Tag: God loves you

Your Father’s Care

Old Testament: Genesis 25 & 26

Poetry: Psalm 10

* New Testament: Matthew 10

Have you ever been outside somewhere and simply sat in silence for a while? Maybe it was in your backyard, a forest, or a beach. Often, if we quickly look at a landscape we only notice the “big picture” things – the mountain in the background, the fact that there are trees in certain places, maybe we notice a path up ahead. But if we take a couple of minutes and just observe the area around us, we begin to realize that there is a lot more happening than we first thought. You might notice how the leaves move in the wind, or see bugs crawling over the dirt, or maybe you can spot where the birdsong is coming from in the canopy above. 

It takes intentionality to notice the small details around us. 

Matthew 10:29-31 has always been one of my favorite portions of scripture. Sparrows are small, ordinary, brown birds that are very unimpressive in the world of birds. You probably won’t brag to your friends about the sparrows you saw on your bird-watching trip. However, the Bible mentions these little guys multiple times! 

Luke 12 gives us a little more insight into just how insignificant these birds were. You could buy 5 sparrows for two Roman coins that were each worth less than an hour’s wage. They were cheaper when you bought more. These birds were pretty much worthless in Jesus’ day. 

Look at what Jesus says! He says that the Father sees every single one. 

We might pass by a tree, completely unaware that a little bird is perched in the branches. But the creator of the universe knows exactly where it sits. 

Let that sink in for a moment.

Jesus then makes a comment about the hairs on your head. Now I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to count each of your hairs…but I did when I was a kid. I remember hearing this verse and being the determined child that I was, I sat down to try. I didn’t get very far. I don’t think I even got past one teeny little section of hair! God can count ‘em! How crazy is that?? 

We then read in verse 31, “Fear not”. Why is Jesus telling them not to be afraid? If we look at the previous portion of Matthew 10 we see Jesus calling his disciples. This calling is pretty intense, right? He tells them that they will be doing all of these amazing things but they will ALSO be persecuted, hated, brought to trial, and sent as sheep in the midst of wolves. That sounds pretty terrifying if you ask me! 

That is when Jesus speaks these incredible words – that even one of the insignificant and seemingly worthless little birds (that we might totally pass by, unaware) is not forgotten by the Father. You are of more value than many sparrows, and our God sees you. And He knows you. And even then, He still loves you.

I want to make a note. Some of us have read this passage countless times. We may even have it memorized. I really want to encourage you (myself included) to let these verses sink deeply into our hearts. Take a moment to meditate on what it truly means to be seen and known by God. How will knowing this impact your life? How will you live your everyday life, with the understanding that even in all the chaos of life and in the grand scheme of the world, the Almighty God cares for you? I hope you find immense comfort and joy in that beautiful truth.

-Katelyn Salyers

Reflection & Application

  1. It is a little too cold in some parts of the world today to ask you to go outside and sit for awhile, so if you have to do your sitting inside, that works, too. But, as Katelyn suggests, take some time and consider what this passage means to you. What thoughts and feelings do you have when you hear each of these statements: God sees you, God knows you, God values you, God loves you. Pray to Him about it. 
  2. What COULD you be afraid of right now? How does knowing and believing Matthew 10 help combat fear? 
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Press Pause

Old Testament: Jeremiah 9 & 10

Poetry: Proverbs 8

New Testament: 1st & 2nd Peter Intro – see below

(First of all, let me say there is NEVER a “wrong” passage of the Bible to read or write about on ANY day or week of the year. Secondly, let me say that the Bible reading plan layout is not the easiest to follow – as the books are not always in order and we jump back and forth between Psalms and Proverbs. Thirdly, let me say this week you are welcome to be reading Psalms or Proverbs or both – and our devotions will be coming from the book of Psalms, so here is today’s on Psalm 8. – Thank you for reading – Marcia Railton)

One of my favorite vacation destinations has been the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Our family had the privilege of going there this summer, and when you are out there in those mountains, you feel so tiny. Growing up in Illinois and now living in Indiana, we don’t usually see very high heights: but out there, you realize just how very insignificant we are. As you drive higher and higher up the mountain to where Mount Rushmore sits, and then drive down hair-pin turns on Needles Highway, all you can do is stand in awe of God’s wonderful creation (if you’ve never had the chance to visit, I’d really encourage you to make the effort).

Psalm 8 reflects the same feelings that I had in South Dakota: when we look at all that God has created, we seem so tiny and insignificant. When we look up at the stars, considering all the galaxies and planets that God has made, how important can we really be? Does our life really matter? It seems impossible that the God who created everything around us would care about “little ol’ me”… and yet, He is deeply moved by humanity. In fact, He even sets us up as royalty over the earth! In the original command of Genesis, God’s purpose for you and I was to rule over this planet (Genesis 1:26-28). We were designed to be kings and queens, ruling hand-in-hand with our Creator to bring about blessing to this world.

This Psalm communicates many things to us, but I want to highlight just two. First, we should slow down our lives to really reflect on God’s creation. When was the last time that you just stopped and looked up at the stars? Or slowed down your busy schedule to look at the birds chirping outside your window? Only by pausing our lives can we appreciate what God has done for us. Only by stepping back, realizing that the world doesn’t revolve around us and what we accomplish, do we find true peace and meaning for our lives. I want to encourage you today: press “Pause” and enjoy what God has made (it sounds a little like Sabbath, doesn’t it?).

Secondly, remember that you are valuable and that God loves you deeply. Out of all that God has made in the universe, He still thought it was incomplete without one of YOU. He thought you were precious enough to create, and you are. You have a purpose in this life and you matter. Rest and rejoice today, knowing that God really does care about you.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you marvel at about God’s creation?
  2. What benefit do you find in pushing pause to remember God’s creation and all He has done for you? How can you remember to do it more and even build time into your schedule to do so?
  3. What does it mean to you that such a huge, impressive God of creation created and loves you, too? How will you show your praise and thanks and response?

1st & 2nd Peter Introduction

The books of First and Second Peter were written by the apostle Peter.  The two main points of First Peter were:  1) the importance of believers to bear up under the pain of unjust suffering, and 2) the importance of living a holy life.  The main points of Second Peter were 1) to address false teachings, and 2) to be prepared for Jesus’ return.

Some well known passages include:

1 Peter 2:2-3, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

1 Peter 2:19, “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.”

1 Peter 3:15, “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect…”

1 Peter 4:7-8, “The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:12, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”

1 Peter 4:18, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

1 Peter 5:6-8, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

2 Peter 1:21, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

2 Peter 2:9, “…the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.”

2 Peter 3:13, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”

-Steve Mattison

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