RG: Close to the Brokenhearted

Summary: Robbie Cansler finishes her thoughts on Psalm 34 taking about how God sees us when we struggle. 

Response: It is the hardest thing to be in the middle of something awful and need to call for help, but I've found it is always better after I have asked for it. Lord, help me to rely on You, not myself. 

RG: "God's Deliverance"

Summary: Robbie Cansler compares a time her family was in need and was provided for with David's situation surrounding Psalm 34.

Response: God has carried us through every trial as well. Does that mean we're privileged? Have we gotten too comfortable? Should we give more, have less, etc? These are the thoughts that go through my head. I know the blessings are not for be to hoard, but to spread. Lord, give me guidance. 

RG: "God Be Near"

Summary: Robbie Cansler talks of God's nearness, especially to those hurting and feeling forsaken. 

Response: I seldom feel forsaken! I am usually the one who lets others down, which is its own heartache. I'm still thankful that God gives me more chances. His mercies are new each morning, and that is fantastic news for this bumbler. 

RG: "Repent and Believe"

Summary: Teanna Sunberg delves into Romans 10, describing Paul's change in thought. Instead of fulfilling Mosaic law to be saved (which no one can do), we are to trust in Jesus that He has saved us, asking for His grace, rest, and protection. 

Response: First, did we really need the "cancel culture har har" filler paragraph? Again, I feel like I'm a bit younger than the target audience here. 

Anyway, I'll admit that Romans can get a bit dense for me. Very back and forth and lots of specific and intermingling concepts. So I appreciate the distillation to a point. In another case of "again," I wonder if this makes newer believers and those exploring the faith using guides like these just feel dumb that they can't decipher an almost purposely-vague thousands-year-old translated text. Lord, help me to continue seeking You, and may You use me to draw others to You in new and exciting ways. 

RG: "Remedy for Sin"

Summary: Launching off Acts 4, Teanna Sunberg describes a "grace that goes before us," the idea that God is preparing hearts even before we witness to them. 

Response: I'm not sure I've heard grace explained in this way, at least not just in passing. It's still in line with lines like "you catch 'em, I'll clean 'em," but the big thrust to witnessing is evident here. 

I'll be honest, I'm not very active in witnessing, at least not outside my home. I try to be a good example for my students, but I can't (and would feel guilty) really speaking on the topic there. But my kids? Happy to share with them how God blesses us and provides for us. 

RG: "Blood on Our Hands"

Summary: Comparing yesterday's Genesis passage to the center of Matthew 27, Teanna Sunberg finds a connection between Abel's spilt blood and Pilate's cleansing of hands. She reminds the reader that we always have a choice regarding grace. 

Response: If that choice were a toggle switch, I'd worry about having worn it out by now. Grace, sin, grace, sin, back and forth... Lord, help me to choose You daily. Help me to remember Your sacrifice and the blessings You have provided. They are more than enough in comparison to the pitiful gain my sin gets me, and the break from You isn't worth it either. 

RG: "Sin Destroys Everything"

Summary: Continuing in Genesis 4, Teanna Sunberg calls out sin as easily recognized. She sees that sin ruins identities and relationships. She implores the reader to seek forgiveness and restoration. 

Response: I appreciate this lesson. I often don't think about the consequences of my sin to other people. Cain's sin made him less of a brother and less of a farmer. My sin damages my reputation as a worship leader and a father. Lord, forgive me and restore me daily if not more; I need Your presence in my life.