The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp.

Numbers 10-11

   The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp. Numbers 10:34

Day 37 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the Israelites setting out from camp after the tabernacle was constructed and all tabernacle duties were assigned.  God directs the patch of the Israelites via a cloud that appears over them and the tabernacle.  A recurring them of grumbling reoccurs and Moses pleads with the Lord to help him as his task of leading the Israelites has become emotionally draining.

My focus this morning is on how God directs our steps.

My commentary* indicates the following: "[t]he people have been numbered and their duties have been assigned, so God now gives the Israelites their marching orders. Moses asks a relative named Hobab to be a guide for the Israelites, and Hobab apparently agrees to do so. But the real guide is God himself, manifested in the movement of the cloud of his presence over the ark and tabernacle".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. "  

John Piper, in response to a question whether God directs all the details or our lives, posits that God is in control of all aspects of our lives, Piper also weighs in on free will - see my posts on these topics.

We have a God that is always with this, directing our steps - and we know He loves us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, is always with me, and provides for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted all the Levites by their clans and families. All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting numbered 8,580. At the Lord’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry.

Numbers 3-4

So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted all the Levites by their clans and families. All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting numbered 8,580. At the Lord’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry. Numbers 4:46-49

Day 36 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the census of Levites and their priestly role with the tabernacle.

Church leadership becomes top of mind when one thinks of the tribe of Levi - OverviewBible.com indicates that not only Aaron and Moses are Levites but also John the Baptist and Barnabas.  Building on my post from a couple of days ago regarding spiritual gifts and everyone's role in the church, I have often posted on church leadership and grown in my thinking here that it is critical that we support those in church leadership as God has put these people in their roles and they are challenging roles indeed!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who has put great church leadership in my life and I have been blessed!  Thank You Jesus, I am not deserving of how You have blessed me in this way.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family.

Numbers 1-2

So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family. Numbers 2:34

Day 35 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the census the Lord orders of all the Israelite tribes.

My commentary* indicates that the "numbering is more than a census or even a military draft...In fact it is a national registration from which the Jewish people in centuries to come will trace their ancestry".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Ancestry and genealogy are key to our understanding of the Bible because the Bible makes promises that certain descendants of certain lines (Abraham, Jacob, David, etc.) will become a great nation and Jesus is a descendant promised from the genealogies documented in the Bible.  An understanding of these genealogies helps us understand that God keeps His promises and prophecies are fulfilled by Jesus' life, death on the cross, and His resurrection. It is also important to note how - time and time again - imperfect people are used by God for His glory and purpose.  We should be encouraged by this.

See also posts from John Piper and DesiringGod.com on the genealogy of Jesus in both the book of Matthew and Luke, and a brief comment on genealogy as a "boring" but important aspect of the Bible.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who always keeps His promises - thank You Jesus!  I know You love me and I am greatly comforted by this as well as by all of Your promises.  Yet I am not deserving.  I sin...daily.  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 love me. 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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 also said to Moses, “I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.”

Numbers 3-8:4

The Lord also said to Moses, “I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.” Numbers 3:11-13

Day 34 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's call to the Levites to serve in the priesthood and tabernacle service - offerings are then made to consecrate the tabernacle and then by each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

God calls each of us to roles in His service.  We all have skills and abilities and a role in God's plan.
 
See also 1 Corinthians 12 and previous posts on spiritual gifts.

We must also understand that all of our skills and abilities come from God and they belong to Him - see also post from a few days ago.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me well beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful Jesus.  Yet I am undeserving.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to 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.

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.

Leviticus 8-10

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Leviticus 10:1-2

Day 33 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the ordination of Aaron and his sons in their priestly duties and the death of Nadab and Abihu for "unauthorized fire" (see Leviticus 10:1).

Key takeaway: we should not toy with sin and disobedience (see post yesterday); God alone is judge and He punishes and grants mercy according to His perfect will.  Whatever mercy we may receive we are not deserving - whatever punishment we receive we are deserving (see Romans 6:23). Of note here is how Aaron is given mercy while his sons are not.

My commentary* indicates "[t]he fact that Aaron is permitted to become high priest despite his sin in making the golden calf (and later trying to avoid responsibility for it) is testimony to the forgiving nature of God, as well as perhaps to the need for the one who will intercede on behalf of his people to be thoroughly acquainted with temptations and moral failure".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. "  

I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  Exodus 33:19

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are full of mercy and judgement and both are perfect - Your ways are mysterious but they are also good and I know You love me.  You have saved me from sin and death and You adopted me into Your family.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such mercy and compassion.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.

...as the LORD commanded him.

Exodus 39:2-40

 ...as the LORD commanded him. Exodus 39:2-40

Day 32 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the completion and blessing of the tabernacle and God's glory fills the tabernacle.

Moses and the Israelites did just "as the LORD commanded [them]" using these exact words in scripture sixteen (16) times in these two chapters.  Clearly God wants us to pay attention how obedient Moses and the Israelites were.

Obedience to God of course is critical - and this calls into focus God's commands and then of course our ability to do God's commands.  When we have repeated commands - we know they are important.  God also tells us He has the most important commandments (1st, 2nd) and how all other commandments hang on these two (see Matthew 22:34-40).

See also these posts from John Piper regarding how God makes obedience possible and how obedience is not burdensome.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who makes all things possible - including obedience to Your commands.  I know You love me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin daily...including grumbling and complaining.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments....Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.

Exodus 35-39:1

 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments....Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. Exodus 35:2-22, 36:2

Day 31 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the construction of the tabernacle.

Key takeaway from today's reading include how God desired those who were willing to give an offering of gold and valuables and an offering of labor for the construction.  God wants us to have a heart for Him so this is not forced labor as it was with Pharaoh in Egypt.  A heart for Him results in a desire to be a cheerful giver and to glorify Him with our efforts.  "Willing" is used six times in chapter 35-36 in the context of how God wants us to give our tithes and offerings to Him, including our service to Him.

Everything we possess and all of our skills and abilities come from God and He desires us to use them for His glory.

Every good and perfect gift is from above[.] James 1:17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You give all of us provision from which to live and skills and abilities You develop in us to serve You - we are blessed!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Exodus 32-34

Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. Exodus 32:14

Day 30 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the Israelites' failure to remain faithful in God as Moses was with God on Mount Sinai.

Aaron holds much of the responsibility of this failure as he leads the Israelites in an effort to create an idol (see Exodus 32:2-6 where he makes no attempt to encourage the Israelites to remain faithful, and 32:22-24 where Aaron makes feeble excuses for his lack of courage to confront the Israelites in their sin).

Although God's anger burns, Moses intercedes on the Israelites' behalf and God's anger relents and He shows great compassion and mercy - see Exodus 32:11-14.  He renews his covenant with the Israelites.  Moses' act to intercede on behalf of the Israelites foreshadows what Jesus does for all of us as believers - He willingly lays down His life to atone for all sin for all of humanity.  Just as Moses intercedes for the Israelites, Jesus intercedes for us - we all need a savior, and Jesus is that Savior.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who is full of compassion and mercy - for the Israelites...and for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love, compassion, and mercy.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.

There I will meet you and speak to you; there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory.

Exodus 29-31

There I will meet you and speak to you; there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory. Exodus 29:42-43

Day 29 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the consecration of Aaron and the priests, the consecration of the tabernacle, and further instructions on worship - once again no detail is spared.

My commentary* focuses on how "the tabernacle is more than just a temporary place for the Israelites to worship God: it foreshadows a more permanent temple to be built in future years, and later a spiritual temple to be known as the church".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

As I posted yesterday, it is important to understand the extent to which God focuses on the details of our lives and our obedience.  Yet as I dig deeper into moral and ceremonial law, I am so grateful that I have a God in Jesus that focuses on my heart vs my external behavior and all of the regulations given by God to Moses for worship.  There is no way the Israelites could have done all of what God requested of them so God HAD to send Jesus!

I am grateful for Jesus and the grace and mercy He has for me.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who focuses on my heart and who is full of grace and mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin towards You and help me overcome such sin.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you."

Exodus 25-28

 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you." Exodus 25:8-9

Day 28 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's instructions to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle and priestly garments - no detail is spared.

My commentary* indicates "[t]he details of the blueprints given to Moses, as well as the descriptions of priestly garments, not only arouse one’s fascination but also suggest that no detail of man’s worship of God is too small for God’s concern".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

God wants us to listen to what He tells us to do and to be obedient - He cares about the details of our our worship/prayers and we should be grateful for this.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a God that is beyond my imagination - I know I can never fully grasp how much You love me or how much You care about the smallest details of my life and my worship.  You call me to be a living sacrifice and I desire to be.  I am thankful for Your love but undeserving as my sacrifice and worship I know falls short of what You ask.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.

“Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

Exodus 19-24

“Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Exodus 20:20

Day 27 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's covenant with Israel and the laws and regulations under which God will rule Israel, including the Ten Commandments.  Moses speaks with God on Mount Sinai and as well the elders experience God's glory.

God's presence at Mount Sinai must have been quite the site - with the thunder and lightning and smoke (v18).  I can imagine the fear - I would have been in fear myself!

This is of course by design.  We should fear God - He both knows everything AND is all powerful.

As I posted a couple of days ago, fear should serve as a preservative and here it is - Moses making the case in so many words.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects me from sin...and gives me victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.

You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.

Exodus 15:33-18

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

Day 26 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the Israelites departure from the parting of the Red Sea - the traveled for three months, fought against the Amelekites, and spent much of their time grumbling against the Lord for what they believe they should have and what they believe the Lord is not providing.

God does not want us to grumble or complain. We should be thankful for where we are today as we should know that God loves us, He never leaves or forsakes us, that He provides for all of our needs, and that most importantly He gives us victory over sin and death.

We are not deserving of any of these gifts - it is only through God's great mercy and compassion that He does this for us.

Paul reminds us that we are not to grumble - it did not end well for many in Israel's history.

And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 1 Corinthians 10:10

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, never leaves or forsakes me, always provides for me, and gives me victory over sin and death.  I love You Lord - thank You for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving.  I sin...daily and often grumble and complain.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

Exodus 13:17-15:21

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31

Day 26 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's parting of the Red Sea as the Egyptians pursued the Israelites.

Of note here is the how the Israelites fear of destruction by the hand of the Egyptians (Exodus 14:10-12) transitioned to fear of the Lord - this led them to trust in God - although we know this trust wavers time and time again throughout the Old Testament.

I think of how John Piper wrote about fear of God as a preservative.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and worthy of my worship, fear, love, full attention, etc.  You deserve my life - as a living sacrifice.  Help me God You are worthy and I am not...not deserving of the richness You pour out on me.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

Exodus 12-13:16

When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. Exodus 12:23

Day 25 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's wrath on Pharaoh and all of Egypt as He delivers the Israelites out of bondage.

Just as God passed judgement on the Egyptians (Exodus 12:12) and protected the Israelites so will He protect His servants once again in the final days when Jesus returns (see my notes from David Platt's study on Revelation) - see also Revelation 7:3 as an example.

We all sin and need a Savior - I am grateful that God protects me from the destroyer.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has protected from the destroyer now and in the final days - thank You Jesus.  I know You provide victory over sin and death - thank You.  I am not deserving of such a gift. I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others a You love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.

Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country.

Exodus 9-11

Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country. Exodus 11:10

Day 24 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the stalemate negotiations between Moses/Aaron and Pharaoh - whose heart is hardened and will not let the Israelites go into the wilderness to worship God.

Signs and wonders are mentioned 32 times in the Bible - Pharaoh saw the signs and wonders of God yet this was insufficient for Him and it is for others.   In this light we must recall that it was God Himself that hardened Pharaoh's heart - see Exodus 4:21.  Key to this discussion is free will vs God's will.  As a component of this discussion, we must understand that it is God alone working in us to give us faith - see also this John Piper post.

Piper uses the following scripture as the basis for his post:
- left to our own devices we as humans (all of us) would choose darkness over Light; Romans 8:6-7
- the mind without the Spirit cannot accept God; 1 Corinthians 2:14
- God alone grants repentance; 2 Timothy 24-25
- Faith is a gift from God alone; Philippians 1:29, Romans 9:16, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Philippians 2:12

There is also Ephesians 2:8-9:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Finally, although not by any means am I attempting to exhaust all key factors in this discussion, it is important to consider what is happening in our hearts and minds as believers should be able to point to the "signs and wonders" that result from our heart and mind transformation - this is our testimony.  I know I can - I am grateful for the gift of faith and for what God has done in my heart and mind.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus You are an awesome God who loves me and who has worked many signs and wonders in my heart and mind - I am grateful that You have made more into Your image and You continue to do so - I am for sure a work in progress!  Yet I am undeserving of Your love and grace.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go.

Exodus 5-8

But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go. Exodus 8:32

Day 23 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Moses and Aaron's confrontation with Pharaoh over a request from Moses that he take the Israelites into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to God.

During this time, Pharaoh's heart is hardened five times - despite it becoming clear to readers that God is working in the plagues demonstrated in Egypt and even Pharaoh's magicians indicated that “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19).  

All of us may have experienced hardness of heart towards God at one time or another or we know others in our lives who have.  We need hope that God can soften hardened hearts.

For a perspective on this - check out John Piper's post "Does God Ever Soften a Heart He Has Hardened?".  See also this post for thoughts on how a hunger and thirst for righteousness ignites a "greater and greater flame of passion for God in our hearts".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has softened my heart towards Yourself and towards others - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful.  Yet I am undeserving of Your mercy.  I am often harsh with 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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”...Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well.

Exodus 1-6:27

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”...Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. Exodus 3:14, 4:14

Day 22 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the birth, rise and exile of Moses as prince in Egypt (from humble Hebrew beginnings), and God's call of Moses (and Aaron) to rescue the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.

Moses does not feel equipped to be God's selected deliverer of the Egyptians from bondage.  The conversation at the burning bush (Exodus 3-4) is one of the most prominent in all of the Bible.  The conversation climaxes with God's anger in Exodus 4:14 and it is at this point the Moses appears to relent in his resistance to God's call.  Of course the point is that it is true that WE cannot do what God calls us to do, but that HE can (and will/does).

This is the difference between confidence in self vs confidence in God.

In my own life, I KNOW the power of God - and I, like Peter and John before the Sanhedrin claim:

"As for [me] us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has worked miracles in my life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the many blessings You pour out for me.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis  47:29-50

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

Day 21 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the final days and death of both Jacob (Israel) and Joseph.

Of course the story of both is remarkable, and in particular Joseph's story is one of seeing God in all circumstances and in glorifying God in whatever we do.  These are very important takeaways.

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

 

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

 

See also my post from roughly 2.5 years ago.

 

God wants us to see what we are currently experiencing through His eyes - we don't know what or how God is working but we do know that He is at work.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is ALWAYS at work in my life, You never stop loving me, and You never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I often am caught up in sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.  

Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.

Genesis  45:16-47:28, Exodus 1

Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number....Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them. Genesis 47:27, Exodus 1:6-7 

Day 20 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Jacob's (Israel) reunion with Joseph and the resettlement of Israel's entire family (including descendants and their wives and children, etc.) in Goshen, land provided to them by Pharaoh.

With the joy of Joseph's reunion, we also see God's promise coming to fruition, and his plans begin to unfold as well as the Israelites do indeed become fruitful and they multiply. Yet as I continue my study I look ahead to Exodus 1, when we see starting in Exodus 1:8 where the Egyptians begin to oppress the Israelites.

We must not be surprised when the world around us scorns us as Jesus tells us we will have trouble (John 16:33) and that the world hates us (John 15:18-25).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and You never stop loving us...even in the times of trouble and scorn we know You still love us and You are always with us.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.

Genesis  42:6-45:15

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Genesis 45:1-2

Day 19 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues to focus on Joseph's story - including the climax where Joseph's role in the administration and distribution of grain during the famine leads his brothers to Egypt where they are reunited - but not without tension and torment of his brothers by Joseph.

When his brothers arrived in Egypt and sought grain during the famine, Joseph desired at least some semblance of revenge and he puts both his brothers (all of them, including Benjamin) and his father Jacob through great agony.  But Joseph finally relents and in Genesis 45:3 he tells his brothers who he is and while there is initial fear, there is ultimately relief and celebration over the reunion.

Contrast such yielding and submission of one's life to God with the self-control Joseph exercises earlier in his life when he refuses to sleep with Potiphar's wife (see Genesis 39 and DesiringGod.com)   At least part of Joseph sought to continue to control and manipulate his brothers by putting them through more agony, yet he yielded to God's desires as he could not deny that even this aspect of his story was part of God's plan.

I've struggled with control much of my life and as I've grown in my relationship with Jesus, I've learned to be more at peace with how God is in control vs myself.

I think of the Israelites in Exodus 14 when they stood before the Red Sea as the rapidly approaching Egyptians threatened re-capture and worse:

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14

While Joseph's circumstances are of course different - his story of self-control vs God in control are one in the same.  God works in all things and we must submit to Him and what He is doing.  See Romans 8:28 and Colossians 1:16-17.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You are in control - You reign and Your sovereignty and rule is perfect.  And I know You love me and You have adopted me into Your family.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Genesis  39-42:5

"I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis 41:16

Day 18 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Joseph's story from when he was in charge of Potiphar's house though his days in prison (falsely accused by Potiphar's wife) to his rise as being in charge of gathering and distributing grain during the periods of abundance and famine in Egypt.

Joseph's story is certainly well known and while there is debate over whether Joseph was prideful, arrogant or dumb, what is clear that once Joseph begins to rise out of the ashes of captivity in Egypt, the Bible makes it clear that Joseph attributes His gifts and the results achieved through his gifts to God alone.

It starts with Joseph's acknowledgement that it would be sinful to sleep with Potiphar's wife - see Genesis 39:9.  In prison, Joseph's gives God the glory for his ability to interpret dreams - see Genesis 40:8.  Once again, Joseph, to Pharaoh, attributes his ability to interpret dreams to God alone - see Genesis 41:16.  Joseph again attributes his successes in Egypt to God in the naming of his sons - see 41:51-52.

The absence of God's mention by Joseph early in his life does not mean he denied God's role in his life.  Yet we do know that God does not want us to keep it secret who He is and what He means to us - we are to be a light...not under a bowl but on a lamp stand for all to see.

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 who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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. 

And he was named Perez. Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out. And he was named Zerah.

Genesis  37-38

And he was named Perez. Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out. And he was named Zerah. Genesis 38:29-30

Day 17 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the early years of Joseph (and his brother's sale of him to the Midian merchants/Ishmaelites who ultimately sell him to Potiphar in Egypt) and the story of Judah and Tamar.

The story of Joseph is just beginning at this point, and I will come back to it for sure in the coming days.  As well, the story of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38) is just unfolding because we know that Jesus is a descendant of Perez, whose parents are Judah and Tamar (see genealogy in Matthew 1).  It is for this reason I pause on their story - because time and time again we see God redeem sin and use broken and sinful people as part of His story to save us.

My commentary* indicates: "The most important aspect of this seemingly insignificant story will come to light only after many centuries have passed. At that time it will become evident that a descendant of Judah (through Perez) will become God’s messenger to all mankind—the Messiah".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Additional insights and thoughts on this from DesiringGod.com include Prostitutes, Mistresses, and the Messiah, and The Best of the Boring Parts of the Bible.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has adopted me into Your family despite my sin and brokenness - thank You Jesus!  I am in awe of Your love for me.  I am undeserving.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 took his wives and sons and daughters and all the members of his household, as well as his livestock and all his other animals and all the goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob.

Genesis  36 

Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the members of his household, as well as his livestock and all his other animals and all the goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob. Genesis 36:6

Day 16 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the descendants of Esau, the Edomites.

The story of Jacob and Esau is one of tension and my commentary* indicates the Edomites "will become constant enemies of Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites, and their opposition to God’s chosen people will be so bitter over the years that Edom will become a symbol of unbelief and hostility to God. In the last days they will be singled out as a special object of God’s punishment".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Examples of tensions between Jacob's line and the Edomites are found in the Bible, including:

• Edom denies Israel passage during their exodus from Egypt (Numbers 20)
• Saul orders Doeg the Edomite to strike down Ahimelek and the Priests of Nob for providing harbor and provision for David (1 Samuel 21-22)

  Prophecies against Edom include:

• Ezekiel 35
• Obadiah 1 
• Malachi 1 

The tension between Jacob and Esau is much like the tension we experience in our lives - there are those in the world that hate us and our God.  We may be tempted to feel hate and to seek our own justice against those who act out of their hate for us.  But God is clear - we are to turn the other cheek, love, and seek to gain the favor of our enemies so that we might be able to bring them into the family of God.  It is not for us to judge - God alone is Judge.  See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who loves, despite how I might have felt about You - You came to save me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love, mercy and grace.  I harbor ill feelings towards others - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin - help me love!  Help me turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”

Genesis  34-35

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. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” Genesis 34:30

Day 15 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the rape of Dinah (daughter of Leah) and the angry revengeful response by two of her brothers (Simeon and Levi); despite all of this God renews His promise to Jacob.

As I posted last week, God works through pain and with family dysfunction and redeems it all.

Once again, we don't know why things happen (particularly bad things) or how God will use our circumstances/pain, or how God will keep a promise, but we know that God is working in everything, He is Good, He has a plan and He is faithful.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and how has worked IN the pain, and with the pain for Your glory and my good...I have experienced this with my own life.  Thank You Jesus for never leaving or forsaking me.  I love You.  I am undeserving of such a God.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

Genesis  29-33

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28

Day 13-14 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on:

• Jacob's dealings with Laban - and the deception of both to each other
• Jacob's marriage to both Leah and Rachel and the many children born to Jacob (through both Leah and Rachel as well as through Zilpah, Leah's servant)
• Jacob's (with his wives, etc.) departure from Laban (including Rachel's theft of idols from her father) and their truce from dishonest dealings with each other (primarily driven by Laban)
• Jacob's journey back to Canaan, his reunion with Esau, and Jacob's encounter with man sent by God and Jacob's wrestling with this man  

A selfish entitlement mentality is a key theme that drives much of what transpires in these chapters, including Laban's initial deception of Jacob, Leah and Rachel's conflicts and jealousy over children born or not born unto them, and a general desire to "hold onto" what is felt to be rightfully "mine". 

Through all of this, one can grow weary and I would expect Jacob did and his anxiety peaked when he thought Esau would kill him when they reunited (Genesis 32:7).  Jacob went to God in prayer and soon after a man appeared from God and the two wrestled.  DesiringGod.com provides a good recap of this wrestling match and it includes a great encouragement for those who battle with unbelief.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who has helped me battle through unbelief - thank You Jesus for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of such love. I sin...daily.  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 love me. 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 chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”

Genesis  27-28

The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23

Day 12 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Jacob's conspiracy with Rebekah (whose plan it is) to deceive his father Issac to obtain the blessing promised for Esau.

Once again, we see deception at work in the lives of those who are ultimately used by God as part of a broader plan - in this case God redeems the sins of Rebekah and Jacob to forward His plan to bless Abraham and his descendants by making them into a great nation.

What is interesting here is how Rebekah fails to remember how God told her prior to the birth of Esau and Jacob that the "older will serve the younger" - see Genesis 25:23 - we often doubt God's ability to fulfill a promise yet there should be no doubt that God always keeps His promises.

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are faithful indeed as I have experienced in my own life how Your promises always come true.  I am grateful. Yet I am undeserving.  I worry and I get caught up in the world - failing to resist temptation for many sins.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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  25-26

So Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34

Day 11 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Abraham's remarriage and death, followed by a brief update on Ishmael and his descendants.  Day 11 concludes with a focus on Issac and his two sons - Esau and Jacob.

We ALL struggle with sin - see Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8.  Much of our challenge with sin lies in the desire for quick temporal gain vs patient endurance and denial of self - OR selfishness.  Such is the case with Esau, who exchanges his birthright for a single meal. 

Jesus refers to this as the "wide gate":

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  Matthew 7:13-14

Those who direct you to the wide gate seek to deceive you - there is only one Way (see John 14:6).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE the Way, the Truth, and the Life - thank You for claiming me as Your own and for adopting me into Your family.  I am blessed.  Yet I am undeserving.  My sin continues - daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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 he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”

Genesis 24

Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” Genesis 24:12-14

Day 10 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Abraham's efforts to find a wife for his son Issac.

Abraham seeks to find a wife for Issac who is not from among the local Canaanites as the Canaanites worshiped pagan gods, so he sent his senior servant (Genesis 24:2-10) back to his father's land in Mesopotamia to Ur (see map here).

Of note here is the faith of Abraham's servant - who prays for a sign from God that he has indeed found the one who is to return with him to marry Issac.  This calls to mind the topic of how to divine God's will in decision-making.

I have often referenced Romans 12:2 as the key verse to draw upon for how a God-pleasing decision is made.  John Piper's post here also helps greatly in terms of expanding on thoughts I have on this topic.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus for blessing me beyond what I deserve by giving me more patience, etc.  I love You.  Yet I am undeserving of the blessings You pour out on me.  I sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Plae provide Godly friends ans spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”... So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

Genesis 22-23

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”... So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:8,14

Day 9 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's call to Abraham to sacrifice Issac and the death of Sarah.

God makes of Abraham what all of us would describe as an unimaginable request - that we sacrifice our own flesh and blood.  Yet scripture has no record of Abraham's anguish over this request.  Abraham has great faith that God will provide or as John Piper refers to as providence.  While we don't know for certainty what Abraham experienced we do see enough confidence and trust in God that without knowing HOW He will provide, Abraham believes or has faith that He WILL provide.

My commentary* speculates that Abraham "evidently believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead, if necessary, in order to fulfill his promise".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Regardless of how Abraham arrived at his faith, the fact of the matter is that He did have faith in God's providence.  He rested in God's promise that He would create from Abraham's descendants a great nation.

We can be encouraged by such faith - that we don't always have to know the HOW a promise will unfold but that God always keeps His promises - He is faithful.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are faithful indeed - I have seen Your goodness in difficult circumstances and I know that You will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I worry and I have other sin...daily.  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 love me.  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.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  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.