Psalm 4:3 — But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself.
This verse struck my heart. I wish to be that godly man that God sets apart, not just for the work of ministry, but for God. To be His trusted friend is more precious than any ministry, title, job, opportunity, or earthly friend.
I have always been struck that Abraham was called the friend of God, and Moses who spoke to the Lord face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. How beautiful that Jesus says to us, “I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”
Interesting thought from Genesis 6. We usually think about the flood being because humanity had become corrupt and violent, but the language seems broader than just people.
God says He will wipe out “man and animals and creeping things and birds” and then says, “for I regret that I have made them” (Gen. 6:7). A few verses later it says the earth was “filled with violence” and that “all flesh had corrupted their way” (Gen. 6:11–12).
Makes me wonder how much the fall and sin actually affected and corrupted the animal world and creation itself. Genesis 1 says everything God made was “very good” (Gen. 1:31), but Romans 8 says creation was later “subjected to futility” and is now “groaning” waiting to be set free (Rom. 8:20–22).
Maybe some of the violence, predators in nature, and even strange parts of the animal world we see today aren’t exactly what creation originally looked like. Scripture doesn’t tell us exactly how much changed, but it definitely seems like sin didn’t just affect people. It affected creation itself.
There is also an interesting biblical theme concerning animal violence and its restoration. One example is Isaiah’s picture of God’s restored kingdom including:
“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb… the lion shall eat straw like the ox… They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain.” (Isaiah 11:6-9)
This seems congruent with the nature of the Fall. Flora was affected (thorns and thistles), and so fauna would be as well. All the things over which man was entrusted with dominion (Psalm 8).
As you cited, we groan with all creation eagerly awaiting the revelation of the sons of God!
After the Fall in Genesis 3, God set cherubim to guard the way to the Tree of Life.
In Exodus 35.30, the LORD called Bezalel by name. He is the first one in Scripture of whom it is said “He has filled him with the Spirit of God” In Exodus 36.35 Bezalel wove cherubim into the Veil of the Tabernacle which was the barrier into the Holy of Holies, where the Presence dwelt. The way in was still barred by the cherubim.
When Jesus died, the Veil of the Temple was rent asunder from top to bottom. The way to the Tree of Life which had been barred by the cherubim is now opened for all.
I just wanted to acknowledge that Matthew 1 describes Joseph as a righteous man, and because of his character he did not want to slander the woman he had been betrothed too, despite thinking she was unfaithful. I’m thinking of the type of reaction the average man might have, and the anger he might feel justified having. Yet because he was a man of righteous character; tested by God; he chose to keep what he thought was sin hidden on Mary’s behalf out of love for her.
We don't hear much about Joseph, but what we do hear is remarkable. The angel addressed him as "son of David." David himself said "the LORD said to my Lord" which Jesus quoted to the Pharisees to challenge them. Elizabeth said to Mary "how is it that the mother of my Lord would come to me?"
Joseph was chosen to be the earthly father of Jesus. He raised Him and taught Him his carpenter's trade in which the Lord worked for years. This is amazing on many levels.
Noah was a man that simply listened and obeyed God, and therefore he walked with God.
In Genesis 8:13-14 we see that Noah removed the covering from the Ark and saw that the ground was dry, but he didn’t leave the Ark until almost 2 months later. He patiently waited for the word of the Lord to come.
There are many times when I move ahead of Jesus instead of waiting to hear His guiding voice. I make decisions prematurely based on my own observations instead of listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Teach me your ways, Lord.
While reading Genesis 1 I was meditating on the concept of how each tree yielded seed after its kind, and each seed yielded the tree and fruit of its kind. When we sow our time to the Lord, we reap more time. When we sow financially we reap finances. That’s how God designed seeds to work.
This reminds me of the precious seed of the Gospel which was sown in us. First of all by Christ, the kernel of wheat that died, and rose to bear much fruit. From this tree came those who had the Gospel seed sown in them, and they in turn sowed it in us!. Freely they received, freely they gave. Now we too are in that blessed stream of 30, 60 and 100-fold... When we sow the Good News, it is fruitful and multiplies.
Exodus 29.37 "whatever touches the altar shall be holy" Pondering that in the light of Romans 12.1 "present your BODIES a living and holy sacrifice..." When we lay ourselves on the altar, He makes us holy, set apart for Him.
Day 4 · Genesis 9–11 · Matthew 4 · Psalm 4
Psalm 4:3 — But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself.
This verse struck my heart. I wish to be that godly man that God sets apart, not just for the work of ministry, but for God. To be His trusted friend is more precious than any ministry, title, job, opportunity, or earthly friend.
I have always been struck that Abraham was called the friend of God, and Moses who spoke to the Lord face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. How beautiful that Jesus says to us, “I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”
Day 3 · Genesis 6–8 · Matthew 3 · Psalm 3
Interesting thought from Genesis 6. We usually think about the flood being because humanity had become corrupt and violent, but the language seems broader than just people.
God says He will wipe out “man and animals and creeping things and birds” and then says, “for I regret that I have made them” (Gen. 6:7). A few verses later it says the earth was “filled with violence” and that “all flesh had corrupted their way” (Gen. 6:11–12).
Makes me wonder how much the fall and sin actually affected and corrupted the animal world and creation itself. Genesis 1 says everything God made was “very good” (Gen. 1:31), but Romans 8 says creation was later “subjected to futility” and is now “groaning” waiting to be set free (Rom. 8:20–22).
Maybe some of the violence, predators in nature, and even strange parts of the animal world we see today aren’t exactly what creation originally looked like.
Scripture doesn’t tell us exactly how much changed, but it definitely seems like sin didn’t just affect people. It affected creation itself.
There is also an interesting biblical theme concerning animal violence and its restoration. One example is Isaiah’s picture of God’s restored kingdom including:
“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb…
the lion shall eat straw like the ox…
They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain.” (Isaiah 11:6-9)
This seems congruent with the nature of the Fall. Flora was affected (thorns and thistles), and so fauna would be as well. All the things over which man was entrusted with dominion (Psalm 8).
As you cited, we groan with all creation eagerly awaiting the revelation of the sons of God!
Day 4 · Genesis 9–11 · Matthew 4 · Psalm 4
Genesis 9:26; Noah blesses his sons for covering his eyes and covering their father’s nakedness when he was drunk.
Psalm 4:7; David sings that the Lord has put more joy in his heart than the treasures of this world (Riches).
Matthew 4:11; after Jesus was tempted, the Devil left and Jesus was ministered to by angels.
Take away: I CAN put my trust in the LORD, he will bless me after every trial, and multiply my blessings.
Day 36 · Exodus 36–37 · Mark 6 · Psalm 23
After the Fall in Genesis 3, God set cherubim to guard the way to the Tree of Life.
In Exodus 35.30, the LORD called Bezalel by name. He is the first one in Scripture of whom it is said “He has filled him with the Spirit of God” In Exodus 36.35 Bezalel wove cherubim into the Veil of the Tabernacle which was the barrier into the Holy of Holies, where the Presence dwelt. The way in was still barred by the cherubim.
When Jesus died, the Veil of the Temple was rent asunder from top to bottom. The way to the Tree of Life which had been barred by the cherubim is now opened for all.
Day 1 · Genesis 1–3 · Matthew 1 · Psalm 1
I just wanted to acknowledge that Matthew 1 describes Joseph as a righteous man, and because of his character he did not want to slander the woman he had been betrothed too, despite thinking she was unfaithful. I’m thinking of the type of reaction the average man might have, and the anger he might feel justified having. Yet because he was a man of righteous character; tested by God; he chose to keep what he thought was sin hidden on Mary’s behalf out of love for her.
We don't hear much about Joseph, but what we do hear is remarkable. The angel addressed him as "son of David." David himself said "the LORD said to my Lord" which Jesus quoted to the Pharisees to challenge them. Elizabeth said to Mary "how is it that the mother of my Lord would come to me?"
Joseph was chosen to be the earthly father of Jesus. He raised Him and taught Him his carpenter's trade in which the Lord worked for years. This is amazing on many levels.
Day 3 · Genesis 6–8 · Matthew 3 · Psalm 3
Noah was a man that simply listened and obeyed God, and therefore he walked with God.
In Genesis 8:13-14 we see that Noah removed the covering from the Ark and saw that the ground was dry, but he didn’t leave the Ark until almost 2 months later. He patiently waited for the word of the Lord to come.
There are many times when I move ahead of Jesus instead of waiting to hear His guiding voice. I make decisions prematurely based on my own observations instead of listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Teach me your ways, Lord.
Day 3 · Genesis 6–8 · Matthew 3 · Psalm 3
Genesis 6:8; Noah found favor in God’s sight.
Psalm 3:34; the Lord is David’s shield, and the one who lifts his head.
Matthew 3:17; after Jesus was baptized the Lord said, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”
Take Away: Because I am in Jesus I found favor in God’s eyes, and now he is my shield and the lifter of my face. He is well pleased in me.
Amen. As you are in Christ, ALL the promises of God are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ to you!
Day 1 · Genesis 1–3 · Matthew 1 · Psalm 1
While reading Genesis 1 I was meditating on the concept of how each tree yielded seed after its kind, and each seed yielded the tree and fruit of its kind. When we sow our time to the Lord, we reap more time. When we sow financially we reap finances. That’s how God designed seeds to work.
This reminds me of the precious seed of the Gospel which was sown in us. First of all by Christ, the kernel of wheat that died, and rose to bear much fruit. From this tree came those who had the Gospel seed sown in them, and they in turn sowed it in us!. Freely they received, freely they gave. Now we too are in that blessed stream of 30, 60 and 100-fold... When we sow the Good News, it is fruitful and multiplies.
Day 33 · Exodus 29–30 · Mark 3 · Psalm 21
Exodus 29.37 "whatever touches the altar shall be holy" Pondering that in the light of Romans 12.1 "present your BODIES a living and holy sacrifice..." When we lay ourselves on the altar, He makes us holy, set apart for Him.