Scripture:

Those people in the wilderness heard God’s good news, just as we have heard it, but the message they heard didn’t do them any good since it wasn’t combined with faith. Hebrews 4:1-2 (Voice)

The Gist:

There are many of God's promises that we know intellectually, but resist or have difficulty accepting emotionally.

"I am with you." - Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20

"You are forgiven" - 1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1

"I will provide for you" - Matthew 6:31-33, Philippians 4:19

"My grace is sufficient." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

"God works out all things for good" - Romans 8:28

"You can rest" - Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4

"You are deeply loved" - Romans 8:38-39, Zephaniah 3:17

"Do not fear" - Isaiah 43:1-2, John 14:27

The wilderness is what happens when God's promises are heard, but not trusted. Rest is what happens when faith finally catches up and agrees with God. The core wilderness problem the Israelites faced in the wilderness wasn't rebellion or ignorance - it was an unbelief they expressed as mistrust. They knew God's power, but doubted His heart!

Digging Deeper:

Which of these promises is difficult for you to accept emotionally? Take time to look up the related scriptures and sit with God, asking Him to give you wisdom and insight.

Ask, where is there fear or control blocking faith from mixing with truth?

Consider, am I only hearing God's Word, or am I trusting it?

Scripture

Today we explore Genesis 28:10-22, that includes a vision of a ladder/stairway connecting Heaven to Earth and a literary ladder as well. Showing us eleven steps that occur during Jacob's interaction with God.

But we settle on Step Ten, verses 18-19:

So early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had put under his head, set it up as a pillar, and then poured oil on top of it to commemorate his experience with God. 19 He named that place Bethel, which means “house of God.” Before that the name of the city had been called Luz.

The Gist

Bethel is the Bible's first example of God transforming an ordinary location into a sacred/holy place. We see it continue in the Old Testament: Exodus 3 (burning bush), Exodus 25-40 (tabernacle).

Then in the New Testament, Jesus arrives on the scene and the shift of holy/sacred places shifts from places and things to people.

1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19 - believers become the temple, as God's spirit dwells in us.

1 Timothy 3:15 - the "church" happens when people gather together in God's name. The church isn't holy, but the gathering of "community" becomes sacred because of God's people.

God meets us in unexpected places, transforms common/ordinary things into holy ground, and our everyday lives become sacred and holy places when we take the time to slow down and realize God is with us.

Digging Deeper

Are you in a difficult place right now, where you don't expect to find God?

Is it difficult to trust & believe that your life can become a dwelling place of God?

"Wherever God reveals Himself, Bethel (House of God) happens." How does it feel to read that?

Scripture:

That’s why, as long as that promise of entering God’s rest remains open to us, we should be careful that none of us seem to fall short ourselves. 2 Those people in the wilderness heard God’s good news, just as we have heard it, but the message they heard didn’t do them any good since it wasn’t combined with faith. Hebrews 4:1-2 (Voice)

The Gist:

Melissa takes us through the last question of our year-end reflection: What did you learn about yourself this year? We see how her year was one where she lived out God's Word and faith. As Hebrews 4:2 warns us: truth without faith stays external and doesn't penetrate the heart. It's known, but not lived out. Melissa shares how she has been living it out.

Digging Deeper:

What did you learn about yourself this year?

How will you approach this new year as you enter with this new knowledge about yourself?