Category: Genesis-BibleTrekToday
Trek through Genesis
“Don’t do this wicked thing!”
January 8th Scripture Reading: Genesis 18-20
An ongoing debate is going on in our society concerning gay rights. Those in favor argue that genetically they are made with a preference that they cannot change. They say it is discrimination and lack of tolerance when government or church will not allow them all the rights that traditional married couples have. A large number of states have passed traditional marriage protection acts, but others have voted to legalize same-sex marriage.
In response to the reports of wickedness, God sent two angels to Sodom to rescue Lot and his family before judgment fell. As these angels were visiting with Lot, the men of Sodom came knocking on Lot’s door, demanding to have those visitors for their own sexual pleasure. Lot pleaded with them, “Please don’t do this wicked thing.” (Genesis 19:6) But they began to move to break down his door. The angels intervened, pulled Lot inside, and struck the men blind. They then warned Lot to gather his family and leave because they were under orders from God to destroy that city.
The saddest note in this story is when Lot tried to warn his son’s-in- law about the coming destruction and they thought he was joking! (Genesis 19:14) Lot had moved to Sodom with great riches. He apparently tolerated the wickedness and even failed to help his own daughters find believing mates. His own wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt! What a sad case of a man who knew God and His blessing but was deluded by the spirit of Sodom! Are you warning those involved in the “sin of Sodom?” Are you careful to vote for godly men and women who will listen to God’s Word on this subject? Pray for discernment and intercede for mercy for our land!
God’s message for our day is plain! He designed man and woman for marriage and raising godly children. When we rebel against His plan, consequences will follow. We have the freedom to choose our lifestyle, but the consequences surely will come with it!
“Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah–from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:24-26
Abraham, Sarah, and Ishmael
Scripture reading for January 6th: Genesis 15-17
A great deal has happened in the lives of Abram and Sarai in the last three chapters. They have been to Egypt and back. They have rescued Lot from invaders. They gave the first tithes to Melchizedek, an unusual man who was a king of Salem (Jerusalem) and a priest of “The Most High God”.
Next, since she was still barren Sarai suggested to Abram that he have a child by her maid Hagar in order to fulfill God’s promise. Hagar bore him a son and now felt superior. Sarai became jealous and mistreated her. The child Ishmael, became a source of trouble in the house. (Genesis 16:12). (In fact, we are today experiencing trouble in the Middle East and a war on terror from Ismael’s offspring!)
Genesis 17 recorded another visit by God to Abram and Sarai. Abram was then 99 years old and Sarai was 90. God confirmed His promise to them by covenant. Part of a covenant is a change of names. Abram means “Exalted Father” and Abraham meant “Father of a multitude”. Sarah’s new name meant “Princess”. God took Abraham’s name too! He became know as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God also gave them a physical sign of the covenant, circumcision. This mark in the male organ carrying the “seed”, would remind Abraham of God’s promise and mark his offspring as special. This sign also helped keep the line pure and free from venereal disease, thus protecting the offspring.
Faith simply says “yes” to God and obeys! Abraham is known as the father of faith because he believed God and God credited him with being righteous! (Genesis 15:6) We are made right with God exactly the same way! By faith in Jesus we are credited with righteousness too. Our sign of covenant is that we get the Name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, who circumcises our hearts and marks us as belonging to God. God writes our name in the Book of Life and we have an eternal inheritance in Him! We are truly blessed through Abraham and Sarah and their seed, Jesus Christ!
“Having believed, you were marked in Him (Christ) with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His Glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
Father Abraham and Faith
Scripture reading for January 6th: Genesis 12-14
About 2000 years before Christ or about 400 years after the tower of Babel, God spoke to a man in Ur of the Chaldeans in the land that is now called Iraq. This man’s name was Abram. He was about 75 years old and married to a lady named Sarai. They were childless and already beyond the years of childbearing.
God seems to specialize in doing what seems impossible! God spoke to Abram and gave him eight specific promises: (1) I will make you a great nation, (2) I will bless you, (3) I will make your name great, (4) You will be a blessing, (5) I will bless those who bless you, (6) I will curse those who curse you, (7) All peoples of the earth will be blessed through you, (8) To your offspring I will give this land (Canaan). (Genesis 12:2-3, 7.) God then asked Abram to leave his home and go to a land that He would show him and Abram obeyed! With promises like that, who wouldn’t want in on these blessings and future blessings?
In these verses we see the beginning of God’s plan to form a people who by faith would follow Him. Abram was told that God would make him a great nation before he had even one child. Abram was told all nations would be blessed through him. Abram’s offspring carried the seed of the one who would carry the Son of God, Jesus Christ! Abram believed and acted. Faith is just that simple. Faith looks at God who made the promises and chooses to believe that He is able to fulfill them! (Romans 4:20-21)
That’s exactly what God is calling us to do! We now trust in Jesus Christ and receive the blessing promised to all peoples of the earth: eternal life in His Name! Faith is still trusting that God will do what He has promised! Will you trust and obey Him today? He has people He wants to bless through you and your testimony!
“Yet he (Abraham) 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 power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20-21)
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)
Creation of the nations
January 5th Scripture Reading: Genesis 10-11
God chose Noah to start the population of the world all over again through his three sons and their wives. Did you ever wonder how we got all the different nations of the world? Did you wonder where all the languages and nationalities came from? Genesis 10 and 11 give us insight about the nations.
God blessed Noah’s family and told them to multiply and fill the whole earth. (Genesis 9:1) Noah’s grandson born to Ham, Nimrod, led a rebellion around 100 years after the flood. The rebellion consisted of gathering family members together on the plain of Shinar (Ancient Babylon, current Iraq). They decided to build a tower that would reach to the heavens and to make a name for themselves instead of filling the earth. (Genesis 11:1-4) This seemed harmless enough, except it was against God’s command.
God came down! Man had built himself a tall tower, in a vain attempt to reach the heavens. This disobedience was the very kind of sin that got man removed from the Garden of Eden. God realized that with one language and rebellious leadership, nothing would be impossible for them. He confused their language and thus scattered them over the earth.
God did one more thing that insured that they would not rebel again. Genesis 10 is a genealogy of the son’s of Noah. One of Shem’s grandsons, Eber, had a son Peleg. The Bible states that “in his time the earth was divided. . “. (Genesis 10:25) Some scientists believe that this is when God might have separated the continents. Genesis chapter 10 lists seventy family groups that formed the nations of the world that we see in existence today. (see The Genesis Record by Dr. Henry Morris, pages 260-261)(also book review page and sidebar). A side note is that “Eber” is probably where the name “Hebrews” was derived. The concentration of genetics in each scattered group could have resulted in the races we see today. Take time today to thank Him for your heritage and for showing mercy in judgment at the Tower of Babel.
“From one man He (God) made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:26-27
A day in Noah’s life
Scripture reading for January 4th: Genesis 6-9
As we read this familiar story of Noah and the flood, let’s listen for God’s heart. God saw that the man that He had made in His own image had turned to wickedness instead of the walk of faith God had planned for him. Man’s sin had caused God’s heart to become grieved and filled with pain. That same sin had consequences for mankind. Man has the freedom to choose his own will instead of God’s, but no freedom to choose the consequences. Sin always brings God’s wrath and ultimately death.
“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8) God’s eyes are always looking for a way to show favor and mercy! (2nd Chronicles 16:9) His eyes are looking for any who would listen to Him so He might save and bless them. God revealed His plans to Noah for judgment of wicked mankind and a polluted earth. He gave specific instructions for saving Noah, his family, and the animals. Noah did everything just as God commanded Him.” (Genesis 6:22)
“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the 17th day of the second month–on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of heaven were opened.” (Genesis 7:11) God did exactly what He said He would do on a specific day in Noah’s life! Jesus taught that it would be just like the days of Noah when God would finally and completely judge the wicked of the earth. (Matthew 24:36-39) This time it would be by fire! Are you a person like Noah of old who is declared “righteous” in God’s sight by faith in Jesus Christ? Does your walk with God demonstrate separation from the sins of the world and obedience to God? There is a day coming when the fire of God will fall!
“For He has set a day when He will judge the wold with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31)
“By these same waters the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” 2nd Peter 3:6-7
“I ate it”
January 3rd reading: Genesis 3-5
I remember in my early childhood taking my dad’s pocketknife from the stand by his favorite chair and carving pictures on the bedroom door. It was great fun and my sister liked the pictures too. Dad and Mom were out doing chores on the farm and it was dark outside. I knew they would come in soon and slid Dad’s chair in front of the door to try and hide the “sin”. I didn’t understand it but they caught on right away when they came in the house! I initially tried to blame my younger sister for being the instigator, but was found out! I was rightfully afraid of punishment and soon reaped what I had so unwisely sown. (That was before the days when spanking was termed abuse!)
As we read this section of Scripture, 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 twisted what God had told Adam and Eve. Eve was taken in by this “craft” and ate the forbidden fruit. She gave it to her husband who ate as well. They suddenly became aware of their nakedness and hid, covering themselves. Rather than being clothed with God’s Glory, their guilt now clothed them with a fig leaf!
God called out to those made in His image, knowing what they had done. When they emerged from hiding, God asked them how they knew that they were naked and if they had eaten from the forbidden tree. God used these questions to help them confess their guilt. No one likes to confess or admit guilt! Sin not only brings guilt and shame, but it also causes fear of punishment.
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 its consequence, death! “I ate it.”
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 “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
“In the beginning, God!”
Scripture reading for January 2nd: Genesis 1-2
The journey begins in God’s Word for another exciting year! May the Lord bless your new year and walk with you each step of the way!
I am so thankful that you have chosen to trek with me through the Bible again this year. We are starting at the beginning and I just love these first chapters of Genesis. To think that Moses recorded this for us about 1500 years before Christ is amazing! According to Scripture, he was moved on by the Holy Spirit and wrote down a message given him by God. (2nd Peter 1:19-21) This record of creation is given to us by the only One who was there to witness it all! Without this record, we could only speculate about where we came from and why we are here. In fact, that kind of speculation is what is going on with many intellectuals today who deny God exists or that He can be known by us. It is being taught in our school systems to our children and they are confused!
God made all that is simply by speaking! What powerful words! 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! (Recommended Resource–How Great is Our God by Louis Giglio)
Even more amazing was man himself! Man made in the image of God! Man walked with God and shared rulership of creation with God. 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 will be the most exciting way to begin a new year!
Then God said, “let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created them.”–Genesis 2:26-27
Standing firm!
Scripture reading for April 22nd: Luke 21:1-28
“Then He said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. . . .You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of Me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21:10-11, 16-19)
As Jesus approached the time of His crucifixion and departure, He spoke plainly to His disciples of events surrounding His second coming. He knew how these followers would be shaken and tested by the turmoil and trouble coming upon the earth in the last days and sought to give them (and us) fair warning. God does nothing by judgment unless he warns His people through the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
Today, we are experiencing many of these signs that Jesus said would happen. He promised that the end would not come right away. (Luke 21:9) He emphasized that His followers had nothing to fear, even if they were killed for their testimony of faith in Christ. Standing firm requires faith. We must decide to trust Jesus and believe His promises. In a time where many are mocking those who believe, we must not give in to fear or be swayed by the philosophy of the current culture. There are not many ways to God, there is only one way: Jesus Christ! We must stay firm in that belief! Seeking the approval of men by refusing to publically take a stand is not standing firm either. Standing firm means we will proclaim our faith and Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We will live for Him alone and die if necessary for that stand.
Jesus ended this discourse with a warning to His followers: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36) Please stand firm, watch, and pray! The time is short!
Compassion and prayer!
Scripture reading for January 19th: Genesis 50, Exodus 1-2, Matthew 15
Key Scriptures: Matthew 15:32-35 “Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to sen them away hungry, lest they faint on the way. And the disciples said, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” And Jesus said to them, :How many loaves do you have?: The said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples…”
We notice the compassion that motivated Jesus to take faith action. He saw the hungry crowds and knew they had need. He found all available resources and organized the crowd. He mobilized the disciples to take the bread He had blessed and broken. As they broke it to the crowd, a miracle happened and all were fed! Compassion motivated Pharaoh’s daughter as well!
Exodus 2:5-6, 10 “Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children. . . .”When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.””
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with Your compassion for the needy, hurting and lost! Let me be flooded with Your love! In Jesus’ Name.
Things to Come
Scripture reading for January 18th: Genesis 48-50
Leaders work for God during a time and a season. (Psalm 75:6-7) Jacob had lived a full life and he knew his time to depart was near! (Genesis 48:21) Jacob did not fear death, but had some things he wanted to leave with his children and grandchildren before he left this life. Great leaders always leave a legacy for their families! They know how to bless their children and pass on the blessing that they received by faith from the Lord. We can learn from them how to live successfully and also how to leave successfully!
“Then Israel said to Joseph, “I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers. And to you, as one who is over your brothers, I give the ridge of land I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow.”” (Genesis 48:21-22)
Israel left Joseph a word of prophesy and a piece of land. God would be with him! God would take him back to the land of his fathers. Although Egypt had been a place of refuge from the famine, it would not be his home. He had property that was given to him in the land of Canaan! What Joseph did not necessarily see was the nearly four hundred years that his family would dwell in Egypt. This word was given to him as a leader over his brothers, to inspire faith-filled and God directed leadership. God’s Word brings vision and is a light for our path! (Psalm 119:105)
Jacob called for his sons to gather around him so that he could tell them what would happen in the days to come. (Genesis 49:1) Jacob’s words to each of his sons brought either rebuke, correction, encouragement or a vision of what was to come. One son, Judah, was told that he was a “Lion’s cub”. He would have from his offspring One who ruled and all nations would obey Him! He would wash his garments in wine, and his robes in the blood of grapes. (Genesis 49:10-12) From the perspective we have, this “ruler” is none other that Jesus Christ! He is known in heaven as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah”! (Revelation 5:5) His robe is dipped in blood and His Name is the Word of God! (Revelation 19:13) Surely these are visions of things to come!