Genesis 6:5-8 5  The LORD saw how great the wickedness of man ( ʾā·ḏām ) had become on the earth, and animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8   Modern English translations for the most part translate verse 8 the same exact way: Noah found favor

in small, rural communities, many of which have seen better days, can really identify with Zechariah 8. But when we read Zechariah 8 in the light shed by the rest of scripture, we see how it reinforces a common

Learn to think about politics from a Biblical perspective. 1 Samuel 8:7-20 (NIV) CONTEXT: Samuel had people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8  

John 15:1-8 (NIV): “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 

Psalm 8 reflects on Genesis 1 and calls us to praise God for his glory revealed in His good creation “You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor” (Ps. 8:5) Psalm 8 gives us a picture of how things are supposed to be between God and man and man and creation.

Genesis 8:20-22 (ESV) CONTEXT: Noah, his family and all of the animals have just come out of the ark.

Find true forgiveness through true confession. 1 John 1:8-10 (NIV) 8 If we claim to be without sin, we

I will obey your decrees (v7-8).

Genesis 45:1–8 (NIV) CONTEXT: Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, only to ascend ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 

God is the overflowing fountain of all good. Who are you giving the credit to? Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 125 Q. What does the fourth request mean? A. “Give us today our daily bread” means, Do take care of all our physical needs so that we come to know that you are the only source of everything good, and that neither our work and worry nor your gifts can do us any good without your blessing. And so help us to give up our trust in creatures and to put trust in you alone. Summary If you learned about the Greek gods in school, you likely remember how much drama was involved: from the intricate family feuds and love triangles to the epic battles and cunning schemes, their stories were full of intense and intrigue. There's a big difference between the mythological Greek pantheon and our Father, "who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them." Whereas the Greek gods were simply reflections of humanity, albeit with superhuman powers, the God of the Bible is the exact opposite. Humanity is created in His image, not vice versa. And although God certainly has superhuman powers, He is much more than an all powerful being; He is the very definition of goodness itself! The Belgic Confession, which we'll be learning about next year, describes God as being "the overflowing fountain of all good." Our Father shares this goodness with all people, both those who put their faith in Him and those who continue to rebel against Him. He shows kindness by plentifully providing for needs, sending rain from heaven even filling people's hearts with joy. We call this doctrine common grace. Dig Deeper Paul's awesome description of who God is comes in the context of a massive warning. Our sin impaired minds have always attributed the good blessings God gives to other things. In the past, fabricated idols were given credit. In our own day and age, governments, businesses or our own inflated egos are said to be the source of the good life we have. Whatever it is that you point to as the source of your abundance, if it's not the living God, then as Paul writes, it's a "worthless thing." "In the past," Paul writes, "He let the nations all go their own way (v16)." God keeps providing rain and joy to people regardless of who they attribute it to, but His patience will not continue forever. He will call all people to account. As you pray the simple words, "give us this day our daily bread," you're not just asking God for what you need, you're acknowledging that He is the only source of everything good in your life. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them, and who is the overflowing fountain of all good; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will recognize Him as the source of blessing in your life and that He will continue to provide for your daily needs. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Revelation 9