Genesis 21:22-34
Today's Scripture

Sometimes Christians, myself certainly included, tend to gripe about things. We complain and alienate those around us, so that they are not attracted to our faith but rather repelled by their perception of what we believe.

Abimelech encounters Abraham again in this chapter--and Abraham portrays himself in a positive way. In spite of hardships he has had to endure, it is evident that God's favor rests on Abraham. Abimelech takes note of this and is drawn to Abraham, wishing to make a treaty with him.

They resolve a conflict about a well in a gracious manner, and Abraham settles in the land--even planting trees--perhaps an orchard. Peace seems to dwell here at this time.

How am I presenting my God and my faith in my life? Do I glorify God in all I do so that others are drawn to me and my God the way Abimelech was? It is certainly food for thought.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:56 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 21:8-21
Today's Scripture

Even though Ishmael wasn't part of God's plan for the soon-to-be nation of Israel, he still took care of him and provided for him. When it was apparent that he was a rival to Isaac, the son of Sarah and Abraham, God heard Sarah's unhappiness and guided Hagar and Ishmael through the desert. When all hope was lost and water and food gone, God hear the cries of the mother and her son, and showed them a well.

It would be interesting to know more of their story--how did they survive for many years in the desert? The text tells us that Hagar got a wife for Ishmael from Egypt--so we know the family line continues. Ishmael must have been around 16 at the time they were sent away. So, perhaps Hagar and Ishmael were able to lean on each other as they depended on God to provide for them in their desperate circumstances.

Even when we mess up, God is still present with us. And, even when we follow the plan God has for us, we will find trials and obstacles. God doesn't promise us an easy life--but he does promise to be with us. As we follow him, we can find each day to be an adventure, trusting in him and seeking his will for us every day.
- posted by Suzi @ 9:28 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 21:1-7
Today's Scripture

The promised child finally arrives. Abraham and Sarah are filled with so much joy that they name him Isaac--which means laughter. Abraham had laughed with joy when he heard the news that Sarah would bear his son in a year's time, while Sarah had laughed in disbelief at the time. Now, together, they laugh with joy at this precious gift from God--the one who would be the father of many nations.

Children are a special gift. They may sometimes be bothersome and annoying or even disrespectful, but as we remember how God has blessed us with the children of our lives, let us do so with a smile and even a chuckle or loud laugh as we see how he has enriched our lives with these young ones.
- posted by Suzi @ 8:03 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 20
Today's Scripture

Abraham, on his journey of faith with God, makes some major mistakes. I tend to think of him at the end of his life, when he is willing to sacrifice all for God--putting his total trust in him. But he was a man, a human being, a fallen creature, and so he made mistakes on his life's journey--and sometimes even repeated them.

Even though he knew that giving Sarah to the pharaoh had been wrong in Genesis 12:10-20, he repeats this mistake in Genesis 20. God again intervenes, keeping the king from Sarah, and telling him in a dream that Sarah is really Abraham's wife.

Abraham was learning, over a long period of time, that God is faithful to his promises and we can really trust him to do as he says he will do. Let's try to rest in his trueness to his word and seek to learn from, rather than repeat, our mistakes.
- posted by Suzi @ 9:50 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 19:30-38
Today's Scripture

The sad tale of Lot ends with this troublesome passage. The angels had wanted him to go to the mountains for refuge, yet Lot asked to be taken to the small town of Zoar. He ends up in the mountains, anyway--perhaps because he found Zoar as evil a place as Sodom and Gomorrah were.

It seems strange that Lot doesn't return to Abraham at this time. He must have lost his livestock and livelihood--since he had to flee so quickly from his home. It is also strange that his daughters would think there would be no other way to continue their family line than through their father. Again, the Bible tells us what happened, no matter how unpleasant it is--that each daughter got their father drunk and became pregnant by him.

The daughters were mothers of two nations--the Moabites and the Ammonites. Ruth--who has a whole book named for her in the Old Testament--was a Moabite and an ancestor of Jesus, the Messiah Himself. God can use awful circumstances and bring good out of them. This gives us hope when we mess up--as I know I do daily. God can redeem my mistakes. But how much better if I seek him daily in obedience and follow his plan!
- posted by Suzi @ 6:47 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 19:1-29
Today's Scripture

Here is another story of God's intervention and his patience, yet his judgment is evident at the same time. Angels come to visit Lot, and Lot, not knowing who they were, wants to bring them under the protection of his home. Men come to the door who want to abuse the visitors, but Lot won't have it--he even offers them his daughters, which seems like a weird thing to do. Again, the Bible tells the story as it happens, weirdness and all--including the sin of those who are rescued from the fires of punishment.

The angels strike the men blind and take Lot and his family safely out of the city before God rains down sulfur and destruction on it. Lot's wife turns back, however, and she becomes a pillar of salt.

Even in judgment, God shows mercy. But he is a God to be feared and obeyed--our actions of sin are not without consequences. When we hear his voice it is best to listen and follow instructions--and warn all we can about his coming eternal judgment. For he is patient and wants us to come to him in repentance and love. How much better to bow the knee to him now than at the last day when all will do so--whether willingly or not?
- posted by Suzi @ 7:00 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 18:16-33
Today's Scripture

Abraham walks the visitors down the road from his home, and two go on as the Lord himself stays to talk with him. We speaks highly of Abraham--as a man who will instruct his children in the ways of God. Then he tells him of the wickedness of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Here more of Abraham's character is revealed--as God speaks of him as one who teaches His ways. and also we see Abraham's compassion for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Of course he is thinking specifically of his nephew Lot, but does not wish harm to come to any who may be righteous in that city. He comes before the Lord with his questions, acknowledging that the Lord is mighty and holy, and seeks him in humility.

Let's seek Abraham's example of compassion and humility. And hopefully we can pass these traits along to our children or those in our sphere of influence. God loves to hear our requests and to draw close to him.
- posted by Suzi @ 8:03 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 18:1-15
Today's Scripture

Yesterday we received a phone call from friends who wanted to stop by our home to borrow something. Not finding us at home, they did reach me on my cell phone. I told them we would be home shortly, and that they were certainly welcome to stop over.

These are good friends who have been to our house many times, but I still got out the vacuum and tried to tidy up a bit before they arrived. I was emptying the dishwasher when the doorbell rang, and I greeted them at the door with "You can't come in--I'm still cleaning!"

Well, of course I let them in and wasn't too embarrassed by the state of things. But it is always good to be ready to welcome guests into our home. Abraham was ready when three visitors came to see him--some commentators say they were three created angels, others believe one of them was the Son of God. In any case, Abraham was ready to show them hospitality, and they gave him wonderful news--his wife Sarah would bear him a son by that time next year.

Sarah overheard the news and didn't quite believe it. They were both old, and she had never had any children. Although she lacked faith, God still worked in her life and brought about what he had promised.

I will try to be more ready to receive whomever God puts into my life, and seek the Lord's will and guidance, even when it is difficult to trust him. His plans aren't my own, but if I receive them with a willing heart, I can laugh with joy and amazement at how he fufills his promises instead of doubting his ways.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:51 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 17
Today's Scripture

Thirteen years have passed since Ishmael was born. Still no child has been born to Abram and Sarai, and perhaps Abram thinks God's promise will be fulfilled in Ishmael. But God comes to him again, renewing the promise, and making it clear that Sarai will be the mother to the promised child. God changes Abram's name, which means "exalted father," to Abraham, which means, father of many nations. Sarai (my princess--perhaps suggesting only one family) becomes Sarah (a princess). Circumcision is also instituted at this time--and all the males in Abraham's household are circumcised, whether born into the household or bought, no matter what the age. From here on, baby boys were to be circumcised at eight days. This was a sign of the covenant between Abraham and God, and Abraham obeyed.

God granted Abraham's wish for Ishmael to be blessed, but he was not the chosen son. The Lord can take our mistakes and bring good from them, but it is always best to follow his ways and wait for his timing.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:04 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 16
Today's Scripture

It seems that so often in the Bible, the people we read about may aspire great spiritual heights and be commended for their faith, only to fall in the next chapter. Abram has just received a wonderful covenant from the Lord, a promise to be the father of generations of children and grandchildren, yet he and Sarai decide to go out of the will of the Lord for this to happen. Sarai gives her maidservant to Abram to be his second wife, she conceives, and then despises Sarai her mistress.

Rather than taking the blame, Sarai does what we so often do--point the finger of blame at someone else, in this case Abram. To keep peace, Abram tells Sarai to do whatever she thinks best, so she mistreats Hagar (the maidservant) and Hagar runs away.

Here God intervenes. An angel finds her and tells her to go back to Sarai, and that God would give her many descendants. Even though this conception was out of the will of God for Abram, God knew this life was precious and he would protect the baby and his mother. Yet there would be consequences for this disobedience--the son to be born to Hagar and his descendants would be enemies to the descendants of Abram and Sarai.

God can still work his plan in spite of our disobedience. But how much better if we wait patiently for what he has for us instead of charging ahead with what we may think is best at the time, but know in our hearts is not pleasing to God. As I grow in my faith, I hope to know his will more and become more obedient, even though I am often tempted to do my own thing.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:26 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 15
Today's Scripture

In this passage God makes his covenant with Abram--even though he is childless at this point, God tells him his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Abram believes the Lord, and it is credited to him as righteousness.

Though Abram is not given a child right away, he is faithful and believing in God's promises. God also tells him that he (the Lord) is his (Abram's) shield and his very great reward.

God's promises to us are still true. We may not see the fulfillment of them immediately or may not always feel God is close to us, but he is always there--that is one of his promises. He holds his own in the palm of his hand and leads and guides us. We may stray off the path, but God is always there to help us back when we come to him in repentance.

We always receive a reward when we read his work and relate to God daily through prayer. Abram found that life with God would be a wonderful, though difficult adventure. It is the same for us!
- posted by Suzi @ 7:26 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 14
Today's Scripture

More of Abram's character traits are revealed in his passage. We see warfare described for the first time in the Bible. Abram, primarily a man of peace, rallies members of his household for battle in order to take back his nephew Lot, who has been captured. Though his household is large, the number of men who engaged in battle is only 318. Yet God grants them victory and Lot and all his possessions are recovered.

Melchizedek king of Salem then appears on the scene. More can be read about this king in Hebrews 6 and 7. He brought out bread and wine to Abram and gave him a blessing from God, demonstrating how God's favor was on Abram. Even when the king of Sodom wanted Abram to keep all the plunder, Abram refused, not wanting this reward to look as though he had gained wealth by the hand of anyone but God alone.

Abram exhibits love, protection, loyalty, and courage in relation to his nephew. God honors him for these characteristics and his action. Even in the face of what must have been overwhelming odds, Abram wasn't afraid to do what was right in reclaiming his nephew and what he owned. And when he was offered payment, he refused. Indeed--he gave a tenth of the plunder to the king of Salem who came to bless him for his faithfulness.

When we seek God in impossible times, he will reward us with his presence. He promised to be with us always. Our reward may not be in this lifetime--although God does richly bless us in many ways on this earth. But the greatest reward will be eternal life with him--when we one day will be able to worship him face to face.
- posted by Suzi @ 11:39 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 13
Today's Scripture

After Abram's little detour to Egypt, he gets back on track and re-enters the land of Canaan. The Lord blessed him--so much that he and his nephew Lot had to part company because their herdsmen had begun quarrelling over the land. Abram let Lot choose which land he wanted, and he chose a fine area for raising animals. God showed Abram the land of Canaan, which would be for him and his descendants.

God is good. Even when we disobey, he draws us back to himself--and wants to bless us as he blessed Abram. If we keep our eyes on him and follow the path he has chosen for us, we will know the fellowship of his presence and the riches of his mercy. It may not be an easy path, but it will be a path of joy if we are walking in the will of God.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:49 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 12:10-20
Today's Scripture

There is a famine in Canaan, so Abram sakes his wife Sarai and his household into Egypt. There he tells Sarai to tell the Pharaoh that she is his sister, so that he may be treated well. But when she does so and is taken into Pharaoh's household, plagues inflict the Egyptians and Pharaoh returns Sarai to Abram, discovering that she is indeed his wife.

This is the first major test that is recorded that Abram fails. Not a perfect man, he doubts God's protection and feels he must lie to preserve his life and his line.

But God was still faithful to Abram, as he is to us when we fail. In spite of our sins, he calls us back to himself, and receives us with open arms when we confess our sin to him. The Bible is full of imperfect people whom God used for his purposes. When we come to him in faith and repentance, he can use us for great things too!
- posted by Suzi @ 7:20 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 12:1-9
Today's Scripture

I don't know about you, but I like security. I like my home and the safe feeling I have here--the familiar surroundings--the people I love--even my dog.

I've also enjoyed an "adventure" or two in my lifetime--traveling as a summer missionary to Ecuador, backpacking in the mountains of Wyoming, driving from Washington state to Minnesota as a college student with my friend Shelly in my "new" Ford Pinto. I don't mind shaking things up once in awhile and trying something new or going to an unfamiliar place.

But I always know I can retreat to my familiar home. I don't know how I would respond if God asked me to pick up and move my family and leave my home--to settle in a totally foreign land. It must have taken a great deal of faith and courage to pack up his household and head to this strange place.

It seems that Abram's trip was a lot less eventful than the trip the Israelites took back to the promised land. In just a few verses he is there--while it takes the Israelites the whole books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy to get there, and only in Joshua do they really settle down.

I think the difference was obedience and faith. Abram had faith and followed God--he didn't waste time asking a lot of questions or grumbling about how hard it would be. He just did it.

I wonder if there are some things in my life God is asking me to "just do it." Am I grumbling, procrastinating, or ignoring what should be done? Sometimes it is hard to have faith and be obedient, but the rewards are worth any trouble along the way.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:23 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 11:10-32
Today's Scripture

Most of the time when I read genealogies in the Bible, I read quickly, perhaps pausing a bit if I recognize a name or if there is any information about the people that I find unusual. But to God, these were people he created, and he deemed them important enough to have their names listed in Scripture.

The list of names is accompanied by the age they were when they died. The lifespan gradually decreases--perhaps indicating that the more removed from Noah's day, the less likely the people were to follow God. Or, perhaps the people of the earlier times needed to live longer to populate the earth--it seems that fathers, at least, could be very old and still have children born to them. Or, maybe the number of years indicates a clan and not an actual person.

What we do know, is that God has numbered our days--just as he has the hairs of our head numbered and knows us all by name. He loves us, he has chosen believers to be his own, and we are his precious possession. Let us rejoice in that and live each day for his glory.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:05 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 11:1-9
Today's Scripture

Sin had definitely not left the world after the flood. Perhaps the biggest sin we struggle with, pride, was alive and well. There was one language in all the earth and many people settled in one area to build a tower to honor themselves--to stretch to heaven.

But God knew the hearts of the people, and he came down and confused their language and scattered them over the face of the earth.

We should always be cautious of thinking too much of ourselves. All that we have comes from the Creator--our very minds, the world around us--the people we live with and love--all are gifts from God.

Perhaps we go through times of confusion and trial so we will not think so much of ourselves. We can not explain everything that happens in life. Only God sees the big picture--and it is during these times of confusion that we often turn to him because we are at the end of ourselves.

Let's look to God in praise and humility, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:41 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 10
Today's Scripture

If I took the time to do so, I know I would enjoy studying our family tree more in depth. My husband Tim has done some work on his family history--even visiting a cemetery in a small town in Germany to do some research.

This chapter of Genesis is the family tree for humankind. Listed here are the names of our ancestors--those who came after the flood. Some of the names have special meanings--some of the places where these people settled are explained here.

But the most important list is in the Book of Life. If we know Jesus as our Savior--our name is written there. It will be fun to meet all the people listed in that special book when we get to heaven!
- posted by Suzi @ 7:04 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 9:18-29
Today's Scripture

This seems to be a strange story about Noah after the flood--he plants a vineyard, gets drunk, one son finds him naked, the other sons walk backwards to cover their father's nakedness, and Noah curses the son who discovered him naked.

God had preserved Noah and his family in the ark, but even though Noah was a righteous man, sin had not left the world. Noah was not perfect and neither were his sons.

The Bible characters are real life people who have their strengths and weaknesses--and the Bible tells both sides of the story. We can shake our heads and wonder why the story that had a happy ending for Noah and his family now takes this detour. Or, we can thank God for preserving this for us, to remind us that we all fail and are imperfect and in need of God's daily grace. We may be righteous one day, but fail miserably the next. But God's love and forgiveness is constant, and I, for one, am so grateful for that truth.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:11 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 9:1-17
Today's Scripture

I am a visual learner--I remember things best when I can see them or read them. Sounds and voices register for awhile--but when I see words in print or pictures, I can more easily recall these images.

When God gave Noah the covenant that he would never again flood the entire earth and destroy mankind in such a way, he sealed it with a beautiful picture--a rainbow. Whenever we see rainbow in the sky it reminds us of God's faithfulness--that he keeps his promises. Even when storms come--when rain falls and wind blows--God's rainbow can be seen. He is our peace in turmoil, our calm in times of trial.

Thank you God, for being a promise keeper and for the beauty of your rainbow.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:57 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 8
Today's Scripture

When we think of Bible men and women who have patience and perseverance, we often think of Job, and rightly so, for he endured much hardship, grief, illness and pain without turning away from God. But As I read this passage in Genesis, I think that Noah must have had incredible patience--first of all in building an ark that took scores of years to complete, and then to wait inside during the rain and storm, and then waiting again till the waters receded enough for him to come back out with his family. And that doesn't even begin to include the many weeks he endured with all those animals. He couldn't afford for any of them to die--they were needed to repopulate the earth when they got back out!

But Noah knew about God's timing and God's faithfulness. When he finally got on dry land, he built an altar, offered a sacrifice, and thanked God for this new beginning. In return, God spoke these wonderful words in verses 21 and 22: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though ^[a] every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.

"As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease."

Every day the sun rises, the seasons change throughout the year, and God's faithfulness continues. I am grateful.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:54 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 7
Today's Scripture

In obedience to God's command, Noah built the ark on dry land. It took him years and years, but he was faithful and completed his project. God brought him and his family, along with the many pairs of animals of the world, into the ark for safe keeping. Then the rain and the storms came. The enemies of God perished, but God kept Noah safe in the ark.

God is able to keep us safe from spiritual harm as well. We may suffer physical pain, but if we have been called by him, he is able to keep us safe in his love. In the end, he will destroy his enemies and will bring us home to live with him.

Meanwhile, we should live lives of obedience and walk in a manner that may draw others close to God. The reward for a godly life will only be known in heaven, but his promises are sure and true. We can find refuge in our Ark, Jesus Christ our Savior.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:43 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 6
Today's Scripture

The story of Noah building the ark is familiar to many. The world was corrupt and evil, yet Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. It must have been difficult for Noah to stand alone against his peers--to walk with God in righteousness when all those around him were caught up in a sinful lifestyle. But Noah followed God, and God rewarded him for his faithfulness.

But Noah's reward did not come easily. He had to build an ark over the course of many decades, and he needed to gather male and female animals to bring into the ark before the flood waters came. He endured the ridicule of his neighbors and even tried to help them see the errors of their ways.

Do we ever face tasks that seem to be ours alone? Others around us may be going a different way, when we are trying to follow God. We may feel persecuted or discouraged in suffering. But God uses our difficulties to strengthen us and bring us closer to him. When we turn to him and his Word, and follow the Holy Spirit's leading, we can withstand the pressures around us. We may not be building an ark, but we can still seek refuge in God through the discipline of taking up our cross daily and seeking his plan for us in all we do.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:54 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 5
Today's Scripture

Today's passage of Scripture is the genealogy from Adam to Noah. People lived a long time back in the early days of the world--I can't imagine living to be over 900 years old or becoming a parent after hitting the century mark. The world was certainly different before the flood came.

In the midst of the list of names is Enoch, who walked with God. It appears that he did not die in the usual way--God simply took him. In the midst of a world that was becoming more and more sinful before God told Noah to build the ark--a man is plucked out from Scripture--a man who followed God and was so devoted to him that God called him to himself without death.

Now that we that know Jesus Christ can walk with God too. Our names may not be in the pages of Scripture, but they are in the Book of Life. One day we will be reunited with the saints of old, with loved ones who have gone before, and we will see our Savior face to face. The Book of Life--that's one place I'm glad my name is listed!
- posted by Suzi @ 5:32 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 4
Today's Scripture

Sin and its consequences becomes more evident in chapter 4 of Genesis. Adam and Eve have two sons, Cain and Abel, who offer sacrifices to the Lord. Cain is jealous when the Lord favors Abel's sacrifice--probably not because the actual sacrifice was any better, but the spirit which Abel presented the sacrifice and himself to the Lord were better. Cain ends up killing his brother in his jealousy--the first murder.

Adam and Eve keep having children and populating the earth. Cain is sent away after his brother's murder, and has children of his own. One of his descendants also kills someone, and commits another sin--the sin of adultery by taking two wives. Meanwhile, Adam and Eve have a son, Seth, who takes the place of Abel in that he was a true follower of the Lord, and his descendants followed God as well.

It doesn't seem to take too long for sin to unleash itself in the world--as it does today. But God preserves his people--those who follow after him. And now, through Jesus Christ, we can have victory over sin and we don't need to bear the curse of sin that Cain did.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:52 AM 0 comments

 
Genesis 3
Today's Scripture

Today's Scripture is about the fall--the fall of man, the fall from the perfect world that God had created for Adam and Eve. Doubt was planted in Eve's mind, and she added to what God had actually said. For in Genesis 2:17 he does not say anything about not touching tree of the knowledge of good and evil--only that they must not eat of it, or they will die.

Eve is deceived by the serpent who encourages her to eat the forbidden fruit, and then Eve encourages Adam to do so as well. Both Adam and Eve have free choice and take of the fruit of their own volition. Their eyes were opened--and they realized they were naked. Shame and guilt had entered the garden, where there had been none before.

God, of course, knows what has happened. Everything has now changed. The serpent is no longer the beautiful animal it had been, but is destined to crawl on its belly and eat dust. The woman will bear children in pain. The man will have to work the land and labor against weeds and the elements. Death enters the world, as God clothes Adam and Eve with animal skins.

One act of disobedience changed the course of human history forever. But God's plan wasn't finished. He provided a way for us to come back to him through his Son Jesus--the new Adam--the one who lived on earth but did not sin. And because of Jesus, we can have a restored relationship with the Father and sin does not need to have power over us.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:20 AM 0 comments