So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

Genesis 45

So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. v8

Joseph confronts his brothers as they come to Egypt for grain and he is at first harsh and unforgiving.  However, he ultimately relents and forgives - he recognizes that it was God's plan that brought him to Egypt.

He also seeks to comfort his brothers because they know Joseph is in a position of great power and they are subject to harsh retaliation and punishment.  Yet Joseph knows that those who sin are to be forgiven because we all sin and we should dispense grace as we have received it.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God, full of love, compassion and mercy for me - even though I am quite undeserving.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for failing to dispense mercy on others.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love (and forgive) others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

Genesis 41

It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” v51-52

We must note here how Joseph was not bitter.  While he recognized that he did not deserve his imprisonment (Genesis 40:15), he made the best of his circumstances and used his gifts to bring glory to God. 

We must also recognize that Joseph gave credit to his blessings to God - while Joseph was a gifted young man, he did not claim that his gifts were of his own doing or that his blessings were of his own hand (Genesis 41:16, 51-52).  God provides.

Distribution of spiritual gifts (Daniel 1, 1 Corinthians 12)
God provides (Hebrews 1, Psalm 16:2, Psalm 23) 

We should also note how God helped Joseph overcome the arrogance of his early years - see also commentary here.

My Prayer: Lord, what an amazing God You are!  You have helped rise up great men and women throughout history and given them many second chances and grace and used them to be a blessing to many.  I know that I am a recipient of Your grace and I am hopeful that I am using this grace.  Thank You Jesus for the grace You have poured out on me.  Please forgive me for my ongoing arrogance which I know is still something that persists in my life.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa from her cancer and from the side effects of cancer.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. v20-21

Genesis 39

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. v20-21

This may not have been the escape Joseph sought when he ran from Potiphar's wife (see post yesterday) yet God has a plan for all of us and it is good (Jeremiah 29:11).  Plus, God's thoughts and ways are not our own - we may not know or understand what He is doing but we can trust in Him.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.     Isaiah 55:8

I've seen how God works (for my good and His glory) in my own life and am amazed.

We know from Genesis 41 that Joseph is put in charge of all of Egypt - God has a plan indeed for Joseph.

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God who has a plan - and it is great.  I don't know Your plan but I trust in You.  Thank You for how You have blessed and protected me.  I am not worth such love because I often don't have faith or trust....and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome such sin and turn from it towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

Genesis 39

But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. v39

God wants us to be set apart or to be holy, but there are often circumstances where we are "trapped" and God wants us (with His help of course!) to flee from sin.  We cannot just allow sin to consume us.  

In the case of Joseph, God is clear - flee from sexual immorality.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Learn and memorize scripture - be able to test what is being said and done against God's word.

Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22

When we need an escape, call out to God for help.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love, patience, and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am undeserving of such grace.  I often fail to give grace to others.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did[.]

Genesis 39

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did[.] v2-3

The MacArthur Bible commentary points out a contrast between Joseph in this chapter and Judah's in Genesis 38 where wickedness and immorality prevail. Like Reuben, Judah attempts to rescue Joseph from death at the hands of his brothers (Genesis 38:26-27), yet is complicit (and even provides the idea!) in the plot to sell Joseph into slavery.  Like yesterday's post, perhaps we see once again how sin is punished with Judah just as it may been with Jacob.  

Joseph is enslaved yet he still focuses on glory for God - even in prison (v21).

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

[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Jesus - help me glorify You in all that I do...where ever I am.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know that You are with me....always.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such a God.  I love You.  Forgive me.  Help me overcome my weakness.  Help me turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. He went back to his brothers and said, “The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now?

Genesis 37

When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. He went back to his brothers and said, “The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now? v29-30

Reuben, perhaps because he was the oldest of Jacob's sons and possessed a level of maturity his other sons did not have, sought to avoid harsh treatment of Joseph.  Yet he was not able to stop what his other brothers wanted to do - to get rid of Joseph.  For sure this was sinful and even though he was not present when it happened, Reuben had a hand in Joseph being sold into slavery.

As well, the Macarthur Bible Commentary suggests that Jacob may have been punished now for sins committed earlier in his life - such as his trickery of his father and brother.

Regardless if this is indeed that case - there is no doubt that we are to live in reverent fear of God.  

He knows all - that nothing is hidden from Him.  We may believe that we can "get away" with sins but we pay a price one way or another.  Our belief that we can get away with sin is playing with fire.  Avoid sin...period!

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 1 Peter 1:17

See also posts here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who knows and sees all....including all of my sin.  You are full of grace, compassion, and patience.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I am not You intend me to be.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Genesis 37

What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind. v10-11

Joseph is a "young man of seventeen" (v2) but I suspect during biblical times, this was certainly old enough for him to be expected to act like a man and not act like he did here.  He certainly had the gift of interpreting dreams, but this was not cause for him to stir up trouble with his brothers.  God wants us to use our gifts - not to throw them into others' faces.  Joseph probably should not have given Jacob a bad report about them (v2) - there is no evidence Jacob asked for this report.  

God despises arrogance and He also despises gossip.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3

 

See also post here.

For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. 2 Corinthians 12:20

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You have blessed me well beyond what I deserve.  Thank You.  You give me many second chances - despite my sin, which continues.  Please forgive me for my laziness and selfishness.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You and love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.

Genesis 35

Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone. v3

In Genesis 34, Jacob's daughter Dinah is raped - Jacob's life is full of ups and downs.  Yet this is by design since The Fall when sin entered the world in Genesis 3. While God does promise that He will be with us (Immanuel/Matthew 1:23), He does not promise that our lives will free from trouble.

But we can take heart because He is with us and He will comfort us and we will all have victory in this world either here on earth but most definitely in Heaven!

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I KNOW that You are with me - every day, all the time.  Thank You Jesus for being SO faithful!  I am not worth such love.  I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land.

Genesis 34

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. v30

Shechem defiled Jacob's daughter Dinah and is easily understood that Simeon and Levi would be angry.  Yet revenge is for the Lord.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Colossians 3:12-13 

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

God wants us to forgive others as He forgave us.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are truly an awesome God who has forgiven me - overwhelmingly for my sins.  You are SO full of grace and compassion.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my worry.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.

Genesis 33

For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. v10

Much like in the story of the Prodigal Son, Esau is gracious to his brother Jacob and runs out to meet Jacob (v4).  Joseph is also gracious with his brothers, who sold him into slavery.

We are all created in God's image.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

...and we are to be a light to others allowing others to see Jesus in us so that we draw others to Him.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16  

See also posts here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and full of grace beyond description.  You have given me second chances well beyond what I deserve - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such grace and love.  I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.” Then Jacob prayed...

Genesis 32

In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.”  Then Jacob prayed...v7-9

Jacob and his mother Rebekah tricked Issac into giving Jacob the eldest son's blessing - even though Jacob is the younger son  and Esau is the older. It would not be surprising for Esau to be angry should Jacob return home after fleeing.  Of course, Jacob is worried.  Yet he hedges his bets by devising his own plan to protect himself, while also praying.

God wants us to love and trust Him (Exodus 20, Matthew 22) and for us to come to Him with all of our concerns.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

See also Matthew 6:25:34.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God as You are faithful, even when I am not.  Thank You Jesus for Your unending faithfulness.  You are my God and I love You.  Yet I know I am undeserving of such a God.  I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.

Genesis 31

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us. v53

In Genesis 29-31, we see deception and manipulation between Jacob and Laban - both parties are guilty of such deception and manipulation of each other.  We deceive and we manipulate when we lack trust in God that He can provide and resolve our concerns. We take matters into our own hands and we should not. 

Finally, in verse 53, Laban says what we should also say during difficult circumstances - that God reigns in all circumstances and that should rest and submit to Him and give thanks in all circumstances.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are in control and You are a great God for how You provide during all times.  We don't need to worry or manipulate anything - You are able!  Yet I often doubt or I do take matters into my own hands - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

Genesis 28

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” v20-22

Abraham first tithed in Genesis 14 and here we see tithing by Jacob.

Giving willingly back to the Lord acknowledges that whatever we have is because of God and it does not belong to us and we must give back to Him who is the source of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17).

David appropriately said when he prayed to God to offer gifts needed to build the first temple:

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.                                    1 Chronicles 29:14-16

A key reason for tithing is to demonstrate our trust in God that He will always provide:

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3

See also Matthew 6:25-34

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You love - and that You have rescued me from the punishment I deserve.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I continue to sin - I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac; so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had. v8-9

Genesis 28

Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac; so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had. v8-9

Jacob and Rebekah advised both of their sons not to marry Canaanite women - they recognize that we should not be "yoked" with unbelievers.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14

Several commentaries, including this one, I believe rightly point this out as well as the importance of honoring our mother and father.

See also post here.

Lord, please protect Lisa and myself from the world of unbelief and protect Zach and Dustin from this world.  Prepare friends and family for them that are believers in Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have blessed our family with an abundance of believers as friends and family.  Thank You Jesus!  We are undeserving of such love.  I continue in my sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.”

Genesis 27

His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.” v13

Once again we see how those in the Bible take matters into their own hands vs trusting God with the plan He has for us. Rebekah initiates the plan to trick Issac and Esau.  We must be clear that it is a sin to not love and trust God (Exodus 20) and we must be clear that nothing can stop God's plans.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

See also post here.

But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan[.] Micah 4:12

 

Lord, please help me trust in You.

 

My Prayer: Jesus, You are a great God that has seen me through good times and bad.  You are faithful and You are always there for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God because I often neglect my relationship with You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, ‘There ought to be a sworn agreement between us’—between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you that you will do us no harm, just as we did not harm you but always treated you well and sent you away peacefully. And now you are blessed by the Lord.

Genesis 26

We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, ‘There ought to be a sworn agreement between us’—between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you that you will do us no harm, just as we did not harm you but always treated you well and sent you away peacefully. And now you are blessed by the Lord. v28-29

The same covenant made between God and his father Abraham was renewed between God and Isaac.  So God was with Isaac and Isaac was blessed and he became very wealthy and powerful. 

God does not promise us wealth or power but He does promise that He will be with us and he makes a new covenant with us - in Jesus' blood (Hebrews 8:13).  He wants us to use the spiritual gifts He gives each of us and He wants us to be a light to others.

See also posts here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love and compassion for me - even though I am undeserving.  Thank You Jesus.  But I need You to cleanse me of my sin daily - for my selfishness, laziness, etc. as my sin continues.  Please forgive me.  Help me turn from my sin towards You and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 25

So Esau despised his birthright. v34

We are often unsatisfied with our circumstances - left grumbling and complaining.  Yet we often fail to see what God is doing in our lives during these circumstances.  We should not grumble and complain - we should trust in what God has in store for us.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.  Philippians 2:14-15

Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord. Exodus 16:8

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God - full of love and patience for me.  Thank You Jesus.  This is true even though I fail to have patience for others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.

Genesis 24

So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter. v9

There comes a time in a young man's life where the influences of others become as significant as his parents.  Therefore, we as parents much take appropriate steps to ensure that our young men find themselves in the right environment.  We cannot pick their friends but we can create appropriate environments for them, just as Abraham seeks with his servant for his son Issac.

I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.” v3-4

I must also be Jesus for my sons.

Lord, help me create appropriate environments for both of my sons Zach and Dustin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.  I have health, family, provision, etc.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such blessings.  I continue in my sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.   Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Genesis 22

I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” v16-18

God wants nothing to come between us and Him, including our own family.  We must make God the highest priority in our lives, and in so doing prevent even our family from becoming an idol.  Abraham and Sarah waited many years to have a child of their own and without a doubt it brought much joy to them.  Yet we can often place family above our relationship with Jesus.  This can happen as we often desire child to glorify ourselves vs God.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God[.] Psalm 143:10

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, worthy of my full attention and worthy of being the highest priority in my life.  You created me, You have blessed me, and You are full of compassion and mercy for me - even though I am far from deserving.  I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

God is with you in everything you do

Genesis 21

God is with you in everything you do. v22

Abimelek sees God in Abraham. God wants us to be a living sacrifice so that others may see Him in us (see also Romans 12:1).  We must first understand who God is and be obedient to Him (see also Romans 12:2).  In all that we do we must also do it all for the glory of God.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16 

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of compassion, mercy, and patience for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I am often not full of compassion, mercy, and patience for others.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

Genesis 21

God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. v17

We often worry or doubt that God knows our struggles and hears His cries.  God does not promise a trouble-free life - in fact, He says:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

In the midst of our troubles, we may not know or understand what God is doing in our lives but we can take comfort that He never stops loving us, He has a plan and it is for good (Jeremiah 29:11).

God heard the cries of Hagar (for Ishmael), the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 3:7-10), and He hears our cries.

My Prayer: Lord You are a great God that never leaves or forsakes us and is always listening to our prayers and cries for help.  Thank You Jesus - what a great God You are indeed!  I am not worth such a God.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.

Genesis 19

So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today. v37-39

Much like Abraham takes matters into his own hands (vs trusting God) - see Genesis 12 and 20, both of Lot's daughters would not trust in the Lord to provide a family of their own.   Although Abraham is noted as a righteous man, taking matters into our own hands vs resting in the Lord is a serious matter - see also Acts 5 where Ananias and Sepphira were struck down by the Lord for holding back in their giving to the church.

Where ever we lack trust of the Lord in our lives, God wants us to come to Him.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

 

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, full of love and compassion for Your children.  You provide - all of the time and for all things.  Thank You Jesus.  I should not worry...but I do.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18

Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? v23

God wants us to love our neighbor (or others) as ourselves (see multiple references here) and of course neighbor should be more broadly interpreted as the community around us.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

We can manifest our love of others by standing up for them when they are unable to defend themselves yet still worthy of defense.  We must demonstrate compassion and mercy.

Lord, please help me demonstrate compassion and mercy and defend those who are unable to defend themselves.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God whose justice is perfect.  Nothing is hidden from You.  Yet at the same time, You are full of compassion, patience, and mercy and often sparing those who know they deserve more harsh punishment.  I am one of those - thank You Jesus.  I am not worthy of such compassion for my sin continues.  I speak harshly of others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Genesis 18

Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son. v14

Abraham's wife scoffs at the notion that at her age, she will give birth to a child.  Yet nothing for the Lord is impossible, and He also knows our doubts as nothing is hidden from the Lord. 

“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you. Psalm 69:5

 

We must have faith - surely we will doubt from time to time, but we are to bring our doubts and concerns to the Lord in prayer.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the creator, the first and the last, and surely nothing is impossible for you.  We should never doubt because of who You are and also because of what You have done for us already - we should not seek proof as we have it!  Thank You for doing the impossible for me already - my cup overflows.  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Please forgive me for my worry and doubt.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Abram agreed to what Sarai said.

Genesis 16

Abram agreed to what Sarai said. v2

Just as it happened in Genesis 3, man (Abram) was passive in the face of sin. God made a covenant with Abram that Abram would have a son of his own blood (not a servant) yet Sarai and Abram lacked trust in the Lord and took things into their own hands.  I know I have been guilty of such sin.  Yet I am thankful that I have a definition of biblical manhood and other men have helped recognize the importance of being the man God intends for us.  

A key principle of biblical manhood for Genesis 16 is to reject passivity.  Do not remain in your comfort zone in face of others' needs - including when those in your sphere of influence (family, etc.) engage in sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and worthy of my full attention, not just for me but also for those whom God calls me to lead.  Yet I often fall down and lose focus.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me reject passivity.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message to me today and every day.

But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?”

Genesis 15

But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?” v8

Abram demonstrates the type of "give and take" interaction that God wants with us.  God wants us to be in relationship with us.  He wants to communicate with us.  He wants us to ask questions. He wants to hear our concerns and He wants us to depend on Him for wisdom and knowledge.  He wants us to go to Him daily for our provision - physical needs, emotional needs, etc. - everything.  He is our all in all.

Jacob wrestles with God - Genesis 32:22-32
Moses and the burning bush - Exodus 3

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who provides for all of my needs.  I am not in want for anything because of You.  Thank You Jesus.  Although I am blessed, I am undeserving.  I continue in my sin - I am harsh with my words. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’

Genesis 14

“With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ v22-23

Abram is a righteous man here when he stops the king of Sodom from refusing to take a tenth of Abram's goods (perhaps made as a peace offering).  Abram recognizes that God alone is his source of blessing and that God provides for His needs.

We must be careful to recognize who is our provider - it is Jesus who gives us our daily bread.

See also posts here.

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. Psalm 16:5

 

My Prayer: Lord, You provide during good and bad times - abundantly and for all of my needs.  I rest in You alone.  Thank You for the many rich blessings You provide.  I am not worth such blessings.  I continue in my sin. Please forgive me Jesus  and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.