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COLLECTIONS
Commentaries,
Word Studies, Devotionals, Sermons, Illustrations
Old and New Testament. |
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Genesis
Devotionals
See also
Genesis Commentaries, Sermons
See
Genesis Devotionals Part
1
Links Updated/Revised 05/21/07
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GENESIS: A
DEVOTIONALS STUDY
by Max Frazier, Jr. |
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Illustrations
10,000 Illustrations
Click for illustrations on
following verses |
Genesis 1 Male and
Female Views of Creation
Genesis 1:26 Image of God
Genesis 1:26-27 Infanticide
Genesis 1:28 Subdue
Genesis 2 Leave and Cleave
Genesis 2:18 A Wife
Genesis 2:24 Mother-in-Law
Genesis 3 Don’t Be Deceived!
Genesis 4:15 Sheep Thief or Saint?
Genesis 5 Two Books
Genesis 12:5 Right Destination
Genesis 13-20 Twelve Tests of Abraham
Genesis 13:13 A Good Reason to Scream
Genesis 15:5 Stars
Genesis 18:14 Resources of God
Genesis 19 Lot
Genesis 19:26 Greed
Genesis 22 Abraham’s Offering of Isaac
Genesis 22:14 Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord Will Provide
Genesis 22:8 The Lord Our Provider
Genesis 22:9 Give or Take?
Genesis 41:51 Remember to Forget
Genesis 43:33 The Marvel of Design
Genesis 49:10 Israel’s Blindness Messianic Prophecy |
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Lessons On Living
from Abraham
Devotionals
Woodrow Kroll
Freely distributed by Back To The Bible
Free E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/devotions/
(Copyright
Back to the Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved) |
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Genesis 11:31 |
The First Step -
The Chinese philosopher Lao-Tse once
said, "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single
step." While we all tend to focus on the destination, the time
it will take to complete our journey or the items we need to
accomplish it, the trip itself cannot begin until we're
willing to take the first step.
Abraham was willing to take that first step. True, Haran was
not his ultimate destination. Some have faulted him for
stopping short of Canaan. We don't know for sure why he didn't
go on. Perhaps his father, Terah, was not physically able to
continue. We do know that Terah died in Haran. It is also
possible that Abraham got temporarily sidetracked.
Circumstances may have caused him momentarily to forget that
God's call was to Canaan, not Haran. But we should never
forget that at least Abraham took the first step toward his
ultimate destination.
You, too, may have a goal in mind. Perhaps God has burdened
your heart to teach a Sunday school class, to receive more
training in the Bible or to witness to your neighbor. But as
you look at that objective, you don't see how you can reach
it. The way seems too long or the process too difficult. The
answer is to take the first step. Even though the way may not
seem clear at the moment, you can be sure that if you don't
begin, you'll never finish.
Trust God to provide whatever is needed along the way. As you
step out in faith, expect God to step in with power. As you
take the first step, He will make sure all the other steps
fall in place.
The hardest step is always the first step |
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Genesis 12:1-3 |
The Greatest Calling
- An oil company needed a suave public relations man for its
office in Asia. After interviewing several candidates, the
officials decided to ask a local missionary to take the
position. Company executives met with this man of unusual
gifts. Whatever they proposed, however, his answer was always
"no." "What's wrong'" asked one interviewer. "Isn't the salary
big enough'" The missionary replied, "The salary is big
enough, but the job isn't."
Abraham was faced with a similar option. He could have stayed
in Haran and become a leading citizen. As a natural-born
leader, he may have become ruler of the city. Most certainly,
as a clever businessman, he would have become wealthy and
lived in luxury and ease. But all that was insignificant
compared to what God had in mind for him. By obeying God's
call, he became a blessing to the whole world.
God still calls people today. Maybe He is calling you to be a
pastor or missionary or church leader. On the other hand, He
may be calling you to be an active witness for Him in your
place of secular employment. But you also may be facing
alternatives. Another position may offer a bigger salary, a
bigger office or less hassle. Don't be fooled. Seek God's
direction. Wherever He is calling you will bring the greatest
blessing to you and to those around you.
When God calls, accepting anything else is no bargain. |
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Genesis 12:5 |
Obey All the Way -
Louis Cassels once wrote, "Obey . . . take up your cross . . .
deny yourself . . . it all sounds very hard. It is hard.
Anyone who tells you differently is peddling spiritual
soothing syrup, not real Christianity." Perhaps that's why so
many Christians stop short of complete obedience.
Even Abraham struggled with this problem. As a great man of
faith, Abraham had obeyed when God told him to "get out of
your country" (Gen. 12:1). Immediately he packed up his
possessions and left. But God also had said, "from your
kindred and from your father's house, to a land that I will
show you" (emphasis mine). It was here that Abraham stumbled.
Genesis 12:5 notes that he took "Lot his brother's son" with
him. Perhaps Abraham felt responsible for his nephew since
Haran, Lot's father, had died. But this act of incomplete
obedience became a cause of grief for himself (Gen. 13:5-7)
and eventually for his nephew as well. Lot lost everything but
his two daughters in the destruction of Sodom (Gen. 19:12-26).
Obedience is often hard, but partial obedience will not make
things easier. The lack of total obedience may seem justified
especially if it involves a family member. It may even seem as
if we are shirking our duty to loved ones if we do as God has
instructed us. But God has a reason for every command, and not
to obey Him completely always means forfeiting a blessing.
What is God asking of you today? What obedience is He
prompting from you right now? Are you willing to obey all the
way? Remember, incomplete obedience is the half-brother of
disobedience.
Trust and obey there's no other way. |
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Genesis 12:8 |
Pledge Your Allegiance
- Many professional athletes proudly wear the corporate logo
or company colors of those who sponsor them. They have no
qualms at all in identifying themselves with the products and
purposes of those who finance their careers.
When Abraham pitched his tents near Bethel, he boldly
identified himself with the Lord. God not only called him to
leave family and all that was familiar, but also provided for
his needs along the way. In response, Abraham built an altar
to God. This was not only an act of worship but also a public
declaration to everyone who saw it that he was a worshiper of
Yahweh. Furthermore, he "called on the name of the Lord", that
is, he publicly acknowledged his commitment to and need for
the God of Israel.
As Christians, we are to boldly identify ourselves with the
Lord as well. Be prepared. This may cost you the friendship of
those who prefer the praises of the world. It may mean that
you will experience ridicule and rejection. But Jesus reminds
us, "Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also
will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me
before men will be denied before the angels of God" (Luke
12:8-9).
Make your allegiance known. Wherever you may be, with whomever
you may be, refuse to hide your commitment to the One who
loves you and provides for your salvation. Jesus suffered the
shame of the cross for you; be willing to suffer the ridicule
of the world for Him.
There's no place in God's service for secret agents. |
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Genesis 12:12-13 |
The Wrong Kind of Help
- A little boy asked his mother, "What is a lie?" "A lie," she
replied, "is an abomination to the Lord, but a very present
help in time of trouble."
Abraham apparently agreed. Faced with a famine in the land of
Canaan, he moved his household down to Egypt. Out of fear for
his life, he told the Egyptians that Sarah was his sister and
persuaded her to go along with his lie. When Pharaoh heard of
her beauty, and thinking her unmarried, he took her into his
harem. Abraham was on the brink of saving his life but losing
his wife. Fortunately God intervened and Pharaoh learned the
truth in time. Abraham, however, was rebuked and forced to
leave the land. In the end, his lie earned him nothing but
contempt and disgrace.
Often we are tempted to lie our way out of a tight spot.
Perhaps at work a "small lie" will help us avoid admitting we
made a mistake. Or at home "bending the truth" may seemingly
help us avoid a scene. But resorting to subterfuge always ends
up causing us more heartache than help.
When tempted to lie, remember that what seems like a "very
present help" will ultimately be "an abomination to the Lord."
Lies always result in more hurt and hassle in the long run.
That kind of help you can do without. Instead, tell the truth
and trust God. He'll take care of you.
A lie appears to offer help, but in reality only delivers
harm. |
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Genesis 13:1-2 |
Blessed Promises -
William Penn, the founder of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
was well liked by the Indians. Once they told him he could
have as much of their land as he could encompass on foot in a
single day. So early the next morning, he started out and
walked until late that night. When he finally went to claim
his land, the Indians were greatly surprised, for they didn't
think he would take them seriously. But they kept their
promise and gave him a large tract of land. Today that area is
Philadelphia.
God also made a promise to Abraham: "I will bless you" (Gen.
12:2-3). Even though Abraham made mistakes and sometimes
failed to trust the Lord fully, God never went back on His
promise. He blessed Abraham materially until he was "very rich
in livestock, in silver, and in gold." More important, He
blessed Abraham spiritually. God declared in Genesis 22:17-18,
"In blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will
multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as
the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall
possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the
nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed
My voice." Through Abraham's descendants came the Messiah, who
brought the blessing of salvation to all nations.
God continues to bless today just as He has promised. Though
we quickly forget them, God's blessings are all around us. He
allows some of us to be the stewards of His material
blessings, but He gives all of us the opportunity to enjoy His
spiritual blessings. His salvation, forgiveness and
lovingkindness are promised blessings that God will never
forget.
Rejoice today in your blessings. Rest confidently in the truth
that what God has promised, He will never take away.
Enjoy the riches that are yours because you are His. |
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Genesis 13:5-7 |
Someone is Watching
- Whether we know it or not, people are watching us. One day
as a woman was crossing the street at London Station, an old
man stopped her. He said, "Excuse me, Ma'am, but I want to
thank you." She looked surprised and asked, "Thank me'" He
replied, "Yes'm. I used to be a ticket collector, and whenever
you went by you always gave me a cheerful smile and a good
morning. I knew that smile must come from inside somewhere.
Then one morning I saw a little Bible in your hand. So I
bought one, too, and I found Jesus."
Abraham was also very conscious that he was being watched.
Problems had developed between his nephew, Lot, and himself.
They came to possess so many sheep and cattle between them
that the land was not able to support them all. It reached the
point where the herdsmen of Abraham and the herdsmen of Lot
began to quarrel over the best grazing lands. All the while,
the Canaanites and the Perizzites, who lived in the land as
well, were watching. Abraham knew that he represented Yahweh,
the Lord God of heaven, before these pagan families. As a
result, he immediately sought a way to bring peace to the
situation.
Neither your church family nor your personal family are immune
from problems. But how you choose to deal with those problems
can encourage or hinder others who are watching. Your actions
can even influence their eternal destiny. Always choose the
way of peace. Let the God of peace rule not only in your heart
but in all your relationships.
A family at peace is the best witness to the Lord of Peace. |
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Genesis 13:8-9 |
I've Got Rights -
Everyone seems concerned about their rights. Whatever the
issue, someone is sure to claim that he or she has the right
to engage in it. Someone else will maintain that if this
person asserts his rights, it will violate their rights. It's
no wonder that one social commentator observed, "The search
for the good has yielded to the search for rights."
When it came time to separate from his nephew, Abraham
certainly could have demanded his rights. As the patriarch in
the family, Abraham had the right of first choice about where
he wanted to go, but he graciously allowed his younger
relative to choose instead. When Lot selfishly chose the lush,
fertile valleys, Abraham could have legitimately protested
that this flagrant unfairness was a violation of his rights.
Instead, he simply packed up his belongings and moved to the
more barren hill country. Obviously, Abraham was more
interested in preserving his relationship with Lot than he was
in exercising his rights.
God does not assure His children that we will always have our
rights recognized. The apostle Paul urges us, "Let nothing be
done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Philippians
2:3 - see note).
In other words, let the rights of others be first in your
mind, and God will take care of the rest.
If your "rights" have been trampled upon, turn them over to
the Lord. A loving relationship with the important people in
your life will ultimately be more satisfying than protecting
your rights.
Be more concerned about doing right than having rights. |
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Genesis 13:14-15 |
A Place Called Home
- In late summer the migration of the monarch butterfly
occurs. If you're in the right place at the right time, you
can see hundreds of them clinging to tree limbs and shrubbery
as the flock journeys to a remote mountain site in central
Mexico. Scientists have found 16 of these sites, ranging from
one to ten acres each, within a 100-mile radius, where
millions of butterflies from North America spend the winter.
No one knows how butterflies find their way there. Each
generation that migrates is new and has never been there
before. Yet something programmed into their tiny bodies
directs them to a place they have never seen, but is a home
they instinctively know they must find.
The Jews have the same attitude toward their homeland of
Israel, and it all began with Abraham. God gave him a plot of
land' not just to this Jewish patriarch, but to his
"descendants forever." Even though they are now spread
throughout the world, Jews still long to return to this small
oasis. For some, it's just for a visit; for others, it's to
start life over again. But for Jews, wherever they may live,
Israel is home.
That same instinct for home should burn in the hearts of
Christians. For us, home is not a country on earth; it's a
destination called heaven. While Abraham and his descendants
were promised a land, all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior
are promised an eternal dwelling place (John 14:2).
Take comfort in the thought that you have a home in heaven.
Each day brings you closer to home not to visit but to live.
God has reserved a dwelling place that will fulfill the
deepest longing of your heart. Rejoice!
Heaven is more than a city; it's a home. |
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Genesis 14:14 |
The Lord's Army - We
live in violent times. The American Bar Association claims
that crimes involving guns, drugs and juveniles are putting an
unprecedented crunch on the nation's courts. Every 22 seconds
someone in the United States is beaten, stabbed, shot, robbed,
raped or killed. Nearly two million people every year become
violent-crime victims.
Lot lived in violent times as well. Fortunately, he had an
uncle with his own private army. When Abraham learned that the
cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had been conquered and all their
people taken captive, including his nephew, Lot, he armed his
private militia. In a brilliant piece of military strategy, he
overtook the enemy forces and surprised them at night. When
morning arrived, the adversary was on the run and all were
rescued, including Lot.
Most of us do not have relatives who can muster a private
army. But Christians have something even better we have the
Lord. The psalmist says, "The angel of the Lord encamps all
around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Ps. 34:7 -
Spurgeon's note).
And again God's Word reminds us, "For He shall give His angels
charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (Ps. 91:11 -
Spurgeon's note).
Every believer dwells in the midst of God's protective care as
represented by His angels.
When you find yourself beginning to be afraid, remind yourself
that God's army is with you. God's angels stand guard over
you. No enemy can ever truly harm you. The mighty army of the
Lord has your safety as its responsibility. Don't be afraid.
Remember Psalm 56:3: "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in
You." (Spurgeon's
note)
Our safety rests not in the ability of man but in the army of
God. |
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Genesis 14:22-23 |
Making It God's Way
- People often want to get rich quickly. In 1989 John Bennett
established the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy. Under the
guise of a non-profit foundation, he offered donors the
opportunity to double their money within six to nine months.
In 1994 he allowed nonprofit organizations to participate.
This too-good-to-be-true offer brought waves of money from
various institutions as well as philanthropists to support
what turned out to be a pyramid scheme. In September 1997,
Bennett was sentenced to prison for defrauding charities and
others of $354 million.
Abraham also had the opportunity to gain more wealth quickly.
Bera, king of Sodom, offered Abraham all the "loot" of the
city in exchange for the people. But Abraham considered the
source and declined. The opportunity to become even more
wealthy was not worth the price of being indebted to the king
of Sodom. His city was so wicked that it would shortly be
destroyed by brimstone and fire. Abraham preferred to let God
provide for his needs; he didn't need Sodom's money.
The desire to get rich can bring many pains and heartaches.
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "For the love of money is a
root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from
the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:10). The appetite for more and
more can lead you into associations with people who can cause
you irreparable spiritual harm.
If you find yourself in any relationship, business or
personal, that is damaging your spiritual life, drop it
immediately. It may mean taking a financial loss, but when you
make your relationship with the Lord your most important
priority, He will take care of all your other needs (Matthew
6:33 - see note).
God's wealth can't be found in Satan's treasury. |
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Genesis 15:1 |
Fear Not - Fear is
everywhere. Even people who appear brave, if they're honest,
will admit to moments of immense fear.
During World War II, a military governor met with Gen. George
Patton in Sicily. When he highly praised Patton for his
courage and bravery, the general replied, "Sir, I am not a
brave man the truth is, I am a craven coward. I have never
been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my
whole life that I wasn't so scared that I had sweat in the
palms of my hands." Patton's honesty is refreshing, but God
offers the best solution for our fears.
Abraham was just as human as you and I. Even though he had 318
trained soldiers in his personal army and had just won a major
victory over four mighty kings (Gen. 14:13-17), he still
experienced times of apprehension and dread. That's why God
said, "Do not be afraid." God then told Abraham why he need
not be afraid: "I am your shield [to protect you from evil],
your exceedingly great reward [to meet all your needs]."
Our fears fall into two broad categories. We fear that
something will harm us or that we will suffer need in some
way. God promises that He is sufficient for both of these
concerns. The psalmist speaks of God's protection from evil
when he says, "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten
thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you"
(Ps. 91:7 -
Spurgeon's note).
And in another psalm we are assured of God's provision: "The
young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the
Lord shall not lack any good thing" (Ps 34:10 -
Spurgeon's note).
What troubles you today? Put aside your fears and trust God.
The God of Abraham is sufficient both to protect you and to
provide for all your needs.
Where God stands, fear falls.
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Genesis 15:2-3 |
I Wonder - Henry
Drummond, a 19th-century Scottish evangelist, observed,
"Christ never failed to
distinguish between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is can't
believe; unbelief is won't believe. Doubt is honesty; unbelief
is obstinacy. Doubt is looking for light; unbelief is being
content with darkness."
When God promised to
bless him (Gen. 15:1), Abraham responded, "How are you going
to do it?" This was not a lack of faith, because Abraham
believed God was going to keep His promise; he simply didn't
understand how God would do it. Since "blessings" were always
believed to come through children (Ps. 127:3-5 -
Spurgeon's note v3;
note v4;
note v5),
and Abraham had none (nor from a human perspective did it look
like he would have any), he inquired as to how God was going
to do it. God honored that question and told him, "One who
will come from your own body shall be your heir." Abraham was
satisfied. The case was closed.
It's not wrong to ask questions about God's plan; it's only
wrong to question the rightness of God's plan. There's a
subtle but important difference here. It's only natural for
people to want to know, "God, how do You plan to pull this
off'" In essence Abraham said, "I'm to be the father of a
great nation, and yet I have no children. I know You can do
it, Lord. But I'd sure like to know how."
If you're wondering how God will work His will and His way in
your life, it's perfectly legitimate to ask. But always ask in
faith. Feel free to question how God is going to work out His
plan, but never question His ability to work out that plan.
The first is inquiring faith; the second is irreverent
unbelief.
Doubt asks how; unbelief asks why. |
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Genesis 15:13-14 |
We Win - Life can be
tough; it can also be scary. Maybe you wonder where you'll
ever find the courage to face a fearful future. That's the
question someone asked Billy Graham; he responded, "I've read
the last chapter of Revelation, and we win."
As God revealed to Abraham the fate of his descendants, it
sounded less than exciting. For 400 years they would be the
slaves of another nation. Have you ever wondered what kept
them going when they were oppressed and mistreated by the
Egyptians' Maybe it was God's promise, "I will judge;
afterward they shall come out with great possessions." In
other words, in the end, "you win."
Yes, along the way there would be hardships and affliction,
but when Israel got to the bottom line, those who afflicted
them would be judged and they would be rewarded. This was not
a "maybe," but something God promised that Abraham could "know
certainly."
Your life, too, is bound to have its share of heartache and
sadness. No one can pass through their years on earth without
some mistreatment and unfairness. You may even echo the cry of
the prophet Habakkuk: "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You
will not hear' Even cry out to You, 'Violence!' And You will
not save" (Hab 1:2). In the midst of the pain, however, you
must always cling to the unchangeable truth that in the end we
win.
When you experience bone-crunching difficulties, meditate on
verses such as 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 and Revelation 7:14-17
(see notes
Revelation 7:14;
15;
16;
17) and
Revelation 21:4 (note).
Take comfort in the truth that, despite what you may be going
through right now, in the end, you win.
The present is bearable when we're confident that the future
is glorious |
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Genesis 15:15-16 |
The Patience of God
- For the most part, people are very impatient. The moment the
stoplight turns green, the driver behind us invariably honks
his horn. You can just see the frustration and impatience in
the faces of those caught in a long line at the grocery store
checkout stand. Fortunately, God demonstrates a great deal
more restraint than we do.
When God revealed to Abraham some things yet to come, He
advised him that his descendants would not return to the land
for four generations because "the iniquity of the Amorites"
was not yet complete. Even though these people were pagans,
God continued to demonstrate patience toward them. With
Abraham dwelling in their midst (Ge. 13:7), there was always
the possibility that individuals, if not the nation as a
whole, might turn to the God of Abraham. While man might have
brought swift judgment, God graciously gave these people over
400 more years to turn from their idolatry and embrace the
living God.
The apostle Peter spoke of this same graciousness. He reminded
his readers, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as
some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not
willing that any should perish but that all should come to
repentance" (see note
2 Peter 3:9).
Satan loves to convince us that God’s patience with us has
come to an end. He tries to persuade us that we have sinned
just one time too often and God has washed His hands of us.
But we must reject this lie. While we must not abuse God’s
patience, He still stands ready to forgive and receive us back
when we repent. Be confident that you can never deplete the
patience of God, if your heart is pure and your repentance
sincere.
The perverseness of man cannot exhaust the patience of God. |
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Genesis 16:1-2 |
Running Ahead of God
- A friend went to visit the great preacher Phillips Brooks
and found him pacing the floor like a caged lion. His friend
asked, "What’s the trouble, Dr. Brooks'" He replied, "The
trouble is that I’m in a hurry but God isn’t."
Abraham could have identified with those feelings. God had
promised him a son, but, from a human perspective, time was
running out. In fact, with Abraham nearly 86 and Sarah 76
years old, most people would have said that time had already
run out. Obviously God needed help. In the Ancient Near East,
it was acceptable for a barren woman to give her maid as a
substitute to bear children for her, so Sarah suggested
Abraham take Hagar and let her bear his child. In his hurry,
Abraham ran ahead of God and the consequences are still felt
in the Middle East today. The Arab nations (descended from
Ishmael, the son of the maid servant) and Israel (descended
from Abraham’s legitimate heir, Isaac) continue to be bitter
enemies.
God not only has a divine will, He also has an eternal
timetable. Just as the apostle Paul reminded Christians that
in "the fullness of time" God sent His Son (Gal. 4:4) and "in
due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom. 5:6), so God has a
schedule for everything in our lives as well. We certainly
don’t want to lag behind God’s agenda, but it’s equally
disastrous to run ahead of it.
As you seek God’s will for your life, seek His timetable as
well. Don’t let your impatience carry you ahead of God. To do
the right thing at the wrong time makes the right thing the
wrong thing.
We need to keep in step with God’s time as well as His will. |
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Genesis 16:5-6 |
Who's in Charge? - A
writer for the Chicago Tribune observed, "Americans crave
leadership, but what is it?" According to an expert he quoted,
a leader has "a moral compass, a set of core beliefs, a
firmness that is not authoritarian, strong powers of
persuasion in articulating a vision, and a self-effacing
manner." Those qualities are not only scarce in the workplace,
they’re often lacking in the home as well.
In many respects, Abraham was a great leader, but apparently
he wasn’t strong enough to do what was right in his own
household. At a time when Sarah needed a strong hand to guide
her through a fit of jealousy, Abraham failed. He abdicated
his role as the leader of his home and a grave injustice was
committed as a result.
Our society needs strong leaders everywhere, but nowhere more
than in the home. God established an order for the family that
made it normative for the man to be the leader when present.
The apostle Paul says, "For the husband is head of the wife .
. . . Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so
let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (see
notes
Ephesians 5:23;
24;
cf. 1 Cor. 11:3).
God’s design for the family is not popular in today’s culture,
but it’s still God’s design. Men, take seriously your role as
the head of the home. Know the core values God wants for your
family and see that they are established. Wives, let your
husband be the leader. Support him in his leadership and
respect his authority. When we do what is right in the home,
the nation will follow.
Leadership in the home is an issue of obedience, not equality. |
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Genesis 17:1 |
Complete in His Power
- A farmer and his son were working together in the field. The
father told the boy to throw all the large stones he could
find into a nearby ditch so they would not interfere with
plowing. After working a long time, the son called out, "Dad,
there’s one rock here I can’t move even though I’ve tried my
hardest." "No, Son," replied the father, "you haven’t tried
your hardest until you’ve called for me to help you. I can
give you the strength you need." The father came alongside the
boy and added his strength. Together, they moved the stubborn
rock with ease.
God also called upon Abraham to do something that was
impossible for him, if tried under his own power. God
commanded him to "walk before Me and be blameless." The word
blameless (Heb. tamym) carries the sense of being complete,
whole or mature. It implies a level of integrity that is
rarely found among men. Such blamelessness would have been
impossible for Abraham, except for one condition: the One who
called him to such a level of maturity was the Almighty God.
Many people have tried to live the Christian life in their own
power, and they all have failed. Some have come to believe
that it’s impossible to achieve such maturity in a sinful
world. And, apart from the Almighty God, it is. But God said,
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there
anything too hard for Me?" (Jer. 32:27). The apostle Paul
said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
(Philippians
4:13 [note]).
Cast yourself upon the mighty power of God. Only He is able to
present you faultless before the throne. In His power your
life can be complete and your walk can be blameless.
With God’s power behind us, nothing can stand before us. |
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Genesis 17:3-6 |
Get Off the
Merry-go-Round - An irate woman met her husband when he
got off a merry-go-round and said, "Now, look at you. You
spent your money, you got off right where you got on, and you
haven’t been anywhere!" Unfortunately, that’s an accurate
picture of life for many people today. But God has so much
more to offer.
That was true with Abraham. The first 75 years he sought his
fortune, first in Ur and later in Haran (Gen. 12:4). Then God
called him to begin a journey that was both physical and
spiritual. Abraham spent the next 24 years seeking to follow
his God. However, he also spent a good deal of time living by
his own wits instead of trusting the Lord. Finally, shortly
before reaching the century mark, he learned the secret. He
"fell on his face." Abraham totally surrendered to God, and it
was then that God gave His most spectacular promises. From
Abram (Father of Height), God changed his name to Abraham
(Father of a Multitude). From an obscure desert sheik, he
became the forerunner of kings and nations.
For those willing to submit to Him, God has an abundant life
in store. In fact, the apostle Paul reminds us, "Eye has not
seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man
the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1
Cor. 2:9).
If life seems a bit like a merry-go-round to you, maybe it’s
time to discover God’s abundant life. Surrender yourself
completely to Him and find a life more fulfilling than you can
imagine.
The abundant life comes not by accumulating but by letting go. |
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Genesis 17:17 |
A Rest for Your Faith
- When John Paton was translating the Bible for a South
Pacific island tribe, he discovered that they had no word for
trust or faith. One day a native who had been running hard
came into the missionary's house, flopped down in a large
chair and said, "It's good to rest my whole weight on this
chair." "That's it!" exclaimed Paton. "I'll translate faith as
resting one's whole weight on God." (See also Dr Piper's
discussion -
You Will be Eaten by Cannibals! Lessons
from the Life of John G. Paton)
(or download
Mp3 Audio)
Abraham was a man of faith--but sometimes that faith was in
the wrong place. When God told him he would have a son, he
looked at himself and said, "Shall a child be born to a man
who is one hundred years old?" Obviously, from a human
perspective that was a ridiculous notion. Instead of resting
his faith wholly upon God, Abraham was trying to carry part of
the burden himself.
Faith always falters when we trust in our own capabilities. If
something was doable by human standards, faith would not be
necessary. The essence of faith requires that it is something
that can be accomplished only if God undertakes it for us. The
ultimate example of this, of course, is our own salvation.
When He was asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responded,
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with
God" (Luke 18:27). The apostle Paul declares in
Philippians 4:13 (note),
"I can do all things," but then he goes on to clarify,
"through Christ who strengthens me." It is not we who can do
all things, but Christ.
Where is your faith resting? Are you depending upon your own
resources, or are you resting your whole weight upon God?
Whether it's for your ultimate salvation or some daily
responsibility, have faith in God. Only He can do the
impossible.
What the world calls ridiculous, God calls faith. |
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Genesis 17:10 |
Instant Obedience -
Supermarkets are filled with all kinds of instant products:
instant pudding, instant coffee, instant soup, instant
potatoes and so much more. We seem to want everything
instantly these days. Unfortunately, no supermarket stocks
instant obedience.
Throughout his years of walking with the Lord, Abraham learned
that the best type of obedience was instant obedience. When
God declared circumcision to be the sign of His covenant with
Abraham and his descendants, this desert potentate lost no
time in seeing that every male in his household was
circumcised. Nor did he exclude himself. It was not a matter
of "I direct; you perform." At the age of 99, Abraham
subjected himself to the same temporary discomfort as everyone
else. Doing God's will knows no rank or privileges.
This same instant obedience should be a part of our walk
today. To become a Christian is relatively simple; to live
like one is another matter. We become a Christian by repentant
faith; we live as a Christian only as we obey Christ's
commands. The extent of that commitment is measured by the
speed with which we obey. The Holy Spirit says through the
writer of Hebrews, "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not
harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in
the wilderness" (see notes
Hebrews 3:7;
3:8).
If the Lord has been speaking to you about a matter of
obedience, stop delaying. The blessing you receive by doing
God's will is directly proportional to the speed with which
you begin to do it.
Salvation is through faith; maturity is through obedience. |
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Genesis 17:22-23 |
Angels Unaware -
"Old Bill" was hired to sweep streets in a small town. During
the hot days of July and August, Mrs. Brown on the corner got
into the habit of taking him a glass of lemonade and a slice
of cake. He thanked her shyly and that was all. But one
evening there came a knock at the back door of her home. Bill
was there with a sack of apples in one hand and a handful of
roasting ears in the other. He said, "I brought you these,
Ma'am, for your kindness." "Oh, you shouldn't have," exclaimed
Mrs. Brown. "It was nothing." "Well, no," the street sweeper
agreed, "maybe it wasn't much, but it was more than anyone
else did."
Abraham was equally aware of the needs of those around him.
When three strangers appeared in front of his tent, he was
more than eager to extend hospitality to them. He could have
thought, Surely someone who is less busy than I am will have
compassion on them. But he didn't. Instead, he ran to meet
them and begged for an opportunity to show hospitality to
these travelers.
The Bible says that hospitality is to characterize the
Christian life. In fact, it's so important that it's listed as
one of the qualifications for anyone desiring a position of
leadership in the church (1 Tim. 3:2,
Titus 1:8 [note]).
The writer of Hebrews said, "Do not forget to entertain
strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained
angels" (see note
Hebrews 13:2).
Do yourself a favor: when you have opportunity to open your
home to a troubled teenager or to host a foreign student while
the dorms are closed, do it! You never know when you might
come across an angel.
Some may have the gift of hospitality, but we all have the
responsibility. |
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Genesis 18:17-19 |
Intimate Fellowship
- It's a shame, but some people think they can get to know God
by taking drugs. One person wrote to a religious columnist
that drugs should be legalized because he felt close to God
when he smoked pot. But drugs are dangerous to a person's
physical and mental health, and they are not a pipeline to
God. What a person experiences while under the influence of
drugs does not originate with God.
Abraham had an intimate relationship with God and he used no
mood-altering stimulants to get it. God made a conscious
choice not to hide anything from Abraham. There were no
secrets between them. Furthermore, it was a relationship based
on mutual trust. God said, "For I have known him." God knew
everything about Abraham's past, present and future and loved
him anyway.
We can enjoy this same intimacy. God revealed everything we
need to know about Him in the Bible. He took the initiative to
clear away the stumbling blocks of sin by offering His Son as
our Savior. There is nothing that He desires more than to have
an intimate relationship with us.
Now it's time for you to do your part. Be as open with God as
He is with you. Set aside time to get to know Him better. Seek
Him daily in the Scriptures. Speak with Him often through
prayer. Look for His guidance in your life. The result will be
an intimacy that no drug can ever produce.
An intimate relationship with God is based on character, not
chemicals |
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Genesis 21:1-3 |
Joy to the World -
Someone asked Joseph Haydn, the famous composer, why his music
was so cheerful. He replied, "I cannot make it otherwise. When
I think upon God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes
dance and leap from my pen!"
This must have been the way that Abraham and Sarah felt. After
Abraham waited 100 years and Sarah reached the matronly age of
90, God gave them a son. Joy surely leapt and danced in their
hearts. In fact, they named their son Isaac, which means
"laughter." Unlike the laughter of unbelief they had engaged
in earlier (Gen. 17:17, 18:12), this laughter percolated
through a holy wonder at the miracle in their life. It was a
laughter of such unalloyed joy that all who heard it laughed
with them (Gen 21:6).
The joy that began with the birth of Isaac, however, reached
its crescendo in the birth of Jesus. When the angels announced
their heavenly message, they proclaimed, "Do not be afraid,
for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will
be to all people" (Luke 2:10, emphasis mine). Jesus said,
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in
you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11).
When was the last time you laughed for the sheer joy of your
salvation? People are not attracted to somber doctrines. There
is no persuasive power in a gloomy and morbid religion. Let
the world see your joy and you won't be able to keep them
away.
To be filled with God is to be filled with joy. |
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Genesis 21:9-11 |
Truth or Consequences
- Solomon Garcia of Huntington, New York, was crushed to death
by a 600-pound safe he apparently was trying to steal. Suffolk
County police lieutenant John Gierasch said that the young man
was trying to move the iron safe down some stairs of a real
estate and insurance company office when it slipped. A
maintenance man found the body under the safe at the base of a
first-floor staircase.
When we violate God's truth, His Word, consequences always
result. Sometimes those consequences are tragic. Abraham
discovered this. In his hurry to make God's promise of a son
come true, he agreed to take Sarah's servant, Hagar, as a
substitute wife. The child born from that union, however, was
not God's intended heir. When Isaac, the son of promise, was
born, a rivalry developed that eventually caused Sarah to
demand Hagar and her son leave the house. Abraham's
disobedience brought serious consequences, not only to himself
but to everyone he loved. Only God's intervention prevented a
tragedy (Gen. 21:16-19).
When we fail to obey God's truth, we can expect consequences.
This is not because God is out to get even. Instead, it's
because God's truth protects us from situations that will harm
us. When we trample down those protective fences God has set
up in His Word, we end up experiencing the evil from which
those fences were created to save us.
Take God at His word. The Scriptures can keep you from harm.
Refuse to violate God's truth either by running ahead or
lagging behind His will for your life. God's truth will keep
you from the consequences.
Accept the Truth and avoid the consequences |
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Genesis 22:1-2 |
The Ultimate Sacrifice
- C. S. Lewis said, "To love at all is to be vulnerable.
Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and
possibly be broken."
Abraham must have felt that way. He had waited 25 years to
receive the blessing that God had promised him on the day he
packed up his family and possessions and left Haran. He had
waited 100 years to receive a very special son. How his heart
must have ached when God commanded him to take his only son,
his precious Isaac, and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on
Mount Moriah. Even though he responded in faith, we can't
imagine the hurt. It was the ultimate sacrifice.
But Abraham is not the only one who was ever asked to make an
ultimate sacrifice. God, too, gave His only begotten Son. The
apostle Paul reminds us that God "did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all" (see note
Romans 8:32).
And Peter draws our attention to the fact that "you were not
redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from
your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot" (see notes
1 Peter 1:18;
19).
God knows the pain of an ultimate sacrifice.
Has God a | | | |
