ps 145:15,16 “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. 16 You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

# 77 Faith Without Works Is Dead

The Book of Genesis Day 77 Ge 6:22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. 7:1 Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. Last time we cross referenced these verses to get a few more details about what was going on with Noah at the time leading up to the flood. Hebrews 11:7 helps fill in the blanks: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” God warned Noah. Noah believed God, and he proved his belief in his construction of the ark! In so doing, he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. Okay, we know it is not within the power of Noah or any other human being to condemn the world. That’s God’s business. The condemnation comes because Noah built that ark, relying solely on the Word of God without actually seeing the flood. The very definition of faith is it “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1) Noah “hoped” he and his family and the animals would be saved from this yet unseen deluge if he would but build the ark in accordance with God’s instructions. God’s Word was the substance of Noah’s faith, the ark was the evidence. It was his works in the ““faith without works is dead” equation found in James 2:17! Noah’s standard was the same standard for Abraham and also for us today. Believe God and it will be accounted to you as righteousness! Joh 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The word “perish” in this famous passage speaks of the same warning given to the world in the days of Noah, and everlasting life is the same unseen promise of salvation for Noah through faith! None of us have tasted of heaven yet, it is as yet unseen for us, but we believe God’s warning about perishing found in John 3:16, and we believe His promise of sparing those who by faith believe and are baptized into His only Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is our ark. He is our hope and salvation. Trust in Him, lest you perish in a flood of eternal fire. Noah and Abraham believed God and it was accounted to them for righteousness….we must do the same! Reflect: If you were on trial and being accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Pray: Lord, grant me that kind of faith that simply clings to Your promises, knowing that it is that kind of faith that produces evidence in my life.

# 76 Cutting Corners

The Book of Genesis Day 76 Ge 6:22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. 7:1 Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. One of the things to remember in reading Scripture is that “chapter and verse” did not come along until around 1227 A.D. They were developed by Stephen Langton an archbishop of Canterbury who divided the Scriptures into chapters. The first published Bible to use the chapter divisions was the Wycliffe Bible of 1382. The division of verses came to the Old Testament around 1448 thanks to a Jewish Rabbi named Nathan, and in 1555 Robert Estienne (also known as Stephanus) added the New Testament. I say this because I think it’s important to link this last verse of chapter 6 in Genesis with the first verse in chapter 7. God saw that Noah was righteous because Noah did all that God commanded him, and the evidence was this big old ark sitting in the middle of nowhere! Faith without the evidence of works is dead! (James 2:17) Hebrews 11:7 gives us even more insight as to what was taking place in the heart and hands of Noah: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. There’s an awful lot of stuff packed in that one verse! It was Noah’s faith in God’s divine warning of an event that had not even taken place yet that resulted in the building of the ark. His motivation? Godly fear. The word “fear” here is not what we typically think of when we think of fear. It means “to be wary and unwilling to take risks!” I get the sense here that Noah built that ark paying close attention to the details that God gave him, not willing to compromise, (take unwilling risks) because a leaky boat would not cut it in the coming deluge. God said it, Noah believed it, and so he built it in complete accordance with the instructions from God. Hmmm, any message for you and I in the matter of compromising God’s Word today? Reflect: It’s funny, we pay closer attention to the “do it yourself” instructions that come with Ikea products than we do with God’s instructions for righteous living as found in Scripture. Where do you see the “church” at large cutting corners today? Are there any areas where you may be cutting corners? What can we do about that? Pray: Lord, give us the uncompromising heart and faith of Noah, and help us to correct any mistakes, lest we sink our boat!

# 75 Build and Load: Simple One Word Commands

The Book of Genesis Day 75 Ge 6:13 And God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. 15 "And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 "You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17 "And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 "But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark-you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. 19 "And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20 "Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. 21 "And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them." 22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. This was a violent world! Even the animals (all flesh) were out of control, and God confides to Noah, that He has had it and will be making an end to all flesh and the earth! Both would be destroyed with the floodwaters. All flesh would die in this flood and the earth would be completely rearranged. In the meantime, God gives Noah some things to do. He gives him the instructions for building an ark which will be big enough to hold his family, the animals God chooses to save, and enough provisions to withstand the duration of the flood. This was a huge ship and given the tools available to him, it was a big undertaking for Noah, but he and his sons built it one plank at a time. Once built, he was told to bring along two of every living thing, a male and female, so the animals could repopulate the earth. This sounds like a tough task too, but if we read ahead, we see that he was not in charge of gathering the animals only opening the door. Ge 7:9 says, “ two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.”So basically, Noah was given two tasks here: Build and load. That was all that was required of him. God had given him all the skills he needed to complete the task. Verse 22 puts it this way, “ Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” Noah did. This is the way it is with the commands of God. They are far more simple than we make them out to be. Let me give you another quick example. When Peter walked on water, Jesus gave him a simple one word command, “Come.” Peter didn’t go through a long litany of things that could go wrong! He didn’t ask for a set of instructions on “how to walk on water,” No! He stepped out of the boat….he came! He exercised faith! That’s all it takes for you and I as well. Look for those simple one word commands in Scripture and in faith, do them! Love! Give! Trust! Forgive! And many more. Look for them! Float your boat of faith as you obey these simple commands of God! What is God simply telling you to do today? Break it down to a single word…..and do it! Reflect: Tell about something you have built Do you read and follow instructions or try to figure it out yourself? See how many one word commands of God you can come up with. Pray: Father, forgive us when we try to complicate or add to Your simple commands. Help us to be like Noah and DO them!

# 74 The Stench of Violence

The Book of Genesis Day 74 Ge 6:10 And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. The word corrupt shows up three times here and the Hebrew meaning of the word is decay. Have you ever smelled decaying flesh?. Have you ever driven by or walked by road kill? I remember living near a rendering plant as a child. A rendering plant would take dead animals and render them into certain products. When the wind was right, the odors of the dead rotting corrupted animals would invade our senses. It would even invade any clothing that may have been hung on the wash line to dry. It is a stench that I have never forgotten! This is what was wafting up to the nostrils of God as He looked upon His creation. His perfect creation had become rotted and bloated with sin. It had become tainted and filled with violence. The blood of Abel and countless others had soaked the ground and stained the foliage. Even the animals had gotten into the act. (Jurassic Park did a good job of portraying this violence of animals) The whole earth reeked of death. How does one clean up such a mess? You use water. Lots and lots of pressurized water. (The fountains of the deep mentioned in Gen 8:2) It’s funny (well not really) but no matter when I study this portion of Scripture, I don’t have to look far for an act of violence committed on this earth to remind me that we are indeed living in a time similar to that of the days of Noah. The most recent episode occurring just yesterday (as I write this) in Las Vegas Nevada where 59 people were killed and over 500 wounded by a lone gunman. We have been living in the “last days” since the ascension of Jesus and these tragic events have always served as reminders to all of us to repent for the time is near! I don’t say this to frighten you, if you are in Christ, you have nothing to fear. But please understand the urgency of the hour as the Apostles did. Pray, witness, and live for Jesus as never before. God cleansed the earth with water in the days of Noah, the next time He will cleanse with the final fire. The judgment is next! In the meantime, remember, we are to be the salt of the earth, the preservative that stems the rotting of flesh. Where and how might we leave the shaker and apply ourselves in this rotting world today! Reflect: What’s the worst thing that you have ever smelled? What’s the most difficult thing you have ever cleaned? What’s the difference between cleansing with water and cleansing with fire? How will the new earth be prepared by God? (2Pe 3:7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. Where will those believers who are alive on this day be? (1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. Pray: Lord, that first cleansing was temporary, sin still remained in the world, help us to be ready for the final cleansing of fire through faith in Jesus!

# 73 Walking With God

The Book of Genesis Day 73 Ge 6:9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. Enoch walked with God, and now we read of a man named Noah who also “walked with God.” Let us reflect today on God’s response to their choice to walk with Him. God took Enoch out of this world, away from all of the evil, but Noah was left behind while God removed all the evil troublemakers from around him. In either case, both men were separated from the world. Enoch got the free ride to heaven and Noah got to float on a boat, above all the evil of this world. These two men were chosen to be separated from the world because they had opted to “walk with God.” They did things His way and not the way of the world. We receive the same admonition in 2Co 6:17,18, “Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." 18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." And in Ro 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” In addition, one of the conditions that James sets forth for pure religion is found in Jas 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” He is even more to the point in Jas 4:4, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Then there’s 1Jo 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” But how do we do this? How do we overcome the pull of the world? 1Jo 5:4 says, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.” Faith in God is what Enoch and Noah had going for them. They were of that righteous line of Seth that remembered the promise of a Savior. They believed it, and God accounted it to them as righteousness. That’s what it is to “walk with God!” Exercise faith, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you too shall be delivered. You too shall overcome the world and walk with God! Reflect: Talk about a valued piece of clothing that was ruined by a stain. What kind of things do you do to protect your valued clothing from stains? What’s the best way you have found for removing stains? It has been said that Christians should be “in the world, but not of the world.” What does that mean to you. How do Christians remove “spiritual stains? Pray: Lord, grant us the faith of Enoch and Noah, give us the resolve to choose You and Your ways rather than the ways of the world, and remove the stains when we fail.

# 72 Would YOU make the Passenger List?

The Book of Genesis Day 72 Ge 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the LORD said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them." 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Who can blame God? Even in our world, our newspaper headlines scream violence! Television newscasts bring a steady stream of mayhem to our eyes morning, noon, and night, and we don’t see the half of it…..God sees it all! One can almost see Him throwing His hands in the air and saying, “I’m sorry I made these people in the first place! I’m tired of it! I’m going to get rid of the whole lot of them!” it’s easy to sense His displeasure here, but there is something deeper going on. The Hebrew word for “sorry” here means “to sigh strongly.” Now, you and I get a better feel of what God was feeling as He looked upon all the evil in the world. It was more like a ……”sigh” that spoke of the grief that was in His heart. He was cut to the heart because He knew what He had to do. He was going to have to destroy the crowning jewel of His creation…..man. He was also going to destroy the beasts and the birds and other things that the sin of man had affected. It would be better to do that than allow the evil and violence to continue. This certainly was God’s prerogative. He is the Potter, we are the clay. He can do what He wants to do with His creation. He is God! But wait! What’s this in the human interest section of the newspaper tucked away in the D section? ‘JUST MAN NOAH FOUND FOLLOWING THE LORD!” Hmmmm, ….and Noah found “grace” or “favor” in the eyes of the Lord.” Noah was a righteous man. He did “right” things. He did things the way God wanted them done, (That qualified him for building the ark by the way!) He was not perfect in the sense of being without sin, but he was a man of integrity, and he found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God saw something in Noah worth preserving. In the midst of our evil world today, should we not strive to provide that same glimmer of hope to our heavenly Father? Would He see enough willingness in you and I to do His bidding, that He would select us for His construction workers? “when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8) Reflect: Do you read the paper or watch the news? In what ways has our culture become desensitized to violence? If you lived in the time of Noah, why do you think you should be included in the passenger l list? Would you be part of the building crew, or just along for the ride? Pray: Father, help me daily to read Your Word that I may know what pleases You. Grant to me that faith and strength to follow Your directions for living in Your kingdom.

# 71 Violence Begets Violence

The Book of Genesis Day 71 Ge 6:4 There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. 5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. These “giants” are not to be confused with the “jolly green” kind, or the “beanstalk” variety, or the “Goliath” clan, or even the oft repeated speculation that they were the offspring of angels committing “hanky panky” with humans. Angels do not reproduce, and neither will you and I once we get to heaven. Mt 22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven”. The word “giant” in Hebrew basically means “bully.” This would be consistent with the lineage of Cain. Cain was a bully. Lamech was a bully too! These were violent men, and they begat violence in their offspring as well. It was the M.O. (Modus Operandi) of their family tree! Some things never change! Violence begets more violence, it’s a principle that we have seen in operation from Genesis on. Domestic abuse is a classic example. It is a very difficult cycle to break as sons often emulate their father’s behavior and bring it into their own marriages. Then there’s the violent act of abortion. Sadly, few people see the link between the increase of violence in the land and the legalization of abortion in 1973. But let’s face it, if I can solve what I consider a difficult situation by taking the life of an innocent child, what’s to stop me from solving any other difficult situation with some sort of violent act. Violence begets more violence. It always has and it always will. So the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth. I can almost picture Him picking up the daily edition of the Heavenly Chronicle and reading of the violent acts of men on the front pages, or flipping on Cloud Nine television and seeing violent act after violent act portrayed in the 6 o’clock news. Note, the text says “every” intent of the thoughts of the hearts of men was “only” evil “continually! A steady stream of vileness flowing through the earth! Every plan and purpose had evil as it’s motivation! One has to wonder how close we are today to becoming like that pre-flood society! Our children are being gunned down by other children in our streets and schools. Names like Columbine and Sandy Hook, and now Las Vegas, conjure up unforgettable pictures of terror. Tourist meccas and pedestrian walkways are turned into bloodbaths as innocent people are gunned down or run down by terrorists and others whose actions mirror those of the people of the earth before the flood. The only difference is our weaponry has become more sophisticated. People! Are you praying about this? Do you sense the urgency of the hour? What do you think Jesus was talking about in Mt 24:37 "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Are you ready? Our only hope in stemming the rising tide of violence is a Holy Spirit wrought revival, because only as people turn to the Lord Jesus Christ will the intents of the hearts be changed! Pray for it! Work for it! And let it begin with each one of us. Pray, “Come Lord Jesus,” and pray that He either comes in the form of revival, or that He comes to put an end to this violence once and for all! Reflect: Have you ever been bullied? How has bullying changed in modern times? How has it remained the same? Why do you think “violence begets more violence?” What do you think is behind the rise in violence? Pray: Lord, we pray “Come Lord Jesus! Put an end to the senseless violence on this earth either by changing the hearts of men through faith in Jesus, or by coming again for the final judgment. Thank you for the promise of a violent free existence in eternity for those who believe and our baptized.

#70 How Long Can You Tread Water?

The Book of Genesis Day 70 Ge 6:3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." Want to hop in a time machine and see what life was like in these 120 years before the flood? It was a war of epic proportions between the flesh of men and the Spirit of God! This war continues even to this day as we read in Ga 5:17, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh;” and as Luther put it in his hymn “A Mighty Fortress,” “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, Were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus it is He, Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same and He must win the battle! For a complete picture of how wicked the world had become in the days preceding the flood, we need only read Ga 5:19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Imagine living in a world where these kinds of behaviors are unchecked by all but eight people! Other than Noah, they all steadfastly resisted the “umpiring” of the Holy Spirit! That’s the way it was in the days of Noah WORLDWIDE, and (more localized) in Sodom in the days of Lot. Both cases ended in judgment and destruction by God! Ro 8:5-8, also speaks of this battle: , “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Don’t you see? If you live “all in” with your flesh, you will meet a terrible end that will go on for eternity! But if you go “all in” with Jesus as Noah and Lot did, you will live! God gave no quarters in this matter before the flood. These people were fleshly minded and they died. They did not inherit the kingdom of God! God, likewise will give no quarters today or tomorrow either. Those with the same unrepentant attitude of Noah’s day will likewise not inherit the kingdom of God. We desperately need the help of the Spirit to put to death these deeds of the flesh, and that help only comes to those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus. It’s surrender to Jesus or, “How long can you tread water?” Reflect: Do you have any fears concerning water or fire? Look at Gal 5:19-21 again. How many of these behaviors can you define? Are you guilty of any of these behaviors? What can you do about it? Pray: Lord, I confess that I am guilty of giving in to the ways of my flesh. Help me to resist the temptation and forgive me when I fail.

# 69 God the Umpire

The Book of Genesis Day 69 Ge 6:3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." Ever see an umpire toss a player or manager out of a baseball game? That player or manager is then relegated to the bowels of the stadium in the locker room. He is not allowed back in the game or on the field. This tossing out of the game usually does not happen with the first infraction, rather it is the result of continuous belligerence toward the umpire, and finally the umpire has had enough and out you go! The word “strive” here means to serve as an umpire. An umpire calls out what is true (a strike, safe, fair ball) or untrue (a ball, out, or foul). This word speaks of conviction. There comes a time when God the Holy Spirit ceases to bring conviction which leads to repentance, which allows one to stay in the game of eternal life. Without conviction of sin, the heart becomes hardened and the soul is in grave danger. Stephen reminded his audience of this phenomena in Ac 7:51 "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you”. It is the battle that we all face, and we should always be aware of the strength of our flesh . It is more powerful than we like to admit. The Apostle Paul put it this way: Ro 7:18,19, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” Paul could see the struggle and recognized the intensity of the battle. He was so certain of the presence of evil in his flesh that he called it a law! Ro 7:21-23, “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Paul’s mind, even though set on God’s Law, was no match for his flesh. No wonder he cries, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Rom 7:24,25) You see, our only hope is Jesus Christ who will deliver us from our flesh. He is stronger! He is able to set us free from the shackles of the flesh! Ro 8:1,2 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” The Law of the Spirit of life trumps the Law of the presence of evil in our flesh, and there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Praise God for the strivings of flesh and Spirit, praise God for conviction and repentance, for they show that God has not given up on you yet! Reflect: Have you ever seen someone ejected from a game? It’s usually because they vehemently object to a call. Can you see your flesh arguing a call made by God? Do you understand that your flesh is constantly arguing with God? How can that knowledge help you when tempted to sin? Pray: Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit and His work of umpiring my life, may I learn to submit to His calls, knowing that in obedience and trust, You are glorified.

#68 The Connection Between the Ark and Baptism

The Book of Genesis Day 68 Ge 6:3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." God doesn’t exercise judgment without warning, and here he sets D-day 120 years from the time He makes this statement. He is telling you and I that He alone knows the timetable of judgment. He alone knows who belong to Him through faith! 2Ti 2:19 says, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." The point being that God knew the world would reject the message of Noah which was embodied in the ark, and He was going to judge them 120 years hence.. Even righteous Noah wasn’t given a time and date for the actual flood. He was only told to build an ark. Every dowel, every spike, every pounding of the hammer was a sermon from Noah. 2Pe 2:5 says, “and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;” The word “preacher” here “denotes one who is employed by God in the work of proclaiming salvation.” What does the ark have to do with salvation? Well, you better be on it when Judgment strikes or you won’t be saved! There is a very important segment of Scripture dealing with this truth in 1Pe 3:20,21. The Holy Spirit speaking through Peter speaking of the ark says, “while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” As Noah and his family were saved by the waters of the flood lifting them above the destruction, so the waters of baptism now lift us above destruction as well. The ark foreshadowed this truth. It was a type, but now baptism is the antitype, in other words it is the real deal! Just as sure as the ark saved Noah, so certain of a vehicle of salvation, is baptism in the New Covenant. It’s why baptism was such an integral part of the Gospel message! Think about the accounts of preaching in the New Testament, baptism was almost always included as a vital part of the message. Why do you think the Ethiopian Eunuch had the driver slam on the breaks when he came upon water? It was because Phillip had preached the full gospel (including the necessity of baptism) to the Eunuch and he knew it was vital to his salvation! Ac 8:36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" No matter how hard we try, we cannot separate baptism from salvation. It is an integral part of the Great Commission given in Mt 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and re-emphasized in Mr 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Baptism coupled with faith saves, and while pouring a little water on someone or dunking them underwater in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost seems a little odd to many. (Even to the point of mocking the act) I imagine many thought the sight of this huge boat on dry land was worth mocking as well……that is, until the first drops of rain occurred. Reflect: What do you do when the sirens go off? Ever have any close calls with natural disasters? If an antitype is the real deal, what can we learn about baptism in 1 Pet 3:21? What does it take to have a good conscience toward God? What then is removed in the act of baptism? Ac 22:16 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' Since we are sinners from conception on, who needs baptism? Pray: Thank You Lord for what You promise to do for us in baptism. We all need it! Grant us also the enduring faith that is necessary to be saved.

# 67 Don't Abuse the Patience of God

The Book of Genesis Day 67 Ge 6:3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." No word on who the Lord is speaking to here. (“Hey! How about He’s speaking to you and I?”) No matter. A judgment has been pronounced. When God makes a pronouncement, it does not return to Him void. It accomplishes what He pleases! Isa 55:11 says, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” It’s fairly clear in this pronouncement that man has been given 120 years to shape up! It’s also clear that God already knows they won’t. Pay attention here, because we see that even God’s patience wears thin and His Holy Spirit won’t” strive,” or “plead,” with man(you and I) forever. If you are not a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, if you haven’t been “born again,” if you have willingly (like Cain) left the presence of God….if you’ve been putting off following Jesus, this verse from Genesis ought to send shivers through your soul. God won’t strive with you forever! There will come a time when He will just say, “Fine, you have made your eternal bed, now prepare to lie in it!” 2Co 6:1,2 says, “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Did you catch that last phrase? NOW is the time! While you are thinking about it! While your heart is burning inside you with this truth! While the battle rages within! While you are wrestling with the question, “Should I let go of all that I am hanging onto and jump into my Savior’s arms? Should I trust what He says about forgiving my sins and granting eternal life? “But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom 10:8,9) Let go beloved, for the Spirit of God is striving with you now, He will not strive with you forever. You must trust that what He says in His Word is true for you! Then let go! Surrender all to Him. Take the leap of faith and fear not…He will catch you and save you! Reflect: Have you ever jumped off a pier into someone’s arms, trusting they would catch you? What does such an action require? Have you jumped into the arms of Jesus? What was that like? Pray: Lord, thank You for Your patience, it is Your desire that not should perish and that all come to faith in Jesus. Help us to be about the business of inviting others to take the leap!

# 66 Mixed Marriages

The Book of Genesis Day 66 Ge 6:1 Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. “It came to pass,” God could’ve stopped it, but He allowed it to happen. What did He allow to happen? He allowed the unequal yoking of the godly line to the ungodly line. The believer to the unbeliever. The outcome of this development was not good, but even in the early history of mankind, God was trying to show us marrying an unbeliever is not a good idea. The use of the word “men” here is to indicate the line of Cain, and the “sons of God” is used to indicate the line of Seth. Both Cain and Seth’s lineage produced offspring and one day the sons of Seth said, “hey, those Cain girls are pretty sharp, why shouldn’t we marry them?” and the first instance of being unequally yoked occurred. Now, there was no written Law of God that forbade this, but it’s important to remember that God’s written laws of moral conduct simply codified what has already been written on the heart. Ro 2:14,15 says, “for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts” The written law that forbade this intermarrying shows up in De 7:3,4 "Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son. 4 "For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the LORD will be aroused against you and destroy you suddenly.” This Law has a history with God and His dealings with men. As we shall see, this intermarrying of “the sons of God” and “men” (unbelievers) led to the massive turning away from God that preceded the flood, in which all but Noah and his family were “suddenly destroyed.” God has seen the downward moral tailspin that has been caused by these marital unions, and since one of the primary purposes of marriage is to raise godly offspring, He forbids it. Mal 2:15 says, “ But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.” And this is not just some “Old Testament” thing! 2Co 6:14 reminds us, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” The Bible consistently teaches us to avoid these ungodly unions, because they more often than not result in compromise that end up in a falling away from the one true God for generations to come! I know it’s not easy, especially since the pool of marital candidates seems to be shrinking as more and more young people leave the church. Maybe that pool is shrinking because we are paying the price of ignoring God’s command concerning being unequally yoked in the first place! God desires equal yoking and as tough as it may seem, let’s not forget that God has promised to supply our need and if He can raise up stones to shout the praises of Jesus, (see Luke 19:40) he certainly can rustle up a fellow believer suitable for marriage. YOU DON’T HAVE TO SETTLE! Reflect: What are some common things that don’t mix? Do you see the problems that can occur with a “mixed” marriage? What is your reaction to the statement, “I know (he or she) isn’t a believer, but I think I can change them.” What should one do if they find themselves in a mixed marriage? 1Co 7:12, “If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.” Pray: Father, thank You for this reminder early on in the Book of Genesis concerning mixed marriages. Help our young people to see the importance of this, and as parents, let us pray soon and often that our sons and daughters would be led to the mate You have chosen for them. Help those who are struggling in mixed marriages to persevere in their marriage and to continue to seek to live in that marriage in accordance with Your will.

# 65 Walking With God

The Book of Genesis Day 65 Ge 5:21 Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. 22 After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. So God “takes” Enoch. He is living proof that God is able to pull off the rapture spoken of in (1 Thess 4:17) One moment he is walking this earth, and the next moment “he was not.” Clearly, Enoch was very special to God, but why? All we are told is that he “walked with God.” This is familiar terminology in “Christianese,” you know, that special language used by Christians. We like to ask each other, “how is your walk with the Lord?” Or you may hear the challenge,” does your walk match your talk?” But, what does it mean to “walk with the Lord?” We can find some answers in the aptly nicknamed “faith chapter of the Bible”…..Hebrews 11. In verses 5 and 6 of Hebrews 11 we read, “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Enoch was taken away or raptured because he pleased God, and the source of God’s pleasure with Enoch was his faith. Let me interject here at this time that you and I ought to live our lives as if the Lord may return at any moment. We should always be prepared to be “raptured,” and that preparation must include the exercise of faith. Well then, how does one exercise faith? We exercise faith by responding to God’s Word. We trust in His Word as truth and then act on it as if it were! For he who comes to God, must do more than come. He must believe that God is indeed God and that God is able! The faithful follower of Christ asks no questions about possibilities or results. He accepts every promise and every command found in Scripture and responds by trusting the Lord will do what He says He will do in accordance with His perfect will. AND, as it is written in Php 4:19, “ my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Those who walk with God believe that He is a rewarder of those who seek and do His will, and (this is very important) they do so with no timetable of their own. They just know and believe that as they step out in simple faith and obedience God will reward them. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in this lifetime, but they have seen the promises afar off, and embraced them, and thereby they have pleased God. Martin Luther has said this about faith. “Our faith is still very weak and cold. If our faith were as strong and steady as it should be, we would practically die from sheer joy.” That’s a faith that has its eye on eternity! This is the kind of faith that Enoch had. It is faith with an eternal perspective. It is a faith that is convinced of the ultimate reward from God….namely walking with Him forever! Reflect: What are some common terms in Christianese that are a foreign language to an unbeliever? James writes that we should not just be hearers of the word, but doers. What does that mean to you? Exercising faith is not as complicated as we make it out to be. See if you can come up with some simple “one word” commands from Jesus. Pray: Lord, there is a longing in all of us to “walk with You.” We ask that You would satisfy that longing by leading us down the path of trust and obedience.