Category: Genesis-BibleTrekToday
Trek through Genesis
Sin’s disconnect!
Scripture reading for January 2nd: Genesis 3-5
We are introduced to the “serpent” who was “more crafty” than any of the other animals that God had made. This “serpent” talked to the woman Eve. His words contradicted what God had told Adam and Eve. They were words designed to appeal Eve’s desire for that which was forbidden by God. The serpent had the ability to craft a plan that got around truth. Eve was taken in by it and took the forbidden fruit. She gave it to her husband who ate as well. They suddenly are aware of their nakedness and hide, covering themselves. Rather than being clothed with God’s Glory, shame now clothed them with a fig leaf!
God was walking in the garden. He reached out to those made in His image. He called out seeking to connect with those who were now lost! He knew what they had done but wanted to help them re-connect. When they emerged shaking in fear, God asked them to confess what they had done and take responsibility. They attempted to blame someone else or God himself! Neither wanted to confess or admit guilt.
Today, do a quick survey of your life. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are things you are doing that you need to take responsibility for. Confess them to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and cleansing. It’s the only way I know to get rid of sin and reconnect with God!
The blame game: The man said, “The woman you put here with me–she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Genesis 3:12
Truth: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1st John 1:9
Connect with God by reading the Bible in 2014!
Scripture reading for January 1, 2014: Genesis 1-2
The journey begins for 2014! Our theme this year at Good Shepherd Church is “Connect”! It is my desire to provide daily insights from our reading so we can better “connect” with God. This journey will take us from Genesis through Revelation by the end of 2014, the Lord willing!
Moses recorded the first five books of the Old Testament about 1500 years before Christ. According to Scripture, he was moved on by the Holy Spirit and wrote down the words given him by God. (2nd Peter 1:19-21) Without this record, we could only speculate about where we came from and why we are here.
God made everything that exists simply by speaking! As He spoke, out of nothing, creation appeared! Psalm 33:6 states: “By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” We serve a God who breathes out stars, constellations, and galaxies that stretch out for countless millions of light years in every direction from the earth! His powerful Words connect Him with all creation as its source!
Even more amazing is man himself! God made man in His own image and designed him for a relationship–a connection! Man was to walk and talk with God and share ruler-ship of His creation. God also created man as male and female for a ‘connection’ with each other! His design has brought companionship and pleasure to man, who could not find what he needed with any of the animals! We are special and unique! Thank Him for your uniqueness and His purpose for your life. Invite Him to walk with you today and this year! It is the most exciting adventure you will ever experience! In His Love, Pastor John
Don’t quarrel on the way!
Scripture reading for January 16th: Genesis 45-47
Families and churches are sometimes prone to conflict! I know because I live in a family, have attended or pastored churches for many years. I have experienced conflict in family and church settings and sometimes been responsible for it myself! Sometimes conflict comes from misunderstanding and poor communication. Other times it comes from jealousy or envy. Sometimes it comes from sin and wrong-doing. Everybody wants to blame somebody else and arguments ensue about who is at fault!
In our reading today, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers after a series of encounters with them. The brothers still had guilt from what they did and when Joseph revealed himself to them, they were astonished, speechless, and terrified! (Genesis 45:1-7) Joseph had to reassure them that it was truly him. He understood their feelings. He had worked through these same kinds of feelings himself over the years. God gave him understanding of the greater purpose that was being worked out. Joseph shared this with his brothers to encourage them. “It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
As Joseph sent them away to bring Israel and the rest of the family down to Egypt to preserve them during the next 5 years of famine, he warned them not to quarrel on the way! It doesn’t appear that repentance had yet taken place. Feelings of guilt and shame are no longer able to control us when we truly repent. He forgives and forgets our sins. (Psalm 103:11-12) Blaming others never helps either. We can only take responsibility for our own sins and forgive others of theirs. When we do that, quarreling is greatly reduced and peace in the family results. God is working out his purposes in our families and homes even amidst the conflict and sin so prevalent in our lives. Often it’s hard to see the big picture.
Jesus Christ was sent before us to save us! He saw God’s big picture and died for our sins. If we confess our sins and repent of them, he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all guilt and shame. He came to bring peace in our own hearts and he blessed peacemakers! (Matthew 5:9) May we be able to heed the ancient warning of Joseph and receive the blessing the Prince of Peace. “Don’t quarrel on the way!” (Genesis 45:24)
Divine timing brings promotion!
Scripture reading for January 16: Genesis 41-44
The lottery is a big thing in our land. People play the lottery because they hope to become rich overnight! If their “lucky number” is drawn, they could become an instant millionaire! Of course, some do win but the statistical odds are not in your favor. Those who do win, find that “dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” (Proverbs 13:11) Those with a Christian worldview understand the lie behind the lottery. There is a something other than luck behind Joseph in today’s reading.
Joseph had been in prison for several years for a crime he did not commit. He had been faithful to God and avoided the seductive trap of Potiphar’s wife but it cost him time in jail. There he had become a key helper in the jail. He had interpreted the dreams of two other prisoners; the one who was freed had agreed to help him get out but promptly forgot! What “luck”! Two years later, Pharaoh had a disturbing dream that none of his advisers could interpret. The Pharaoh’s chief cup bearer, the prisoner who had vowed to help, remembered Joseph’s ability! Joseph was brought before Pharaoh and he interpreted the dream, giving God credit! (Genesis 41:16) Pharaoh promoted Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt! God rewards faithfulness and integrity.
The lessons from this passage help us to see that it isn’t winning a lottery that will make us rich and famous. Faithfulness to the Lord to serve Him and live for Him brings great reward. Sometimes it takes us on paths we didn’t sign up for, however. Joseph’s time in jail tested his faith and centered him even closer to God. Joseph was also a type of Jesus Christ. Keep on being faithful and He will exalt you in due time!
“So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took the signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.” Genesis 41:41-42
” and He sent a man before them–Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what He foretold came to pass, till the Word of the Lord proved him true.” Psalm 105:17-19
To avoid defeat, “use de feet”!
Scripture reading for January 13th: Genesis 37-40
The story of Joseph is a fascinating one! He was a dreamer and the youngest of 11 brothers. He was also his father’s favorite and probably a little spoiled. He had dreams that showed his father and brothers bowing down to him and shared them with his family. His brothers jealousy nearly cost him his life! At least one of his brothers showed a small amount of compassion and his life was spared as they sold Joseph into slavery and he was taken to Egypt.
Joseph was evidently quite handsome and muscular. In his new role as servant to a wealthy Egyptian named Potiphar, Joseph was noticed by his master’s wife. One day when Potiphar was gone, Joseph was doing his duties in the house. He was propositioned by Potiphar’s wife: “Come to bed with me!” Joseph’s response was full of truth and godly wisdom. “My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9b) This happened day after day and Joseph continued to refuse her advances.
Adultery is a sin! It is a sin against God and another person who is already joined as one to their spouse by God. God hates adultery and this sin causes lying, jealousy, hatred, violence and ultimately death. Adultery sows violence in a relationship and destroys marriages and homes. (Malachi 2:16) Children are the victims and the devil loves to devour the children.
Joseph gives us some very practical advice about how to escape temptation. Our first line of defense is our feet! If we would just quickly remove ourselves from the temptation, how much easier we find we can resist! When we linger and reason we will always be defeated! Running away may seem cowardly, but it is sure better than the mess caused by sexual sin! “Use de feet to avoid defeat!”
One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants were inside. She caught him by the cloak and said, “come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.” (Genesis 39:11-12)
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” (1st Corinthians 6:18)
Wrestling with God!
Scripture Reading for January 13: Genesis 32-36
Have you ever felt that God has told you to do something that you knew had the potential for trouble? You know you heard the Lord but needed reassurance that it was going to work out. Our first move away from home to pastor a church in Washington was like that. We were used to being around family and familiar surrounding. We had gone to a church with some strife. We were not sure they would like us or love us after we got there. We wrestled concerning our move of 2000 miles with our daughter just ready for her senior year in high school. We had told God we would go anywhere, but not necessarily this far!
Jacob faced just such a challenge in his move back from Paddan Aram to his homeland. God commanded him to go back but he was concerned about the brother he had left behind nearly 20 years ago. (Genesis 31:3, 13) Jacob had taken this brother’s birthright and stolen his blessing. Jacob sent his family across the Jabok, a tributary of the Jordan River. He stayed behind to pray.
That night he was alone and Scripture says “a man wrestled with him until daybreak”. (Genesis 32:22-31) This “man” touched Jacobs hip socket and put it out of joint. Jacob would not let him go until this “man” blessed him. The man asked Jacob his name–“Jacob” (cheat). The man changed Jacob’s name to “Israel” (wrestled with God and men and have overcome.) The man wouldn’t give Israel his name, but did bless him and left. Israel named the place “Peniel”. This name states that he believed he had seen God face to face and was spared! Thus the nation of “Israel” was born out of this amazing wrestling match!
The moral of the story is that God always wins when we wrestle Him! He works His plans in us and works out His purposes through us. Jacob was jealous for the blessing of God and ended up with the promise of a nation and a land from God Himself!
And God said to him, “I am God Almighty, be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and community of nations will come from your body. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” Genesis 36:11-12
Those “Hittite” women!
Scripture Reading for January 12–Genesis 27-31
“When Esau was 40 years old, he married Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.” Genesis 26:34-35
Abraham sent his servant to find a bride for Isaac to insure the godly line would be continued. Isaac and Rebekah had the twins Jacob and Esau. But Esau had a taste for these Hittite women, not just one, but two wives at the same time! It seems that Esau was oblivious to the grief he caused his godly parents. He went right ahead in spite of their personal marriage story and probably their godly training and advice. Marrying one was bad enough, but two was too much of a bad thing!
God wants us to walk by faith and in obedience to His Word. He has placed those in authority over us to help us learn how to live and please the Lord. Choosing a mate is one of the most important choices we make in life. We as parents know our children and we know God (hopefully). We should give godly instruction to our children to marry only believers. We should help them by setting an example of a godly marriage and home and helping them evaluate the kind of man or woman who would complement their personality. This person, according to Scripture should always be a believer and strong person of faith! (2nd Corinthians 6:14-18) In fact, this is one of the only restrictions God puts on marriage. (Marriage is only between a man and woman.)
Why does God require this? According to Scripture (Malachi 2:15) He desires godly offspring! It’s simple enough to understand. Believing parents have a better chance of raising godly children! It is still not a guarantee because each person has a free will to choose faith or self. The Christian worldview on marriage needs re-emphasis in our world today! Unbelieving mates and unequally yoked marriages cause great grief for believers and God when He sees children without a godly example in the home! Don’t marry “those Hittite women”!
” Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what have righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” 2nd Corinthians 6:14-15
Isaac, farmer and well-digger!
Scripture reading for January 11th: Genesis 25-26
On our farm in Iowa, we had a dug well that was 110 feet deep. (Not a drilled well!) This well was about 4 feet across and my father and his dad and brothers had helped dig this well and brick it up. Occasionally, we would set up a tower with a rope and a basket and my dad would be lowered into the well to check the bricks and eliminate roots that were growing in through the wall. It always amazed me that Dad said he could see the stars from the bottom of that well in broad daylight.
Because of a famine, Isaac camped in the Valley of Gerar in the land of the Philistines and reopened the wells of his father Abraham. Wells were important for several reasons. The provided precious water in the desert that enabled crops, animals and humans to have refreshing and life. They provided a gathering place for communities to get this water daily for their use. (Jesus met the woman at the well in John chapter 4.) Wells also provided a means to increase a family’s wealth and provide for offspring.
The wells were also a source of quarreling in Isaac’s day. Rather than fight over the wells, Isaac went to another location and dug a new well. As Isaac obeyed, God opened new wells for him and gave him amazing promises. “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and increase the number of your descendants for the sake of your father Abraham.” Genesis 26:24-5)
The lesson for us is to dig for water wherever we are planted. We dig by going to Jesus and asking daily for His will and provision. When you dig a well and the hole is deep, look up and see the stars and remember God’s promise to Abraham and Isaac! May we, like Isaac, leave a legacy of wells of refreshing and blessing everywhere we go! May we re-dig the wells of our godly fathers!
“Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there.” Genesis 26:19
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
The laughter of faith!
Scripture reading for January 10th: Genesis 21-24
In 1992 while attending a pastor’s conference in California, a man gifted in prophetic ministry gave my wife and I a word from the Lord. He told us we would have children in our later years. Several months later at our home church, a visiting evangelist picked us out of a crowd of people and gave us the same word. At this time, we already had three children and had no plans for more. We chuckled a bit, but mostly wondered at these words and what might come of them. In August of 1999, we traveled to Russia and adopted two daughters! As we had prepared to do this, our son reminded us and I found in my file one of these prophetic words that had been typed out for us. It confirmed what we were about to do! We laughed at God’s knowledge and how He had planned this for us!
God promised a son to Abraham and Sarah in their later years. They waited 25 years and the promise finally came to pass. God waited until it was impossible for them to have a child and then did the impossible! Sarah had laughed at the angel’s announcement a year earlier. Abraham named the child “Isaac” which literally means “laughter”. In their old age they experienced the sound of laughter–the laughter of faith. Every time they spoke the child’s name they were reminded of God’s miracle!
Faith puts its trust in an object. Biblical faith always trusts in God and his ability to bring his promises to pass. It is not faith in our ability to believe! When God brings to pass what He promised, laughter is a great response! God has a great sense of humor! He always has the last laugh! He loves making us laugh too!
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead, since he was about a hundred years old–and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver in unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:18-21