SWHW Bible Reading Plan - Year 2 January 2021Sample

January 22

Top Takeaway from Caroline Foster:

I remember the moment I became a mother like it was just yesterday. Looking down at Emmaline’s sweet face, tiny toes and fingers, all I could think was: thank You, Lord. Brian and I rejoiced that day in the goodness of our God! Allowing us to nurture, protect, and disciple this little girl was, and is, a gift. As parents, it is our duty and joy.

God, too, has children—men and women who He has chosen. There have always been individuals marked as His, but with Abraham, He promised to build a nation. Israel was to be God’s country, His chosen people, His sons and daughters.

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, and it’s full of God’s response to countries that threaten to harm His children. So who were the Edomites? The Edomites were descendants of Esau and were blood relatives of Israel. Historically, Edom had constantly attacked and harassed the Jews. Before this book was written, they had participated in attacks against Judah. 

In this book we find Obadiah giving God’s message to the Edomites. In Obadiah Chapter 1, the Lord spoke to the prophet about the land of Edom. He spoke of an envoy that went to the various nations and said to arise and prepare for battle. God warned them about their pride, too, saying that they were not too good to be defeated.

Today, God’s holy nation is His church—all of those who have put their hope and trust in Christ for their salvation. As I read Obadiah, I was reminded that the love God had for His people is the same love He has for His church today. As believers, we can find comfort knowing that God holds the final victory. He is our champion, and we can trust Him to bring about true justice.

As we head into our day, I would encourage you to take a second and pray for the Church, Christ’s bride. Pray for men and women to rise up, remain bold, and be reminded that God holds the final victory.  In Christ ALONE our hope is found.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder today that You are in the details and that VICTORY is Yours. When everything around us feels hopeless, You remind us that You alone are hope. I lift up the church and our country today, Lord. Help us to shine bright and be a light in a world that is hopeless and hurting. Amen.