Pastor Mary Haley

We have started our new L.I.F.E. Lessons Bible Study, and I have decided to bring the contents of our study into our devotional time, as well. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I Do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.

In our passage for today, we will continue with chapter 1; our focus is “God, What Do I Do with What You’ve Given Me?”
We have been entrusted with so many gifts from God: promises, position, possessions, and people. As well, based on God’s covenant with Abraham, we have been given time, talents, and treasures to offer God during our lifetimes. As Abraham’s descendants of faith, we have received the Promised Land [symbolic of a state of rest, spiritual peace, and an eternal destination], the ability to multiply the people of faith, as well as bless the world around us. We must decide how we will use our gifts, because believers have been given territory from God to enter, possess, and faithfully steward. Will we seek to use these good gifts in ways that honor God?

This morning, we look at courageous Caleb, who was born into slavery in Egypt and experienced the Exodus and the Wilderness. His character was forged through adversity, yet instead of becoming bitter, he grew stronger. Perhaps you remember that Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout out the Promised Land. They were the only two who returned with energized faith and saw a favorable outcome.

God promised Caleb something, but before he could lay hold of the divine promise, a battle was required. This battle would strengthen and prepare Caleb to steward the promise of God. As we seek to steward God’s promise to us, we will face different battles in order to strengthen and prepare us to handle the challenges, blessings, and to take responsibility of what is being entrusted to us by God. Age is not a factor, because Caleb was 85 y/o when his promise was fulfilled. To be successful, Caleb had to learn how to responsibly delegate and how to operate in supernatural wisdom. May God help us!

Judges 1:12-20 NLT
12 Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher.” 13 Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz, was the one who conquered it, so Acsah became Othniel’s wife.
14 When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What’s the matter?”

15 She said, “Let me have another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev; now please give me springs of water, too.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

16 When the tribe of Judah left Jericho—the city of palms—the Kenites, who were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, traveled with them into the wilderness of Judah. They settled among the people there, near the town of Arad in the Negev.
17 Then Judah joined with Simeon to fight against the Canaanites living in Zephath, and they completely destroyed [consecrated/offering to God] the town. So the town was named Hormah [destruction]. 18 In addition, Judah captured the towns of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron, along with their surrounding territories.

Israel Fails to Conquer the Land
19 The Lord was with the people of Judah, and they took possession of the hill country. But they failed to drive out the people living in the plains, who had iron chariots. 20 The town of Hebron was given to Caleb as Moses had promised. And Caleb drove out the people living there, who were descendants of the three sons of Anak.

The Canaanites worshiped foreign gods and trusted in their “iron chariots” to protect them. When the tribes of Judah and Simeon saw these “iron chariots,” they saw their foe as having superior fighting power. They took their gaze from the assured promise of God to bring them victory and, instead, stepped away from their faith mission. Their disobedience would impact the other tribes.

What if the “iron chariots” we construct to defend ourselves end up being an obstruction to experiencing complete restoration? What “iron chariots” are you coming up against in your allotted territory?

Truth: When you aren’t sure what to do with what you’ve been given, decide to obey the Lord by faithfully stewarding the people, position, and place He has entrusted to you.

Prayer: Lord, we confess our focus can easily shift to the power of “iron chariots” before us, rather than remembering You are all-powerful and Your promise to bring us victory is assured. You are more than capable of making us successful in whatever You send us to be and do. Help us identify what may be hindering our ability to fully possess what is rightfully ours as Your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Last night we started our new L.I.F.E. Lessons Bible Study, and I have decided to bring our study into our devotional time, as well. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.

Last night, my goal was to give a proper introduction to the Book of Judges. If you have time to listen to the study, it will help you understand the context, location, timeline, God’s faithfulness, and His commands. We spent much of our time “remembering” the promise of God to remain faithful to His covenant. God alone is perfectly faithful.

Later, we read Judges 1:1-2 and our focus was, “God, What Do I Do First?” In those brief passages, we learn Joshua, Israel’s military leader and assistant to Moses, has died, and the people are looking for direction from God. Entering the Promised Land is filled with uncertainty, and the people are overwhelmed. God answers the people’s prayer, gives divine direction [Judah—praise—is God’s anointed tribe to fight against the Canaanites], and then God waits for obedience. To hear is to obey!

Truth: When we aren’t sure what to do first, we must decide to pray, listen, obey…and repeat.
In our passage for today, we will continue with chapter 1; our focus is “God, What Do I Do When I Need Help?”

Judges 1:3-11 NLT
3 The men of Judah said to their relatives from the tribe of Simeon, “Join with us to fight against the Canaanites living in the territory allotted to us. Then, we will help you conquer your territory.” So the men of Simeon went with Judah.
4 When the men of Judah attacked, the Lord gave them victory over the Canaanites and Perizzites, and they killed 10,000 enemy warriors at the town of Bezek. 5 While at Bezek they encountered King Adoni-bezek and fought against him, and the Canaanites and Perizzites were defeated. 6 Adoni-bezek escaped, but the Israelites soon captured him and cut off his thumbs and big toes [justice—an eye for an eye; without thumbs cannot hold a weapon and without big toes cannot balance or fight].

7 Adoni-bezek said, “I once had seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off, eating scraps from under my table. Now God has paid me back for what I did to them.” They took him to Jerusalem, and he died there.

8 The men of Judah attacked Jerusalem and captured it, killing all its people and setting the city on fire. 9 Then they went down to fight the Canaanites living in the hill country, the Negev, and the western foothills.[a] 10 Judah marched against the Canaanites in Hebron (formerly called Kiriath-arba), defeating the forces of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.
11 From there they went to fight against the people living in the town of Debir (formerly called Kiriath-sepher).

According to verses 2 and 3, God was with Judah; this is a picture of the Lord going before us in spiritual battle. Judah and Simeon supporting one another in battle is a powerful image. We are certainly stronger together, too. It can be easier to follow through in obeying the Lord when we have companionship and accountability along the way. Wearing yourself out is often based on striving and trying to prove yourself, but pouring yourself out is operating from the overflow, in obedience, and gratitude.

In verses 4-11, we should note that the people asked God for wisdom, He answered them, and they obeyed God. These two tribes worked together to accomplish God’s purposes. God’s instructions were for His people to fight against injustice, grievous sins, and idol worship—to fight against that which opposed God and His ways. This was not for violence’s sake; it was because the people had a greater need for deliverance from the sin that drew them away from God.
Truth: When you need help, decide to obey God by connecting with and helping one another, according to His example and His instructions.

Prayer: Lord, help us to maximize our efforts for your Kingdom, by collaborating and sharing the load while stewarding our responsibilities. Thank You for being our Promise Keeper and always being available for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We all have deep needs within us that long to be satisfied. Each one of us has been made in God’s image—created to bear His name and carry the divine presence. We were designed to be filled with the pure love of God, so unless we open ourselves up to Him and welcome the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we may enjoy portions of life but fail to feel fulfilled. We may search for meaning in the world, yet find ourselves empty.  What our souls may actually long for is available and just a prayer away.

In our passage today, Jesus and his disciples are traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.  This festival celebrated, with great joy, how God provided for Israel in the wilderness:  bringing shelter, guidance, and water from a rock.  Specifically, the high point of the ceremony was when the priests took water from the Pool of Siloam, poured it out, and asked God to bring abundant blessings.  The feast celebrated God’s temporary provision, but Jesus came to reveal the eternal provision.

It was during this time in the celebration Jesus proclaimed, “Anyone who is thirst may come to me!  Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!” (John 7:37b-38a).  Jesus is the One who fulfills this blessing; the One who is the Living Water.  God provides for us in the dry seasons, because He dwells within us, and in His presence we find fulness of JOY! 

Jesus is talking about the promise of the Holy Spirit who refreshes spiritually exhausted hearts, cleanses and renews the inner life, produces peace, wisdom, and spiritual strength, fills the dry places, and brings eternal life.  Jesus promised abundance, and the Spirit provides it all!

John 7:37-39 NLT  Jesus Promises Living Water

37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for being our Living Water and taking care of our needs and fulfillment.  Continue to fill us, form us, and flow through us as Your people.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

These past few weeks have revealed some present suffering in our spiritual family and we have to remind ourselves it is temporary compared to eternity.  Pain is real and we cannot minimize it, but like the whole of creation we all need restoration from God and He is still working on us.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds us of this restoration God is doing.  He is healing us and for those who love God and are called according to his purpose and will, He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).  The Spirit intercedes for us, because He knows the will of God and can pray accordingly.  

So, if you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or discouraged, take heart and trust God.  Invite the Holy Spirit to pray for you and help you when you are feeling weak or uncertain.  God loves you; trust Him.

Romans 8:18-24, 26-27 NLT  The Future Glory

18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it.

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

Prayer:  Lord, we go through different seasons of struggles and discouragement. Life requires great faith.  Thank You for understanding how we feel and for giving us the Holy Spirit who prays for us to press on and seek Your perfect will.  We trust You, Lord, please deliver us from evil and keep us filled with the Spirit.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Today, we celebrate Memorial Day.   We remember the men and women who died while serving our country in the armed forces.  We honor them for their sacrifice, and we pray for their families, who may need comfort and loving support.   We must remember that many others have sacrificed for our country’s freedom.  We need to understand that this is not just a day for remembering our nation’s heroes, but also to remember God and His goodness in giving us a Savior who laid down His life for our spiritual freedom.

David writes to remind us of God’s unfailing love and our need as a nation to bow before Him.  God understands our feelings, our suffering, and our brokenness.  To be brokenhearted is to suffer grief or heartbreak.  To be crushed is to be drained and exhausted.  To be rescued is to be healed and restored. 

Our nation needs healing, and Jesus is the Healer.  Jesus laid down His life so we could live in spiritual freedom and peace.  Oh, if all the people of this nation knew the gift of the Savior and desired to live under God’s authority.  Then, God would heal our land.

Psalm 33:12 NLT  What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.

Psalm 34:18 NLT The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

John 15:13 VOICE There is no greater way to love than to give your life for your friends.

Prayer:  Father, thank You for Your compassion and mercy to draw near.  We trust Your love and rest in Your goodness.  Thank You for caring for us; for raising up men and women who were selflessly willing to serve and defend our country’s freedom.  We humbly bow before Your throne of grace and ask for comfort for those suffering loss today.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Idioms like “It’s just my nature,” “It’s who I am,” or “It’s ingrained in me” can be used by people to justify an action or behavior. Hearing phrases like these might lead one to think the person saying them has no control over an action, as it is not a conscious choice. But, for believers, is this true?

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds us of our past, present, and future state of being. Apart from Christ, and because of sin, human beings were left spiritually dead, sinfully disobedient, and separated from our Creator. This is everyone’s past because it is how we start life. In this state of being, we do what we like and live for our pleasure because our nature is flesh-driven. So, “It’s just my nature” is an accurate statement. But we do not have to stay there, because Jesus came to redeem our past and welcome us back to God. The choice to accept Christ is before every human being.

Believers in God’s intervening love and Christ’s work on the cross, are gifted a new life and given a new nature. God, the Great I Am, welcomes us on a spiritual journey called eternal life, where we are made ALIVE. By the Spirit and through His Word, God speaks to us as His sons or daughters. We have a brand new identity; the past is dead. So, the idiom, “It’s who I am,” is accurate if you are talking about being God’s child. We are learning to live with Christ as Lord as he leads us away from our sinful and selfish past into the righteous riches of eternal life.

Lastly, as we follow Christ, we take on His nature because His Word/Commands are written on our hearts, so the idiom “It’s ingrained in me” is the future state of spiritual life with God. The roots of Christ’s love grow deep within us, and His holy characteristics become a permanent part of our souls. God has promised to make us fully alive and mature in Christ. Thank you, Lord!

Ephesians 2:1-7 NLT Made Alive with Christ
2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for raising us from spiritual death in the past into eternal life in the present. Thank you for making us more like Jesus each day by helping us obey your Word. Our future is secure and fulfilled in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is Ascension Day; a day which is celebrated forty days after Easter for the ascension of our Christ from earth to His exalted place in heaven. While Jesus was on earth, He was a suffering Servant for God and humanity, providing salvation. Today, we celebrate His position in our lives as the glorified King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus now guarantees glorification to those who repent and call upon his name for salvation.

In our passage today, I cannot help but focus on four special sentences. First, in verse 45, Jesus can open our minds to understand the Scripture and how He is woven into every lesson of faith. The Lord is the Word of God through Moses, the prophets, and the psalmists. He is guiding faith and eternal life throughout the Scriptures. May the Spirit help us listen.

The second thing that stands out to me is verse 47. We are forgiven for our sins ONLY when we repent and turn from them. The word repent means to turn from self-centeredness and the practice of what the Word calls sin and follow Jesus into a transformed life. Remorse does not save us; however, repentance and commitment to a new way of living do. May we welcome the transformed life in Christ.

Thirdly, in verse 49, Jesus tells His disciples He will send the Holy Spirit, because the Father has promised. God’s Word is Truth, and He cannot lie, so we know all of Christ’s disciples will be able to receive the Spirit and the power of heaven to be His witnesses. May we receive the Spirit and power of heaven and allow Jesus to lead us deeper into Life with God.

Lastly, in verses 51and 52, Jesus raises His hands and blesses the disciples. This just fills my heart with joy. Our Father has not left us powerless! We have the power of the Spirit to fill us and move us into our assignments; to equip us with every good thing from heaven. We have all we need with our Lord and the power of the Spirit! Joy! Joy! and more Joy!

On this Ascension Day, make sure you have made Jesus the Lord of your life. This means we surrender and give Him all authority to rule our lives. We can trust Jesus for salvation; He gave His life so we could live with God. Can Jesus trust us to become disciples who surrender our wills for His work of reconnecting the world to God?

Luke 24:44-53 NLT
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.

49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

The Ascension
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

Prayer: Lord, we can only imagine how watching You ascend into heaven must have filled the hearts of the disciples with joy and forever changed their witness of Your extravagant salvation. You lifted Your hands and blessed them, and You do the same for us every day. We are such a blessed people and it is such an honor to call you Lord. Thank You for all You do for us. Be glorified in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In the Bible, the concept of “connection” is centered on life-giving power that brings God’s blessings. A superficial relationship—based on outward appearance—does not connect us with God, nor does it bring us into unity with other believers. God is calling for a covenant relationship or bond in which His love can flourish, not a social acquaintance void of life-giving substance.

Jesus uses the imagery of a Vine with branches to teach about this “connection” and the unlimited flow of God’s blessing (John 15:5). A branch cannot grow and produce fruit if it is separated from the vine. We must be connected to God if we are ever going to connect and grow in the holy nature of God—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Making this vertical and horizontal connection is essential for experiencing life-giving joy. Abiding in Jesus [staying connected] and obeying God’s Word [living connected] leads to a wonderful and priceless fullness of joy; a joy no one and nothing can rob (John 15:11 NLT).

In our passage today, Jesus prepares the disciples by telling them that he is going away, something that will leave them mourning. Jesus is going to suffer and die, which will bring sorrow, but he is going to be raised back up to life, which will bring them great joy!

God often works the same way in our lives: seasons of confusion, waiting, or suffering can become places where deeper joy is born through our connection with Him. When we stay connected to Jesus, we receive strength to endure difficult seasons, wisdom to obey His Word, and love to share with others. The closer we remain to Him, the more His life flows through us.

John 16:16-24 NLT Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy
16 “In a little while, you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”
17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”
19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

Prayer: Lord, the way the world looks at life, salvation, and the truth is a challenge for us as believers. Many times, we feel like misfits, and our minds and hearts can easily feel troubled by the lack of love and genuine caring. Suffering is real. Yet, we trust you and know you are grooming us for holy things that one day will be revealed. This understanding brings us great joy! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What do you know about negativity? Most of us recognize when we or others speak negatively in response to difficult or upsetting circumstances. It sounds a lot like complaining, but it is different. Negativity is a chronic internal mindset and attitude because it views life through a pessimistic, dark lens. Complaining is an outward expression of a specific problem. Complaining can be constructive to bring about good change. Conversely, negativity sees everything as the worst scenario and refuses to focus on any goodness.

Although both complaining and negativity may surround us every day, believers are not called to either attitude or action, because they are toxic to the soul. Being around a negative person will drain the positive energy out of an individual and even a whole group. Even when presented with a positive change, a negative person will choose to view things a certain way.

The negative mind must be rewired, and it is the work of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to open blind eyes and help them see the goodness of God. As Spirit-led children of God, we are actually called to break the cycle of negativity through acts of kindness. Many times we can literally break the cycle of negativity when we choose to extend grace.

In our passage today, Peter speaks to all Christians and focuses on love, humble hearts, and blessings. Negativity produces insults. Grace produces blessings. Every day, we have a choice to speak blessings or curses to people or about situations. Negativity involves empowering a wrong spiritual outlook; it is not of God. Blessings perpetuate the kindness, peace, and goodness of the Savior. May the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit keep our attitudes in check today and our words filled with blessing. It will be a battle, but remember we are overcomers in Christ.

1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT All Christians
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say,

“If you want to enjoy life
    and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
11 
Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
    and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
    against those who do evil.”[Ps 34:12-16]

Prayer: Lord, we desire to run from negativity and reach for grace today. We choose to see happy days, to turn from evil, and to search for peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today, we finish up our lesson about Noah and the post-flood world. Our passage contains a covenant or promise [a divine pledge] from God, along with a sign or reminder of His Word—the rainbow in the sky. The rainbow reminds God of His promise while bringing hope to the world of future redemption—a gospel [good news] sign for humanity. This covenant is made to every living creature on the earth. God made an unconditional promise to preserve life on earth—a pledge to offer mercy and grace.

Let’s remember where we have been with God’s Word, Noah, and the flood. God makes a promise to Noah and his family (Genesis 6:17-18). He reminds Noah that humanity’s heart is universally sinful; we incline to sin even from childhood (Genesis 8:21). Life in the world [post-flood] is still not going to be a picnic for humanity, because the world is tainted with evil. Yet, God makes a universal promise to bless those who obey His commands (Genesis 9:1-7).

So, it is clear God takes on this obligation to put things into place to save humanity, to cleanse and deliver a heart from sin, and to provide the way to blessing and life everlasting. Essentially, God decides to deal with the problem of sin and evil differently in the future. And, we know, God faithfully does so through the cross of Jesus our Messiah. Praise God for the Promise!

Genesis 9:8-17 NLT
8 Then God told Noah and his sons, 9 “I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants, 10 and with all the animals that were on the boat with you—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals—every living creature on earth. 11 Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.”

12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. 16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” 17 Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the mercy and grace You have chosen to provide us. We have always needed a Savior, and we know You sent Jesus as the fulfillment of Your covenant. Even though this sinful world has chosen to take Your bow in the sky as a symbol of a social movement, we know You placed it as a reminder to Yourself never to destroy the world again by flood—a sign of the coming love, mercy, and grace of the redeeming and resurrected Savior. Because You live, Lord, we will live with You forever. Thank You! We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name. Amen.