Do you know any ridiculously stubborn idiots who just don't get it? Maybe God is using a negative to make a point. He kept hardening Pharaoh's heart despite Moses' ten plagues. You never know what He may be up to.

Exodus 9:16
But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
Bible Gateway link: Exodus 9:16 (ESV)

To all the people who are fearful now, the leader who is really in control has a red letter suggestion.

Matthew 17:7
But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”
Bible Gateway link: Matthew 17:7 (NKJV)

Words matter. You are free to test the words of the Lord but you will find that truth is truth, and it lasts.

Psalm 12:6-7

The words of the Lord are pure words, 
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, 
Purified seven times.

You shall keep them, O Lord, 
You shall preserve them from this generation forever.

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 12:6-7 (NKJV)

What about me? When it feels as if you just give and give and give, make the time to be alone with God and pray. Jesus knew He couldn't do the work He'd been given on His own. We certainly can't.

Matthew 14:23

And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

Bible Gateway link: Matthew 14:23 (NKJV)

Dysfunctional family? Even in the most dysfunctional families God is at work. Joseph, spared by Judah, saved his family from famine. Judah's family eventually produced Jesus who saves anyone who believes.

Genesis 37:26-27
Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?

Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him.
Bible Gateway link: Genesis 37:26-27 (ESV)

Security, good sleep and no fear. Wow! We long all our lives for these things, and to think, all we need do is follow some sage advice and trust in the Lord.

Proverbs 3:21-26
My son, do not lose sight of these— 
keep sound wisdom and discretion,

and they will be life for your soul 
and adornment for your neck.

Then you will walk on your way securely, 
and your foot will not stumble.

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; 
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Do not be afraid of sudden terror 
or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,

for the Lord will be your confidence 
and will keep your foot from being caught.

Bible Gateway link: Proverbs 3:21-26 (ESV)

This is why we love our gardens and animals and sometimes hunt and fish for the sheer joy of it. We feel humble, awed, and grateful because these things bring us closer to God.

Psalm 8:6-9

You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; 
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Bible Gateway link: Psalm 8:6-9 (ESV)

Public speaking does not come naturally to me, but when I am speaking to the public about God's word it always seems to work out.

Matthew 10:20 

For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Bible Gateway link:Matthew 10:20 (ESV)

Talk about a change agent. Jesus had just wiped out a few demons, but some pigs got drowned in the process. Miracles are one thing, but messing with the town's economy was another. As humans we hate change, even when it may be our salvation.

Matthew 8:34
And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
Bible Gateway link: Matthew 8:34 (ESV)

Fasting, eating nothing, is unthinkable right? As a health experiment I recently took up fasting several days a week. It has been a revelation. I've discovered more time and energy to focus on God. In deprivation I have found a profound gratitude to God for giving me life. (See link below to BBC documentary.)

Matthew 6:17-18
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Bible Gateway link: Matthew 6:17-18 (ESV)

Documentary: Eat, Fast and Live Longer (Documentary Heaven-BBC)

Back in the day, God's people all spoke the same language. They decided to isolate themselves in a tower to retain complete control. God had other plans. Maybe everyone speaking the same language is still not a good idea.

Genesis 11:9
Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.
Bible Gateway link: Genesis 11:9 (ESV)

Think what a pain in the butt it would be if we had to worry whether the sun would come up in the morning. The verse below is God's unequivocal promise to us. It makes life bearable. What you do with that day and night makes life worth it.

Genesis 8:22
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
Bible Gateway link: Genesis 8:22 (ESV)

How's the fruit you're bearing? If the crop is rotten or a little sparse, it may be a good time to take stock. Though we are saved by grace, it matters to God what we produce for Him on this earth.

Matthew 3:10
Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Bible Gateway link: Matthew 3:10 (ESV)

As wives, we just know what's best. Right? Don't trip on that snake. Your husband may not have a clue, but you don't either. If you discuss a decision first, you may, between you, think to ask God for guidance.

Genesis 3:6
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Bible Gateway link: Genesis 3:6 (NKJV)

Come join me for my 8th year reading the Holy Bible from beginning to end. The Bible has changed my life. It will change yours. Take a little time each day and persevere. God is near, bring Him nearer. (Check the lower right side of my blog for links to a 1-year Bible reading program and to Bible Gateway.)

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Bible Gateway link: Genesis 1:1 (ESV)