Resuming once more

Devotion. Devotion. Oh my poor blog. My poor resolutions.

I went to Urbana (one of the largest mission conferences in America with 16,000 people!) and I have much to say, much to think about. But also, a reminder that a daily devotion with the Lord is necessary and absolutely pleasing to the Lord.

Excuses, excuses. I have many - something like exams or studies, or perhaps that I've been doing devos and just not writing it down here, or whatever. Excuses excuses.

I am going to be reading through the Bible this year, I believe. At least one chapter a day. Memorizing one verse of Romans a day. And praying daily - even if that means reading over a prayer I've written before. And also remembering to give grace when I fail, instead of beating myself up and wanting to never touch this blog again because I don't want to face my failures. God has an abundance of grace.

Reading through Genesis.

Genesis 37
I have made it this far - hopefully I don't forget what I have read beforehand. Also, at Urbana, we did inductive bible study - looking carefully at the text to answer questions and dig deeper. Hopefully I can have that open mindset as well and not just skim through these things.

It is the start of the story of Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors. An old Sunday school classic - and I have many past impressions from elementary school picture books and such.
And I have so many problems with the story :(

[break: ugh I just took a 20 minute break in the middle of this devotional because I started feeling bored and the avoidance creeping up on me. God, give me strength and joy in reading your word. Bless this time I spend with You and let it be glorifying to Your name.]

Okay. 

[break: I just took another break darn it and i hurt my finger :( sadface seriously. But  why can't I concentrate?  i can't type either ughhh... let's try this again.]

Okay. So Genesis 37. I read it again and the primary thing i keep thinking is how easy it seems to kill people in those times.... how, why? and these dreams... did Joseph know they were from God? was it arrogance to share them?
how bitter it must be for the older brothers to see favoritism. how horrible it must be for the father to think his son is dead. they sold joseph for silver. Jesus was sold for silver too...
I can't type >.< I'll try to come back tomorrow and finish up my thoughts on this chapter.
But primarily.... the conclusion for now is that God works through even the sins of other people- the sin of Jacob for showing favoritism and the sin of Joseph's brothers wanting to kill him and then selling him. God moves.

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Memorizing Romans 6...

⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. ⁵ If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

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I'll record the prayer I shall read often tomorrow when typing is easier. But for now, let God be on my heart and mind for this year 2013!!