Bible Chapter: Genesis 45
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Finally, the beginning of the happy ending. Joseph tested his brothers and could contain himself no longer. In a tearful reunion he shocked his brothers by revealing his identity. They were amazed. I’m sure it took a while for the truth to settle in. Joseph was especially anxious to talk with and hug Benjamin. He reunited with all his brothers. He gave them provisions for the journey home along with many gifts. And, he told them to bring the whole clan back to Egypt. He would take care of them. They wouldn’t have to worry through the famine which would last five more years.
Jacob struggled to accept the news when the boys got home. It almost gave him a heart attack. When he saw all the bounty Joseph gave them Jacob finally believed it and said he would travel to Egypt so he could see his son again before he died.
God used the evil actions of the brothers to accomplish His purpose. He preserved the line of Abraham and provided a posterity to God’s covenant people. They all moved to the land of Goshen in Egypt. It was there that the nation of Israel was formed. When they finally left there were more than a million people that descended from Abraham.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Press on. Keep on doing what is right and trust God for the results. It took a long time for Joseph to see the reward for his faithfulness. Jacob didn’t believe he would ever see Joseph again. But, God worked things out. In the long term things did work out. In the light of eternity, things will work out for all who are faithful to Jesus. And, for the brothers they discovered there is forgiveness. These are good principles for all to live by.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see it is worth it to serve Jesus. It is worth it to be kind. God can work things out. When Pharaoh found out that Joseph’s brothers had come, he was delighted and offered them great rewards simply for being family. Joseph could have told Pharaoh not to do it, they weren’t worthy, but he didn’t. I want to help people see that rewards do come. The extended family was blessed because of Joseph’s faithfulness and integrity.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 44
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Joseph was getting close to the time where he revealed his identity to his brothers. After feeding them a banquet, they were ready to head out early in the morning for home. Joseph told his servant to put their money back in the bags of food. He also told them to put his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. This brought great sorrow to the brothers when it was discovered. Benjamin was accused of stealing the cup. Joseph’s servant said that Benjamin would have to return to Egypt and become Joseph’s slave.
Two interesting points. When the silver cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, they all tore their clothes in despair. This was a sign of real grief. They were overcome with the situation as it was unfolding. They were afraid for Benjamin and how it would affect their father. The fact that they had lived with guilt for more than twenty years over their despicable actions against Joseph is revealed in Judah’s statement “God is punishing us for our sins”. They acknowledged their sin. If a person has any semblance of a conscience, God will continue to speak to them about their sins and the need to repent. Sin always carries a big consequence. Joseph could see that changes had occurred in his brothers, for they were acting responsibly regarding the issues of money and their concern for the well-being of their father.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Integrity in the actions of life is so valuable. A person who acts with moral soundness will be saved from having a life of fear of the consequences. It is like a person driving down the highway with the cruise control set at the speed limit. When they come over a hill and see a police car running radar, they don’t have to panic and hit the brakes. They just cruise on by because they are obeying the law. If Joseph’s brothers had acted with integrity and righteousness in life, they would have been spared decades of grief. Our modern culture has countless examples of people living is so-called freedom who eventually harvest the consequences of their sin. We can learn from both positive and negative experiences. I want to always learn from the negative situations such as in this story the importance of doing what God says.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the blessings of a life lived serving Jesus. Studying the Bible reveals the high standards of righteousness God expects. Short cuts to life and integrity are very tempting. But, like a student who cheats in a class, when the real tests of life come, they can’t handle it. It is always worth doing things God’s way. Really, if I need surgery, I don’t want a doctor who cheated in medical school.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 43
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The famine continued and it was time to return to Egypt for more food. They kept delaying the trip because of Joseph’s requirement that Benjamin come on the next trip. Israel struggled and was in agony at the thought of sending Benjamin, lest anything should happen to him. Judah reminded his father of the impossibility of getting any more food if Benjamin didn’t go with them. I can imagine there was quite a powerful “discussion” between father and son. Finally he said to take Benjamin and, “if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved”. I’m sure there was great sorrow in sending the sons off on this trip.
Upon their arrival in Egypt there was still fear in the hearts of the brothers. Joseph had them taken to his house and given a meal. They told Joseph about receiving their money back and they were returning it. They were still afraid. As this story unfolds I am reminded many times about the long term impact of doing evil. These brothers lived for decades with fear over treating their brother with such contempt as to sell him as a slave. Any short term fun or benefits a person receives in doing something evil are simply not worth the long term consequences.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Judah was willing to take the responsibility for Benjamin’s safe return. Learning to take responsibility is one of the issues of maturity. The decision to sell Joseph was a choice made by immature and jealous people. Eventually these brothers were learning the importance of good decisions and responsible living. Jealousy is not how God designed us to live. Maturity is happy when something good happens to another person.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people be mature in their lifestyle. We live in a prosperous culture. It is easy to get things, live for possessions and fun. That only lasts for a short while, and soon pay day comes. There comes a time when we have to pay for our fun. There comes a time when the free lunch we enjoy will no longer be available. Self-centeredness only leads to future problems. Maturity is better.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 42
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
I remember my grandmother telling us a biblical principle from Numbers 32, be sure your sins will find you out. She wanted us to know that if we try to do something sinful, it will eventually be revealed and we will have to face the consequences. We can be assured that at some time the impact of our sinful decisions will come and we will have to realize the destruction that results. Here we find the ten brothers who conspired to get rid of Joseph and then agreed to cover their sin are facing what they did. It had been at least twenty years, and finally they were forced to deal with the reality of their sin. It was now their survival and the survival of their whole family that was at stake. If Joseph refused to sell them food, they would starve.
When the famine God revealed through Pharaoh’s dreams came, it affected Joseph’s extended family back home. Ten of his brothers came to buy food. They had the money needed and were willing to pay for it. Joseph used this time to try to find out if his brothers had repented of their actions. He hid his identity from them and demanded that they bring their brother, Benjamin, with them the next time they needed to buy food. This was the first contact Joseph had had with his family, and the first news in over twenty years. He was delighted to hear that his father was still alive.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We don’t know the process and timing, but it appears that the brothers had repented of their sin of selling Joseph as a slave. It appears that their hearts had changed. Making sure that our hearts are right is an extremely high priority. I must be sure my heart is always right with God. Jesus said in Matthew 15:18 NKJV
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
This is a very important truth to apply in life.
3. How can I help someone?
A common excuse to sin is that “I can do what I want because it doesn’t affect anyone else”. That is a major lie. What we do impacts many people. If only Joseph’s brothers understood that, how things would have been different. Much sorrow would have been avoided.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 41
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God will use many different events to bring about His plan. Joseph had spent many years waiting for something to happen. In the process of this time, he was faithful to serve God and not be drawn into participating in sin. Joseph did not make excuses to sin simply because many things were going wrong. When Pharaoh had two dreams and no one could tell him the meaning, it was God’s timing to bring Joseph into the picture. I have to wonder about the conversations between Joseph and the chief butler when Joseph was promoted to his new position. What excuses and apologies did he make? It is an interesting thing to ponder.
God’s timing brought Joseph to the position of the number two ruler in Egypt. He was quick to give God all the credit. When Pharaoh asked Joseph about interpreting his dreams he was quick to say that it wasn’t him, but God would give an answer of peace. Because of his faithfulness over thirteen years as a slave and then a prisoner, Joseph was given a high position, he was able to marry and have a family. He was greatly respected. This respect didn’t come quickly, but it was well-deserved.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I think the lesson of faithfulness to God’s ways and refusal to compromise is a major lesson of this story. After years of hard work and languishing, wondering when something would happen, Joseph is rewarded with more than he could imagine. While we have no promise of what the rewards will be here on earth, we do have the promise of an amazing reward in heaven for obedience and faithfulness to God. I wonder what went through his mind the first night he was no longer sleeping in the prison, but in a very fancy residence fit for a king. Within hours Joseph went from a very lowly state to a powerful position of leadership. Not many people could handle this. God’s preparation over the years made Joseph ready for this and he filled his responsibilities well.
It is a real challenge. Am I willing to be where God places me and faithfully work? There is an old saying “bloom where you are planted”. That is good. The apostle Paul wrote that he had learned to be content wherever God had planted him. He was used in many powerful ways to change eternity for millions of people. I am slowly learning that we don’t really know the impact we are making.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see beyond the end of their nose. Often people don’t see beyond today, they don’t see the potential impact of decisions they make. They don’t see the potential benefits of following God’s way. I want to help people see the blessings of doing things God’s way.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 40
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God will work through whatever circumstances come from the decisions people make. Joseph’s brothers had acted wickedly in selling him as a slave. Potiphar’s wife had acted wickedly in lying about Joseph so he was put in prison. Now, God used Joseph in his confinement to interpret dreams. This gave him the connection he needed for a future time. It is hard for me to imagine that the king’s cup bearer could forget about Joseph after he was restored to his position, but he did. I think that Joseph was probably excited about the potential of getting out. Surely, it would happen quickly. Little by little the reality sank in that he had been forgotten.
Joseph had to continue being faithful to God in his horrible situation. We see his desire to get out of there in his immediate plea to the cup bearer when he interpreted the dream. Please, remember me and show me kindness. Plead my case before the king. But, it didn’t happen. The good news is that Joseph didn’t give up on God. Because of his faithfulness, he was eventually used in a way he could have never imagined. He would have been happy to be released and sent home to his father. God had bigger plans.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We generally don’t know the things God has in store for us. I want things to happen now. I want to see things get going. Often, they take much more time that I think they should. God calls us to be faithful to Him and let Him work out the details. That is usually hard to do. But, it is a lesson we must learn. Joseph is an inspiration for many reasons, his faithfulness to God is one of them.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the benefits of waiting in God’s timing and doing what is right in God’s eyes. In the end it is always worth it.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 39
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This chapter starts one of the great stories of the Bible. Joseph’s adventures in Egypt is a story of God’s planing and provision, God’s blessing and of Joseph’s integrity, his desire to serve God. Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave and a military leader named Potiphar bought him. One of the first things we see is that God was with Joseph and prospered him. God will be with His people even in the worst situations. Potiphar recognized this and gave Joseph a very high position. Things went well for Potiphar because he put Joseph in a position of responsibility. I wonder what happened to his household after Joseph was put in prison. Did God pull His blessings? I wonder if his wife ever admitted her lies when things fell apart. When he was sent to prison, Joseph was again promoted and given responsibility.
The story of Joseph is the story of a person who had so many things go bad in life, and yet he remained faithful to God. It would have been very easy for him to accept Mrs. Potiphar’s advances, since he was a slave in a foreign country. It would have been very easy for him to be bitter against his brothers and throw away everything he had learned about God. He didn’t do any of these things. He recognized the importance of serving God and didn’t make excuses. Because of his faithfulness to God and his desire to please Him, God was with Joseph every step of the way.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Keep on keeping on. Keep the right focus on serving God and don’t throw away His amazing gift of life and hope just because things are not going the way we think they should. I have seen people get mad at God when things don’t go they way they want. People can act as if they are the supreme being and God is simply the power at their beck and call who will do what they want. Joseph is an excellent example of doing what God calls us to do. He is a good example of keeping eternity in focus and not giving up. In the end, those who are faithful to Jesus will see the whole picture of God’s plan.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see Jesus. I want to help them see that God has a plan and it will be an amazing plan. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Don’t compromise and be drawn into the lies of the world. Jesus really does know what He is doing. Trust Him.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 38
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Another chapter of poor choices. The Bible doesn’t hide these sad events in the lives of people. This chapter also shows the negative impact of not following God’s directions and doing whatever a person wants. Judah left the family and went among the Canaanites. He married a woman there and had a family. As the family grew the oldest got married. He was a wicked man. There is no guarantee that the next generation of a godly family will be godly, but it is more sure that when a person grows up in a wicked family that the next generation will follow suit. This is another illustration of the extended effect people have when they do something, especially something negative. God reaches a point where He judges wickedness.
Judah shows one of the factors of wickedness: I can do what I want but someone else needs to act according to what is right. Judah hired who he thought was a prostitute and didn’t think anything of it. When he discovered that it was his daughter-in-law, he was mad at her for acting like a prostitute. His corrupt and hypocritical actions revealed his sinfulness. This is another sad chapter in the history of mankind. So many problems would be avoided by obedience to God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I am reminded of an old song we used to sing. Part of it says:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way,
To be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.
Trust God that He knows what He is doing. Trust Him that His ways are the best. Then, obey what He says. It shouldn’t be that difficult, but the battle of the flesh against God is strong. It is so common among people to think that “my way is better”. If Judah had thought about all the potential problems before he went among the heathen and took a wife, he would have never gone. He would have prevented much sorrow and grief.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the long-term benefits of trusting and obeying God. That is foundational to getting life in order. It is also very hard for so many to do. It can seem that the opposite is better, but that is always only in the short term. In the light of eternity, it is always God’s way is best.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 37
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This chapter begins an amazing story of God’s provision and planning. It starts the story of Joseph and his adventure to Egypt. This story is important to the entire history of the world. Every person is eventually impacted by this story. It doesn’t start out well. We see some weaknesses in people. First of all, Israel (Jacob’s name was changed earlier by God and now it is used in the text) showed favoritism among his sons. He gave Joseph a special gift, an elaborate coat with many colors. He did this because he loved Joseph more than the others. By his showing this love it caused jealousy among the brothers. Jealous people do bad things.
Joseph also showed poor judgement by telling of his dreams. These prophetic dreams did come from God, but he shouldn’t have told his brothers. It only added fuel to the fire of jealousy. When Joseph was sent by his father to find the brothers as they were grazing their flocks, the jealousy and hatred turned to murder. They didn’t kill Joseph, but they wanted to. Reuben saved his life, but Joseph ended up being sold as a slave to people heading to Egypt. It is hard to imagine so much hatred that causes brothers to send their sibling off to a life of slavery. Sinful hearts can do that. They were callous to what it would do to Joseph as well as to their father. They made Israel think Joseph was dead.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Make wise choices. That is so important. The choices I make influence life. They influence the lives of others. It is commonly called the ripple effect. When a rock is thrown into a calm lake, the ripples in the water will eventually cross the whole lake. Decisions eventually impact many lives. Good choices make a positive influence. Negative choices make a negative influence. This chapter is filled with poor choices and we see the negative results. I have to wonder the guilt and frustration the brothers had for many years wondering what actually happened to Joseph when he was sold in Egypt. They have to have had some doubts and regrets.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people make wise choices. I want to help them see beyond today to the long term implications of their decisions. People need to see the impact they have on the lives of others. Selfishness only sees what I want. Selfishness does not see all the results, only what will be at this moment. So, wise decisions to see the long term effects are so important. The especially includes the most important choice of serving Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 36
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
When God created the human race, He gave us a free will. We have the choice to serve God or not. When people serve God, they have the promises of God and the hope He provides. So many people who know better make the decision to walk away from God and do whatever they please. This is a description of Esau. He was taught God’s truths. He had great material prosperity. In fact he had so much that he had to move away from the home area where Jacob was living because the land wouldn’t support all they had. And in the midst of it all, he walked away from God.
Esau did not have spiritual prosperity, he did not live in obedience to God. He married multiple wives from the area. He showed little respect for the spiritual lessons God had revealed. He lived as he pleased. His descendants formed the nation of Edom and it was an ungodly nation. They were very evil and brought God’s wrath down on themselves. This is a very sad spiritual heritage for someone who could have brought up godly children.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We all have a unique spiritual heritage. We might have been brought up in a godly home. We might have never heard of Jesus till we grew up. Whatever it may be, we are responsible to receive the gift of life Jesus paid for on the cross. I constantly read about people who throw away all that God has for them because of some spiritual failures of their parents or someone they knew at church. I fail to see the logic - throw away eternity and God because of what someone else did. God will judge them for their failures. It won’t work to stand before God on judgement day and say that because of what someone else did, I decided to not serve God. Now, God, give me a pass and let me in to your home. That won’t work. What must I do? I must serve God and let all those folks I have met who were spiritual failures deal with God on their own.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people serve God. My appeal is to not let anything get in the way of a strong personal relationship with Jesus. No fun, no entertainment, no popularity is worth losing out on what God has for us in this life and what He has for us in eternity. No excuse will work. Don’t let anything cause you to miss out on the awesomeness of God. It is simply not worth it. No temporary fun a person has is even close to the amazing reality of God.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 35
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Finally, Jacob returned to his homeland. And, in the process he ordered his family to get rid of the foreign gods they had collected. How sad that this was necessary. They had fallen way down spiritually and there were many negative effects of their fall. They had to do a major house cleaning. Purification and change were needed. God’s holiness leaves no room for spiritual compromise and filth. This is a good lesson for believers today. The downward spiritual spiral is so easy to join. Evil is all around. It would be helpful for all to do as Jacob’s family did - commit to personal holiness, clear out anything that is offensive to God, recommit to a strong fellowship with God and do all to follow the teachings of the Bible.
God appeared to Jacob again. Growing close to God in obedience will bring us into His presence and we will sense Him. These thoughts have been in my mind much lately. It is too easy to travel on a spiritual cruise control. We must be accelerating spiritually and pursuing all that God had for us. God has an awesome adventure for us.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Closeness to God and obedience to Him does not mean that all events in life will be perfect. It was after Jacob’s spiritual renewal that his wife, Rachel, was giving birth to a son. It was a difficult delivery and she died in childbirth. Benjamin was born but she passed away.
They finally got to where Isaac was. He lived a hundred and eighty years and then passed away. Jacob and Esau buried him. How much was missing from their lives because of deceit. The family was separated for decades because of selfishness. This is a good lesson to learn. Don’t let anything get in the way of family relationships. It’s not worth it.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the benefits of doing things God’s way, even when we don’t fully understand all the details. Godly principles are the best way to live. They will prevent many problems and make life better.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 34
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This is another story that shows what happens when sinful hearts are given control. It also shows what happens when people don’t do what they know God wants them to do. Jacob was supposed to return to the land of his father. Instead, he went to Succoth and then settled near Shechem. He even purchased property and settled in. They were there for years. The influence of the heathen residents was making a negative impact on his family. Jacob’s granddaughter, Dinah, went out to get to know the women of the land. She was raped by one of the men who then said he loved her and wanted to marry her.
Jacob’s family was invited to intermarry with the locals and just become a part of what they were. This is always a dangerous sign. Two of Dinah’s brothers pretended to go along with the invitation to live there and mingle with the locals. But, they had a scheme and they killed many people in revenge to what was done to their sister. This shows the long term impact that decisions can have. If Jacob had done what he was supposed to do in the first place and return home, they wouldn’t have been there and the rape wouldn’t have happened. If Dinah had not gone out to associate with the heathen women, this wouldn’t have happened. If her brothers had done a better job of protecting her, this wouldn’t have happened.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
One of the things I used to tell my sons as they were growing up is this: do what you are told the first time you are told. God wants us to do the same. We need to do what the Bible says and not wait to “learn” lessons over and over again. These kinds of stories in the Bible are frustrating to me. It is sad they need to be included. They need to be told so we can learn. It is sad that people who should have known better got involved in such things. These stories are frustrating because the people involved should have known and applied God’s directives. The application of these stories, of these lessons, is that I must do what I know to do and is pleasing to God.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people not only know what the Bible says, what God wants them to know, but to learn to apply what the Bible says in daily life. It does no good to know something if it is not applied to real life.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 33
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A family reunion. Finally. These brothers had been separated for twenty years. I have to wonder if there had not been many times of disgust in their minds as they thought of the events of the past and developed plots of revenge. I have to wonder what was going through Esau’s mind for many years. Did he scheme with delight the suffering he was going to inflict on Jacob when he had the opportunity? At what time did his thinking begin to change and long to see Jacob again? This is an awesome lesson on forgiving those who hurt us.
When these two large groups of people traveling towards each other got close, Jacob was afraid and he tried to appease Esau with gifts. They weren’t necessary. Esau’s heart was changed. Changed hearts make all the difference. I have read of cultures that pass on hatred from generation to generation. In one instance, a man was called a thief because several generations before one of his ancestors was a thief. When people allow their hearts to change towards others, restoration can occur and problems avoided. God forgives. He wants us to learn to do the same.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Change and restoration is possible. People can change. This is true through the work of God in a person’s heart. Growth and change must continue to happen throughout life. We can always become more of what God wants us to be.
3. How can I help someone?
Don’t hold a grudge. Be willing to forgive and get on with life. One of the principles I have learned is that when God tells us about forgiving people, it is more for ourselves than the other person. Bitterness is a caustic root that destroys. Learn to turn the revenge over to God. Forgiving sets us free.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 32
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jacob continued on his journey to return to the land where he grew up. He had been gone twenty years. He sent messengers ahead to let his brother, Esau, know he was on his way. Jacob began to panic when he learned that Esau was coming to greet him with four hundred men. The only thing Jacob could think was that Esau was coming to get revenge for the deception of twenty years earlier and they would all be killed. I think this is another good illustration of the dangers of deceit. Jacob prayed for God’s protection. It seems that scary moments lead people to pray. Jacob split up his family and all his wealth into groups. The first ones he sent were part of a large gift, (a bribe?) to get to Esau first. His goal was to appease him.
The night before they met, Jacob sent his family ahead and spent the night alone. A man showed up and they wrestled all night. Towards the end Jacob asked for the man to bless him. It is at this point that Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. He had been a deceiver all his life. He was transitioning to be the man God designed him to be, a leader of his family that would become a great nation. Jacob was finally learning that his life was dependent on God, not his own efforts and manipulation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Jacob learned total submission to God. It took him a long time. My observations in life include the fact that most of us take a lifetime to learn to really trust God. We trust Him and then we have to learn to trust Him to a higher level. Being willing to trust God and being faithful to Him are valuable lessons to learn. We are always better off the more we trust God.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people learn to trust God. Some of the roads we travel will be difficult. Yet, God never leaves us in the hard times. He comes through in amazing ways.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 31
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The saga continued in the lives of those in this family who sought wealth by whatever means it took. This family had many problems. After living with and working for Laban for twenty year, when Jacob could take it no more, he planned and took his family and all his possessions away secretly. Laban was gone for a few days and Jacob took this time to leave, heading back to the land of his father. It seems as if everyone was most concerned about their wealth. Rachel and Leah were complaining that they didn’t have their inheritance. Laban had changed Jacob’s wages ten times. If God had not intervened, who knows what would have happened to Jacob when Laban caught up with him.
Again we see that God had His hand on His plan and protected Jacob. Even though deception and greed were in many hearts, God’s plan would not be thwarted. Jacob and Laban finally came to a truce and parted ways. Jacob worked for Laban for twenty years and was finally able to return home.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Wealth is not a problem. It is not a sin to be wealthy. In the Old Testament God often used wealth as a sign of His blessing. The problem comes when people resort of unethical means to obtain and keep it. When people become in love with wealth, trouble comes. Which leads to the verse that says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. In these chapters we see many examples of this truth. Being wealthy is never a “problem” I have had to deal with personally. But, even if a person doesn’t have much, they can be in love with what they have. I believe an important principle here is to keep the proper focus on material possessions and honor God with whatever a person has. God will take care of the rest.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see and obtain wealth that cannot be taken away or taxed. It is the wealth of eternal life. Jesus is preparing an inheritance for all who believe in Him.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 30
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Does God know what He is doing? Absolutely. At the beginning of His Book we find that He said marriage should be a man and a woman. He never promoted polygamy. We see that people quickly got into it. And, we see the problems. This chapter is filled with the rivalry and one-upmanship that comes from doing what God never told them to do. It caused fights that never should have occurred.
In spite of all of this, God provided for Jacob and his family. We remember that Laban had always been attracted to wealth. Jacob worked out a deal for cattle with Laban. Jacob was familiar with breeding and developed a strong and healthy herd. The chapter ends with the statement that Jacob increased exceedingly in his wealth.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Obedience is something that my parents strongly emphasized as I was growing up. They had some pretty strong ways to get the point across. They wanted me and my brothers to do well in school and get good grades. But, obedience was more important. I look at all of the problems that could have been avoided if the folks in this chapter would have obeyed God. Even though God helped them, and it could be argued that they had a good life, they would have been better through obedience. What could they have been and accomplished through obedience? We will never know. Human nature always seems to want to do the opposite of what God wants. I, and all who call on the name of Jesus, must make the specific choices necessary to be obedient to God.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the negative effects of rejecting God’s best. I recently read an article about a web site that is aimed at people who call themselves Christian, and yet live in a lifestyle that is sinful. It was amazing to read. Basically, this site was acting as a pimp to bring “Christians” together for immorality. And, they quoted scripture to justify their actions. These folks are in for a rude awakening when they stand before God as judge. I want to help people see that they will be blessed for obedience to God’s Word.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 29
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This is another chapter where the Bible clearly tells the whole story, as the expression says, warts and all. Even though God used people to accomplish His purposes, some of them did things against God’s plan. The chapter opens with Jacob on his travels finding his family. He first met Rachel as she was watering the flock. She told her father, Laban. He was excited to see his sister’s son. The last time Laban was mentioned he was young and we saw he was in love with material wealth. Here we see he is a manipulator. Laban told Jacob that he should receive wages for his work and they agreed he would work seven years for Rachel. For some reason Laban deceived him and gave Jacob his older daughter, Leah. When Jacob protested, Laban said he could also marry Rachel for another seven years of work. So this is what happened. Jacob was a deceiver and he reaped deception in his own life. The principle of planting and harvesting is true.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When God created the world He also revealed some principles He expects people to follow. Following God’s principles really makes life better. One of them is what marriage is to be. God created marriage for one man and one woman. Many cultures did not follow that, and some still don’t. Here we see some of the problems inherent in polygamy. It creates jealousy and competition. Jacob really never wanted to marry Leah and never loved her. He wanted Rachel. When he ended up with both, he showed his preference. This brought competition and strife to the home.
The more I live the more I see the importance of doing things God’s way. And the more I see it is a battle because of the pull of the flesh. As this story is unfolding, now in the third generation of this family, we see how negative behavior impacts not only the people involved, but is passed on to future generations. Reading history has shown so many family lines that make society better and others are destructive. This comes from whether or not God’s plan is followed.
3. How can I help someone?
Don’t be a manipulator. This is one of the lessons people must learn. While deception might seem productive, it eventually leads to problems. As I am reading these chapters I wonder how things would have been different if the main characters had done things right the first time. This is a good thought for people to ponder as they make choices in life.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 28
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Isaac sent Jacob away to take a wife from their home territory. We see something of the sinful heart of those who refuse to submit to God in the response of Esau. He specifically did something major to spite Isaac. He purposely went out and took a wife that he knew would hurt his father. He married a heathen woman because he knew his father and mother didn’t want him to do it. Often when people do something like that, with the intention of hurting someone, they end up hurting themselves more than the other person. It appears that jealousy was a major motivational factor for several things that Esau did. That always brings negative results.
Jacob went away according to Isaac’s instructions. On his journey he had a dream. God confirmed the promise given to Abraham. His descendants would be as the dust of the earth. God promised to be with him. Jacob vowed to follow and serve God. Even though we see the flaws in Jacob, we see that God still used him. That is encouraging news to hear. God will use flawed people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must not let jealousy take over any situation in life. It is so easy to see the good things happening in someone else. It is easy to be frustrated at what is happening to “them” and secretly begin to wish that something bad will happen to “them” to attempt to even the score. Somehow this perverted thinking says that if “they” are pulled down, it will make my life better. I want what they have. I want the success, the money, the recognition they have. However, I must be sure to never let that happen. When the temptation tries to sneak in, I must reject it and rejoice when good things happen to other people. Esau could have had a better life if he would have applied that.
Jacob received the blessings of God in his life as he followed his commitment to serve the Lord. Life is a long journey, a marathon and not a sprint. Sticking with what we know is right is so necessary. I must continue to follow the Lord. I won’t be sorry.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the best ways to get along. The selfishness of the flesh really gets in the way and brings destruction. I want to help people see that doing things God’s way will bring the greatest benefits.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 27
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
How does a person get the things they should have? How does one receive God’s blessing? How are we supplied for life? One of the things I have understood is that we must do things according to the Bible. We must live according to the truths and principles of the Bible. All throughout God’s book we find the importance of honesty. Sometimes it appears that the only way we can get what we desire or need is to lie or cheat. This seems like the great shortcut that will take us to our desired result. Unfortunately, whenever we get something by dishonest means, the negative consequences will result. Another Biblical principle comes into focus: we harvest what we plant. If we plant deception in our life, we will reap the negative results.
God had promised that the blessings of the covenant would go through Jacob. But, his mother must not have believed this. She lied and brought Jacob into a deceptive scheme that got what she wanted, Isaac’s blessing, but at a horrible price. Jacob had to flee for his life, Rebekah never saw him again and Jacob lived in exile for many years. They paid a high price for what God would have given in His timing. It would have worked out if they would have trusted God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Bible principles work. Our limited human insights don’t always believe that. But, it really is true. God’s power comes through in His unique ways and provides what He has promised. The question that must be asked is: can I trust God? We know the answer we must say (at least publicly) is that we CAN trust God. Unfortunately, saying it and doing it can be two different things. The application must be that I really do trust God and, when life gets hard, I do what I know will please God and leave the results up to Him.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people trust God and apply what the Bible says. I even see people who claim Jesus as Savior cheat and push the envelope of righteousness. This is often because of the lie of the enemy who convinces people that the won’t make it if they don’t cheat, or lie, or ????? God will do what He promises. Trust Him.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 26
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God wants to direct people. He has a good plan, even when we don’t grasp it. Yes, God knows what He is doing. He honors obedience. Verse 6 is very short and simply says that Isaac stayed in Gerar. Why is that significant? Because in verse 3 God spoke to him and told him to stay in the land where he was and God would be with him. When we know what to do, God honors when we obey. Isaac was reminded that Abraham obeyed God (verse 5). When Isaac obeyed God he was greatly blessed. In the Old Testament times God’s blessing was often connected with material wealth. This family line we are reading about was very wealthy. God still does that sometimes, providing great wealth. But, that should not be the main consideration of God’s blessing or His withholding of blessings. We see that God kept His promises and provided for all Isaac needed.
The chapter ends with a sad statement that Esau married two Hittite women. This brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau had walked away from the righteous life he was taught. He didn’t care about the covenant, the promises God gave to his family. Entering into these kinds of relationships with ungodly people is always a dangerous sign of rejecting God. Rejecting God ALWAYS eventually leads to problems.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The stories of the Bible continue to show the importance of obedience to God. They show the fact that God knows what He is doing and has the power to accomplish His purpose. God’s wisdom, power and omnipresence (He is everywhere) enable Him to reveal His plan and enforce it. The Bible contains many stories like Esau’s, where he purposely did something he knew would displease God and his Godly parents. We also see the negative consequences that result. Good life lessons.
3. How can I help someone?
There will always be conflicts. We see several conflicts in this chapter. What do we do with them? We see that Isaac worked hard at being a peace maker and finding ways to resolve them. Jesus said “blessed are the peace makers”. When we work at it and are willing to make some effort and even sacrifice, often we can find ways to resolve problems and bring peace.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 25
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This chapter covers lots of territory. After Sarah had died, Abraham married Keturah. With her he had six sons. But, Isaac was the child of God’s covenant and, after providing for his other sons to get established in life, Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. This continued the promise of the covenant that would establish God’s people, the nation of Israel, and provide the line for the coming Savior. Abraham lived for 175 years and he died. He was buried with Sarah.
Isaac and Rebekah had to wait twenty years before they were able to have children. God healed her barrenness and twins were born to them. Esau was born first, then Jacob. Esau grew up to be an outdoors-man, and Jacob was more of a homebody. Isaac connected with Esau and Rebekah connected with Jacob. This would eventually lead to problems. A good lesson that parents should not have favorites.
A key event happens at the end of this chapter. One day Esau was out hunting and was very hungry. Jacob had prepared some food. When Esau asked for some, Jacob said he wouldn’t give hm any if he didn’t sell his birthright. Esau, despising something very special, gave it away for a meal. This would later bring major problems. The brothers would become enemies.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What is valuable? What is worth keeping? What are priorities? Esau didn’t have his priorities straight. He was more concerned with the here and now than the future. His birthright represented God’s promises and covenant and he threw it away. Living in the very materialistic world we have, it is easy to get caught up with the thrill of the chase, gathering more things. It is easy to pursue material pleasure rather than focusing on the eternal. Genesis 25 covers genealogies. God is concerned with the big picture. We all must see that we don’t live just for ourselves, but impact the lives of many others. All who have children have future generations that will either be blessed or hindered by what we do. This is challenging to think of. It must impact our choices.
3. How can I help someone?
What impact do our decisions make? What affect are we having on others? I want to help people see these questions and think of the answers. In the life of Abraham we see many decisions. Some were good and others were poor. Each decision we read about impacted many people. In fact, some of Abraham’s decisions are still impacting the world today.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
We know that God has a plan. The challenge is to believe it when we are living life. Here we see God’s working out His plan, not only for Abraham but for the whole world. After Abraham spent his life going where God sent him and doing what he was told, the time came when he knew he would die. A critical part of God’s plan was that Isaac would have a wife from their home territory. God was establishing a holy people and Isaac could not marry from the local women. Abraham sent his servant to his homeland and God brought him to Rebekah. He knew his prayers had been answered.
God had blessed Abraham with great wealth. We see an insight into the heart of Rebekah’s brother, Laban, when he got excited about Abraham’s servant coming to visit. He wasn’t excited to hear about a relative, he was a greedy person. Verse 30: “So it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah, saying, ‘Thus the man spoke to me,’ that he went to the man. And there he stood by the camels at the well.” (NKJV) He quickly began to manipulate to figure out how he could get in on the wealth. His selfish attitudes continued throughout his life.
God’s plan was revealed and Rebekah went with the servant and married Isaac. This is another major step in God’s plan for the whole world, to send Jesus as the Savior of the human race.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God’s plans don’t move at the speed I would like. Abraham and Sarah waited twenty five years after God’s promise to have their son. This seems like a cumbersome plan, to bring in a wife from a long distance. It is easy to see from my perspective how things worked out for Abraham and Isaac and their descendants. It was not easy for them to see it as they lived it. That is true for me today. I can’t see the future and what will happen. I have to continue to learn to trust God and His plan.
3. How can I help someone?
Helping people in the light of the theme of this chapter makes me think of a well known passage of the Bible: Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 23
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
After all the long journeys and adventures that Abraham and Sarah had, the day came when their travels on this earth together came to an end. At the age of one hundred twenty seven, Sarah passed away. Abraham wept and grieved for her. Then he had to find a place to bury her. It is interesting in that, while God had promised a great land to Abraham and his descendants, he never owned any of the land he lived on. I would be many generations before they would take possession of the land. Abraham asked to buy some land for a burial ground.
The people told Abraham that he could have any land he wanted, they would give it to him. But, Abraham was insistent that he would pay for it. I find it interesting that these days some millionaires, the more money they have, the more they expect people to give them things. In the story of his life, Abraham never was greedy or trying only to gain more possessions. He was always willing to do what was right materially. When the value of the land he wanted was identified as four hundred shekels of silver, he paid it.
The death of Sarah shows us that no one is exempt from trials and loss in this life. No matter how faithful Abraham was to God, no matter how rich he became, no matter how important he was in God’s eternal plan to provide the Savior for the world, he would face loss and sorrow. We should not panic or become angry when trials come, for we all will face them. They are not easy. They are painful. But, God is faithful to carry us through.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
In Abraham’s life he was careful to rely on God for his provision. Earlier in life he told a king that he would take nothing from him lest the king say he had made Abraham rich. He wouldn’t let himself become beholding to people for his material possessions. Abraham learned to trust God. Yes, he had some failures, but that simply shows he was alive. He learned to trust God. That is a lesson we all must continue to learn. I do trust God and have seen Him come through in many ways. Sometime we need to continue to remember everything depends on Him. Even in times of loss, or I should say especially in times of loss, I can trust God to be what I need. I remember when my family and I stood around the bed and watched my mother enter eternity, it was an amazingly powerful time of God’s presence, knowing that she was entering an awesome journey into the presence of Her Lord. What a difference that made.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see that Jesus really is sufficient for the needs and challenges of life. They hurt and are difficult to experience. But, Jesus is present to give us what we need. I am reminded of II Timothy 1:12 NKJV that says
. . . for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
I know HIM, Jesus, and therefore I can commit my life and eternity to Him and He will take me through. That’s all I need.
Bible Chapter: Genesis 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Testing. Very few people can honestly say they really enjoy testing. Students generally hate it when a test comes along. A tests stretches a person and challenges them to rise to a higher level. And yet, here this chapter starts out saying that God tested Abraham. It is a test where we can see and grasp the symbolism, but we don’t fully understand it. Abraham went through it and passed. His faith in God was such that he proved he would do whatever God asked and expect God to come through. We see Abraham’s faith in God through his statements: My son and I will return - and - God will provide the ram. God saw that Abraham loved God and trusted Him more than he loved anything on this earth. That’s is a powerful statement and Abraham passed the test.
We also see a trust that Isaac had in his father. He could have resisted and probably escaped, but he submitted to his father. I wonder what was going through his mind as things progressed.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It is really easy to say I trust God. This is especially true when things are going along just fine. And then, come the times when the testing arrives, when things are not working out and life is really hard. That is when we find out how much we trust God. I have done many years of ministry in a prison. It is common, in talking with inmates who are about to go home, to hear them say all the things they are going to do. They talk about the changes they are going to make. They are going to change their lifestyle and serve God. It is easy to say that and expect all to go well when they are in the safety and control of the lockup. Then, they get out and face the challenges, temptations and influence of the world with no one looking over their shoulder to guide them. During that testing time, many of them realize the test is harder than they thought. They don’t all pass the test. I must apply the truths of the Bible so that when the test comes I will pass.
3. How can I help someone?
We don’t like tests. I want to help people face the tests of life and pass them with God’s help. Many have gone through a variety of tests and not done well. An interesting observation about life: when we don’t do well on a test, we will have to take it again somewhere down the line. I want to help people pass the tests.
