Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 38

Blessed Rest

Remember when you hated naps? If you’re like me, now you long for them. God’s Word has a lot to say about rest, so let’s delve in. (This is a continuation of our study of Genesis, Beginnings. See the end of this post for links to the other articles.)

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. ~Genesis 2:1-3 (NIV)

Was God tired after creating the world? Doubtful. After all, He merely spoke it into being. Besides, according Isaiah 40:28 He doesn’t grow weary. These verses in Genesis 2 are more a picture of God stepping back, ceasing from His work, and enjoying all He’d accomplished with a sense of satisfaction.

Blessed Rest – Specifics

“Completed in all their vast array” – God knocked it out of the park with both diversity and intricate design in His creation. The world is the work of a highly skilled Craftsman! He took the chaos of Genesis 1:2 and organized it into our wonderful planet.

“Rested” – This literally means “cessation from work,” but not in an idle, passive sense. God’s work of creation was complete, so this day of rest was a celebration of sorts. To bring it home, think of a major project that you recently completed. Did you feel a sense of satisfaction from your work? Did you enjoy looking at the finished product? So did God!

I know that nothing we’ve done or will ever do can compare to what God did in His creation of the world, but hopefully this will in some small way help us sense the purpose and meaning behind God’s instituted day of rest.

“Blessed…made it holy” – Something I find fascinating: the other days of the creation account mention evening and morning, giving a boundary to the days. But on the seventh day, the boundaries aren’t mentioned, which gives an eternal aspect to the day of rest. This is collaborated by several verses in the book of Hebrews (listed in the Digging Deeper verses below). “Holy” indicates a difference and a separation not indicated on the other days.

Feel like going further? Check out the Digging Deeper scripture references below.

DIGGING DEEPER – Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 121:3-4; Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Isaiah 56:2-8; Hebrews 4:1, 3-4, 9-11

Blessed Rest – Discussion

How does the picture of God’s initial rest change your thinking about the Sabbath?
How does the exquisite detail and organization of God’s creation help define your image of God? Of what heaven will be like?
How does the eternal aspect of the Sabbath impact you?

God's 7th day was a celebration of all He'd accomplished in His work of creation. #Sabbath #rest...
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The 7th day of #creation doesn't mention "evening and morning." This gives the #Sabbath #rest an...
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LINKS TO OTHER POSTS FOR “GENESIS: IN THE BEGINNING:”

In The Beginning – Day 1

In The Beginning – Days 2 and 3

In The Beginning – Days 4 and 5

In The Beginning – Day 6

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In The Beginning God – Day 6

Angels rejoiced at creation, as God shaped all the we know and understand about our world from nothing. He began by creating light. Next He separated the heavenly waters from the earthly waters and created the sea and dry land. From there, He created lights for the heavens and blessed the creatures of the sky and sea with the ability to reproduce.

In The Beginning God – Day 6

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created mankind in his own image,

in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. ~Genesis 1:24-31

“Let us…our image” – Notice that God doesn’t say “me” and “my,” but “us” and “our.” This is a consultation of the Trinity, as the Godhead planned out the creation of man. Though our society would like us to believe otherwise, God’s Word states that we are more like God than animals. Man was the apex and crowning event of Creation.

“Rule over” – Flawless creation is now entrusted to man, as God bestows both dominion and stewardship over creation to part of His creation. This in no way lessens God’s Lordship of His Creation, nor does He become a distant God who made everything then moved off to let us fend for ourselves. Everything mankind needed for survival was created before man took his first breath, but in return, man is accountable to God for the stewardship of the earth.

“God…said to them” – On the other days God simply speaks. Here He communicates directly with man.

DIGGING DEEPER – Genesis 5:3; 9:1-3, 6; James 3:9; Psalms 8:4-5

“And it was so” – Throughout chapter one of Genesis we’ve seen these words time and time again. They continue to reveal the sovereignty and power of God.

“Very good” – In viewing the completion of His work, God proclaims it is very good. Paradise completed.

In The Beginning God – Discussion

How is animal life delineated?
What does it mean to be created in the image of God?
How did sin affect that image?
How does an awareness of bearing God’s image shape how we live our lives and treat others?
What does God give animals and man to eat at this point in time?

God entrusted flawless #creation to man; the benefit of #dominion, the responsibility of...
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OTHER POSTS FROM THE GENESIS STUDY: In The Beginning – Days 4 and 5

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In The Beginning – Days 4 and 5

Creation is God’s handiwork on display for all to see. The world began with Him, the self-existing One. He created light to banish the darkness. His Word spoke the sky, land, sea, and vegetation into being.

In The Beginning – Day 4

And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. ~Genesis 1:14-19

“vault” - expanse, sky, or firmament

Reasons for the lights in the sky:

separate day from night
signs to mark sacred times, days, and years
to give light to the earth

Types of lights in the sky:

greater light, the sun, to govern the day
lesser light, the moon, to govern the night
stars

“good” - God once pronounces that His work is good.

Digging Deeper: Revelation 21:23; 22:5; Isaiah 24:23

In The Beginning – Day 5

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day. ~Genesis 1:20-23

“Great creatures of the sea” – leviathans. Though some theologians have listed the crocodile or whale as possible choices for the leviathan, there is also the possibility that these giant sea creatures could have been amphibious dinosaurs.

“According to their kinds” – Again we see God organizing the chaos into highly organized creation.

“Blessed” - Here we see God blessing His creation for the first time. Through reproduction, God enabled His creatures to join Him in the creation process, at the same time enabling the earth to recreate itself. Annual forest fires are a huge threat where I live. Once the fire is finally extinguished, the devastation is unbelievable. But a beautiful thing happens within a few years. New plant life shoots through the once-charred soil, all because God blessed creation with the ability to reproduce.

God blessed His #creation with the ability to reproduce, thus joining Him in the creation process....
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In The Beginning – Discussion:

Why do you think there’s a distinction between the separation of light and dark on day one and the creation of lights in the sky on day five?
Do you think there would still be light and dark even without the skylights?
What is the significance of God’s blessing the creatures of the sea and sky?
Do you think God had a reason for the order in which he created things? If so, why?

OTHER GENESIS POSTS: In The Beginning – Days 2 and 3

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In The Beginning-Days 2 and 3

It’s nothing short of amazing to me when I consider God’s work at creation. I marvel at the work of Elohim, the God-head three in One. I’m astounded that God spoke, and it was. I delight in knowing that the first work of creation was light.

IN THE BEGINNING – DAY 2

And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. ~Genesis 1:6-8

“Expanse” – also firmament; literally means “to beat out or spread.”

Part of God’s work on the second day of creation was to separate water in the sky from water on the earth. Many Bible scholars believe that the earth’s atmosphere was different than what we currently have, altered when God flooded the earth in response to the wickedness of mankind during Noah’s day.

“Sky” – God named the expanse sky, once more revealing His Lordship and ownership of His Creation.

“Day” – There seem to be two different trains of thought about what constituted these “days.” Some scholars say the word literally means “days” and use 2 Peter 3:8 to back up their belief that a “day” could have been several thousands of years. Others say that everywhere the word “day” is used in the Pentateuch it refers to a solar day, now calibrated at 24 hours.

In my humble opinion, this is an area of supposition and not worth being divided over. The first train of thought listed above could be an attempt to bend the Bible to fit science, which is backwards to my way of thinking. It also places limitations on God’s power. There is no doubt in my mind that our Almighty God is more than capable of creating the universe in six literal days!

IN THE BEGINNING – DAY 3

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day. ~Genesis 1:9-13

“Good” – As on the first two days, God takes the time to enjoy His Creation, and is delighted.

“According to their various kinds” – What we learned in biology class was true from the beginning of time: you can’t get a turnip from a tomato seed. Slowly but surely, God takes the chaos and organizes it down to each intricate detail.

It’s also worth noting that there is instantaneous dry ground on a planet formerly covered with water. The earth instantly teems with seed-bearing vegetation, including fruit trees. All this takes place through God’s word.

IN THE BEGINNING – DISCUSSION

What do you find most fascinating about these two days of the Creation account?
Do you see a correlation between God speaking the world into being and Jesus as the Word of God? Why or why not?

"And God said...and it was so." Jesus, as the Word of God, was active in Creation. #Devo by...
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In the work of Creation, God took chaos and organized it with intricate detail. #devo by...
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OTHER GENESIS POSTS: In The Beginning – Day 1

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Everyday Hero Chris Granville

The world is full of everyday heroes who sometimes go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of life. Because of this, I decided to create a series of interview posts about the everyday heroes I come in contact with.

Today our post focuses on my Facebook friend, Chris Granville. Chris never ceases to encourage me by sending me a quick message of “God bless you!” and it just touches my heart! Then the other day she mentioned her story, and I asked if I could share it here in my Everyday Hero post. The only way she would agree to it was if God was in it and it would inspire others. I think you’ll quickly agree that she does both. (And just so you know, my eyes are leaking tears as I type this! That’s how special this dear saint is to me!)

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
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EVERYDAY HERO CHRIS GRANVILLE

Welcome, Chris! I’m so honored and blessed to have you here with us! Tell us a little about yourself. 

I’m a widow. I was married to a man named John Granville who always inspired me. He was a double leg amputee from Vietnam. The moment he lost his legs, he cried out to God: “Please don’t let me die here.” They’d been cut off from any help for two days. The next moment he saw the corpsmen come over the hill. Our God is an awesome God.

What hobbies do you enjoy? What are you passionate about?

I love reading books as my rainy day activity, but the “project” I am most passionate about is getting closer to my Lord and letting his light shine through me. My favorite verse is Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven…”

Tell us about something you were able to overcome with the Lord’s help.

I learned some big lessons while in school, which was difficult for me. I learned perseverance, to be stuck on a goal until it is accomplished. That is one big reason I fell for John, who came home from Vietnam as a double amputee. He never quit. One example was that he became the only judo sensei in the United States as a double leg amputee and was one of the judo instructors who taught our kids judo. John also worked with prosthetists to make artificial legs that worked for him…he kept breaking the knees…and the end result would have surprised you. John was 6 ft 2 when he lost his legs. His artificial legs made him 4 ft 10, and his feet were on backwards. That gave him the ability to walk without a cane or crutches…and to get stares from people. It worked for him. God bless him. He also taught me how to know my Lord, and to love Him.

Chris, your story just blesses my heart so much. Thank you for your courage and willingness to share your story with others. On a lighter note, what are your favorite books/movies/TV shows?

I’ve been introduced to many fine writers in the last few years, but my favorite writer is Dee Henderson because she writes about inspirational people.  I personally don’t do movies or TV shows. I love how you write, Cathy. Your imperfect people grow to the challenge and become better people.

Thank you, Chris. I hope my stories always reveal flawed people and our Almighty God, so I take your compliment as high praise. If you could spend time with any person–past or present–who would you choose?

The person I would choose to spend time with would be my grandmother, Nellie Roos.   She was a messy person who loved with all her heart…and she loved her Lord that way too.

Love that! We’re all messy people. May it be said of each of us that we loved the Lord and others with all our heart. Mountains or beach?

I wouldn’t care where I lived whether mountains or beach so long as I was following my Lord.

Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

I enjoy ducks. I collect rubber and stuffed ducks.

What is you all-time favorite vacation? Why?

My all time favorite vacation was going to Washington D.C. My husband’s name was inscribed on the Vietnam Wall three years after he died. His name was eligible to be on the Wall because the injuries he received in Vietnam contributed to his death years later. He still inspires people even after his death.  He was a hero to me.

Very moving story, Chris. Through your eyes and words and for his service to our country, he is a hero. What did you do for a living?

I became an x-ray tech years ago and worked for three years until I met my husband in an x-ray room. Then I became a wife and a mother for many years after that.

If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?

I would want to know when to help somebody and not enable them to continue bad behavior, to see people turn from bad behavior and passionately walk with our Lord.

Very wise words. In fact, that superpower really impresses me. What inspires you?

The action that would inspire me the most is to see God’s Revival in the area around me,   to see people coming to our Lord and learning how the world is not the right answer. And I’d like to see lots of Christians letting Gods light shine through them.

Chris, words can’t adequately express how very much your story has touched and inspired me. You and your John are everyday heroes in every sense of the word. Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring others, including me.

EVERYDAY HERO CHRIS GRANVILLE – DISCUSSION:

Who are some of your everyday heroes?
What makes a person heroic?

If you have a suggestion for an Everyday Hero interview–either yourself or someone you know–please send me an e-mail via the Contact tab.

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In The Beginning-Day 1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ~Genesis 1:1

“God” – Elohim (plural, denoting the Trinity at work in Creation). This name for God denotes His majesty, sovereignty, and authority.

DIGGING DEEPER: Psalm 102:25-27a; Isaiah 40:28-29

“Created” – literally means to make out of nothing. In the Bible this word is used exclusively for God. In contrast, when humans create something, we have tools and supplies. We’re incapable of creating something from nothing.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ~Genesis 1:1
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DIGGING DEEPER: Hebrews 11:3; Isaiah 45:18

“Heavens” – space; infinite universe.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. ~Genesis 1:2

What is being described here is chaos. The earth was formless, without shape, unorganized, empty, and dark.

“Spirit of God” – Here we see a second member of the Trinity at work in Creation in the Holy Spirit. Remember that Elohim, the name of God used in this passage, is plural, indicating the work of the Trinity.

“Hovering” – I love the picture painted here–one of a mother protecting her baby. Though God is our Father, He is sometimes described with motherly attributes as in this verse. The -ing use of the word denotes a continuing action.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness over the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering...
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DIGGING DEEPER: Deuteronomy 32:11, Matthew 23:27, Psalm 91:4

In The Beginning-Day 1

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ~Genesis 1:3

Time began with the creation of light. When we stop to truly consider what light is and what it does, this first aspect of creation is monumental. Without light, life cannot exist. Without light, there is no vision. Light can overcome darkness, but darkness cannot extinguish light. (If you don’t believe this, go into a completely dark room and light a candle!)

In the Digging Deeper verses below, we learn that Jesus is light. By creating light, God is giving of Himself!

“And God said…and there was” – Here is the third member of the Trinity at work in Creation, the pre-incarnate Christ, the Word (John 1:1-5). Notice how effortless the process of Creation is for Almighty God. He spoke, and it was. A writer friend of mine on Facebook recently posted the sweetest story about her young son, who summed up creation perfectly: “First there was nothing. Then there was everything.”

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ~Genesis 1:3
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DIGGING DEEPER:  John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:15

God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. ~Genesis 1:4-5

“Good” – God was creating Paradise. From the first day of Creation, God provided everything man would need to live.

“Called”  – As God assigned names to His Creation, he indicates His Lordship and ownership.

Without #light, there's no life or vision. Light can overcome darkness, but darkness cannot...
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DIGGING DEEPER: Genesis 2:19; 1 Kings 23:34

IN THE BEGINNING-DAY 1 – DISCUSSION:

How does God’s initial delight in what He created affect your thoughts about the world, others, and yourself?
In what ways does the use of God’s name, Elohim, in this passage inspire you?
What is your favorite part of day one of creation? Why?
How significant is it to you that God began the work of creation with light?

Video: “Indescribable”

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The Bible: Historically Accurate

In a world that often denies the existence of God, one only needs to look to the Bible to discover the truth. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself, and one way we know the Bible to be true is its historical accuracy. Not every religious work can claim that truth.

In addition, words of prophecy were authenticated by events in history, and approximately forty authors over a period of 1,500 years wrote with amazing consistency.

The Bible: Jehoiachin

In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. He did this on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month. He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived. ~2 Kings 25:27-30

Babylonian tablets confirm that King Jehoiachin, his sons, and others received rations from Nebuchadnezzar. After Nebuchadnezzar’s death, Evil-Merodach, in order to curry favor with the Jews, released Jehoichin from prison and treated him well.

The Bible: The Siloam Tunnel

It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon spring and channeled the water down to the west side of the City of David. He succeeded in everything he undertook. ~2 Chronicles 32:30

In 1880 an inscription was found at the mouth of the Siloam tunnel which describes this marvel of engineering. Water was brought from the Spring of Gihon to a place inside the city. Workers dug from both ends and met almost exactly in the middle of this 1777-foot tunnel.

The Bible: Babylon Defeated by the Persians

See, I will stir up against them the Medes,

who do not care for silver

and have no delight in gold.

Their bows will strike down the young men;

they will have no mercy on infants,

nor will they look with compassion on children.

Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms,

the pride and glory of the Babylonians,

will be overthrown by God

like Sodom and Gomorrah. ~Isaiah 13:17-19

He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power. ~2 Chronicles 36:20



Isaiah predicted that the Babylonian empire would be overturned by the Persians. One only has to study historical records and the history books to see that this prophecy and its fulfillment too place.

The Bible: Sanballat

When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. ~Nehemiah 2:10

Sanballat is mentioned in the Elephantine Papyri as governor of Samaria at the time that Nehemiah returned to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem as a matter of historical fact.

The Bible: Belshazzar’s Banquet

King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them….That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians,was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two. ~Daniel 5:1, 30-31

Herodotus and Xenephenon (Greek historians) both testified that Babylon was entered by diverting the Euphrates. The enemy entered to find the people in a drunken festival.

The Bible: Application

I could go on and on with examples, but because of space restraints furnished more references below for those who wish to read further. This list is by no means exhaustive.

Because of its historical, accuracy the Bible–and the One True God who inspired it and is its chief subject–can be trusted.

But here’s the critical question: with vast historical records to substantiate the accuracy of the Bible, can we afford to ignore and dismiss it?

Because of its historical accuracy, the Bible--and the One True God who inspired it and is its...
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With vast historical records to substantiate the accuracy of the #Bible, how can we afford to...
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Further Reading: 2 Kings 24:1-2; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Esther 1:6; Isaiah 45:1; Isaiah 47 (the fall of Babylon); Isaiah 48:3-5 (prophecy regarding the Jew’s exile to Babylon)

Father God, Your Word tells us that men are without excuse simply through consideration of the world You created. But in addition, You’ve provided historical record that substantiates Your Word even further. Lord God, may we be quick to read Your Word, seek You out as its Divine Author, and live our lives in light of its truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Bible: Discussion Points

What are other ways in which the Bible’s authenticity can be proved?
In light of the historical accuracy of the Bible, why do you think some insist on turning away from God’s Word?

For Further Reading: Kindle version of the ESV Bible

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Time-saver for Blog Posts: CoSchedule

Time is an even more valuable commodity than money. So when a time-saver comes along, I feel compelled to share the news. My new time-saver is CoSchedule, an app for sharing WordPress blog posts on various social media sites. It promises to save me so much time that I’m moving it to BFF  status!

Time-Saver Info From the CoSchedule Site:

CoSchedule is a drag-and-drop editorial calendar for WordPress that puts your blog posts and social media messages on the same schedule.

Now, WordPress users can save time and grow traffic by scheduling blog posts and social media together on a unified drag-and-drop calendar. It’s the content marketing calendar that WordPress is missing.

The best thing about CoSchedule is that as you drag a post from one date to another, your social media messages move with it. This allows bloggers to create a series of messages that promote their blog posts on a rolling schedule.

CoSchedule is only $10/month and integrates with WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Buffer, and even Google+ Pages.

KEY FEATURES

Drag-And-Drop Editorial Calendar
Schedule Social Media While You Blog
Save Time, Grow Traffic
Lightweight WordPress Plugin
Automated Social Publishing
Simple Team Communication
All-In-One Publishing Solution
No More WordPress Hacking

The feature I love most about CoSchedule is the ability to share content when I write blog posts. There are many tools across the web for scheduling updates, but CoSchedule is the most user-friendly. It truly is a time-saver.

I’m frugal by nature and don’t usually spend my money on extras. But at only $10 a month, and because CoSchedule is such a time-saver, it was a no-brainer decision.

I am hoping they’ll add analytics to their list of features at some point. But even if they don’t, I’m still delighted with this tool!

Check out this video to see what a time-saver CoSchedule is:

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Decision-Making: All That Glitters Isn’t Gold

Yesterday’s post on godly decision-making coincided with a Bible reading on Abram and Lot, and I was reminded how easy it is to opt for what looks good rather than taking time to seek God in our decision-making.

Decision-Making: The Lust of the Eyes

The old saying, “All that glitters is not gold” is so true, yet we humans seem geared to follow what attracts our eye. (See 1 John 2:16.) Satan used this temptation against Jesus and Eve, so there’s no doubt he will also use it against us.

Decision-Making: Lot Chooses With His Eyes

Consider the following Bible passage:

So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, he and his wife and all that belonged to him, and Lot with him. Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. He went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. And the land could not sustain them while dwelling together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land.

So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.”

Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere—this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah—like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord. ~Genesis 13:1-13 (NASB)

As the oldest of the two, and Lot’s uncle, Abram had every right to choose first and leave the leftovers to Lot. Abram, a man of faith, was concerned about keeping a right relationship with God and man. In a humble and gracious move, Abram let Lot choose first.

In contrast, Lot was taken in by the fertile plains of the Jordan River valley, enticed by the glittering sparkle of city life and seeming prosperity. This proved to be a costly mistake. When we read Genesis 19, we see Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed because of their sin, with Lot and his two daughters escaping at the last minute.

Decision-Making: The Application For Us

Not everything that looks good and profitable IS good and profitable. In fact, if it glitters with golden possibility, it would behoove us to take a step back for the purpose of seeking God and His wisdom. It’s far more important to make decisions based on our relationships with God and our fellow man than it is to be taken in by mere appearances.

TO DISCUSS IN THE COMMENTS:

Can you think of another example where you, someone you know, or a Bible character was taken in by appearances rather than seeking God and His wisdom?
What are the possible consequences of making decisions based solely on appearances?

Click to Tweet Please: Decision-Making: All That Glitters (devo by @Cathy_Bryant) CatBryant.com/2014/03/27/decision-making-not-gold/ http://ctt.ec/6Lun1
Click to Tweet Please: Decisions made by the eyes carry consequences. Let’s chat at CatBryant.com/2014/03/27/decision-making-not-gold/ http://ctt.ec/iph5w

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Godly Decisions – Biblical Tips on Making Them

Each day we’re faced with numerous decisions, many of which leave us feeling lost in a maze, unsure of which direction to take. How can we be certain we’re making not just a good choice, but the best choice? And even more importantly, what can we do to make sure that we make godly decisions?

Thankfully, the Lord gives us much guidance in His Word concerning godly decision-making.

GODLY DECISIONS: CALL ON HIM

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. ~Jeremiah 33:3

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  ~James 1:5

How comforting to know that God and His perfect wisdom are only a prayer away. If we seek Him earnestly, He won’t leave us to stumble around in the dark. But being in right relationship to Him is key. As Sovereign and omnipotent Lord, He knows our hearts.

GODLY DECISIONS: FOR GOD’S GLORY

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ~1 Corinthians 10:31 

In our decision making, we need to ask: Will this decision glorify God? We are made for His glory, and our decisions should reflect that. If it doesn’t bring glory to Him, don’t do it.

GODLY DECISIONS: HELP OR HINDER?

“Everything is permissible for me”–but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”–but I will not be mastered by anything. ~1 Corinthians 6:12

As children of God freed from slavery by the blood of Christ, everything is permissible. But with this permission comes great responsibility because our decisions have the power to enslave us again. In making godly decisions, ask: Will this bring me closer to God, or will it hinder my relationship with Him?

The goal in this Christ-following life is to become more like Jesus. While we can count on God to do His part in transforming us into the image of Christ, we too must make choices that conform to God and not the world.

Another point to consider is whether or not the decision and its results are beneficial. If it’s not helpful in every sense of the word, we should avoid it.

GODLY DECISIONS: THE EFFECT ON OTHERS

So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live–for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble. ~1 Corinthians 8:13

None of us live in a vacuum. Like ripples on the water, our choices touch others and impact them. It’s important to consider how our decisions will affect others. If the choice is detrimental to our brothers and sisters in Christ or those who don’t yet know Jesus as Savior and Lord, it is to be avoided at all costs.

APPLICATION

All throughout the Bible, God reveals His will. If our decisions contradict God’s revealed will, we’re operating in opposition to Him, plain and simple. Our enemy loves to spread doubt and confusion and to throw us off track in our decision-making. Seek God, glorify Him in all you do, and consider if the decision is helpful or hindering in your relationship to God and others.

TO DISCUSS IN THE COMMENTS:

Do you have some tried and true tips for godly decision making?
Why is decision making so critical?

Video: Living God-Centered Lives

Click to Tweet Please: Godly #Decisions: Biblical Tips on How to Make Them-#devotional by @Cathy_Bryant CatBryant.com/2014/04/02/godly-decisions/ #Life http://ctt.ec/0bvaN+ http://bit.ly/NS0Yw0
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