ACCEPTING GOD'S TERMS

Today's reading: Joshua 1-5

"I accept your terms, she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window." Joshua 2:21 NLT

Rahab didn't have many friends.

Well, not the kind we might have.

No gal pals, I would guess. 

But I'm sure while she was waiting for the Israelites to invade Jericho, I'm pretty sure some folks sidled up to her to ask...

What's the rope hanging out of your window for?

It, I'm sure, drew some attention.

I love the idea of that scarlet rope!

I'm a gal who likes visual reminders of God's promises.

Like a string tied around my finger reminding me of something I hope not to forget, she left that red rope dangling down the side of her house.

A promise reminder...

Reminding the spies of their promise.

Reminding the Israelite's God of His.

Reminding her of hers.

Do you have something always in front of you that reminds you of God's promises to you, and your acceptance of His terms?

Your Bible?

A verse written out on an index card?

A bracelet, or necklace, with a cross on it?

Make yourself a visual for the new year. Something that's always within eyesight. Something that points you to the promise made to you, for you and by you. 

Something to help you remember that you've accepted God's terms and believe He will follow through on fulfilling His part of the bargain!

FACT CHECK
Today's reading: Genesis 1-3

"Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the creatures the Lord God had made. Really? he asked the woman. Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?" Genesis 3:1 NLT

I don't know about you, but my enemy never asks me the hard questions.

He doesn't tempt me by asking, What's the practical implications of an atheistic worldview?

Or, Why does the Old Testament God seem so much different from the New Testament God? 

I've never once, in my struggle of faith, been questioned with, Just how do you explain the idea of the Trinity?

Nope.

Maybe it's because I'm too simple minded. Or too unschooled. Or too Bible illiterate to be asked such hard questions.

My enemy tempts me, as he did Eve, with single-word-doubt-placing-inuendos.

Really?

Why?

When?

How?

I struggle with everyday things far too much and too often to be bothered by worldviews, theological debates or matters far too complicated for my mind.

But it's these little questions that lead my mind, and quite possibly yours, on a rabbit trail of doubt, confusion, fear and worry.

To combat these questions?

I fact check with Scripture.

I confer with the Lord.

I pause and ponder in prayer.

I choose to respond not react.

I 'check the return address' on the words being asked of me.

Maybe, just maybe, our world would have been a much, much better place had Eve done the same.

 LOVED TO REPENTANCE

Today's reading: Romans 1-2

"Don't you realize how kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how king he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?" Romans 2:4 NLT

"Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience (in withholding His wrath)? Are you (actually) unaware or ignorant (of the fact) that God's kindness leads you to repentance (that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking--seek His purpose for your life)?" Romans 2:4 AMP

As you being to unwrap this brand-spanking new year, consider this...

-All the goodness God allows into your life.

-All the grace He extends to you.

-All the blessings He pours on to you.

-All the joy He permits into your days.

-All the goodness He sends your way.

These are all sent with one intention, one purpose, one goal, one objective, one design--

To turn you from sin and to God.

His love, and the outpouring of it, is meant to lead you to repentance.

Let's allow His love to do just that in this new year!