Alone, Broke, Disgraced & Afraid | Genesis 28:13-21
As many as the promises of God are, in Him they are yes; therefore through Him also is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Jacob made this discovery in the worst time of his life. So can you.
The Way Home | Genesis 26:12-33
Genesis 26 reveals an amazing, incredible picture of God’s grace in that God continued
to bless Isaac though Isaac had chosen a path of disobedience to the will of God.
Genesis 26 also shows us that God’s lordship demands disciplinary measures in spite
of the blessings, and in this case, the immensity of the discipline is measured by the
abundance of blessings. Isaac eventually found his way home, and so can you. When
you finally arrive, you will discover that that God holds no grudges, but instead,
welcomes you home.
Panic Attacks & Courageous Living | Genesis 26:1-10
Suffered any panic-attacks lately? Perhaps, there is a cure. Any idea what that cure
may be? The remedy just might be found in the obscurity of Genesis 26.
Inquiry, Intrigue, and Insult | Genesis 25:22-34
Smooth sailing? That’s not how it worked out for Rebekah, and it’s not likely to work out that way for you and me. She faced trouble, trial and anxiety, finding herself engulfed by overwhelming circumstances though in the center of God’s will and work. What should she do? Complain? Take things into her own hands? Fortunately, she followed the example of her husband, but what about the rest of the family, especially Jacob? He was cool and calculating, crafty and subtle. He seems to be an unworthy and contemptible choice as an instrument of God. And yet . . .
Delay, Delay, Delay | Genesis 25:12-25
Do you think Isaac wondered at the workings (or non-workings) of God? He may have cried out to God asking why his brother, Ishmael, should prosper so abundantly while he continued childless. Ishmael was not the son of promise. No doubt, Isaac experienced great disappointment. Why the delay? Why has God seemingly made delays in your own life with your own dreams?
Leaving My What to Whom? | Genesis 25:1-8
One well-respected commentator says that a Christian has no right to leave property and possessions to an unsaved child. Does that idea produce tension in your mind ang heart? Consider a couple of questions. How serious we are in the belief that God owns all we have? Do we actually believe that God is the giver of all we have? Finally, how much do we want that with which we have been entrusted to be under God’s direction, even when we leave it to others?
This Land Is My Land | Genesis 24: 5-7
The blessing of God calls for being in “the place of ‘His’ choosing.” Have you ever considered that idea in your life? Does anyone consider that idea when they accept a new job, or when they move to a new city, or when they make a huge purchase, or when it comes to who they marry, or when they decide which school to attend? I’m not saying it’s always easy to know, but isn’t that the best place to be? Isn’t that the place of greatest blessing and usefulness? Then for crying out loud, get there and stay there.
The Marrying Kind | Genesis 24: 1-4
In the ancient world, parents chose who their children would marry. Do you think going back to such a custom would be advisable today? Since parents no longer make such decisions, do parents bear any responsibility in the choices made by their children regarding a spouse? If so, what are they? Further, does the Bible offer any guidance for single adults who may be praying for and searching for a mate? Believe it or not, Abraham provides valuable direction not only for parents and single adults but also for those who want to be prepared to address such serious issues as they arise.
Abraham’s Crystal Ball | Gen. 22:8 & John 8:56
In John 8 a lengthy conversation took place between Jesus and the Temple officials, a discussion that addressed the significance of Abraham in the life of Judaism. At its conclusion the fissure had grown so wide that the Temple officials picked up stones to throw at Jesus with the intention to kill Him then and there. Why this huge chasm? Did the difference truly matter then and does it truly matter now? The theological scholars debating with Jesus thought they had it all figured out, especially when it came to Abraham, but did they? Do you?
Lions Lying Down with Lambs | Gen. 21:22-34
Though believers cannot accept the lifestyles endorsed by much of the secular world, it is possible to live in peace. Genesis 21 provides a beautiful illustration of this possibility. The surprising thing, however, is that the difficulty is attributed to not to Abimelech, the unbeliever, but to Abraham, the believer. One might think it would be the other way, but not so.