Author: Scott Lane

Scott Lane is the Executive Pastor of Ministry at FBCSA.

Friendships

Re:Verse reading–2 Kings 4:8-37 (day five) 

In the weeks of June around our church, Children/Youth gather for V.B.S. and Youth Camp. They play, sing, worship, and study the Scripture together. Conversations and community begin to take shape. Children and teens not only talk to each other, but they listen to each other. They hear and sense the “hearts” of these new friends. The eternal moments will come from those “heart and faith conversations”. Friendships that allow asking deep questions and building strong convictions are formed. From these friendships come the confidence and courage to share with all of those around them- children and teens “salting” schools, homes, little leagues, and communities.

As adults, do we still look for the palpable presence and power of God in our day-to-day lives? Do we look to find new friends? Are we eager to share and encourage others from the peace and strength the Lord provides? Are we burdened and willing to share this good news and great truth with all those who share life with us? It’s never too soon and never too late to begin!!

 

Enemies

Re:Verse reading–2 Samuel 9 (day five)

Then David said, “Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” According to customs and culture, anyone from the house of Saul was considered an enemy of David. They were usually killed to prevent revolution or rivalry from occurring. The potential damage and dissension from such an enemy was very real. Yet, David does the unthinkable, He rescues and extends grace to an enemy. What kindness!! What love!!

We very seldom think ourselves as enemies of God. The Bible is very clear to point out this is indeed the case (Romans 5:10). Our rebellion and opposition to the will and purpose of God is evident. The scripture goes so far as to describe us as helpless (5:6). Sound familiar? Yet, God does the unthinkable. He takes the initiative to rescue and extend grace to His enemies (us). What Kindness!! What Love!!

Like Eli

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 3 (day five)

In the next few weeks our children and teenagers will be in some of the most spiritually rich environments of the year. We often see evidence of this in public decisions and commitments. In Vacation Bible School and Youth Camp, our next generation will be learning and reading God’s Word. They will be near believers for extended periods of time. They will be presented the Gospel in music, worship, Bible Study, fellowship, and many other ways. The Lord is faithful and resilient to “call their names”. As parents, grandparents, mentors, teachers, and church family we have the privilege to be a part of their story. We get to participate in God’s activity in their lives. Will you pray for their salvation and spiritual growth?

Like Eli- Will you encourage them to listen for Lord? Will you point them to the voice and truth of the Lord ? Will you also encourage them to be obedient to his direction and conviction?

Each

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 11:10-32 (day five)

It is wonderful to think about and appreciate the power, wisdom, and sovereignty of God. His love and plan extends thru generations of people. His awareness and involvement spans over the course history. These traits never cease to be at work. He is large and mighty. These genealogies describe a God who wills and works through the whole human race. “For God so loved the world.” A God of this magnitude deserves our wonder and our worship.

But if we say His desire is to work through all of us, then we must also say that his desire is to work through each of us. Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?” We must also answer the same question. Personally. Individually. A God who is this personal will require trust and obedience from all of us and each of us.

Out of Order?

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 11:1-9 (day five) 

If Genesis 11 is read apart from Genesis 9 and 10, some theologians argue that the reader misses valuable context. God tells Noah in Genesis 9, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth”. Genesis 10 appears at first read, to communicate that man was following God’s command. (Genesis 10: 5, 20, 31) So, why the sudden rebellion?  Were they following God’s purpose in chapter 10? Perhaps the sequence is out of order.

Genesis 11: 1-9 might become clearer to process with the possibility that this passage explains why and how the people groups were scattered (by region and language). Just like Genesis 2 gives clarification and explanation to Genesis 1, Genesis 11 might help us understand Genesis 10 better. Perhaps, only the results of God’s punishment are being described in chapter 10, and chapter 11 explains both man’s rebellion and God’s punishment in detail.

The Good News: God continues His sovereign plan in spite of the rebellion and punishment of the human race. See Matthew 28 (Make disciples of all nations).

 

When?

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 10 (day five)

Often times we get caught up and concerned about “where” and “how” God is working in our lives. We get discouraged because we don’t feel it or see it. It’s as if we are writing our own theological narrative and have to have all the journalistic questions (Who?, What?, When?, Where?, and Why?) answered before we continue forward in our faith.

Genesis Chapter 10 does answer one of the questions- When? Each person and generation listed in this passage is proof that the Living God is constantly present and aware of the individual lives of His created beings. The answer to “When?” is measured individually and daily.

Jon Bloom wites, “Today is a day that the Lord has specially made (Psalm 118:24). He has planned it for you. It has a purpose. No matter what it holds, give thanks for it (1 Thessalonians 5:18). For God does not waste a day, and he will not waste you. And if you love and trust him, you will one day discover that today… will do you remarkable good (Romans 8:28)”.

A Sign of God’s Grace

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 9:1-17 (day five)

The flood doesn’t change God’s purpose for man. John Piper says, “God created man in his image and aims for man to fill the earth with God’s glory reflected in man’s faith and righteousness”. Noah gets the same marching orders that Adam did. “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth”. See Genesis 1:28, 9:1, 9:7. Only difference is that Noah is not in the garden. There are real threats. Sin still exists. The human heart (even after the flood) is wicked (see 8:21).

Yet, God makes a covenant. He sends a sign. He reminds the human race of His faithfulness and grace. Man can find hope in the promises and grace of God. Noah found favor (grace) with God. He found hope and courage. The covenant sign (rainbow) was a reminder of God’s faithfulness and man’s opportunity to live in relationship with Him through grace. The sign still reminds us today and will in the future. Revelation 4:3 -And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. God’s grace can save us!!

 

Alone

Genesis 7:1-4, 17-24; 8:1-5, 13-16, 20-22 (day five)

Over many years of Student Ministry, I have heard students echo these thoughts:  “I am the only Believer in my class”,  “I am the only Christian on the team”,  “I am the only Follower of Christ in my section”.   I also hear adults declare the same dilemma.  “I am the only Believer in my office.”  “I am the only Christ Following parent on our team.”  Noah and his family knew this same feeling.  Genesis 7:1 Then the Lord said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time.”  We often feel isolated and alone in our faith because of a culture that has become “Post-Christian”.

There is encouragement found in Genesis 7 for “righteous” (that comes from a relationship with Christ) people who “walk with God” (in step with His Spirit).

God PROTECTS believers.  If we have the Lord and follow Him, our souls are safe.

God PROVIDES for believers.  If we trust God and His love for us, we already have what we really need.

God REMEMBERS believers.  He is always aware of our circumstances and our condition.

Control

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 6 (day five) 

Are you like me? When things get out of control I struggle with impatience. I want to hurry. I want to “get on with it” or “get it over with”. It really is a coping mechanism clearly indicating that I am not in control. Good news… God is in control. I believe it. I feel it. I know it. One of the many reasons, He is patient and faithful to His promises and character- even when things seem to be out of control. The way He deals with Noah and the “wicked generation” is more evidence of this patient and just judgement. There was time and opportunity for them to repent and turn to God. They did not. There was judgement and justice.  IN God’s perfect timing, He prepared Noah and acted.

God continues to be patient and in control. 2 Peter 3:9– “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” His patience is His kindness and an indication He is in control. That is really GOOD NEWS!!

Faith

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 4:1-16; 25-26 (day five) 

God allows “life” to continue even in the fallen world (our current world included) outside the garden. There is opportunity for faith in this broken world.

What insights can we gain from Genesis 4 about faith?

Faith THANKS God for His provisions- Eve’s words in verse 1.

Faith FOLLOWS the Lord and His wisdom- Abel’s sacrifice included blood, He remembered and repeated God’s pattern in Genesis 3. (Hebrews 11:4 references Abel’s faith)

Faith continues to LEARN AND SEEK the Lord even in failure- The good news from this passage is that God comes to Cain (verses 6 & 7). The Lord is trying to encourage and teach him.

Faith TURNS FROM SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE back to God- Cain didn’t learn this lesson. He instead, flashes with anger and continues to turn away from God.

Faith is DEPENDENT on God- At the and of the chapter (verse 26) it would seem that the line of Seth would begin to call on God in a regular way- trusting Him for physical and spiritual needs.