bible-study – The Georgia Nest

Faithful Through Generations

January 12, 2026 brookepacheco5

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 22 of the Devotional Series

November 17, 2025 brookepacheco5

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?

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

November 10, 2025 brookepacheco5

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?

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

November 3, 2025 brookepacheco5

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?

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

October 27, 2025 brookepacheco5

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?

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

October 13, 2025 brookepacheco5

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?

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

The Study of Job – Post Twelve

September 22, 2025 brookepacheco5

Week 15 of the Devotional Series

The Study of Job: Week 12

*Note – As we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 12th and final week in the book of Job. Though this is Week 15 overall, we’re completing the book of Job today. *

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Job 40 – 42

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 40 – “The Wisdom of Silence and the Strength of Trust”

Chapter 41 – “The Creator of Terrifying Things”

Chapter 42 – “Restored Through Repentance and Forgiveness”

(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?

This Week’s Memory Verse — “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.” Job 42:2

I Do – Watch Me Study

Job Chapter 40

“The Wisdom of Silence and the Strength of Trust”

(Read Job Chapter 40 First)

God continues His conversation with Job, asking him to answer after all of his complaints and questions. Job had been eager to defend himself even to the point of seeming to “judge” God’s motives. But now, after being reminded of God’s greatness, Job answers in a whole new way.

“Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.” (Job 40:4–5)

Here we see Job’s humility. He admits he has spoken too much in his grief and confusion. He thought he understood, but now he realizes that he does not. Instead of continuing to argue, he chooses silence.

One thing we can learn from this is… A mark of spiritual maturity is knowing when to stop talking and start listening to God. We often crave explanations, but sometimes the most faithful response is to trust God’s wisdom rather than demand answers. Silence before God is wisdom, not weakness.

God then continues by challenging Job with questions of power and authority: Can Job clothe himself in majesty and glory? Can he humble the proud or bring justice by his own strength? The obvious answer is no. Only God has that authority.

Then the Lord points Job to His creation. Behemoth, a massive, untamed creature that relies fully on God’s provision. God feeds him from the earth, sustains him with water, and gives him comfort and ease.

“Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.” (Job 40:23)

Notice those words: “hasteth not” and “trusteth.”

Behemoth trusts the provision of God.

Job (and we) are being reminded to live the same way. We shouldn’t rush ahead in fear and demand answers, but trust in God’s care.

Journal & Reflection:

• Where in my life am I tempted to keep talking instead of quietly listening to God?

• What situations make me anxious, where I need to learn from Behemoth to “hasten not” and “trust”?

• How might silence, humility, and trust change the way I walk with God this week?

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We Do – Let’s Study Together

Job Chapter 41

“The Creator of Terrifying Things”

(Read Job Chapter 41 First)

In Job 41, God describes the mighty Leviathan, a sea creature unlike anything Job could imagine. God paints a vivid picture: sharp teeth, impenetrable scales, fiery breath, a heart of stone, and a fearlessness that terrifies even the strongest warriors. Leviathan is so untouchable that even iron bends before him like straw. No one dares to stir him up….and yet God says, “I made him.”

Here’s the point God is making to Job: If you tremble at Leviathan, remember that he is just one of My creatures. How much greater is My power as his Creator?

This verse really spoke to me…“He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride” (Job 41:34). Pride is pictured as something dangerous that puts us under the rule of a terrifying master. This verse made me think that when we walk in pride, we let something strong and destructive have dominion over us.

But humility brings freedom. Job had to learn that lesson. After hearing God’s questions and descriptions, Job stopped arguing, stopped demanding answers, and simply bowed in silence. Since chapter 40, when Job admitted he was vile and said he would lay his hand over his mouth, he hasn’t spoken another word to God. But keep reading, because in the very last chapter of Job, he does speak one more time. And what he says is powerful.

Journaling Question:

What might it look like today for me to “lay my hand over my mouth” and to stop explaining and defending myself and simply trust God?

Let’s remember….The same God who created the fearsome and untouchable Leviathan is the One who lovingly holds your life in His hands. That’s both humbling and comforting. If He has power over the most terrifying things He created, then surely He has power over the struggles, fears, and battles in your life today.

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You Do – Apply It Personally

Job Chapter 42

“Restored Through Repentance and Forgiveness”

(Read Job Chapter 42 First)

Job finally speaks again after hearing God’s powerful words. This time, Job’s response is different because his heart is humbled.

He says, “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee” (Job 42:2). Job acknowledges God’s sovereignty and that nothing is hidden from Him.

In verse 3, Job repeats God’s earlier question from Job 38:2: “Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge?” This time Job admits, “That was me. I spoke without understanding.” Job confesses that he had spoken about things too wonderful for him to comprehend.

In verse 5, Job says: “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” He had heard of God before, but now he truly sees Him, meaning Job now has a deeper, clearer understanding of God’s greatness, holiness, and wisdom. That new vision of God leads Job to repentance: “Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (v. 6).

Sometimes God allows hardships to open our eyes so that we see Him more clearly than we ever did before. Think of a time in your life when trials gave you a new perspective of who God is.

Journal Prompt:

• What’s one area in your life where you’ve had to admit, “I spoke without knowledge”?

• How has God used a hard season to deepen your understanding of Him?

After Job’s repentance, God turns to Job’s friends. He rebukes Eliphaz and the others for speaking wrongly about Him: “My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath” (Job 42:7).

God commands them to bring offerings and to have Job pray for them. Notice this….God would only accept Job’s prayer on their behalf. What an honor! And what humility from Job, who forgave his friends and prayed for them despite the pain they had caused him.

This next verse is so powerful! “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10).

Forgiveness and obedience unlock blessing. When Job prayed for those who wronged him, God restored him abundantly. If we want to remain in God’s favor, we must be willing to forgive and pray even for those who have hurt us.

Journal Prompt:

• Who in your life do you need to forgive?

• How might praying for that person change both them and you?

The closing verses of Job show God’s abundant restoration. Job’s family and friends return to comfort him. God blesses him with even greater wealth, livestock, and children. His daughters, Jemimah, Kezia, and Keren-happuch, are described as the most beautiful in the land, and Job even gives them an inheritance alongside their brothers, a countercultural sign of overflowing blessing.

Job lives to see four generations and dies “old and full of days.” His story, which began with unimaginable loss, ends with restoration, joy, and honor.

Job’s story reminds us that suffering isn’t the end of the story for God’s people. When we stay humble, repentant, forgiving, and obedient, we open the door for God’s blessing and restoration.

Journal Prompt:

• Where in your life do you need to repent and turn back to God?

• How does Job’s story give you hope for the “happy ending” God is writing in your own life?

Key Takeaway:

Repentance brings restoration. Forgiveness unlocks blessing. Obedience invites God’s favor. Like Job, may we walk humbly with God, forgive freely, and trust Him to restore in His perfect time.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

If you’ve gone through this study with us, you’ve just completed not only reading but studying out the entire book of Job. That is something to celebrate! Job is one of the hardest books of the Bible, and you have faithfully dug into its rich truths.

Next, in our chronological reading plan, we’ll be heading back to the book of Genesis where we’ll see God’s hand in creation, His covenant promises, and His faithfulness through the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Let’s take the lessons from Job of trust, humility, and perseverance into the story of beginnings as we continue walking through God’s Word together.

Heavenly Father,

I want to thank You for guiding us through the book of Job. We have learned so many truths that we can carry with us and apply to our own lives. As we continue on in our study of the Bible, I pray that You would open our eyes to see clearly what You want to teach us through Your Word. Lord, I lift up the Kirk family. Please give them peace and comfort that passes all understanding. Thank You for the Christian movement and revival You began in Charlie Kirk’s heart, and I ask that You would fill us with boldness to keep it going. We’re seeing people saved, churches filling with first-time visitors, and believers all around the world emboldened to speak Your name like never before, and I’m so grateful.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

The Study of Job – Post Six

August 11, 2025 brookepacheco5

Week Nine of the Devotional Series

*Note – As we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our sixth week in the book of Job. Though this is Week 9 overall, we’re still walking alongside Job. *

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Job 21 – 23

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 21 – “The Prosperity of the Wicked”

Chapter 22 – “Eliphaz’s Final Rebuke”

Chapter 23 – “Reflecting on Your Connection with God”

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

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse — Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. – James 4:8

I Do – Watch Me Study

Job Chapter 21

“The Prosperity of the Wicked”

(Read Job Chapter 21 First)

Job begins by asking his friends to really listen carefully to what he’s saying. He’s exhausted, misunderstood, and trying to explain a deep frustration many of us can relate to: “You’re not hearing me.”

That immediately made me ask:

Have I ever felt unheard or misjudged by people who were supposed to support me?

Yes. And it helped me empathize more with Job.

Then Job shifts. He challenges their assumptions: that the wicked always suffer and the righteous always prosper. Job essentially says, “Look around. We’ve all seen wicked people live long, successful, peaceful lives. He’s pointing out some hard truth.

When Job says in verse 7, “Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?”This was Job deconstructing a false belief: that suffering is always a direct result of sin.

From there, I noticed a key shift in verse 16:

“Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.”

Even though Job sees the wicked prospering, he doesn’t want to follow their path. That stood out to me. It’s easy to envy success, but Job keeps his heart aligned with God, even when life feels unfair.

Then I came to verse 17:

“How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.”

That verse humbled me. God may allow some to prosper for a time, but ultimately He judges with perfect justice. And when it is time for Him to distribute sorrow, it’s not random. He always has a purpose.

This made me ask:

What makes God angry?

I took time to look that up in Scripture, and here’s what I found:

• Idolatry

They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger – Deuteronomy 32:16

• Injustice

Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;

To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!

And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? Isaiah 10:1-3

• Complaining

And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his wrath was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp – Numbers 11:1

• Rebellion

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king – 1 Samuel 15:23

• Pride

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood Proverbs 6:16-17

• Sexual sin

Even the souls that did after the filth of those things, and the souls that did abominable things,

I will even blot out of my people that day, and ye shall bear your iniquities, and shall know my breach of promise Leviticus 18:27-28

• Religious hypocrisy

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood– Isaiah 1:13-15

• Breaking covenant

The Shepherds that feed my people wrongfully, that cause them to err, my

people, that hear not my word; yea, they that cause them to forget my law,

must be sprinkled with blood, and punished with burning flame – Jeremiah 22:9

It reminded me that I need to examine what pleases or displeases the Lord.

In verses 23–26, Job contrasts two people who live and die very differently but end up in the same grave. That truth hits hard. Our external lives may look very different, but God alone knows the heart and handles the judgment.

Let’s Reflect:

• Am I more focused on appearances or on the state of my soul?

• Do I trust that God will deal justly, even when I can’t see it yet?

Lastly, Job calls out the false thinking of his friends and yet stays humble, letting God be his defender. He doesn’t let their flawed views define his reality.

That’s a model for me. I want to respond with honesty, but also with restraint. Let God speak for me.

Final Thought for This Chapter:

Job teaches us that real wisdom doesn’t come from assumptions. It comes from listening, seeking truth, and trusting God’s justice.

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We Do – Let’s Study Together

Job Chapter 22

“Eliphaz’s Final Rebuke”

(Read Job Chapter 22 First)

In Job 22, Eliphaz speaks for the last time in this debate, condemning Job and calling him to repentance with promises of blessing if he turns back to God. He begins with rhetorical questions:

• Can a wise man truly benefit God?

• Does God gain anything if a man chooses to live righteously?

• Does God judge because He fears someone’s power?

Eliphaz’s implication is that Job’s righteousness (if real) doesn’t make God indebted to him, so his suffering must have another explanation like hidden sin.

Let’s dig deeper into these questions:

God Doesn’t Need Us, but He Delights in Us

In Job 22:2–3, Eliphaz asks, “Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?”

Eliphaz’s tone is harsh, and his aim is to accuse Job, but tucked inside his words is a truth: God is entirely self-sufficient. As Paul preached in Acts 17:24–25, “God that made the world and all things therein… neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.”

The Almighty does not depend on our strength, wisdom, or righteousness for His existence or power. Yet, in His grace, He takes pleasure in His people when they walk in obedience. Psalm 147:10–11 reminds us, “He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”

God’s delight isn’t in what we can “give” Him but in our humble, faithful hearts. Micah 6:8 says, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Reflection Prompt:

Take a moment to consider if you serve God with the quiet joy of knowing He delights in you, or are you secretly trying to earn His favor as though He needs what you have? Rest today in the truth that while God doesn’t need you, He chooses to love you.

Eliphaz’s Accusations Against Job:

Without proof, Eliphaz accuses Job of “great wickedness” and “infinite sin,” listing offenses that cut deep:

1. Unjust loans – Taking pledges (collateral) without cause, burdening those who didn’t deserve it.

2. Exploiting the poor – Stripping the needy of clothing, leaving them exposed.

3. Withholding kindness – Refusing food and drink to the weary and hungry.

4. Abusing influence – Using power and wealth to secure land, pushing aside those without.

5. Neglecting widows and orphans – Turning away the most vulnerable in society without help.

Eliphaz paints Job as a man who gained wealth by oppressing people. We know this is a complete contradiction to Job’s real character.

The Consequences Eliphaz Describes:

According to Eliphaz, because of these supposed sins:

• Job is surrounded by traps.

• He lives in fear and darkness.

• His troubles are drowning him.

• He thinks God can’t see him, but God sees all from heaven.

Eliphaz reminds Job of history and how the wicked have faced judgment before:

• Their lives were cut short.

• The flood destroyed those who claimed they didn’t need God.

• Even if their houses were once filled with good things, their end came.

He insists that the righteous rejoice when the wicked fall (again implying Job should accept his suffering as deserved judgment).

Eliphaz’s Call to Repentance:

In the final portion of his speech, Eliphaz urges Job to:

• “Acquaint yourself with God” and return to Him fully.

• “Stop sinning” so that good will return to his life.

• Enjoy restored blessings like riches, God’s protection, answered prayers.

• Teach others that purity and humility lead to God’s favor.

God’s grace isn’t a simple formula: “Repent, and blessings come.” Sometimes, suffering isn’t punishment but part of a deeper process of growth and faithfulness.

So, while Eliphaz’s call to repentance contains biblical truth (we all need to turn to God), we must balance it with compassion, humility, and trust that God’s ways are higher than ours.

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You Do – Apply It Personally

Job Chapter 23

“Reflecting on Your Connection with God”

(Read Job Chapter 23 First)

Job openly expresses how heavy his heart feels, how distant God sometimes seems, and his deep longing to reach Him. Have you ever felt that way? Like you’re crying out, but God feels far away, or maybe you wonder if He even hears you?

That’s a very real part of many believers’ journeys. Job’s story encourages us that feeling distant doesn’t mean God has abandoned us. Instead, it’s often an invitation to examine our hearts and take steps to reconnect.

Take a moment to ask yourself:

• When have I felt closest to God? What was happening in my life or in my heart during those times?

• When have I felt distant or burdened? What might have contributed to that feeling?

Practical Steps to Draw Near to God:

Review the reasons listed below and honestly consider your current walk. Which ones are you actively pursuing? Which might you need to focus on more?

Ways to Draw Near to God:

Obedience to God’s Word

If ye love me, keep my commandments – John 14:15

• Regular, heartfelt prayer

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded – James 4:8

Praise and worship

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel – Psalm 22:3

Fellowship with other believers

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching – Hebrews 10:25

Meditating on Scripture daily

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee – Psalm 119:11

This Week’s Challenge:

After looking at these ways to draw near to God, I want to challenge you to begin weaving them into your daily habits and routines.

• Set aside time for prayer every day.

For me, this often happens in the morning during my devotion time, and a lot of times in the evening on my walk. Find a time that works for you and guard it carefully.

Commit to regular church attendance.

If you don’t have a home church yet, make it your goal this week to visit one and see if it’s the right fit for you. Being part of a body of believers is an important way to stay encouraged and accountable. If you already have a church then commit to being there every week.

Spend time in God’s Word daily.

I personally love reading from my physical Bible first thing in the morning, before the day gets busy. You might prefer reading at night before bed. The exact time isn’t as important as making it a daily habit.

The goal is not to “check the boxes,” but to intentionally create space in your life for God. As you draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to you.

Things That Can Hinder Our Connection:

• Unconfessed sin

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me – Psalm 66:18

• Neglecting prayer

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint – Luke 18:1

• Worldly distractions

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful – Matthew 13:22

• Doubt or lack of faith

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

• Spiritual laziness or complacency

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises – Hebrews 6:12

Reflect on these truths:

• Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will” reminds us that God directs our hearts like a river’s flow. Sometimes God softens hearts; other times, He troubles them to bring us back to Him.

God influences not only our hearts but also how we present ourselves to the world.

Ecclesiastes 8:1- Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.

Numbers 6:26 – The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Yet, God invites us to respond by drawing near to Him and guarding our hearts carefully.

Reflect and Journal

Consider these questions:

• What might God be doing in your heart right now? Is He drawing you near, convicting you, or giving you peace amidst hardship?

• Can you recall a time when God changed your heart? Maybe softening it toward Him or troubling it to bring you back? How did that experience shape your faith and walk with God?

Journal Prompt:

Write about a moment when God worked in your heart in a powerful way. How did you respond? What did you learn about God and yourself through that experience?

Key Takeaway:

Even when life feels unfair and God seems distant, our calling is to stay faithful, trust His justice, and draw near to Him. Job reminds us that prosperity or suffering is not always a measure of righteousness. God’s ways are higher, His justice is perfect, and His presence is worth seeking above all else.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the many little nuggets of truth in Your Word that You teach us each day that we can apply in our lives. Like Job, we know we will face difficult people and hard circumstances we don’t understand. I pray that even when life seems unfair, our hearts would stay aligned with You. Help us understand what grieves Your heart so we can avoid those things.

When we face difficult people, give us honesty but also restraint and help us speak wisely and trust You to defend us. And God, when we feel distant from You, remind us to examine our hearts and see what might be causing that loss of connection.

Thank You for Your Word, which guides us every step of the way. Help us reflect on and apply these truths from today’s study, so we grow closer to You each day.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

The Study of Job – Post Five

August 4, 2025 brookepacheco5

Week Eight of the Devotional Series

*Note – As we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our fifth week in the book of Job. Though this is Week 8 overall, we’re still walking alongside Job. *

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Job 17 – 20

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 17 – “You, My Friends, Have No Wisdom”

Chapter 18 – “Truth Without Love Hurts: The Wrong Way to Help”

Chapter 19 – “My Redeemer Lives”

Chapter 20 – “Search Me, O God”

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

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse — Psalm 139:23–24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

I Do – Watch Me Study

Job Chapter 17

You, My Friends, Have No Wisdom

(Read Job Chapter 17 First)

As I read Job 17, I notice right away that Job feels completely spent. He says his spirit is broken and the grave is ready for him. That tells me just how low he’s feeling emotionally and physically. Job is expressing despair and weariness.

Then, I see that even in that place of suffering, Job is still dealing with his friends’ accusations. In verse 3, he turns to God and asks Him to “put me in a surety.” He’s saying, “God, please vouch for me.” Job asks God to be his advocate because no one else believes him.

In verse 4, Job says that God has “closed the minds” of his friends. I wonder why would God allow that? I think Job is recognizing that wisdom is a gift from God, and maybe he’s saying his friends don’t have that insight right now. We can use this lesson to help us remember to pray that the Lord can help us not to be blind like Job’s friends. Help us understand with grace, not just with opinion.

Let’s explore what God’s word has to say about wisdom:

1. Wisdom Comes from God

• James 1:5

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Wisdom is available through prayer. God gives it generously when we seek it.

• Proverbs 2:6

“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

True wisdom doesn’t originate from man, but from the Lord Himself.

2. The Fear of the Lord Is the Foundation

• Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

• Job 28:28

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

Reverent awe of God is the starting point for a wise life. It’s not just knowing what is right but wanting to live in light of who God is.

3. We Must Seek It Diligently

• Proverbs 4:7

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

• Proverbs 2:3–5

“Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

Wisdom requires intentional pursuit like searching for treasure.

4. Wisdom Is Shown in How We Live

• Ecclesiastes 7:12

“For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.”

James 3:17

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

Wisdom isn’t just smart words. It shows up in gentleness, peace, and godly behavior.

How to Obtain Wisdom:

1. Ask God for It – James 1:5

2. Fear the Lord – Proverbs 1:7; Job 28:28

3. Read and Apply Scripture – Psalm 119:98

“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.”

4. Walk with the Wise – Proverbs 13:20

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise…”

5. Humbly Receive Correction – Proverbs 9:9

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser…”

When I get to Job 17:9, it feels like a shift. Job says that the righteous will hold to their way and grow stronger. That’s encouraging. Even when everything falls apart, I can grow stronger if I hold tightly to what’s right.

But then verses 11–16 hit hard again. Job swings back into hopelessness. He talks about the end of his plans, the darkness, the grave. This is grief. Job is going back and forth between hope and despair. That’s actually kind of comforting. It shows me that even the most faithful people can feel both at once. Job doesn’t give up, but he doesn’t hide how hard this is either.

So as I close the chapter, here’s what I’m walking away with: Job’s pain is real, his hope flickers for a moment, but his desire to stay righteous is unwavering. That gives me permission to be honest with God when I’m struggling, and to keep clinging to Him even when I don’t feel hopeful.

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We Do – Let’s Study Together

Job Chapter 18

“Truth Without Love Hurts: The Wrong Way to Help”

(Read Job Chapter 18 First)

In Job 18, Bildad speaks again and wow, does he come in hot. He doesn’t just offer a rebuttal to Job’s perspective; he starts with insults:

“Are you ever going to stop talking, Job? Are we nothing more than unclean animals to you?”

He mocks Job’s grief and anger, as if Job’s suffering is offensive to him. Bildad’s whole speech is one long assumption: that Job is wicked and getting exactly what he deserves. He paints a terrifying picture of the fate of the wicked. They shall live in darkness, fear, weakness, abandonment, destruction, and drives it home with one clear implication: This is you, Job.

Take a moment to reflect:

Have you ever felt wrongly accused by someone who claimed to be helping you?

What emotions did that stir in you? Did you feel hurt, shame, frustration, defensiveness?

Bildad’s words are said with cruelty, not compassion. Honestly, this doesn’t even qualify as “tough love.” It’s more like jealousy wrapped in moral superiority, with a bitter undertone of “I can’t believe this happened to you, but I’m not sad about it.”

Reading this made me stop and ask myself:

How do I talk to people especially when they’re hurting?

Sometimes, even with good intentions, we can come across as harsh or condescending. We want to correct, to teach, to “help”, but our tone makes the other person feel small instead of seen. I especially think of this when I talk to my kids. What I mean as a life lesson can easily come off as criticism.

Journal Prompt:

Think about someone you’ve recently tried to “correct” or teach. Maybe your child, a friend, or a spouse. How do you think your tone came across?

Is there anything you wish you had said differently or not at all?

Let’s try something together. Here are a few “Say this instead of that” examples to reflect on:

Instead of saying this… “Why do you always do this?”

Try saying this… “I’ve noticed this keeps happening. Can we talk about why?”

Instead of saying this… “You’re being ridiculous.”

Try saying this… “I hear that you’re upset. Help me understand.”

Instead of saying this…“Well, maybe if you had listened…”

Try saying this…“I’m here for you. Is there something you need from me right now?”

Reflection Question:

How might changing your tone and word choice help bring healing instead of shame to someone in your life?

Let’s use Bildad’s failure as a mirror to learn from his mistake. We are called to speak truth in love not in sarcasm, not in superiority, and not in bitterness. Jesus shows us how to correct with compassion, confront with humility, and comfort with gentleness. Ephesians 4:15 says, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

This verse reminds us that truth must be delivered in the context of love, not harshness or pride. The goal is growth, for ourselves and the person we’re speaking to, into Christlikeness.

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Job Chapter 19

My Redeemer Lives

(Read Job Chapter 19 First)

Job responds to Bildad with raw honesty. He doesn’t hold back. He says, in essence:

“How long will you keep wounding me with your words? Aren’t you supposed to be my friend? Even if I have sinned, that’s between me and God. You don’t have the right to tear me apart.”

He’s heartbroken by his physical suffering and by the way people close to him have responded. He feels abandoned, judged, and completely alone.

Reflection Question:

Have you ever felt misunderstood or hurt by someone who was supposed to support you? How did that affect your view of God or yourself?

Job says that God has torn down everything in his life, including his hope. He describes crying out to God and hearing nothing in return.

“He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.” (v.8)

“He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.” (v.10)

His grief is so thick that he feels like even his ability to hope is gone.

I wonder if you’ve ever felt like something important was removed from your life? I know I have…Something you used to carry with ease, but now feels out of reach. Maybe it was a sense of peace, the ability to rest, joy in worship, or the strength to pray and believe like you once did.

Job says that his hope has been uprooted, and there are seasons where many of us can relate to that feeling. No matter how hard we try to grasp what we once had, it seems distant like it slipped through our fingers without explanation.

Journal Prompt:

What’s something in your life you feel has been “removed”? Is there something you once had…hope, peace, trust, connection…that now feels far off? Write about it honestly. Talk to God about it like Job did.

Job goes on to describe how every relationship has crumbled. He says his own wife and close family members are disgusted by him. He feels like he’s barely hanging on to life.

“My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.” (v.20)

But then Job’s tone shifts. Despite all of this pain, he proclaims something bold and faith-filled:

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” (v.25)

What a declaration! He may not understand why he’s suffering, but he knows his Redeemer is alive. He trusts that one day, God will make things right, and he will see Him with his own eyes, even after his body has wasted away.

Reflection Question:

Can you recall a time when your faith in God stood firm even when your circumstances made no sense? If not, how can Job’s faith encourage you to trust that redemption is still coming?

At the end, Job turns the focus back to his friends. He warns them not to be so quick to judge, reminding them that they don’t see his heart, but God does. He urges them to consider their own motives and to beware of judgement coming upon them.

“But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?” (v.28)

*Side Note – We will see that Job was right here and God does judge and discipline the friends later in Job Chapter 42

Reflection Question:

Have you ever assumed something about someone’s situation without knowing their heart? How can Job’s story remind you to lead with compassion instead of conclusions? In Job 42, God rebukes Job’s friends for misrepresenting Him and falsely accusing Job. What does that teach us about the seriousness of speaking on God’s behalf or judging others without full understanding? How can you practice more grace and humility in how you view someone else’s suffering?

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You Do – Apply It Personally

Job Chapter 20

Search Me, O God

(Read Job Chapter 20 First)

Job Chapter 20 Summary:

Zophar’s harsh speech in Job 20 paints a sobering picture of the fate of the wicked. He claims that even if someone seems successful and joyful in their sin for a time, their end will be full of sorrow, loss, and judgment. Though we know Job was not guilty of such wickedness, Zophar’s assumptions stand as a clear warning against jumping to conclusions without truly understanding someone’s heart. This theme keeps surfacing throughout Job, reminding us that God cares deeply about how we treat others and how quickly we judge.

As you reflect on this chapter, take time to consider what Scripture says about true justice, the consequences of sin, and the danger of pride. Zophar may have missed the mark in applying these truths to Job, but the principles still offer insight for our own lives.

Real-Life Application:

• While Zophar was wrong about Job, his words still raise a question: Am I hiding anything in my life that I need to bring into the light?

• It’s easy to see the flaws in others and forget our own need for humility,

repentance, and grace.

• Sometimes, we may even find ourselves assuming that hardship = judgment. But Job’s story reminds us again that suffering isn’t always the result of sin.

Reflection Questions / Journal Prompts:

• Have I ever assumed someone was being punished for something I couldn’t see? What does this reveal about my view of God and suffering?

• In what ways have I been tempted to chase short-lived joy rather than lasting righteousness?

• Is there anything I’m holding onto, like pride, hidden sin, or bitterness, that could be stealing my peace or distancing me from God? If so, what step can I take today to bring it into the light and let God begin healing it?

Psalm 139:23–24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Take a few minutes to quietly ask God to search your heart. Write down anything He brings to mind…attitudes, habits, or thoughts that may be hurting your relationship with Him or others. Then pray over each one, asking for His help to surrender it.

Today’s Challenge:

Today, choose one thing you’ve identified, whether it’s pride, bitterness, or a hidden struggle, and take one intentional step toward healing. That might look like confessing it to God, making peace with someone, or talking to a trusted friend or mentor.

This Week’s Challenge:

Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal any assumptions or judgments you’ve made toward others or even toward yourself.

Then, take one intentional step to show compassion:

• Speak encouragement instead of criticism.

• Offer help instead of assumptions.

• Ask someone how they’re really doing…and truly listen.

Also, ask the Lord to search your own heart:

“Is there anything I’ve been clinging to that seems sweet in the moment but is harming my walk with You?”

Write it down. Bring it to the Lord. And trust Him to replace it with His peace.

Key Takeaway:

God sees beyond appearances. He knows our hearts. As we walk through pain, confusion, or misjudgment like Job, may we respond with humility, seek wisdom from above, and let God search and shape our hearts. While others may get it wrong, God never does, and He invites us to extend to others the same compassion and grace He shows to us.

Heavenly Father,

I’m in awe of your power. You can so easily bestow upon us wisdom if we seek it according to your word. As we go through our day today, help us to mind our tone. Remind us to lead and correct our children and others in love, not harshness. Help us to speak truth in love. As we continue through the book of Job, we keep seeing the same theme pop up. This tells me that You really want us to understand that You care deeply about how we treat others and how quick we are to judge. Help us to surrender anything in our lives that may be hurting our relationship with You and others.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

The Study of Job – Post Four

July 28, 2025 brookepacheco5

Week Seven of the Devotional Series

*Note – As we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our fourth week in the book of Job. Though this is Week 7 overall, we’re still walking alongside Job. *

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Job 14 – 16

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 – “When Hope Feels Cut Down”

Chapter 15 – “Don’t be that Friend”

Chapter 16 – “Miserable Comforters Are Ye All”

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

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse — Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

– Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

I Do – Watch Me Study

Job Chapter 14

“When Hope Feels Cut Down”

(Read Job Chapter 14 First)

Job’s honesty with God challenges me. He’s not hiding his grief, frustration, or even his confusion. He’s still talking to God even if his words are raw and heavy. That encourages me to do the same. When I’m overwhelmed or hurting, I don’t have to clean up my feelings before I come to God. I can just come.

One part of this chapter that really stood out was how Job looked at nature to make sense of his pain. He noticed how a tree cut down can sprout again, and for a second, I thought he was feeling hopeful. But as I read more closely, it seemed like he was actually longing to be able to recover like the tree, to continue. Instead, when I read further I realized he felt stuck in hopelessness, convinced that man dies and that’s the end. His sorrow ran deep.

Still, I can relate to Job in that pull toward nature when things are hard. I’ve felt that desire before to get outside and talk to God surrounded by what He’s made. Somehow it quiets the noise and reminds me that He’s still present, even when I don’t understand.

Job’s words are painful, but they’re also real. He felt like God had turned against him, like all hope was gone. And while I know the end of Job’s story, that God restores him, I don’t want to rush past the ache in this part of the journey. Because sometimes, we’re in that part too. And it’s okay to bring it all to God. We can bring every question, every doubt, every word. Job did. And God never stopped listening.

Application Thought:

I love to walk almost every evening after dinner, mostly, just along the trails through our woods. That quiet time helps me slow down, pray, and really talk to God. I feel more connected with Him in those moments. Maybe you could try that too this week.

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We Do – Let’s Study Together

Job Chapter 15

“Don’t be that Friend”

(Read Job Chapter 15 First)

As we read through Job 15, we see Eliphaz jump back in to respond to Job. He questions Job’s words, accusing him of speaking things that are pointless and unhelpful. Eliphaz seems frustrated and says, in essence, “Why are you talking like this? It’s not doing any good.” But from our perspective, we know that Job is in deep pain, trying to process everything he’s just lost. His words might sound dramatic or even irrational but who wouldn’t be shaken after all he’s endured?

These chapters are filled with poetic language and can be hard to understand. I’ve found that using the Blue Letter Bible app is really helpful when I want to dig into the original meanings of certain words. It helps to give a clearer picture.

Eliphaz goes on to accuse Job of sin, saying, “Your own mouth condemns you.” He basically tells Job: You’re showing your guilt by the way you speak. Then he challenges Job further: What do you know that we don’t? Why won’t you let God comfort you? Why are you speaking this way and turning from Him?

Eliphaz admits that no one is righteous. We are all born of a woman, unclean, and sinful. He even says that we drink sin like water. Then he gives a long speech describing what happens to wicked men: they may appear to succeed for a while, but pain and destruction will come. They’ll live in fear, hunger, trouble, and darkness. In the end, they’ll have no home, no wealth, and no hope.

The problem is that Eliphaz assumes Job is that kind of man. He believes Job must be wicked because of the suffering he’s facing. But as readers, we know the truth: Job isn’t being punished for sin. He’s being tested.

Just like Job, there may be times in life when others assume the worst about you. Maybe they think you’re to blame for something you didn’t do, or they misread your pain as weakness, sin, or failure.

It could be:

• A friend thinks you’ve ignored them on purpose, but really you were just overwhelmed.

• Someone gossips about you at church or work, twisting your words or motives.

• A family member lashes out, blaming you for something that wasn’t your decision or fault.

When that happens, your natural reaction might be to defend yourself angrily, get bitter, or try to make them feel guilty. But you will see Job’s response in chapter 16 shows a different way. He has a heartbroken honesty before God, not lashing out, but turning to the One who knows the truth.

Here’s the application:

When people wrongly accuse you, remember this:

• God sees the full truth, even when people don’t (Job 16:19 — “Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.”)

• You don’t have to clear your name in everyone’s eyes. You can rest in God’s perfect judgment.

• Don’t let hurt drive you to become bitter or cold toward others.

• Use your pain as a reminder to never do the same to someone else. Don’t assume you know someone’s full story.

Sometimes we do exactly what Eliphaz does. We see someone suffering and jump to conclusions. We assume that if someone is going through a hard time, they must have done something wrong. We might even try to give them Scripture, not to comfort or point them to hope, but to correct or accuse.

Eliphaz speaks some true things. He says that no one is perfectly righteous before God, but he wrongly applies those truths. He assumes Job is the wicked man he’s describing, without knowing the full story. How often do we do that too? How quick are we to speak when we don’t really understand someone’s situation?

God doesn’t call us to be like Job’s friends. He calls us to be His. And our God is “full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11). So before we offer advice, we should ask ourselves:

• Am I trying to help or trying to be right?

• Do I really know the whole story?

• Is this a moment for truth, or a moment for comfort?

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You Do – Apply It Personally

Job Chapter 16

“Miserable Comforters Are Ye All”

(Read Job Chapter 16 First)

Job Chapter 16 Summary:

In Job 16, Job responds to his friends’ harsh and judgmental words. He calls them “miserable comforters,” expressing the deep pain of not only his physical suffering but also the emotional pain of being misunderstood. He says that if the roles were reversed, he would choose to comfort them with compassion. Job feels that God is pouring out His wrath on him, even though Job insists he has remained pure in his prayers. His suffering is so intense that it’s physically changing his appearance, and he pleads for someone to advocate for him before God. Still, he finds a glimmer of hope in knowing that his witness is in heaven.

Guided Questions:

Can you relate to Job’s feelings of being misunderstood or abandoned?

What does Job wish his friends would do for him instead of criticizing him?

– Have you ever needed comfort and received judgment instead? How did that affect you?

Verse 5 says, “But I would strengthen you with my mouth.”

– How can your words strengthen someone who is hurting?

– Can you think of someone in your life right now who needs kind words?

Job expresses that God seems distant or even harsh toward him.

– Is it okay to tell God when we feel hurt or confused by His actions?

– Have you ever felt this way and how did you work through those emotions?

In verse 19, Job says, “Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven.”

– What does this say about Job’s faith in the midst of his suffering?

– How can we cling to the truth that God sees us when others misunderstand us?

– This verse helps me when I feel misunderstood or misrepresented by others. “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” — 1 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)

Job ends this chapter with thoughts of death and relief from pain.

– When life feels overwhelming, where can we turn for lasting hope and comfort?

– How can we be that comfort to others?

Let’s look at some verses Showing how God Comforts:

1. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

God comforts us so that we can pass that same comfort on to others.

2. Isaiah 66:13

“As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”

God’s comfort is tender, like a mother’s love.

3. Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

He draws near to the hurting and broken.

4. Psalm 147:3

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

God doesn’t ignore pain. He personally tends to it.

5. Isaiah 49:13

“Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.”

God’s comfort is tied to His mercy and causes great joy.

6. Psalm 23:4

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Even in life’s darkest valleys, His presence brings peace.

Life Application and Challenge:

Job said he would “strengthen” and “soothe” his friends with his words (v. 5).

What are some practical ways you can comfort a friend who’s hurting today?

• A meal

• A handwritten note

• A prayer text

• Simply being present in silence

Key Takeaway:

True comfort doesn’t come from fixing someone’s pain or figuring out why it happened. It comes from sitting with them in it. Job’s story reminds us that God welcomes our honesty, even when we’re confused or broken. It also challenges us to be better comforters. Instead of rushing to correct or explain suffering, let’s be the kind of friends who strengthen with our words, listen with empathy, and point others to the One who sees it all.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the ultimate comforter. Thank You for giving us Your word to learn from. Today, the Bible has shown us the kind of friend we don’t need to be and how to look at You and the ways You comfort. We can emulate Your ways if we allow You to teach and guide us. We are challenged and motivated to be someone’s comforter this week. Help us to be available and willing to help. We love You, thank You, and praise You for all You’ve done for us.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen