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Faithful Through Generations

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Week 26 of the Devotional Series 

The Study of Genesis: Post Fourteen

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 14th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 26 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next few weeks.

Focus: Genesis 35 – 37

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 35 – “Preparing Our Hearts to Meet with God”

Chapter 36 – “God is Faithful” 

Chapter 37 – “They Meant Evil” 

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive – Genesis 50:20 

Genesis Chapter 35

“Preparing Our Hearts to Meet with God”

(Read Genesis Chapter 35 First) 

After the dramatic and violent events surrounding Shechem, God speaks directly to Jacob and says:

“Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.” (Genesis 35:1)

God calls us to seek Him and to worship Him. Bethel was a place of prayer and dedication for Jacob where he sought God. Just like Jacob had to stop, remove what didn’t belong, cleanse his heart, and intentionally prepare himself to meet with God…we have to do the same. 

1. Put Forth Effort to Seek God

Jacob told everyone in his household to put away foreign gods, cleanse themselves, and change their clothes before going to Bethel. This was intended to prepare their hearts.

Life application: Are there things in your life like habits, distractions, or sinful patterns that you need to lay aside before approaching God? Preparing our hearts is key to encountering Him fully. Sometimes it’s as simple as setting aside time, removing distractions, or confessing what’s holding us back.

2. Remember God’s Faithfulness

Jacob built an altar at Bethel because God had been with him before. He was with him in desperate moments, life-or-death situations, and in the promises He had given.

Life application: God’s presence isn’t only for difficult times. We can fall out of practice of spending time with Him, but He remains faithful daily. Keeping an altar in our lives can mean daily prayer, Bible study, intentional thankfulness…ways to remember His goodness and invite Him into our presence. 

3. Growth Shifts Our Focus to God Himself

Jacob’s altar names change: first Bethel (“House of God”), then El-bethel (“God of the House of God”). This shows spiritual maturity. Notice that his focus moved from a place to the Person of God.

Life application: Sometimes we worship routines instead of God Himself. True faith is about relationship: it’s about knowing Him personally. Ask yourself: Am I drawn to God Himself, or just the comforts and structures around my faith?

4. Acts of Worship as Remembrance

Jacob poured a drink offering and oil on a pillar of stone as a sign of worship, dedication, and remembrance.

Life application: Remembering God’s work in our lives keeps faith alive. You could journal answered prayers or create a personal habit of thanksgiving. Just something to celebrate and remember God’s faithfulness. I decorated a heart shaped bowl and when God answers a prayer I’ve been praying, I write it down on a little piece of paper, fold it up, and add it to the bowl. It’s a blessing watching the little papers add up. 

5. Life is Full of Joy and Sorrow, But God’s Hand Guides Us 

Rachel’s childbirth and death remind us that life’s hard and joyful moments are intertwined. She names her son Ben-oni, “Son of my sorrow,” but Jacob names him Benjamin, “Son of God’s right hand.” Jacob is making a declaration of trust and hope in God even though he’s experiencing deep pain.

Life application: God can take our sorrow and disappointment and turn them into purpose and hope. Even in our pain, His hand is guiding us closer to Him. 

6. Reconciliation and Peace

The chapter ends with Isaac’s death at 180 years old, and with a family finally coming together after years of strife.

Life application: Relationships matter. Seek reconciliation where possible. Trust that God can heal wounds over time.

Reflection Questions

1. What distractions do I need to put away to encounter God fully?

2. How can I create “altars” in my life to remember God’s faithfulness?

3. In what areas am I focusing on routines or structures rather than God Himself?

4. How can I trust God to bring hope and purpose in the middle of life’s sorrow or challenges?

5. Is God inviting me to take a step toward reconciliation in any relationship and trust Him to heal old wounds?

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Genesis Chapter 36

“God is Faithful”

(Read Genesis Chapter 36 First) 

In Genesis 36 we get to slow down and notice something we often skip over. We will read through how God records Esau’s story in full.

We remember that Esau sold his birthright. We know that he was impulsive. We read that Jacob received the blessing meant for Esau, but we will see today that Genesis 36 is one of the longest genealogical chapters in the book.

That alone tells us that God is faithful to His promises. 

Genesis 36 shows Esau becoming Edom, a fully established nation.

By the end of the chapter, Esau is a man with a family and he is a people with land and leadership and he impacts history in a big way! 

Genesis 25:23…“Two nations are in thy womb…” God kept His word to Abraham.

When Jacob came back, there were too many cattle, beasts, substance, people, and riches between the two brothers for them to dwell together, so Esau moved…

Esau had become wealthy, influential, and he was expanding. By the end of Genesis 36, Edom:

• has dukes

• has kings

• has territory

• has structure

But Edom is never the covenant nation.

In this chapter, lineage is carefully traced:

• Esau’s sons

• Eliphaz’s sons

• Reuel’s sons

• Seir the Horite and his descendants

• Kings before Israel had kings

• Dukes according to places

Genesis 36 is showing how a people form over time:

• marriages

• intermingling

• leadership rising

• territories being named

This reminded me of 1 Corinthians 14:40:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

God likes order.

Real-life connection:

The choices we make matter. Who we marry, where we settle, who we choose as leaders…It all matters. You don’t just wake up one day as a “nation”…good or bad, you become one step at a time.

“He is Esau the father of the Edomites.”

Genesis 36 closes Esau’s story.

Israel’s story, on the other hand, is still unfolding. We will see him wandering, waiting, struggling, and trusting.

Genesis 36 reminds us that God keeps His word. Esau became the father of the nation of Edom, (Two nations are in thy womb…) It also shows us a God of order and faithfulness, carefully recording a people He promised to establish. 

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Genesis Chapter 37

“They Meant Evil”

(Read Genesis Chapter 37 First)

Genesis chapter 37 introduces us to Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was only seventeen years old when we meet him, out feeding the flock with his brothers. Verse two tells us something important right away. Joseph brought back a bad report to his father about his brothers. Apparently, they were doing something they weren’t supposed to be doing, and Joseph told on them.

The Bible then tells us that Jacob loved Joseph more than all his children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors. This favoritism no doubt created tension between Joseph and his brothers. Scripture says Joseph’s brothers hated him so much that “they could not speak peaceably unto him” (Genesis 37:4).

That had to be a painful place to be. 

But here’s the spoiler alert we’re given throughout Joseph’s life…God works it all out in Joseph’s favor. If you’ve ever felt ostracized, targeted, or mistreated because of jealousy or envy, this story should encourage you. People may try everything they can to harm you, but there is nothing they can do that God cannot protect you from or turn for good.

Joseph later says this to his brothers:

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20).

That’s exactly what we begin to see unfolding in this chapter.

Joseph begins having dreams. In the first dream, his sheaf rises up and stands upright while his brothers’ sheaves bow down to it. In the second dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow down to him. He tells his brothers and his father about these dreams, and it only makes matters worse. His brothers hate him even more, assuming he is implying that he will reign over them.

His father rebukes him, but Scripture tells us something interesting…Jacob observed the saying (Genesis 37:11). That tells me that he didn’t dismiss it completely. He held onto it and probably thought about it from time to time. 

One day, Joseph’s brothers travel to Shechem to feed their flocks. Jacob sends Joseph to check on their wellbeing. When Joseph arrives, he can’t find them. A man sees him wandering in the field and asks what he’s looking for. After Joseph explains, the man tells him he overheard the brothers saying they were going to Dothan.

So Joseph keeps going until he reaches Dothan.

When the brothers see him coming from a distance, they conspire together to kill him. They call him “this dreamer” and decide they will stop his dreams once and for all. What started as jealousy has now grown into a willingness to commit evil against their own brother.

There’s a lesson here for all of us.

Don’t let jealousy or envy live in your heart. Don’t let it take root. Don’t water it by thinking on it or giving it space in your mind. What you nurture will grow whether for good or for evil.

Scripture reminds us:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

And also:

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

Choose to water thoughts that are joyful, kind, peaceful, patient, loving, and content.

The brothers come up with a plan to kill Joseph and throw him into a pit, saying an evil beast devoured him. They even mockingly say, “and we shall see what will become of his dreams” (Genesis 37:20).

Yes, we will.

Reuben, the oldest brother, doesn’t want to shed Joseph’s blood. He convinces them to throw Joseph into a pit instead. When Joseph arrives, they strip him of his coat of many colors and throw him into a pit with no water. Then, shockingly, they sit down to eat.

While they are eating, they see Ishmaelite traders traveling to Egypt with spices, balm, and myrrh. Judah suggests they sell Joseph instead of killing him. The brothers agree.

When Reuben returns to the pit, Joseph is gone. He tears his clothes in distress, but it’s too late. Midianite merchants had pulled Joseph out and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, who then take him to Egypt.

The brothers dip Joseph’s coat in goat’s blood and present it to their father. Jacob believes his beloved son has been torn apart by a wild animal. He mourns deeply and refuses to be comforted, saying he will go to his grave grieving.

Meanwhile, Joseph is alive.

He is sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, in Egypt.

At this point, it may be hard to understand why we say God is working all of this for Joseph’s good. Nothing about this looks good yet. But stay tuned.

Sometimes God’s purpose takes us through pits, betrayal, loss, and waiting before we see the outcome and reasoning. Scripture reminds us to be patient in suffering:

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

If you’re in a season where things feel unfair or confusing, remember Joseph and remember that God is still working. 

Week 25 of the Devotional Series 

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The Study of Genesis: Post Thirteen

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 13th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 25 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Focus: Genesis 32 – 34

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 32 – “Not Walking Alone”

Chapter 33 – “God Goes Before Us”

Chapter 34 – “Responding to Wrong” 

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — Genesis 32:10 

“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.”

Genesis Chapter 32

“Not Walking Alone”

(Read Genesis Chapter 32 First) 

Genesis 32 opens with Jacob encountering the angels of God. Scripture doesn’t give us details about what happened, but I think Jacob’s reaction tells us a lot. He calls the place Mahanaim, meaning “two camps.” It made me think of two army camps and I wonder if Jacob suddenly realized that he’s not walking toward danger alone and he felt God’s army beside him.

I think Jacob needed that reminder. He feared meeting his brother Esau. Remember Jacob fled from him 20 years earlier because Esau wanted to kill him. Jacob sends messengers ahead of him with news of his wealth, but when the messengers return and report that Esau is coming with 400 men, Jacob’s fear explodes. He immediately begins strategizing, dividing his people and livestock into two groups so at least one might survive.

In his fear and scrambling, Jacob finally cries out to God:

“You told me to return… and You said You would deal well with me.”

Jacob reminds himself of God’s promise..something he could have rested in from the beginning.

Real-life application:

When we feel scared, overwhelmed, or facing something scary, it’s easy to try to fix things ourselves. We try to plan, strategize, and overthink. But instead we can let this be a moment to pray, trust, and remember God’s faithfulness. We don’t have to face fear alone.

I love how Jacob humbly acknowledges the mercy God has shown him. When he first crossed the Jordan, he carried nothing but a staff. Now he is returning with two camps of people, animals, and many  blessings. Everything he has is evidence of God’s faithfulness. Even so, he still pours out his fear before the Lord: Deliver me from Esau.

Jacob sends an enormous gift of 550 animals in hopes of softening Esau’s heart. One herd after another was sent ahead to greet Esau with the same message: “These belong to your servant Jacob… he is behind us.” 

Real-life application:

Sometimes in order to reconcile with someone we have to have to act in humility and intention. We may need to take the first step like reaching out, apologizing, offering peace even when we feel fearful or wronged. Trust that God can work through your efforts.

That night, Jacob sends his family ahead and he’s alone. I can imagine that in the quiet he’s even more fearful. That night God meets with him in an unusual way. Jacob wrestles with a man until daybreak. When his opponent touches his thigh and dislocates it, Jacob still refuses to let go. “I will not let You go unless You bless me.”

God asks his name then God gives him a new name. The name is Israel which means, “God prevails.”

Jacob suddenly understands who he has been wrestling with. He names the place Peniel, meaning “facing God,” saying, “My life has been preserved.” When the sun rises, Jacob limps away.

Real-life application:

Sometimes God lets us wrestle with our fears, doubts, or past mistakes until we cling to Him with all our heart.

The chapter closes with a small historical detail. Israel’s descendants chose not to eat the sinew (tendon) of the thigh as a way of remembering Jacob’s encounter with God. 

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Genesis Chapter 33

“God Goes Before Us”

(Read Genesis Chapter 33 First) 

Genesis 33 is such a beautiful picture of reconciliation, humility, and the way God goes before us even when we’re scared. This is the moment Jacob and Esau finally meet again after all those years apart. Those years were no doubt  filled with anger and hurt. When Jacob looks up and sees Esau coming with four hundred men, you know he had to be terrified. Everything in him probably expected the worst.

Jacob lines up his wives and children from least important in the culture of that time to the most precious to him, Rachel and Joseph, who he places last. Then he steps out in front of everyone and bows seven times as he approaches Esau. He was showing deep humility. That was Jacob’s way of saying, “I know what I did. I was wrong. And I am not here to fight.”

What a lesson for us today.

If we want to reconcile with someone we’ve wronged, the first step is real humility without excuses and without defending ourselves and saying,“Well, you did this to me too.” True reconciliation starts with a soft heart and a willingness to admit where we failed. Jacob models that beautifully here.

Then comes my favorite part and one of the most tender moments in all of Genesis.

The Bible says:

“And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” (Genesis 33:4)

What a picture of grace.

God can soften even the hardest hearts. Jacob had feared Esau’s anger for years, but God had already gone ahead of him and changed everything. Back in Genesis 32:12, God told Jacob, “I will surely do thee good.” And that is exactly what the Lord does here.

When Esau asks who all the women and children are, Jacob answers,

“The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.” (Genesis 33:5)

I love that.

People still say today, “And who do we have here?” when they see our kids.

What a testimony it would be if our answer was like Jacob’s:

“These are the children God has graciously given me.”

Because that is what they are…a gracious gift from God.

Esau then asks about all the animals Jacob had sent ahead. Jacob explains they are a gift and a peace offering. Esau insists he doesn’t need them, but Jacob begs him to take them. Why? Because accepting the gift sealed their reconciliation in that culture. Jacob wanted to make things right, and he wanted Esau to know he truly meant it.

After this emotional reunion, Esau invites Jacob to travel with him. But Jacob knows the pace would be too hard on his children and his flocks, so he gently declines and tells Esau he will follow slowly. Esau understands and goes on ahead to Seir, leaving some of his men behind to stay with Jacob. 

Jacob journeys to Succoth. Then eventually he purchases land, settles down, makes a home, builds booths for his cattle… and most importantly, he builds an altar. I can hear him saying, “God brought me safely here. God kept His promise. God has been faithful.”

Genesis Chapter 34

“Responding to Wrong ”

(Read Genesis Chapter 34 First)

Genesis 34 is one of those chapters that makes you uncomfortable.

Jacob and his family have finally settled in Shalem. Life may be starting to feel stable after all the moving. Dinah, Leah and Jacob’s daughter, goes out, probably doing what any young girl would do, trying to make friends. And then something horrible happens.

Shechem, the prince’s son, sees her, takes her, and violates her. Scripture says she is defiled, and what makes it worse is that after the damage is done, he decides he wants her as his wife. 

Hamor, Shechem’s father, comes to Jacob’s house to negotiate. He talks about marriage, unity, trade, peace, and prosperity. He says, Name your price, but notice what’s missing: repentance. There’s no justice or no apology for the wrong that was done unto Dinah. 

When Dinah’s brothers hear what happened, they are furious. And honestly who wouldn’t be. Their sister was violated. Something inside them says that this cannot go unanswered.

So when Hamor and Shechem ask for peace and unity they agree, but inwardly they are plotting something deceiving, and when the men are weakest, Simeon and Levi slaughter all the men in the city.

They rescue Dinah from Shechem’s house, but the cost is devastating. Women and children are taken captive. The city is plundered. So much violence has taken place. 

Next, we hear what Jacob has to say about what has transpired. He doesn’t defend Shechem, but he doesn’t praise his sons either. In fact, he tells his sons they have troubled him. He’s afraid of retaliation and consequences. He’s afraid for his family.

And the sons respond simply:

Should he have dealt with our sister as with a harlot?

The chapter ends there.

This chapter was hard to relate to everyday life, but there is this…

This chapter confronts something we all wrestle with and that is… What do we do when our anger feels justified?

Because sometimes it is.

Someone crosses a line or hurts someone we love. Something unjust happens, and we feel that fire rise up inside us. And in those moments, we feel weak if we restrain from saying or doing something. Retaliation can feel good in the moment.

Genesis 34 shows us how easily justified anger can turn bad. 

The brothers weren’t wrong to be angry.

But they were wrong in how they responded.

One thing we can be sure of is God is working even if we don’t see it in the moments we first feel wronged. Later, Jacob will address this moment again. God does not forget Dinah. And God does not excuse Simeon and Levi either.

When I am hurt, or when someone I love is hurt, 

Do I trust God with justice… or do I take it into my own hands?

Sometimes obedience looks like restraint.

Sometimes faith looks like letting God handle what we desperately want to control.

Week 24 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis: Post Twelve

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our twelfth devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 24 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Focus: Genesis 30 – 31

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 30 – “Don’t Let Jealousy Steal Your Joy”

Chapter 31 – “Jacob Honored God and God Honored Jacob”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

— Exodus 14:14 

Genesis Chapter 30

“Don’t Let Jealousy Steal Your Joy”

(Read Genesis Chapter 30 First) 

Genesis 30 opens with a very real struggle: jealousy. Rachel sees her sister Leah having child after child, and she is so overwhelmed with envy that she cries out to Jacob that she might as well die. It sounds dramatic, but honestly, envy and want can take us to that place where someone else’s blessing feels like a wound to us.

We have to be so careful here. When our eyes lock onto what someone else has, or what they can do that we can’t, our joy evaporates. Our peace begins to rot from the inside out.

The Bible is clear about this:

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”

— Proverbs 14:30 

Envy destroys us long before it ever affects the person we’re jealous of.

But Scripture also gives us a way out. Here are 5 biblical steps to overcome jealousy and envy:

1. Recognize that envy steals your peace.

You can’t have envy and full joy living in the same heart. One will push the other out.

2. Remember that God writes a different story for each person.

Someone else’s blessing doesn’t threaten your calling.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you…”

— Jeremiah 29:11 

Your story is still being written by a faithful God.

3. Choose gratitude for what God has placed in your hands.

You can’t compare and give thanks at the same time.

“In every thing give thanks…”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Gratitude overcomes jealousy every single time.

4. Celebrate others instead of competing with them.

When you rejoice with someone else, you disarm the jealousy inside you.

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice…”

— Romans 12:15 

5. Ask God to change your heart instead of your circumstances.

Hapiness isn’t God giving you what someone else has. Happiness is God reshaping your heart so you don’t need it to be content.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

— Psalm 51:10 

At the end of the day, jealousy is a heart issue, and only God can transform the heart.

The Story Continues…

Rachel is heartbroken and desperate. She wants Jacob to “fix it,” but Jacob responds honestly: I’m not God. I’m not the One withholding children from you. So Rachel takes matters into her own hands and she gives her maid, Bilhah, to Jacob so she can build a family through her. Bilhah bears two sons, Dan and Naphtali.

But Leah isn’t about to let Rachel have her moment. Sister rivalry is in full swing. Leah gives Jacob her maid, Zilpah, and she also bears two sons, Gad and Asher.

The next part of the story deals with mandrakes, and I had to do a little research to figure this one out. 

Reuben finds them in the field. These were rare plants people believed helped with infertility. Leah’s thrilled, Rachel’s desperate, and a full argument breaks out. I can almost hear it:

“Leah, please just let me have those mandrakes! You’ve had so many children already! Just give me a chance!”

Leah responds, “Oh, so now you want the mandrakes too? Isn’t it enough you took my husband? Now you want what my son brought me?”

Rachel offers a deal: she’ll trade a night with Jacob for the mandrakes. Leah accepts. But the irony? God opens Leah’s womb again, not Rachel’s. Leah has Issachar, then Zebulun, then a daughter named Dinah.

And then, in His perfect timing…

“God remembered Rachel…”

He opens her womb, and she gives birth to Joseph.

After Joseph is born, Jacob is ready to take his family and leave, but Laban doesn’t want him to go. He admits that he’s been blessed just by Jacob’s presence. Laban basically says, Name your price to stay. 

Jacob proposes an honest solution. He will take all the speckled, spotted, and brown animals as his wages. Laban agrees, but then sneaks off and removes every single one of those animals from the flock. He sends them three days away, leaving Jacob with almost nothing to work with.

Jacob is being cheated. Again.

So Jacob uses a method people believed in back then. He takes tree branches, peels stripes into them, and places them where the animals mate. It was a common ancient belief that what an animal (or woman) saw during conception could influence the offspring’s appearance. Jacob is doing the only thing he knows to do.

But in the next chapter, we find out the truth:

It wasn’t the sticks or superstition that helped him.

It was God’s intervention the entire time.

God was quietly providing for Jacob in the middle of deception and unfair treatment, and He does the same for us! 

Genesis 30 reminds us that:

People will compete with you.

People will misunderstand you.

People may even cheat you.

People may get what you desperately want before you do.

But none of that stops God’s plan for you.

Read these slowly and let them sink in.

Rachel’s jealousy didn’t speed up her blessing. 

Leah’s striving didn’t make Jacob love her more.

Laban’s deceit didn’t block Jacob’s increase.

The superstition didn’t produce the flock.

God did.

And He still does.

When life feels unfair and when everyone else seems to be blessed except you…

When you’re trying to “fix” what only God can fix…

Remember this chapter. 

God sees. He remembers, and He provides. 

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Genesis Chapter 31

“Jacob Honored God and God Honored Jacob”

(Read Genesis Chapter 31 First) 

Genesis 31 is a chapter with a lot of tension, but also full of God’s tender protection over His children. When we slow down and really look at the details, there are so many life lessons tucked into this story. There are lessons about God’s timing, God’s justice, and knowing when it’s time to walk away from a place where you’ve been mistreated.

Jacob heard Laban’s sons grumbling. He noticed Laban’s whole attitude toward him had changed. Isn’t it something when God lets us feel the shift in a relationship? It was once peaceful but then became strained.

God spoke to Jacob and told him:

“Return to the land of thy fathers… and I will be with thee.”

God never tells us to go without promising to go with us.

Jacob calls Leah and Rachel to come out to the field so he could talk to them about leaving their homeland. Jacob didn’t sit in that field and hash out every wrong Laban had done.

He said, “Your father deceived me…but God did not allow him to hurt me.”

Let me just pause and say this:

**Stop magnifying what people have done to you…

and start magnifying what God has done for you.**

No one can block the blessing God has for you. 

In Jacob’s dream, the angel of the Lord said:

“I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.”

You may feel overlooked…But God sees.

You may feel taken advantage of…But God keeps perfect records.

You may feel like someone got away with something…But they didn’t get away from God’s eyes.

And the good news is…Not only does God see the injustice, but He also responds. 

God reminded Jacob:

“You anointed the pillar, and you vowed a vow unto Me.”

God never forgets the moments when we commit our lives to Him. Jacob honored God at Bethel and now God said, “It’s time to go. I’m with you.”

Obedience even years ago can open doors today.

Rachel and Leah agreed: “There’s nothing here for us anymore.”

They said:

“All the riches that should have been ours…God has given to you.”

So, they decided to leave quietly.  Jacob didn’t announce he was leaving.

He didn’t try to explain or justify himself. He didn’t choose to argue. He just  obeyed what God told him to do. 

Rachel stole her father, Laban’s idols.  Her secret theft reminds us that:

• Not everyone around you is doing right.

• God protects us even from things we don’t know are happening.

Jacob had no idea she took them, but God still shielded him.

Laban decides to chase Jacob down, but God stops him!

God told Laban in a dream,

“Do not speak to Jacob either good or bad.”

Isn’t it amazing how God will speak to the very person who means you harm?

Some of the battles you never knew about were won in the night, while you slept, because God warned the enemy to back off.

When Laban and his brothers catch up to them, Laban searches the tents for his gods and when they are not found, Jacob finally stands up for himself after 20 years.

He says, in essence:

“I have served you faithfully. I have worked day and night.

You changed my wages ten times.

If God hadn’t seen the injustice, then I would have nothing.”

I’m glad Jacob had the opportunity to speak the truth to Laban. 

Then, Laban tries to take ownership of everything.

He says:

“These daughters are mine, these children are mine, these flocks are mine…”

This is what manipulators do. They claim ownership over what God has blessed you with.

But notice this:

Laban couldn’t stop Jacob from leaving because God had already ordained Jacob’s freedom.

Finally, they come to an agreement. They build a heap of stones that will act as a boundary between the two men. 

They agree that neither will cross the stones to harm the other.

Sometimes when there is strife you need to set a boundary.

The chapter ends with peace! 

Laban kisses his daughters and grandchildren and goes home.

The season is officially over.

God removed Jacob from a toxic environment, honors him, protects him, blesses him, and sets him on the path toward the promise.

Life Application: 

• Listen for God’s direction.

• When others deceive you, remember God sees and will defend you.

• When God says “go,” He also says, “I am with you.”

• Let God handle your vindication. He’s better at justice than we are.

Week 23 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis: Post Eleven

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our eleventh devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 23 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Focus: Genesis 27 – 29

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 27 – “A Messy Family Story”

Chapter 28 – “Jacob’s Ladder”

Chapter 29 – “Unexpected” 

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.” Genesis 28:15

Genesis Chapter 27

“A Messy Family Story”

(Read Genesis Chapter 27 First) 

Genesis 27 is one of those chapters that feels messy and complicated. It’s full of family tension, favoritism, deception, anger, fear, and heartbreak. And honestly…that makes it a chapter that hits real life more than we may want to admit.

Isaac was old, blind, and knew his days were numbered. He called for Esau, his oldest son, wanting to give him the blessing that traditionally belonged to the firstborn. He told Esau to go hunting for a deer, prepare his favorite meal, and then Isaac would bless him.

But Rebekah overheard them and everything changes. 

She went straight to Jacob with a plan to secure the blessing for him instead. Whether she remembered God’s prophecy during her pregnancy that “the elder shall serve the younger,” or whether she simply wanted this outcome, she pushed Jacob into deceiving his father. Jacob was hesitant because he feared being caught and receiving a curse rather than a blessing. Rebekah answered:

“Upon me be thy curse, my son. Only obey my voice.”

That sentence alone shows how determined she was.

Rebekah gave Jacob Esau’s clothing to put on and she placed goat skins on his hands and neck because Esau was a hairy man and Jacob was smooth. She prepared the meal and sent Jacob in to his father. 

Isaac felt uncertain that it was truly Esau. “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau”, but he went through with it. He touched Jacob, smelled Esau’s garments, and finally gave Jacob the blessing that was meant for Esau.

The blessing included:

• Dew of heaven and fatness of the earth

• Plenty of corn and wine

• Nations and people serving him

• Dominion over his brothers

• Protection: Those who cursed him would be cursed; those who blessed   him would be blessed

In other words, Jacob was receiving the inheritance, the authority, the prosperity, and the spiritual blessing of the covenant line.

As soon as Jacob was gone, Esau walked in.

That moment is heartbreaking. Isaac trembled violently when he realized what had happened. Esau cried an “exceedingly great and bitter cry” and begged, “Bless me, even me also, O my father.”

But Isaac couldn’t undo what he had spoken.

The blessing he gave Esau was very different. He would live by the sword, serve his brother for a time, and eventually break free. Esau left in hatred and rage and began planning to kill Jacob.

Rebekah heard of the plan and immediately told Jacob to run to her brother Laban until Esau’s anger cooled. I love the little wisdom tucked in verse 44:

“…until thy brother’s fury turn away.”

It’s a reminder for us today that…

Anger cools down with time and space.

Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is step back, pause, and let emotions settle down. 

To cover Jacob’s sudden departure, Rebekah told Isaac she was weary of the local Hittite women and didn’t want Jacob to marry someone from there. This would lead into the events of the next chapter.

Life Applications We Can Learn From This Chapter:

No one in this chapter looks perfect…not Isaac, not Rebekah, not Jacob, and not Esau. But God still worked through every piece of this story. Here are some lessons we can carry into our own lives:

1. God’s plans stand

God had already spoken that the older would serve the younger. God’s purposes still unfolded. We can trust God’s plan without forcing our own.

2. Deception comes with consequences.

Jacob got the blessing, but he also had to run from home, broke his relationship with his brother, and lived years in fear and exile.

Sin may “work,” but it never works well.

3. Favoritism tears relationships apart.

Isaac favored Esau. Rebekah favored Jacob.

This caused division, secrecy, and heartbreak.

God desires for us to be fair, honest, and have unity within our families.

4. Emotions take time to cool.

Rebekah’s advice is still true today:

“Until thy brother’s fury turn away.”

Sometimes stepping back is the wisest move to make in a disagreement.

5. God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect will.

Genesis 27 reminds us that God doesn’t work only through neat, polished situations. He works through flawed people and bad decisions.

There is hope for us too, because we will make mistakes.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Where am I tempted to “force” something instead of trusting God’s   timing?

• Are there relationships in my life where favoritism or comparison   has created division?

• Do I need to step back and let anger cool.. either my anger or someone   else’s?

• How can I trust God more deeply with the messy parts of my story?

Your story doesn’t have to be perfect for God to fulfill His purpose.

He is still faithful even when we falter.

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Genesis Chapter 28

“Jacob’s Ladder”

(Read Genesis Chapter 28 First) 

In Genesis 28, we have family tension, mistakes being made, people trying to fix things their own way, and someone else just trying to run toward the future God has for them. Honestly… again, it sounds a lot like real life.

Isaac sends Jacob away to find a wife from Rebekah’s family instead of marrying among the Canaanites. He blesses Jacob, prays over him, and reminds him of the promises God made to Abraham. Meanwhile, Esau sees all of this and realizes, a little too late, that his choices haven’t lined up with his parents’ wishes. So he tries to “fix it” by marrying one of Ishmael’s daughters, hoping it’ll make things better.

We probably can all relate to this part of Esau’s life where he does something reactive, something he hoped would patch up what’s broken, but it never really reaches the root of the issue.

But then the story switches to Jacob.

Jacob is on his way to Padan-aram. He isn’t at home anymore, but he’s not yet reached his destination of his uncle’s home. He’s tired, alone, traveling on foot, and sleeping with a rock for a pillow. (… I cannot imagine using a stone for a pillow)

And that’s exactly where God shows up.

Jacob dreams of a ladder stretching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Then the LORD stands above it, speaking promises of what He told Abraham and Isaac, but this time, with something added:

“I am with thee… I will keep thee… I will bring thee again into this land.”

Right there, in the middle of nowhere, God tells Jacob:

“I see you. I’m with you. I’m going to protect you. And I’m bringing you back home.”

What a reminder that God doesn’t wait until we get our lives together to meet us. 

Jacob wakes up afraid and amazed. He realizes God wasn’t just with Abraham. God wasn’t just with Isaac. God is with him, personally. And something changes in him. He takes the stone he slept on, sets it up as a memorial, and names the place Bethel which means “house of God.”

Then he makes a vow: that if God would guard him, provide for him, and bring him home in peace, then the LORD would be his God and not just the God of his family. He even commits to giving God a tenth of whatever blessings come his way. You can tell that he does this out of love and honor, trusting that God will do what He revealed to him in his dream. 

I love this because so many of us have “heard about” God through other people like parents, grandparents, pastors, etc…but God wants to be our God too. He wants a personal relationship, not an inherited one. 

And He meets us in the most unexpected places to remind us of that.

Maybe today you feel like Jacob. You’re somewhere between where you came from and where you hope you’re going. Maybe life feels uncomfortable, uncertain, or a little lonely.

Genesis 28 reminds us of this:

God is with you.

He will keep you.

He will provide for you.

And He will bring you where you need to be.

Just like Jacob, we can look back on seasons where God showed up in the middle of our mess and say, “Surely the Lord is in this place.”

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Genesis Chapter 29 

“Unexpected”

(Read Genesis Chapter 29 First)

Genesis 29 picks up right where Jacob left off. He was traveling alone and following the direction God had given him. After miles and miles of walking, he finally reaches a field with a well where several flocks of sheep are gathered. The shepherds are all just sitting around waiting.

And the reason they’re waiting is interesting. In those days, wells were often covered with a large stone. It kept the water clean, protected it from animals or debris, and prevented anyone from taking more than their portion. But it wasn’t opened until all the flocks arrived so the water could be shared fairly. It was a system that protected resources and kept peace among the shepherds.

Jacob walks right into the middle of this little scene and starts asking questions, and it turns out that these shepherds know exactly who his uncle Laban is and they tell him Laban is doing well. And while they’re talking, here comes Rachel, Laban’s daughter, walking toward the well with her father’s sheep.

Talk about perfect timing.

In verse 7 the shepherds say, “Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time…” In other words, it’s not time to move the stone yet. We’re still waiting on the rest of the flocks.

I stopped here and thought…isn’t it just like God to step into our lives at moments that don’t look like the “right time”? A moment that looks ordinary or maybe even inconvenient… ends up being the doorway to something God planned all along.

Jacob sees Rachel and immediately steps up. He rolls the stone away himself and waters her flock. Then he cries, kisses her, and tells her he’s family. She runs home and tells her father, Laban comes running back, and before long Jacob is living with them as part of the household.

After about a month, Laban tells Jacob he shouldn’t work for free, and asks what wages he’d like. Jacob isn’t afraid to tell him exactly what… or should I say who…he wants. He loves Rachel and offers to work seven years in exchange for marrying her. Scripture says those seven years “seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.” I love that detail! Love can make hard work feel light.

But then comes a twist no one saw coming.

On the wedding night, Laban gives Jacob Leah instead of Rachel. Jacob wakes up the next morning and I can’t  imagine the shock, confusion, and betrayal he felt. Laban excuses it by saying their custom required the older daughter to marry first. Then he tells Jacob he can have Rachel too… after Leah’s bridal week is fulfilled.

“Fulfill her week” simply means honoring the seven-day wedding celebration that was customary for a bride. Jacob had to devote that bridal week to Leah before he could marry Rachel. But even though he married Rachel one week later, he still had to serve seven more years for her.

You can feel the heartbreak all around. Leah, who wasn’t chosen first, and Jacob, who was deceived by someone he trusted. Yet in the tension of all of this, God shows up again.

Verse 31 says, “When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”

This is where God reminds us that He sees the unfair, the frustrating, the disappointing, the lonely places we can be in. Leah didn’t have Jacob’s heart… but she had God’s attention. And He began blessing her with sons.

Every time Leah had a child, she expressed her heart:

• Reuben:“The LORD hath looked upon my affliction.” His name means “Behold, a son.”

• Simeon: “The LORD hath heard that I was hated.” His name means “hear with your ear.”

• Levi: “Now this time my husband will be joined unto me.” His name means “joined as one”

• Judah: “Now will I praise the LORD.” His name means “praise.”

Leah longed to be loved by Jacob, and you can feel her pain in each statement. But after the birth of Judah, instead of focusing on what she wished she had, she chose to praise the Lord for what she did have.

God used the son she named “praise” to eventually bring forth the lineage of Jesus Christ Himself.

God saw her, honored her, and worked through her.

And He still does this today.

Maybe today you feel overlooked like Leah… or disappointed like Jacob… or waiting like Rachel. Maybe you’re in a season that doesn’t feel fair or doesn’t feel like it’s “the right time.”

Genesis 29 reminds us that:

• God is working even when people fail us.

• God’s timing doesn’t have to make sense to us to be perfect.

• God sees the one who feels unseen.

• God brings purpose out of situations that feel all wrong.

And sometimes, like Leah, our breakthrough begins when our focus changes from what we wish would change to praising God for who He is.

You don’t have to fight for attention, force timing, or fix what someone else broke. God sees and He knows. And He is already working behind the scenes to bring about His plan in your life too.

Week 22 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis: Post Ten

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our tenth devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 22 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Focus: Genesis 25 – 26

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 25 – “A Blessed Life Like Abraham” 

Chapter 26 – God’s Blessing and Peace”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.” Genesis 26:24 

Genesis Chapter 25

“A Blessed Life Like Abraham”

(Read Genesis Chapter 25 First) 

When I first read Genesis 25, I was honestly shocked to learn that Abraham married again and had more children after Sarah’s death. He was already so old! But when you live to be 175 years old, that does change what we think of as “old age.” His new wife, Keturah, bore him six more sons.

Even though Abraham had all these other children, the Bible says he gave Isaac all that he possessed. The others received gifts and were sent away, but Isaac inherited the covenant promise. 

Then verse 8 really spoke to me:

“Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.”

— Genesis 25:8 (KJV)

That is such a picture of a blessed life. That’s exactly what I want for my family and myself. I pray we live fully, die at peace, and one day be gathered together with those in heaven. 

When we look at Abraham’s heart and life, we see why Scripture calls him “the friend of God.” Let’s take a closer look at some of the traits that may have led to his blessings.

1. Faith and Obedience

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed…”

— Hebrews 11:8 (KJV)

Abraham trusted God even when he didn’t understand the plan. He left everything familiar simply because God said “Go.”

2. Belief in God’s Promises

“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

— Genesis 15:6 (KJV)

He believed God would do what He said even when it seemed impossible, like having Isaac at 100 years old.

3. Humility and Dependence on God

“And Abraham fell on his face: and God talked with him…”

— Genesis 17:3 (KJV)

Abraham approached God with humility and reverence. He knew every blessing came from the Lord, not his own effort.

4. Peacefulness and Generosity

“Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee… for we be brethren.”

— Genesis 13:8 (KJV)

When conflict came between him and Lot, Abraham chose peace over pride. He gave Lot first choice of the land, trusting that God would still take care of him. That’s the kind of strength that honors God.

5. Hospitality and Kindness

“And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him…”

— Genesis 18:2 (KJV)

Abraham was quick to serve others even if they were strangers. That heart of hospitality brought blessing; it was during that encounter that the Lord promised Isaac’s birth.

6. Intercession and Compassion

“Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?”

— Genesis 18:23 (KJV)

Abraham cared about people, even the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. His prayers for others tell us that he had a heart that reflected God’s mercy.

7. Willingness to Sacrifice

“And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.”

— Genesis 22:10 (KJV)

Abraham was willing to give up his most precious blessing to obey God. His obedience showed that his relationship with God mattered more than anything else.

8. Faithfulness Throughout His Life

“Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years…”

— Genesis 25:8 (KJV)

A long, peaceful life was the fruit of walking faithfully with God for many years. Abraham trusted, obeyed, and worshiped through every season and God rewarded him with a full, blessed life.

Abraham was buried with Sarah in the cave of Machpelah, and after his death, Scripture lists the sons of Ishmael, his son by Hagar. I love how verse 16 connects back to God’s earlier promise:

“And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful… twelve princes shall he beget.”

— Genesis 17:20 (KJV)

And sure enough, Genesis 25:16 says,

“These are the sons of Ishmael… twelve princes according to their nations.”

Cold chills! God keeps every single promise.

Then we see Isaac praying earnestly for Rebekah, because she was barren for twenty years.

“And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife… and the LORD was intreated of him.”

— Genesis 25:21 (KJV)

This shows the power of sincere prayer. When our hearts are humble and full of faith, God truly does hear us. Rebekah conceived not one baby but two! 

When the babies struggled within her, Rebekah asked God what was happening, and the Lord told her that two nations were in her womb and the older would serve the younger. Those twins, Esau and Jacob, would grow into very different men and their story reminds us that God’s purposes are often carried out in ways we don’t expect.

Later in the chapter, Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup.

He was so focused on satisfying his hunger that he gave away his sacred inheritance and blessing as firstborn.

This is a powerful warning for us today to not trade our spiritual blessings for temporary satisfaction. The world will always tempt us to choose what feels good right now instead of what’s eternal and right before God.

Real-Life Application

Abraham’s story, and this whole chapter, reminds me that a blessed life isn’t about having everything easy or perfect. It’s about walking with God in faith, obedience, humility, and prayer.

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Genesis Chapter 26

“God’s Blessing and Peace”

(Read Genesis Chapter 26 First) 

In Genesis chapter 26, Isaac and Rebekah find themselves facing a famine, just like Abraham and Sarah once did. They needed somewhere to go for food, so they traveled to Gerar. And the LORD appeared to Isaac.

God told him something very specific:

“Don’t go down to Egypt. Stay where I tell you to stay.”

Then, God promised Isaac blessing, multiplication, land, and the fulfillment of every oath God made to his father, Abraham.

And then comes one of my favorite verses:

“Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” (Genesis 26:5.)

It’s like God is saying to me… “Do you want to know why I bless? Do you want to know how to be blessed yourself?”

He answers it plainly…Because Abraham obeyed.

He obeyed God’s voice, God’s charge, His commandments, His statutes, and His laws.

I feel like the LORD is telling us today from his Word…

“Do what My Word tells you to do, and you will walk in blessing.”

And Isaac does just that. He stays in Gerar.

Then, history repeats itself. 

Just like Abraham once did, Isaac became fearful for his life because of his wife’s beauty. Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister in Egypt, and now Isaac tells the men of Gerar the same thing about Rebekah.

After a long while, the truth comes out when King Abimelech sees Isaac flirting and playing with Rebekah through a window. His cover was blown!

Abimelech confronts him, warns everyone not to touch them, and God protects Isaac in spite of his lie.

Aren’t you thankful God blesses us even when we mess up?

Isaac stays obedient. He plants crops during a famine, and in the same year, he receives one hundredfold. God was blessing him so clearly and the Philistines became jealous. Isaac grows so prosperous that Abimelech finally asks him to leave.

Isaac moves on to the valley of Gerar. There he begins to re-dig his father’s wells that the Philistines had covered up, and he names them what Abraham named them. 

One well brings strife.

The herdmen claim it.

So Isaac moves on.

Another well…more arguing.

So he moves again.

Finally, a well with no fighting, no claiming, no striving.

Isaac knows:

“This is the place God will bless me.” He says, “…For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” (Genesis 26:22)

And what a beautiful life lesson we can see through Isaac and the wells…Where there is constant strife, God may be calling you to adjust something in your life. Where there is peace, God can plant you and bless you.

Isaac goes to Beersheba, and the LORD appears again:

“And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said,

I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.”

“Fear not… I am with thee… I will bless thee.”

Isaac responds with four things:

• He builds an altar

• Calls on the name of the Lord

• Pitches his tent

• Digs a well

He is planting his life where God wants him.

In this next section, we will see that people will see God’s hand on you. 

Abimelech and his officials come to visit Isaac. Isaac is basically like,

“Why are you here? You sent me away.”

But look at their answer:

“We saw that the LORD is certainly with you.”

God makes even your enemies recognize His protection over you.

They ask for peace and a covenant because they fear the hand of God on Isaac’s life.

Isaac prepares a feast and they all enjoy it together. They leave in peace.

And that same day, Isaac’s servants hit water in the well they were digging. Another blessing! 

God is confirming His promise over and over.

The chapter closes with Esau marrying two Hittite women, and the Bible says this was a grief to Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:34–35). It reminds me of how Abraham carefully sent for a wife for Isaac from his own people. 

Ending / Closing Reflection:

As we see in Genesis 25–26, a blessed life isn’t about perfection or having everything easy. It’s about faithfully walking with God, trusting His guidance, obeying His commands, and resting in His promises.

Isaac’s story teaches us that:

• Peace can be a sign of God’s favor. Where there is strife, God may be   calling you to adjust, but where there is peace, He can plant and bless you.

• God can protects us, even when we make mistakes or feel uncertain.

• God’s blessings are often tied to obedience, trust, and patience.

Take a moment to reflect: Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to trust Him more fully? Are you seeking His peace instead of striving in conflict? Are you planting your life where He can bless it?

Week 21 of the Devotional Series 

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The Study of Genesis: Post Nine

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our ninth devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 21 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Focus: Genesis 22 – 24

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 22 – “God Tests the Heart”

Chapter 23 – “This is Home”

Chapter 24 – “I Will Go”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.” Genesis 24:58

Genesis Chapter 22

“God Tests the Heart”

(Read Genesis Chapter 22 First) 

Genesis 22 opens by telling us that after Abraham had lived in the land of the Philistines for a long time, God decided to test him. God asked him to take his son, Isaac, whom he loved, and go to the land of Moriah to offer him as a burnt offering.

I had to remind myself what a burnt offering meant to God. It symbolized complete worship and devotion. The entire sacrifice was burned up and nothing was held back. It was also offered as atonement for sin, but most importantly, it showed that the worshiper belonged wholly to the Lord.

In other words, God was testing whether Abraham truly loved Him above everything, even the son he had waited so long for.

Abraham obeyed without hesitation. He got up early the next morning, gathered everything needed, and set out to do what God commanded. When he saw the place in the distance, he told the two young men traveling with him to stay behind while he and Isaac went on to worship.

That detail of the two young men made me curious. Why did he bring them? Maybe for help with the supplies or the journey, but then I thought it could have a deeper meaning…it shows Abraham’s faith. He told them, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you” (v. 5). Even before climbing the mountain, Abraham believed somehow that both he and Isaac would return. (Hebrews 11:19 later tells us that Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead.)  After all, it was through Isaac that God had promised to bless and multiply Abraham’s seed, and Abraham had faith that God would keep His word.

Then came the part that always touches my heart. Isaac carried the wood for the offering, while Abraham carried the fire and the knife. As they climbed, Isaac asked, “Father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

And Abraham replied with one of the most beautiful foreshadowing lines in all of Scripture:

“My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” (Genesis 22:8)

And He did. First for Abraham when he provided a ram caught in the thicket, and later for all of us, when He gave His Son Jesus, the Lamb of God, to die in our place.

When they reached the place, Abraham built the altar, arranged the wood, tied Isaac, and laid him upon it. Just as he raised the knife, the angel of the Lord called out from heaven, telling him not to harm the boy. Abraham had proven that he feared and trusted God fully.

This moment reveals so much about God and our relationship with Him. God doesn’t desire our pain; He desires our hearts. He wants to know that nothing, not even the dearest blessing, comes before Him.

It made me stop and ask: Is God truly first in my life? Do I love Him more than anything or anyone else? In any healthy relationship, you spend time together, talk, and get to know each other deeply. If we aren’t doing that with God, we can’t say He’s first.

Let’s look at some practical ways to put God first in our lives: 

1. Start your day with Him.

Before checking your phone or starting your to-do list, pause to pray and read the Bible. Just a few quiet moments with God can set the tone for your whole day.

2. Seek His will before making decisions.

Ask, “Lord, what would You have me do?” It keeps your heart aligned with His.

3. Tithe and give with trust.

Like Abraham offering his best, give to God first, not from what’s left. It reminds us that everything we have belongs to Him.

4. Obey even when it’s uncomfortable.

Sometimes putting God first means saying “yes” when it’s hard, or letting go of something we want.

5. Keep worship and prayer at the center.

Whether at church or in your kitchen, take time to worship.

6. Guard your heart and mind.

Be careful what you allow in. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think on what is true, pure, lovely, and good.

7. Love others intentionally.

Show God’s love through kindness, patience, and forgiveness

8. Rest in Him.

Sometimes putting God first means slowing down, trusting that He’s in control even when you’re not doing it all.

9. Keep a thankful heart.

Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what God’s already done. Try ending each day with three things you’re thankful for.

10. Stay rooted in His Word.

The more we know Scripture, the more our choices align with His word. The Bible becomes our compass.

After Abraham’s test, he looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket. He offered it instead of Isaac and then the angel of the Lord spoke again, declaring that because Abraham obeyed and was willing to give up his only son, God would bless him and multiply his descendants.

Did you notice that? Willingness brings blessing.

Verse 18 says it beautifully:

“And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.”

Abraham’s story reminds us that obedience and faith open the door to blessing and not just for us but for generations to come.

Reflection: 

Is there something God is asking you to surrender? Maybe it’s a dream you’ve been holding onto, or a plan for your life that’s taken first place in your heart. God doesn’t ask us to let go to hurt us. He does it to draw us closer, to remind us that He alone can take first place again.

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Genesis Chapter 23

“This is Home”

(Read Genesis Chapter 23 First) 

We come now to the death of Sarah. She was 127 years old when she died.

In verse 2, we read:

“And Sarah died in Kirjath-arba (the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan): and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.”

I’ve never noticed this before, but that phrase “Abraham came to mourn for Sarah” makes me wonder if they were living apart at the time of her death. The previous chapter ended with Abraham dwelling in Beersheba (Genesis 22:19), while Sarah died in Hebron. Scripture doesn’t tell us why, but it’s an interesting detail. They were a real husband and wife who had gone through trials, tests, and moves for decades.

Even in Abraham’s grief, he shows deep honor and faith. He rises up, speaks respectfully to the people of the land, and negotiates a permanent burial site for Sarah. The Hittites call him a “mighty prince” among them, showing how much his integrity and faith had earned their respect.

Abraham asks for the cave of Machpelah, owned by Ephron the son of Zohar. Though Ephron initially offers to give it as a gift, Abraham insists on paying full price which was four hundred shekels of silver. He doesn’t want to owe anyone or receive the land by favor. He wants it legally his.

That’s significant because this becomes the first recorded piece of land Abraham ever owned in Canaan… the very land God had promised to give him and his descendants. Even though he still lived as a foreigner, Abraham planted his faith right there in that field. By burying Sarah in Canaan, I think he was thinking..’This is home. This is the land God promised us.’ We will see later that Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah were all buried here in the same cave as well.

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Genesis Chapter 24

“I Will Go”

(Read Genesis Chapter 24 First) 

Now Abraham was old, and the LORD had kept His promise to bless him. I love how verse one says, “The LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.”

Abraham called his eldest servant, the one who ruled over all that he had, and asked him to put his hand under his thigh, which was how they made a serious oath in those days. This kind of vow was deeply personal and sacred. Abraham wanted his servant to swear that he would not take a wife for Isaac from among the Canaanites but instead go to Abraham’s homeland and find a wife from his kindred.

The servant asked a reasonable question: what if the woman would not be willing to come back? Should he then take Isaac back to Abraham’s country? But Abraham was adamant that Isaac should not go. The LORD had brought Abraham out of that land and promised Canaan to his descendants, so Isaac was to stay in the land of promise.

After they made the oath, the servant gathered his camels and men and set out for the city of Nahor. When he arrived, he stopped by a well at evening time, knowing the women would come to draw water. There, he prayed. I love that he didn’t rush ahead or rely on his own wisdom, but paused and sought the LORD’s help. He asked God to show kindness to his master Abraham and to give him success in his task.

He even asked specifically that the chosen girl would say, “Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also.” That would be the sign that God had appointed her. Before he even finished praying, Rebekah came to the well and said those very words. I love that God is so good at answering prayers before we’ve even finished speaking them?

Rebekah was beautiful, kind, and hardworking. She was also from Abraham’s own family line. After she finished watering his camels, the servant gave her a golden earring and two bracelets and asked if there was room for them to stay at her home. When she said yes, the servant bowed his head and worshipped the LORD.

I had to stop and think…How often do I move from one blessing to the next without pausing to bow my head and worship the LORD? His faithfulness deserves our daily gratitude.

Rebekah ran home to tell her family, and her brother Laban came out to greet the servant, calling him “thou blessed of the LORD.” I love their hospitality! They gave water for the camels, water for washing, and food for the men. Such a simple, generous welcome. It reminded me how meaningful it is to make our homes warm and ready for others. Also to be quick to offer comfort, food, or a listening ear. Hospitality doesn’t have to be fancy just full of love.

The servant told Rebekah’s family the whole story of how Abraham sent him, how he prayed, and how the LORD answered in such perfect detail. Laban and Bethuel responded, “The thing proceedeth from the LORD.” They recognized that this was God’s doing, and they agreed to let Rebekah go. Once again, the servant bowed down to the ground and worshipped the LORD.

He gave Rebekah gifts of gold, silver, and fine clothing and also gave precious things to her family. They all ate, drank, and rejoiced together. The next morning, when the servant asked to leave, Rebekah’s family wanted her to stay a few more days, and who could blame them? They must have loved her dearly. But they said, “Let us call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.” When Rebekah was asked if she would go, she said simply, “I will go.”

Before she left, her family blessed her with beautiful words:

“Be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.”

It’s the same blessing God gave Abraham in Genesis 22. I love that this was a sign that His covenant promises were unfolding right before their eyes.

As they traveled, Isaac went out into the field to meditate in the evening. When he looked up, he saw the camels coming. Rebekah lifted her eyes, saw Isaac, and quickly got down from her camel. When she learned it was him, she took her veil and covered herself. This tells us that she was modest and reverent. 

Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife, and he loved her. What a beautiful ending to this story of faith and obedience.

Reflections and Life Applications:

• Pray with purpose. Like Abraham’s servant, bring your specific requests to God. He cares about the details. 

• Pause to worship. Don’t rush past God’s blessings. Take time to bow  your head and thank Him. 

• Be ready to go when God calls. Rebekah’s willingness to say “I will go” challenges us to obey God quickly, even when the future is unknown.

• Practice hospitality. Open your heart and home to others. Small acts of kindness can reflect the heart of Christ in a powerful way.

• Prepare yourself for your Bridegroom. Rebekah’s story is a picture of the Church’s relationship with Christ. We are called to leave our old life, follow where He leads, and clothe ourselves in humility as we await His return.

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for giving Your Son Jesus, the Lamb of God, to die in our place. I’m so glad that You desire our hearts. We were reminded that You want to know that we put nothing before You. Help us to remember to apply the practical ways to put You first in our lives. Lord, we want to be willing to do what you want us to do. We know that willingness brings blessing. Bring to our minds things in our lives that we need to surrender. Help remind us not to rush ahead or rely on our own wisdom, but to pause and seek Your help. You are so good at answering prayers before we’ve even finished speaking them. Thank you so much for each and every blessing You’ve given me. Help us to be hospitable and make our homes warm and ready for others and be quick to offer comfort, food, a listening ear, and most of all…love.

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen

Week 20 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis: Post Eight

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our eighth devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 20 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Focus: Genesis 19 – 21

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 19 – “The Hand of Mercy”

Chapter 20 –  “Faith over Fear”

Chapter 21 – “Always Faithful”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.”    Genesis 21:1

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Genesis Chapter 19

“The Hand of Mercy”

(Read Genesis Chapter 19 First) 

We’re at the scene where the two angels who left Abraham’s tent have arrived in Sodom. Lot was sitting at the city gate when he saw them. This was a place of leadership and decision-making. He immediately rose to meet them and bowed with his face toward the ground (v. 1).

That amazes me. How did he know they were angels? Genesis 18 tells us the angels looked like men, but Lot must have sensed something holy about them since he responded with such reverence and urgency.

And this makes me think…as Christians, how we carry ourselves matters. When we live purely, peaceably, and have humility, others should sense the presence of God in us too. We can live in such a way that people can recognize something different without us even saying a word.

Lot begged the men to come to his home, wash their feet, and rest for the night. He knew the wickedness that filled the streets after dark and wanted to protect them. At first, they refused, saying they would stay in the streets, but Lot insisted. He served them a meal, but before they could rest, the men of the city surrounded the house, demanding that Lot bring out his guests.

This part of the story always grieves me. Lot went outside and pleaded with the mob not to do such wickedness. Lot was desperate and he even offered his two daughters instead. Had living in Sodom’s corruption affected Lot too? It’s a reminder that when we live too close to sin for too long, it dulls our sense of right and wrong.

When the men were closing in on Lot, the two angels reached out, pulled him inside, shut the door, and struck the men outside with blindness. God showed mercy on Lot. 

Then the angels told Lot to gather his family and flee because God was about to destroy the city. But when Lot warned his sons-in-law, they laughed and thought he was joking. How often do people treat God’s warnings the same way today? People think there’s still time to live however they please.

Morning came, and it shocked me to read that Lot lingered. That word really stood out to me. Why linger when destruction is very near? But then I thought…don’t we do the same sometimes? We may hold on to things that feel comfortable, easy, or we may even try to compromise when God is calling us to move forward?

Verse 16 paints one of the most beautiful pictures of God’s mercy:

“And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him.”

What a tender scene. God literally takes Lot by the hand and pulls him out of danger. It reminds me of how gently God sometimes deals with us when we hesitate. He reaches down in mercy, takes us by the hand, and leads us out.

Lot begged God to go to a nearby city instead of the mountains, and God graciously allowed it. But interestingly, Lot eventually ended up in the very mountains he tried to avoid. That’s such a clear reminder that God’s way is always best, even when we can’t see it at first. We often think we’re choosing the “easier” path, but eventually, obedience always leads us to where God wanted us in the first place.

When God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s wife disobeyed and looked back, turning into a pillar of salt. Was her heart still tied to what she left behind? We can learn from this and take it as a warning for us not to look back with longing at the things God has called us to leave. Obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Verse 27 stood out to me:

“And Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD.”

What a faithful habit. Abraham started his day in the presence of God, and it’s no wonder his life was marked by blessing. I want that kind of consistency of waking early, standing before the Lord, and interceding for others.

And in verse 29 we read,

“God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow.”

Lot was spared because of Abraham’s prayers. That tells me something powerful: intercession matters! Your prayers for your family, friends, and community may be what God uses to rescue them from harm. I want to be that kind of friend, like Abraham, someone who stands in the gap for others.

The chapter ends with Lot and his daughters alone in the mountains. The very place God told them to go in the first place. Sadly, fear and poor judgment lead the daughters to sin, and from that came two nations: the Moabites and Ammonites.

Life Application

• Don’t linger where God has called you to leave.

• Obedience may not always feel comfortable, but it’s always safest.

• Interceding for others can change their destiny.

• God’s plans are always better than the ones we insist on for ourselves.

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Genesis Chapter 20

“Faith over Fear ”

(Read Genesis Chapter 20 First) 

Abraham and Sarah find themselves once again on the move. When they arrive in Gerar, Abraham repeats a mistake we’ve already seen him make. He asks Sarah to say she’s his sister. Just like in Genesis 12, he’s letting fear drive his decisions. He’s convinced the people will kill him to have her.

It’s easy to wonder why Abraham didn’t learn the first time, but we do the same thing… Sometimes we trust God in one season and panic in the next. Fear makes us forget God’s faithfulness.

In this story, King Abimelech takes Sarah, not knowing she’s married, but God steps in. He appears to Abimelech in a dream and says, “You are a dead man… she is a man’s wife.” Abimelech pleads his case, saying he acted innocently, and God agrees, saying one of the most comforting lines in the chapter:

“Yes, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me.” (Genesis 20:6)

What a reminder that God is not only sovereign, but merciful. He sometimes steps in and keeps us from sinning and protecting us from situations we didn’t even see coming.

In the end, God restores everything. Abraham prays for Abimelech, and the Lord heals him and his household by opening the wombs He had closed. Even though Abraham failed, God still worked through him.

Maybe you’ve had a moment where you repeated something you thought you’d already overcome, or let fear take the lead again. Be encouraged: God had patience with Abraham and He’s able to extend the same patience to you.

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Genesis Chapter 21

“Always Faithful”

(Read Genesis Chapter 21 First) 

In this chapter, we see the Lord faithfully fulfilling the promise He made to Abraham and Sarah. God visited Sarah just as He said He would, and she conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age. They named him Isaac, meaning “laughter,” just as God commanded. I love verse 6, where Sarah basically says, “God has made me to laugh.” I can almost picture her smiling and choosing to laugh at God’s miracle instead of being overwhelmed by what others might think. It’s a reminder that when God does something amazing in our lives, others may not understand it, but we can still rejoice in it.

When Isaac was weaned, Abraham held a great feast to celebrate. But the joy was quickly interrupted when Sarah saw Hagar’s son, Ishmael, mocking. She demanded that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away. At first, this deeply grieved Abraham because Ishmael was his son too. It made me stop and wonder how much authority women had in those days to make such a request. But in verse 12, God steps in and tells Abraham to listen to Sarah because He would take care of Hagar and Ishmael too. Sometimes, God allows us to let go of something painful because He has a separate plan for it.

In verse 14, Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael off with bread and water. It’s worth noting that Ishmael wasn’t a little boy at this point even though the Bible says “child.” He was at least thirteen (see Genesis 17:25). The Bible often uses the word “child” differently than we do today, and this helps us picture the scene more clearly. When the water ran out in the wilderness, Hagar placed Ishmael under the shade of a shrub and walked away, unable to watch her son die. Her heart broke, and she lifted her voice and wept.

Next is my favorite part of the chapter. God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of the Lord called to Hagar from heaven and said, “Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.” Then, God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. He provided exactly what they needed in the moment they needed it most. When we feel hopeless, He can step in and open our eyes to the provision that’s already there.

Hagar and Ishmael survived, and Ishmael grew up to be an archer. God was with him, just as He promised.

Later, King Abimelech and his chief captain, Phichol, came to Abraham and said, “God is with you in everything you do.” That’s such a testimony of Abraham’s life. His faith was visible to others. They asked to make a peace agreement, and Abraham agreed but also confronted Abimelech about a well his servants had taken. Abimelech claimed he didn’t know about it, and they resolved the issue by making a covenant. Abraham gave Abimelech sheep and oxen, and he set aside seven lambs as a witness that he had dug the well himself. They named the place Beersheba.

Abraham then planted a grove, and called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. I love that image…

Life Application:

Even when we laugh in disbelief like Sarah, or when we’re sent into the wilderness like Hagar, or when we’re weary from long journeys like Abraham, God is faithful to provide for us, protect us, and keep His promises to us. And just like King Abimelech could see that “God is with you in all that you do,” may our lives also reflect the same faithfulness and favor of our everlasting God.

Week 19 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis: Post Seven 

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our seventh devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 19 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis 16 – 18 

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 16 – “When Waiting Feels too Hard”

Chapter 17 – “A Promise” 

Chapter 18 – “Is Anything too Hard for the LORD”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”  – Genesis 18:14

Genesis Chapter 16

“When Waiting Feels too Hard ”

(Read Genesis Chapter 16 First) 

Have you ever felt like God was taking too long to move in a situation in your life? Maybe you’ve prayed, waited, and believed… but still nothing seems to change. It’s in those moments of waiting that our faith is stretched and sometimes, like Sarai in Genesis 16, we’re tempted to take matters into our own hands.

At the start of this chapter, we find Sarai heartbroken because she hasn’t been able to have children. In her culture, this was considered one of life’s greatest blessings, and not being able to conceive often brought deep shame and sorrow. She says to Abram, “Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing.” (Genesis 16:2)

They viewed everything, even fertility, as being under God’s complete control. So when Sarai said this, I don’t believe she was blaming God. I think she was acknowledging His sovereignty. She recognized that life and blessing ultimately come from Him.

Still, her pain was real. And like so many of us do when we grow weary of waiting, she tried to help God out. She gave her maidservant Hagar to Abram, hoping that through her, they would have a child.

At first, it worked. Hagar conceived. But immediately, the plan backfired. The moment Hagar became pregnant, she began to despise Sarai, and I can image there was a lot of tension in the house. Sarai was hurt and angry, and she blamed Abram. Abram told her to do whatever she thought best, and Scripture says Sarai “dealt hardly with her.” The word “hardly” means harshly. She mistreated Hagar to the point that Hagar fled into the wilderness.

An angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the wilderness. He called her by name and asked, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go?” (v. 8)

He knew exactly who she was and where she was, but I believe He asked the question to get her to begin speaking from her heart. 

When she explained her situation, the angel told her to return and submit to Sarai. That must have been a hard instruction to hear…to go back to the very place she’d run from. But He also made her a promise…

“I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.” (v. 10)

Only God can make promises like that.

He also told her she was carrying a son and should name him Ishmael, meaning “God hears.” Then He said something so tender:

“Because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.” (v. 11)

What a comfort! The Lord heard her pain. He didn’t overlook her, even though she was an Egyptian slave, mistreated and alone.

Hagar’s response is one of the most beautiful moments in the chapter. She calls the Lord, “Thou God seest me” (v. 13). Then, in awe, she says, “Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?” In other words: Have I really just seen the God who sees me?

Hagar may have been unseen by everyone else, but she was deeply seen and known by God.

This story reminds me of how easy it is to rush God’s promises. Sarai wanted to have children, but she didn’t want to wait any longer. And in her impatience, she created a painful situation for everyone involved.

I’ve been there before…trying to “fix” things, to force a certain outcome, or to make a promise happen faster. And like Sarai, it usually leaves me more frustrated than before.

But even if we stray from God’s perfect plan, He doesn’t abandon us. He met Hagar right where she was. She had to feel alone, hurt, and afraid, but He reminded her that He sees her and hears her. He’s still that same God today.

Apply It Personally:

When was the last time you tried to hurry something God was asking you to wait on? Maybe it’s a relationship, a dream, a season of healing, or a prayer you’ve been praying for a long time.

Ask yourself:

• What is one area of my life where I’ve been tempted to take control   instead of trusting God’s timing?

• What would it look like to surrender that back to Him this week?

• How can I remind myself that He sees me and hears me, even in the   waiting?

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Genesis Chapter 17

“A Promise”

(Read Genesis Chapter 17 First) 

Fast forward thirteen years from the birth of Ishmael (Abram and Hagar’s son).  Abram is now ninety-nine years old when the LORD appears to him again and says,

“I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” (Genesis 17:1)

And how does Abram respond? He falls on his face. Such a humble and immediate act of reverence. His heart instantly recognized the need to surrender to God. 

God reminds Abram of His covenant that He would make him fruitful, that nations and kings would come from him, and that this covenant would be everlasting. But this time, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning “father of many nations.” God even changes Sarai’s name to Sarah, meaning “princess.”

The name changes are so touching to me because it’s as if God is giving them a fresh identity to go along with his promise. He’s about to do something new through them, so he wants to call them something fresh. Then God gives Abraham a sign of the covenant, circumcision, a physical reminder that Abraham and his descendants belonged to God. Today, it reminds me of the New Testament verse that tells us that God calls for a circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29). 

“But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

In other words, He wants our hearts to be set apart for Him. He wants us to be obedient, humble, and faithful.

When Abraham hears that Sarah will bear a son at ninety years old, he laughs. Can you imagine? After waiting so long, God’s promise was finally becoming real.

And I love that God takes time to address Abraham’s concern for Ishmael. He says tenderly,

“As for Ishmael, I have heard thee… I have blessed him.”

Even though Ishmael wasn’t the child of promise, God still had a plan and blessing for him. Isn’t that just like our Father? Merciful, personal, and attentive…not forgetting anyone.

Then, as soon as the LORD finishes speaking, Abraham obeys immediately. He and every male in his household are circumcised that same day. 

Life Application 

Genesis 17 reminds me of a few things we can think about in our own lives… 

God never forgets what He’s spoken even if years have passed and nothing seems to be happening.

Your commitment could be a step of surrender, a decision to trust again, or a willingness to stop and wait when you would rather act. Whatever it is, it’s proof that your heart belongs to Him.

So if you’re waiting on something today, remember this: God’s timing may not be what you expected, but His promises are never late.

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Genesis Chapter 18

“Is Anything too Hard for the LORD”

(Read Genesis Chapter 18 First) 

This chapter begins with the LORD appearing again to Abraham. He’s sitting in his tent on a hot day when he looks up and sees three men standing nearby. Without hesitation, Abraham runs to meet them, bows low, and humbly invites them to rest and be refreshed.

He says, “Let a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts” (Genesis 18:4–5).

I love that phrase…“comfort your hearts with bread.” Good food has always been such a real source of comfort and joy.  Abraham rushes to Sarah, telling her to quickly make cakes, then runs to the herd to prepare a tender calf, and serves the men bread, butter, milk, and meat. This whole scene feels so warm and personal. I love Abraham’s hospitality. 

Then the visitors ask about Sarah, and one of them tells Abraham that she will have a son. Sarah overhears and laughs to herself. She’s long past childbearing age, and the idea seems impossible. But the LORD, who knows our thoughts, asks Abraham, “Wherefore did Sarah laugh?”

That moment reminds me of how intimately God knows us.

The Bible is full of verses that tell us He knows our thoughts. He knows every motive, every secret, every unspoken word. Psalm 139:1–2 says He knows when we sit and rise; Jeremiah 17:10 says He searches the heart and tests the mind. Nothing within us is hidden from Him. Knowing that makes me want to guard my mind carefully, to keep my thoughts aligned with His truth and not my fears.

God knows our thoughts and He also knows our faith. He sees when we believe Him and when we struggle to. Like Jesus recognizing the faith of the friends who lowered the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:2), or seeing the faith of the centurion who believed He could heal with just a word (Matthew 8:10), the Lord knows exactly how much faith we have and how much we need to grow. He’s patient with us, just as He was with Sarah.

Then comes one of my favorite verses in the whole Bible:

“Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14)

It’s almost as if God is gently reminding Sarah, and all of us, that His power isn’t limited by anything, even though we may see it as an impossibility. He says He will return at the appointed time, and Sarah will have a son. And of course, He keeps His word perfectly.

Later, as the men rise to leave, the LORD reveals His plan to investigate the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah. He says the cry of the cities is very great and their sin is so severe that it has reached His ears. Even though God already knows everything, He says He will “go down and see” for Himself. That shows His justice and compassion. He draws near, observes, and acts righteously. The same God who heard the cry of Abel’s blood in Genesis 4 and the groaning of the Israelites in Exodus 2 still hears every cry today. Nothing escapes His notice.

Then Abraham does something so beautiful. He draws near to the LORD and begins to intercede. Humbly, he asks if God would spare the city for fifty righteous people, then forty, then thirty, then twenty, and finally ten. Each time, God agrees. That shows how merciful and patient our God is, willing to withhold judgment for the sake of even a few righteous hearts.

Life Application:

Genesis 18 teaches me several things I want to carry into my own walk with God:

• God’s timing is never late. Even when His promises seem impossible, He   will do what He has said.

• He knows our hearts completely. Nothing is hidden from Him.

• Abraham’s prayer reminds me that God welcomes bold, humble prayers   for others.

• He draws near to us when we cry out. He comes close to see and to act   in perfect love.

So today, whatever feels too hard, too delayed, or too heavy to fix, remember His question:

“Is any thing too hard for the LORD?”

Heavenly Father, 

We are so blessed that You hear us and that You don’t overlook us. Please forgive us when we have tried to rush a situation that wasn’t in Your timing. Help us to remember that when we try to interfere or push our own timelines it usually doesn’t end well for all involved. Help us to be patient in periods of waiting, knowing that Your plan will be better than anything we could dream up. Thank You so much for Your promises and Your perfect timing. Help us to guard our hearts and keep our thoughts aligned with the truth of Your Word. When someone in our lives needs prayer, may we come to You boldly on their behalf. We are so grateful that when we cry out to You that You draw near to us. We know there is nothing too hard for You.  

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen

Week 18 of the Devotional Series

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The Study Of Genesis – Post Six

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our sixth devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 18 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis 14 – 15 

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 14 – “Faith in Action” 

Chapter 15 – “God Can Bring us Out to Bring us in”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — 

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 

I Do – Watch Me Study

Genesis Chapter 14

“Faith in Action”

(Read Genesis Chapter 14 First) 

As we’re making our way through the Bible, we are going to find that some chapters are history lessons, and Genesis 14 is one of them. When I first read through it, it was mostly a story about kings and battles, but when you take a closer look, it’s full of lessons about courage, faith, and the kind of character God values.

The chapter opens with a power struggle. For twelve years, several kings had been serving a mighty ruler named Chedorlaomer. They finally grew tired of it and rebelled. Back then, you either served the stronger king or faced the consequences of death…and sure enough, Chedorlaomer came after them.

The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, and a few others banded together to fight back, but their battle took place in a valley filled with “slimepits. From what I’ve studied, these are like tar pits that people become trapped in. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fell into them, their soldiers fled to the mountains, and the enemy swept in and took everything: possessions, food, and even people. Among the captives was Abram’s nephew, Lot.

When Abram was notified of this, he didn’t hesitate to go after them. He gathered 318 trained men from his household and set out after the enemy. By night, Abram attacked and won. He brought back Lot, all the people, and every bit of what had been stolen.

After the victory, two kings came to meet him. The king of Sodom wanted to offer Abram the goods he’d recovered, and the king of Salem, Melchizedek, also a priest of the most high God, brought bread and wine and blessed Abram, saying:

“Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.” -Genesis 14:19–20

Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. This was a little unclear at first in Genesis 14:20, but after a little digging, I found that this was clarified in Hebrews 7:1-2 that says, “For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of peace; 

We don’t hear about Melchizedek again until Psalm 110 and later in the book of Hebrews, where he’s revealed as a picture of Christ. Like Melchizedek, Jesus is both King and Priest. He rules in righteousness and brings peace. And just as Melchizedek offered bread and wine, Jesus offered His own body and blood as the lasting covenant between God and His people. Melchizedek’s blessing over Abram points to the greater blessing that Christ gives us. Christ blesses us with deliverance and not just from our enemies like we see in Genesis 14, but also from sin and death itself.

After Melchizedek’s blessing, the king of Sodom tried to give Abram all the goods, but Abram refused. He told him, “I have lifted up mine hand unto the Lord… that I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet” (v. 22–23). Abram didn’t want anyone to say, “I made Abram rich.” I believe He wanted God alone to get the glory.

I love Abram’s heart here. Not only was he a man of faith, but he was also a man of action. When Lot was in trouble, Abram didn’t sit back and pray for someone else to go…he went himself.

And when he did succeed in retrieving Lot, he didn’t claim the credit or take advantage of it. He gave the glory to God. That’s the kind of quiet strength I want in my own life! I want to have the courage to act when God calls me, and the humility to give Him the glory when all ends well.

It’s also comforting to see that even though Abram wasn’t perfect (we’ve already seen his moments of fear and failure when he asked Sarai to lie to the Egyptians), God still used him mightily. What mattered most wasn’t perfection, but the direction of his heart.

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We Do – Let’s Study Together

Genesis Chapter 15

“God Can Bring us Out to Bring us in”

(Read Genesis Chapter 15 First) 

Genesis 15 opens with such comforting words:

“Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”  – Genesis 15:1

I love this promise…Not only that God would protect Abram, but that He Himself is the protection and the reward. The same is true for us.

God is our shield. Having God as our shield means He covers, guards, and defends us. That’s a great comfort, but notice something in the verses below…every time God is called a “shield,” there’s one thing expected from us first….TRUST

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.(Psalm 28:7)

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in him.” (2 Samuel 22:31)

We can’t hide behind His shield if we’re running in fear somewhere else. We must seek Him as our refuge, trust Him, and hope in Him. 

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)

God is also our reward as He tells us in Genesis 15:1. He promised to be Abram’s exceeding great reward. That means the greatest treasure wasn’t the land he was to own, the victory of winning battles, or the future family he was to have…It was God Himself.

“The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.” (Psalm 16:5)

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” (Psalm 73:26)

Abram’s reward was a person not a possession, and that is true for us today.  He is still the greatest thing we could ever gain.

Then we come to one of the most beautiful verses in all of Scripture:

“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

Abram simply believed God, and God credited that faith as righteousness. There wasn’t anything Abram had to do, except have faith.

This is so important that it’s repeated throughout the New Testament (Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, James 2:23). God values faith that believes what He says to be the absolute truth and faith to believe in what you cannot see. 

Verse 7 says, “I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.”

This verse made me think how many times has God brought me out of something that felt hard, confusing, or uncertain, only for me to later realize He was leading me into something better?

Maybe you’ve been in a season where God seemed to be making changes in your life. It might not make sense in the moment, but Genesis 15:7 reminds us that He could be bringing you out of something in order to bring you into something better.

It reminds me of when my husband and I prune my rose bush…it looks harsh to be chopping so much of it off,  but it’s the only way new blooms can grow. Or like cleaning out a cluttered room. It can feel uncomfortable, but it makes room for something beautiful.

When I feel like God is pulling me out of something, I want to pause and remember this: maybe what feels like loss is really the first step toward something He wants to give me. 

Later in the chapter, Abram asked God, “How shall I know that I shall inherit it?” (v. 8) In other words, How can I be sure You’ll really do what You said?

So God told Abram to prepare a covenant. Abram laid out the animal sacrifices, and as the sun went down, he fell into a deep, heavy sleep. Then something amazing happened:

“Behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.” (Genesis 15:17)

I studied that in ancient custom, both parties would walk between the divided pieces of animal together and say, “May what happened to these animals happen to me if I break my word.” But here’s what’s incredible: Did you notice when you read the chapter that Abram didn’t walk through. Only God did.

That means the covenant wasn’t dependent on Abram at all. It rested completely on God. God was saying, I will keep My promise, even if you fail. This is so beautiful because it points directly to Jesus and the penalty he paid alone for us.

So, when life feels uncertain and you wonder how His promises could possibly come true, remember this: God doesn’t just make promises. He keeps them. He kept this promise that started with Abram…all the way to the cross for you and me. 

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You Do – Apply It Personally

God’s Word always invites a response. Take time this week to sit with what you’ve learned from Genesis 14–15 and ask the Holy Spirit to make it personal for you.

Below are some prompts to help you reflect and journal:

Trusting Him as Your Shield

• In what area of your life do you need to trust God as your shield, protector and defender?

• Are you tempted to run for safety somewhere else (in worry, control, or self-reliance)?

• Write a prayer of surrender, inviting Him to be your refuge.

Treasuring Him as Your Reward

• What “rewards” in life have been competing for your attention lately?

• How might God be reminding you that He Himself is your exceeding great reward?

• Reflect on a time when His presence was enough even when circumstances weren’t what you hoped.

When God Brings You Out

• Can you think of a time when God “brought you out” of something? Maybe a situation, relationship, or season that was painful or confusing at the time, but later revealed His goodness?

• How might He be doing that now?

• Pray and thank Him for being the God who not only brings you out but also brings you in.

His Covenant 

• God walked the covenant path alone with Abram and it’s a picture of His   unbreakable promise to you. How does knowing that God keeps His word even when you falter bring you peace today?

• Write down one promise of God that you want to hold onto this week

Faith That Pleases God

• Genesis 15:6 says Abram “believed the LORD.”

  Where is God asking you to simply believe right now even when you can’t see the outcome?

• End your journal time with a prayer of faith…

  “Lord, I believe You are who You say You are, and You will do what You’ve promised.”

Closing Reflection

Throughout this week, remember:

God is your shield that covers you in every storm.

He is your reward and your treasure above all else.

And when He brings you out, it could be because He’s leading you into something better. He is the same faithful God who walked the path alone for Abram and for you and me.

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for keeping Your promises. You’ve kept every promise You have ever made. You are so faithful. I see how much you value trust…so much so that you counted in unto Abram for righteousness. Help us to trust you in everything we do. You will defend us, but we need to trust in You. Thank you for bringing us out of situations in order to bring us in to something better for us. Above all, we praise you for being our shield, our reward, and our treasure.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Week 17 of the Devotional Series 

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The Study of Genesis: Post Five

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our fifth devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 17 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis 10 – 11

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

  • Chapter 12 – “Altars of Faith and a God Who Rescues”
  • Chapter 13 – “Humility Leads to Blessing”
  • What I Saw God Do in Hephzibah, Georgia 

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33

I Do – Watch Me Study

Genesis Chapter 12

“Altars of Faith and a God Who Rescues”

(Read Genesis Chapter 12 First) 

God told Abram to leave Haran and go “unto a land that I will shew thee” (Gen. 12:1). Abram didn’t know the destination yet, he simply had to obey in faith. God also made Abram powerful promises: God would make him a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and bless all the families of the earth through him.

Abram obeyed, and took Sarai, Lot, and his entire household community. They journeyed to Canaan, where God appeared to Abram and promised the land to his descendants. Abram’s response was to build an altar of faith and worship.

So far, in our journey through the Bible, we’ve learned about these three alters: 

• Noah’s altar (Gen. 8:20): gratitude

• Abram’s first altar (Gen. 12:7): faith in God’s promise.

• Abram’s second altar (Gen. 12:8): dependence and public worship.

Abram’s altars remind us to pause and honor God with gratitude, faith, worship, and dependence in our own lives.

Later, when famine forced Abram to Egypt, he became afraid. He told Sarai to say she was his sister, fearing for his life. Pharaoh took Sarai into his house, but before she was defiled, God struck Pharaoh’s household with plagues. Pharaoh quickly sent Abram and Sarai away.

Here we get to see God’s protection. He stepped in at just the right time to rescue Sarai and preserve His covenant promise.

Let’s Reflect Together:

• Are we using our “altars” to thank God for His goodness, to trust His promises, to worship Him publicly, and to show our dependence on Him?

• Can you think of times when God intervened in your life “just in time,” protecting you from something harmful? You probably didn’t realize it in the moment but you do now.

Journaling Questions: 

1. Where in my life do I need to take a step of faith, like Abram, even when I don’t see the whole path ahead?

2. What would it look like to build an “altar” of gratitude, faith, worship, or     dependence today?

3. How has God rescued me from situations I could not escape on my own?

Key Takeaway:

God calls us to walk by faith, honor Him with our worship, and trust that He rescues us in His perfect timing.

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We Do – Let’s Study Together

Genesis Chapter 13 

“Humility Leads to Blessing”

(Read Genesis Chapter 13 First) 

Genesis 13 gives us such a clear picture of humility, faith, and the danger of choosing by sight instead of by God’s direction.

Abram and Lot had both been so richly blessed that the land couldn’t support them living side by side. We see that Abram told Lot if you decide you want the left side, then I’ll take the right, and if you decide you want the right, then I’ll take the left. (v.9) Instead of demanding the best land for himself, Abram displayed humility and brotherly love by letting Lot choose first. 

This reminds me of a couple of verses of scripture…

Philippians 2:3–4:

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Romans 12:10

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”

He trusted that God would provide, no matter which portion of land he ended up with.

Lot, on the other hand, chose based on what looked pleasing to the eye. He noticed the lush, well-watered plain of Jordan. But what appeared beautiful on the outside was actually full of spiritual corruption: Lot pitched his tent near Sodom, where the people were “wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” (v. 13). It’s so important to use discernment and seek wisdom from God before making decisions. 

Abram, meanwhile, sought the Lord at the altar. He didn’t move until God confirmed His promises: the land would belong to Abram’s descendants forever, and his seed would be as numerous as the dust of the ground. Abram then arose, explored, and built yet another altar to the Lord in Hebron. His story shows us that humility and dependence on God brings blessing.

Life Application:

We live in a world that often tells us to “grab what looks best” and look out for ourselves first. But the Lord honors humility, trust, and obedience. When we stop to seek Him and “kneel at the altar” like Abram, He directs our steps far better than appearances ever could.

Lot chose with his eyes. Abram chose with his faith. Which will we do?

Journaling Questions: 

1. Have I ever made a decision based only on what looked good in the moment? What was the result?

2. How can I practice humility and brotherly/sisterly love in my relationships this week?

3. Do I truly believe that God will provide for me, even if I don’t fight for “the best” spot?

Key Takeaway:

When we humble ourselves and seek God first, He blesses us far more than anything we could gain by choosing in our own wisdom.

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“What I Saw God Do in Hephzibah, Georgia” 

Lastly, I want to tell you about this past weekend. I had the privilege of being part of a large Christian youth meeting right here in Georgia. It was such a blessing to see so many young people praising the Lord freely. Some of the boys, both new and experienced, preached. They were encouraged to be themselves and stay away from AI-written sermons!

That teaching moment was so needed. We live in a world that prizes convenience and imitation, and we forget how important it is to stay authentic before God. True ministry comes from time spent with Him to listen, obey, and allow His Spirit to speak through us personally.

Throughout the weekend, we prayed for one another, wept together, and rejoiced in the sheer grace of God. I know something that stuck out to me personally was remembering how far He’s brought me from and what our lives could have been. I left feeling so thankful for pastors and Bible Baptist preachers who still preach the truth of God’s Word without fear and who care enough to invest their time, money, and hearts into our youth.

My children were just as touched as I was. My 13-year-old daughter said her favorite part of the meeting was when we raised over $100,000 for a godly evangelist who has given so much of himself to others. The offering started simply to help fix his transmission since he travels all over the country preaching the gospel, but by the end, God had provided enough to buy him a brand new van! What a beautiful reminder that God is faithful to those who put kingdom work first.

My nine-year-old son’s favorite part was when youth and adults were so moved by the goodness of God that they were shouting, running, and giving Him all the praise He deserves. There’s something powerful about watching young people experience God’s presence so deeply that they can’t help but rejoice. 

Our young people need this. America needs this.

We need more parents praying for their children, more parents serving God faithfully, and more churches standing firm in truth. The next generation is watching us.

Two things I wrote down in my Bible this past weekend that I want to be reminded of continually:

    1.    “I just want to serve.”

    2.    “Strengthen the brethren.” (from Luke 22:32)

That’s what I want my life to be about…serving the Lord with all my heart and encouraging others along the way.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2 

Young people today are surrounded by distractions that pull their focus toward temporary things like popularity, success, appearance, and entertainment. But God calls us to live for what truly lasts. Jesus said,

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

The goal isn’t to take away joy. No, it’s to teach them (and remind ourselves) where real joy is found. When our hearts are set on God’s kingdom, everything else falls into its right place.

So I want to challenge you:

Put effort into our youth. Take your kids to church. Go with them to youth meetings and midweek prayer services. Keep them surrounded by godly influences. Because the truth is, we become who we spend the most time with.

Let’s raise up a generation who loves Jesus passionately, stands for truth boldly, and serves others humbly.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”  Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)

Reflection questions:

    •  How can you intentionally encourage the faith of the young people in your         life this week?

    • What “earthly things” might be distracting you from kingdom work?