Devotion – The Georgia Nest

Week 45 of the Devotional Series

August 17, 2026 brookepacheco5

The Study of Exodus: Post Nine

***Note – We have completed the book of Job and the book of Genesis! This is our ninth week in the book of Exodus!

Focus: Exodus Chapter Nine

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:

Exodus Chapter Nine – “A Teachable Heart ”

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

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

This Week’s Memory Verse:

“And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.”

Exodus 9:27

Exodus Chapter 9:

“A Teachable Heart ”

(Read Exodus Chapter 9 First)

In Exodus chapter nine, we are still dealing with Pharaoh refusing to let the children of Israel go and worship the LORD.

At this point, I feel like we almost know what to expect as we’re reading. God warns Pharaoh. Pharaoh refuses. A plague comes. Pharaoh asks Moses to pray. The plague stops. And then Pharaoh hardens his heart again.

But as I studied this chapter, I found myself thinking less about Pharaoh’s heart and more about my own.

Pharaoh’s hardened heart is easy to see, but sometimes realizing the condition of our own hearts isn’t quite as obvious.

Here are some self examination questions we can ask ourselves:

Am I teachable?

Am I willing to listen when God corrects me?

Am I willing to change when His Word shows me something in my life that doesn’t line up with Him?

Or do I have to experience the consequences over and over before I finally listen?

________________________________________________________

Now let’s look in this chapter at how God protects His people…

The chapter begins with another warning from the LORD.

God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him:

“Let my people go, that they may serve me.”

(Exodus 9:1)

If Pharaoh refuses, the LORD says His hand will be upon the cattle of Egypt. Horses, donkeys, camels, oxen, and sheep would be affected by a severe disease.

But then God makes something very clear….

“And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel.”

(Exodus 9:4)

I love this! God was showing Pharaoh that He was in complete control.

The cattle of Egypt would be affected, but the cattle belonging to Israel would be protected.

Then God gave them a specific time:

“To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land.”

(Exodus 9:5)

Tomorrow.

God said what He was going to do, and then He did exactly what He said.

When Pharaoh sent to find out what had happened, he discovered that not one of the cattle belonging to Israel had died.

God’s Word was true once again.

It reminded me of two verses where God is our refuge, our keeper, and our protector.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

(Psalm 23:1)

And:

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

(Nahum 1:7)

God’s protection doesn’t mean that His children will never experience difficulty. We see plenty of evidence throughout Scripture that God’s people still walk through hard things.

But what we see here in Exodus is that God knows exactly where His people are.

He knew which cattle belonged to Israel.

He knew where His people were.

And He was able to distinguish between Egypt and Israel in the middle of judgment.

That is comforting to me.

God knows His own.

__________________________________________________________

Now I want to look at how Pharaoh repeatedly saw the evidence of God and still hardened his heart.

Here’s where I get stuck on Pharaoh.

Pharaoh had been warned.

He had watched the plagues happen.

He had seen God’s power.

And now he had actual evidence that God had protected Israel’s cattle exactly as He said He would.

You would think this would cause Pharaoh to stop and say, “Okay. I need to listen.”

But he didn’t.

“And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.”

Exodus 9:7

We kept seeing this pattern where he saw the evidence and still refused to surrender.

And then another plague would come.

Moses and Aaron were instructed to take ashes from the furnace and sprinkle them toward heaven. The ashes became dust throughout Egypt and caused boils upon both man and beast.

Even Pharaoh’s magicians couldn’t stand before Moses because they were covered in boils.

But still…

Pharaoh wouldn’t let the people go.

Let’s stop again and ask ourselves, because I think this is so important…How teachable is my heart?

I don’t want to be someone who has to keep learning the same lesson over and over because I refuse to listen the first time.

I don’t want God to have to use drastic circumstances to get my attention when He has already been speaking to me through His Word.

I want to be teachable.

I love reading Proverbs daily because it has so much to say about seeking wisdom. My preacher has taught us that there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, so a simple way to read through it is to read the chapter that corresponds with the date. For example, on the 17th day of the month, read Proverbs chapter 17, and continue doing that each day.

“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.”

(Proverbs 2:3-5)

I love the picture Proverbs gives us.

Search for wisdom like buried treasure.

That takes effort, humility, and willingness.

And Proverbs also says:

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”

(Proverbs 15:33)

A teachable heart requires humility.

You can bet that if you’re staying in God’s Word, that sometimes He will show you something about yourself that you don’t particularly want to see. Maybe it’s an attitude, a habit, a reaction, unforgiveness, pride, impatience, or simply an area where you’ve been trying to do things your own way.

What do we do when He shows us?

Do we listen?

Or do we make excuses?

Do we humble ourselves?

Or do we harden our hearts?

Let’s look at this verse that really caught my attention..it’s a quote we read in verse 17…

The LORD says to Pharaoh:

“As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?”

(Exodus 9:17)

Did you catch the “As yet”…

After everything Pharaoh had already seen, God was asking, “Are you still doing this?”

That phrase makes me think about those areas in our lives where God may be asking us the same question.

Are you still holding onto that?

Are you still refusing to forgive?

Are you still insisting on having your own way?

Are you still ignoring what My Word says?

Are you still trying to control something I’ve asked you to surrender?

That is uncomfortable to think about, but I think it’s good for us to ask those questions, because God corrects us because He loves us.

“For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

(Proverbs 3:12)

I would much rather have a heart that responds to God’s gentle correction than one that refuses to listen until circumstances become painful enough to get my attention!

______________________________________________________________

Now let’s look at how God gave another warning.

Before the hail came, God gave another warning.

He told Pharaoh exactly what was coming and instructed the people to bring their servants and animals inside.

Some of the Egyptians believed the word of the LORD and acted on the warning.

“He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:”

(Exodus 9:20)

But:

“And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.”

(Exodus 9:21)

There were people who heard God’s warning and acted on it.

Heard and Acted…

It isn’t enough just to hear God’s Word.

What do I do with what I’ve heard?

James tells us:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

(James 1:22)

To have a teachable heart, we must hear correction and act on it.

_______________________________________________________________

Then we come to the part of the chapter where the hail came.

Then the LORD told Moses to stretch out his hand toward heaven.

And the hail came.

Thunder. Then fire running along the ground.

Hail unlike anything Egypt had ever experienced.

The crops, trees, animals, and people left outside were struck.

But once again, God protected His people..

In Goshen, where the children of Israel lived, there was no hail.

After the hail, Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron.

And this time, Pharaoh said something we haven’t heard him say quite like this before:

“I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.”

(Exodus 9:27)

Pharaoh was acknowledging that God was right and he was wrong.

And maybe, for a moment, Pharaoh really did recognize the seriousness of what he had done.

But Moses knew Pharaoh’s heart.

He told him:

“But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God.”

(Exodus 9:30)

And Moses was right.

As soon as the rain, hail, and thunder stopped,

Pharaoh had relief.

And what happened?

“And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart…”

(Exodus 9:34)

There it is again.

Hardship came. Pharaoh cried out. Relief came. Pharaoh went right back to his old ways.

So what happened when the storm passed?

It’s easy to seek God when everything is falling apart.

When we’re scared.

When we’re hurting.

When we’re desperate.

When we need an answer.

But what happens when the storm passes?

What happens when the prayer is answered?

What happens when the diagnosis is good, the financial situation improves, the relationship is repaired, the problem is resolved, or the thing we’ve been begging God to change finally changes?

Do we continue walking closely with Him?

Or do we go right back to living life our own way?

Pharaoh knew God had power.

He had seen God’s power over and over again.

His problem was that he refused to surrender.

I don’t want to only seek God when I need Him to fix something.

I want to know Him at all times.. when life is good or bad.

I want to obey Him when obedience is easy and when it’s hard.

I want to listen when He whispers through His Word.

I want to be teachable.

I want to be humble.

I want to listen to what God wants to change within me.

As you finish Exodus chapter nine, take some time to sit quietly with the LORD and ask yourself:

Am I teachable when God’s Word corrects me, or do I make excuses for my behavior?

2. Is there something God has been showing me repeatedly that I continue to ignore?

3. Do I seek God only when I’m going through a difficult season, or do I continue seeking Him when life becomes comfortable again?

4. Is there an area of my life where I am still trying to have my own way?

5. What does humility look like in my life right now?

6. When God reveals something in my heart that needs to change, how do I respond?

7. What is one thing I can surrender to the LORD today instead of waiting for circumstances to force me to deal with it?

And maybe the simplest question of all:

Lord, is my heart soft toward You?

That is a question I think is worth asking often.

Because I don’t want to be someone who hears God’s Word, sees His goodness, experiences His mercy, and then goes right back to doing things my own way.

I want to be teachable.

Week 43 of the Devotional Series

August 3, 2026 brookepacheco5

***Note – We have completed the book of Job and the book of Genesis! This is our seventh week in the book of Exodus!

Focus: Exodus Chapter Seven

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:

Exodus Chapter Four – “Knowing the Lord”

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse:

“And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.”

Exodus 7:5

Exodus Chapter 7:

“Knowing the Lord”

(Read Exodus Chapter 7 First)

One thing became very clear to me while studying Exodus chapter 7.

God is revealing WHO HE IS.

The chapter opens with the LORD telling Moses,

“See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.” (Exodus 7:1)

To me, this verse just meant that Moses would stand before Pharaoh as God’s representative, speaking God’s words with God’s authority, while Aaron would speak on Moses’ behalf.

Then the LORD tells Moses…

“And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 7:3)

God already knew exactly what was about to happen and He goes on to explain why…

“And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.” (Exodus 7:5)

Then, just a few verses later, Moses tells Pharaoh,

“Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD...” (Exodus 7:17)

That phrase kept standing out to me.

“By this thou shalt know that I am the LORD.”

For me, it was the heartbeat of this entire chapter. It made me realize how often we wonder why things are happening, why nothing seems to be getting better, or why we just can’t catch a break. Sometimes it may be because God is working through those circumstances to reveal Himself to someone else.

Everything that was about to happen had a purpose. Through His mighty power, Egypt would come face to face with the one true God.

How often do we focus on what God is doing instead of what He is trying to show us about who He is?

And this is something I don’t want us to miss…Sometimes we become so consumed with wanting God to change our circumstances that we miss what He wants to teach us through them.

I know in my own life that some of my greatest seasons of growth come when God reveals more of Himself.

Another thing I noticed was the obedience of Moses and Aaron.

The LORD gave them instructions.

They obeyed.

He told them to go before Pharaoh.

They went.

He told Aaron to cast down his rod.

He did.

He told them to meet Pharaoh by the river the next morning.

Again, they obeyed.

It also amazed me that Moses was eighty years old and Aaron was eighty-three. I love that God told us their ages.

Have you ever felt that you were too young, too old, too inexperienced? I know I often feel unqualified for God to use me, but…

God chose two elderly brothers to stand before the most powerful ruler in the world! I’m so glad that He doesn’t call only the strongest or the most gifted, but He chooses willing hearts that will trust Him and obey so that He can graciously work through us.

What an incredible privilege!

It reminds me of what Paul wrote:

“For we are labourers together with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

Next, we come to the part of the story when Aaron threw down his rod, and it became a serpent.

Immediately Pharaoh called for his wise men, sorcerers, and magicians. They were able to perform the same action.

But then the Bible tells us…

“But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.” (Exodus 7:12)

To me, this was a wonderful picture that God’s power is greater than every fake. There are many things in this world that will try to imitate the truth, promise us peace, or offer us hope apart from God.

But none of them can compare to Him.

The things of this world may appear impressive for a little while, but eventually they are swallowed up by the power of the one true God.

God then instructed Moses and Aaron to meet Pharaoh by the river.

Aaron stretched out his rod just as God commanded.

The waters turned to blood.

The fish died.

The river stank.

There was blood throughout all the land.

But Pharaoh still remained unchanged.

One verse especially caught my attention.

“Neither did he set his heart to this also.” (Exodus 7:23)

I looked up the phrase “set his heart.”

It carries the idea of applying one’s heart, giving careful attention, or taking something seriously.

Pharaoh witnessed God’s mighty works, but he refused to let what he saw affect him.

As I read that, I began thinking about my own life.

How many times has God shown me His faithfulness?

How many prayers has He answered?

How many times has He provided exactly what I needed?

Am I paying attention?

Am I allowing what God is doing to deepen my relationship with Him?

I know that sometimes we can become so focused on asking God for another miracle and we forget to take the time to reflect and thank Him for the ones He’s already done.

God was revealing Himself in this chapter in Exodus, and He is constantly revealing Himself to us if we take the time to listen.

Throughout Scripture, one of God’s greatest desires is for people to know Him.

Jesus prayed,

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”(John 17:3)

Paul later wrote,

“That I may know him…” (Philippians 3:10)

God doesn’t just want us to know ABOUT Him.

He wants us to know Him PERSONALLY.

Sometimes that happens most deeply in seasons we would never choose.

We may ask God to remove the trial, but He may choose to reveal more of Himself through it.

Looking back over my own life, I’ve learned more about God’s faithfulness and love during the difficult seasons than I ever did during the easy ones.

I wouldn’t have chosen those valleys.

But I also wouldn’t trade what I learned about God while walking through them.

Personal Reflection

Take a few moments to ask yourself:

Is God trying to reveal something about Himself in my current season?

Am I so focused on wanting my circumstances to change that I’m missing what God wants to teach me?

Have I taken time to remember the ways God has already shown Himself faithful?

Am I willing to obey God even when I don’t fully understand His plan?

How has God revealed His character to me through difficult seasons in my life?

This Week’s Challenge

This week, instead of asking only, “Lord, when will this situation change?”

Try asking,

“Lord, what are You teaching me about who You are?”

Spend a few minutes each day thanking Him for ways He has already revealed His faithfulness in your life.

The more we know who God is, the more we will trust Him…no matter what circumstances we face.

So the next time you find yourself going through a difficult season, ask God to reveal what He’s trying to teach you. Ask Him to give you understanding and a heart that’s willing to learn. He loves us, and His desire is for us to grow to be more like Him.

Week 40 of the Devotional Series

June 15, 2026 brookepacheco5

The Study of Exodus: Post Four

***Note – We have completed the book of Job and the book of Genesis! This is our fourth week in the book of Exodus!

Focus: Exodus Chapter Four

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:

Exodus Chapter Four – “God Equips us for our Callings”

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse:

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Exodus 4:12

Exodus Chapter 4

“God Equips us for our Callings”

(Read Exodus Chapter 4 First)

We begin this chapter with Moses doubting that the people will listen to him. He tells God that they will not believe him, listen to him, and that they will say the LORD did not appear unto him. This is excuse number one that Moses gives.

I think many of us can relate to that. The LORD may place something on our heart to do, whether it is speaking to someone about Him, obeying something he’s told us to do, serving somewhere we’ve never been, or sharing our testimony, and immediately we begin thinking of reasons why we should not or could not do it. Sharing the Gospel can feel uncomfortable sometimes, but the LORD will always equip us with exactly what we need.

Another issue that stood out to me is that Moses was worrying about something God had already addressed. In Exodus chapter 3, God had already promised that the elders of Israel would listen to Moses. Fear is loud and can make us forget God’s promises. How often do we do the same thing? We focus on the “what ifs” instead of remembering what God has already said.

The LORD tells Moses to take the rod in his hand and throw it on the ground. When he did, it became a serpent, and Moses fled from before it. Then the LORD told him to catch it by the tail, and when he did, it became a rod again. The LORD explained that He was giving Moses these miraculous signs so the people would believe that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had truly appeared unto him. Let’s talk about the rod for a moment…I find it interesting that God used something Moses already had in his hand. It was just a shepherd’s rod, a tool Moses used every day. Yet God chose to use that ordinary rod to show us His extraordinary power. Sometimes we think we need more gifts, more experience, or better qualifications before God can use us, but often He starts with what is already in our hands.

Then the LORD gave Moses another sign. He told him to place his hand inside his bosom, or chest. When Moses pulled it back out, it was leprous as snow. Then the LORD instructed him to place it back inside his bosom again, and when he removed it the second time, it was restored like his normal flesh.

The LORD then told Moses that if the people did not believe the first sign, they may believe the second. If they still refused to believe, Moses was to take water from the river and pour it upon dry land, and the water would become blood upon the ground.

One thing that really stood out to me while reading this chapter is that the LORD gave Moses three signs. Throughout Scripture, the number three is often associated with completeness, confirmation, and God revealing Himself. I think of the Holy Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

It made me think about those times when God is leading you in a certain direction and He graciously gives little confirmations along the way. I know those confirmations aren’t the same as the miraculous signs Moses received, but they remind me of God’s kindness in reassuring His people.

God did not send Moses out on his own and tell him to just figure it out. He equipped him with what he would need, confirmed that this was His calling, and showed him that He would be with him every step of the way. What an encouragement that is for us. When God calls us to something, He doesn’t leave us unprepared or uncertain of His presence. He faithfully provides what we need to obey Him.

What did God do when Moses doubted himself and feared the people would not believe him? He patiently provided sign after sign to strengthen both Moses’ faith and the faith of those who would witness these miracles. I love how this chapter shows that God does not call us because we already feel confident or capable to do something for Him, but He equips us for what He calls us to do.

Like many of us, Moses focused on his weaknesses and fears, but God focused on His own power. These three signs were not really about Moses’ ability at all, but instead they were about proving that the LORD Himself would be with him.

Now the LORD has listened to Moses’ first excuse and provided him with reassurance, but then comes excuse number two:

“O my Lord, I am not eloquent…”

The word eloquent here means able to speak smoothly, clearly, persuasively, or fluently. Moses continues by telling God that he is slow of speech and slow of tongue. Some believe Moses may have had a speech impediment.

The LORD quickly reminds Moses that He made man’s mouth. He reminds him that He is sovereign over all things, even human weakness. Then He tells Moses something incredibly comforting:

“Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” Exodus 4:12

What a powerful reminder for us today. The LORD can still do that for us. We can ask Him to be with our mouth and teach us what to say in difficult conversations, moments of witnessing, parenting, encouraging someone, or even praying.

Then Moses begs God to send another person. He says:

“O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.”

Can you hear the overwhelm in his voice? Can you relate?

Sometimes God asks us to step completely outside of our comfort zone, and fear immediately rises up within us. We feel inadequate, unqualified, incapable, or overwhelmed. That is exactly where Moses was.

The Bible tells us that the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses because of his continued resistance, but even in that moment, we still see God’s mercy. God tells Moses that his brother Aaron is already on the way and that Aaron will speak on his behalf. Moses would receive the words from God, and Aaron would act as the spokesperson.

I find this chapter both deeply convicting and incredibly hopeful.

It reminds me that God listens to our concerns, fears, and insecurities. He is patient with us in our weakness. Moses did not feel ready, but God still chose him.

I also think Moses’ humility mattered. Scripture repeatedly shows us that God values a humble and contrite heart.

Psalm 51:17 says:

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

Isaiah 57:15 says:

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit…”

I love this verse because it shows us that the God who rules over eternity chooses to dwell near the humble.

What do we hear repeated in reading these verses? Humility draws us closer to God because it makes room for dependence on Him instead of dependence on ourselves.

Moses was never enough on his own, and neither are we. But God never asked Moses to rely on himself. He simply asked him to obey and trust that the LORD would go with him. To obey, we don’t have to have every question answered, every detail mapped out, or complete confidence in ourselves. We simply have to trust the One who is calling us. Moses’ story reminds us that we will have fear, but we have to be courageous and choose to obey God in the middle of it.

Journaling Questions:

1. Have you ever felt God leading you to do something that scared you?

2. What excuses or fears tend to rise up in your heart when God calls you outside of your comfort zone?

3. Are you focusing more on your own weakness or on God’s ability?

4. In what area of your life do you need to trust that God will equip you?

5. How can humility help you depend more fully on the LORD this week?

Final Thoughts:

Exodus chapter 4 reminds us that God is not searching for perfect people. He is looking for willing hearts. Moses was fearful, hesitant, and full of excuses, but God still used him mightily because His strength is made perfect in weakness.

If God has placed something on your heart, do not let fear convince you that you are incapable. The same God who equipped Moses is still faithful to equip His people today.

Week 39 of the Devotional Series

May 25, 2026 brookepacheco5

The Study of Exodus: Post Three

***Note – We have completed the book of Job and the book of Genesis! This is our third week in the book of Exodus!

Focus: Exodus Chapter Three

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:

Exodus Chapter Three– “Certainly I will be with Thee”

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse:

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Exodus 3:12

Exodus Chapter 3

“Certainly I will be with Thee”

(Read Exodus Chapter 3 First)

One thing I love about scripture is that when we slow down and really picture what is happening, the Bible comes alive in such a personal way. Before we even begin Exodus chapter three, let’s get a picture of Moses in our minds.

Remember back in Exodus chapter two when Moses killed the Egyptian because he was defending one of his Hebrew brethren? According to Acts 7:23-24, Moses was about forty years old when that happened. Afterward, he fled into Midian where he met Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and began an entirely different life than the one he knew in Egypt.

Moses went from being raised as a prince in Pharaoh’s house to living as a shepherd in the wilderness.

Acts 7:30 tells us that forty more years passed before the burning bush experience happened. That means Moses was around eighty years old when God told him to go back to Egypt.

Think about that for a minute.

Forty years had passed since Moses fled the very place God was about to send him back to. If we look closely we can see how God was preparing him for what he was about to do.

God knows exactly when to call us, where to place us, and how to prepare us for the assignment ahead.

Moses was simply tending sheep when God met with him. He was living an ordinary life in the wilderness, far from the palace he once called home. He wasn’t known as a great leader or speaker at this point. Yet God chose to meet him right there in the middle of his ordinary life. Most importantly, Moses was living a life where he could hear from God. He wasn’t too busy, too distracted, too exhausted, or too overwhelmed by life to notice when God was speaking.

I think many of us want to hear from God, but our lives are often so full of noise, distraction, stress, and constant busyness that we rarely slow down long enough to truly listen. It becomes easy to fill every quiet moment with something else. What has helped me most is being intentional about setting aside daily quiet time with God without distractions. If we do not make those moments a priority, they will quickly become filled with other things. Early morning Bible reading and study before my kids wake up, along with evening walks after dinner to pray, have become daily staples that help keep me close to God.

Scripture says Moses led the flock to the backside of the desert near Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai or the mountain of God.

The angel of the LORD appeared in a flame of fire inside a bush. The bush was burning, but it was not consumed.

Can you imagine seeing that?

Naturally Moses went closer to examine it. But when the LORD saw Moses coming near, He called out:

“Moses, Moses.”

And Moses answered:

“Here am I.”

God then told him not to come any closer and instructed him to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground.

I think there is such a beautiful picture here. Moses could not approach God casually. The holiness of God demanded reverence.

We live in a world that often treats holy things casually, but Exodus 3 reminds us that God is holy.

I pray I can daily stop rushing and multitasking, and recognize His presence with awe and humility.

God then begins explaining why He appeared to Moses.

He tells him that He has:

* Seen the affliction of His people

* Heard their cries

* Known their sorrows

* Come down to deliver them

I love those verses because they remind us that God is not distant from our suffering.

There may be times when you feel overlooked, mistreated, burdened, or forgotten. But Exodus chapter three reminds us that God sees injustice and hears our cry.

What comfort there is in knowing we do not suffer unnoticed.

These verses also connect beautifully with so many other scriptures:

* Exodus 14:14 — “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

* 2 Chronicles 20:15 — “The battle is not yours, but God’s.”

* Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.”

* 1 Peter 5:7 — “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

* Psalms 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.”

How often do we try to fix things ourselves before surrendering them to God?

Moses once tried to “help” his people in his own strength back in Egypt, and it ended in failure. But now God was showing him that true deliverance would only come through God’s power, not Moses’ own ability.

This next part is so relatable…

God tells Moses He is sending him to Pharaoh to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt.

And Moses responds:

“Who am I?”

Have you ever had that same thought when God was calling you to something difficult or out of your comfort zone?

Who am I to speak?

Who am I to lead?

Who am I to minister?

Who am I to share my testimony?

Who am I to do what God is asking?

Moses felt inadequate and unqualified.

But I love God’s response because He did not build Moses’ confidence by listing Moses’ strengths.

Instead, God said:

“Certainly I will be with thee.”

That changes everything.

God never promised Moses he could do it alone. He promised His presence.

And that is still the answer today.

When God calls us, He does not ask us to rely on ourselves. He asks us to rely on Him.

If God has been nudging your heart toward something and fear or insecurity has held you back, remember this:

If He called you, He will certainly be with you.

Moses then asks God what name he should give the people if they ask who sent him.

God replies:

“I AM THAT I AM.”

What a powerful name.

God is eternal, unchanging, and self-sufficient. He is everything we need exactly when we need Him.

Do you need peace? He is.

Do you need strength? He is.

Do you need provision? He is.

Do you need comfort? He is.

There is no lack in Him.

Did you notice how God called Moses by name before Moses fully understood who God was. God already knew Moses intimately. How beautiful is that?

And the same is true for us.

Before we fully understand God’s plans, He already knows our name, our fears, what will happen in our future, and His purpose for us.

Toward the end of the chapter, God tells Moses that He would bring His people out of Egypt, and He would also give them favor with the Egyptians. They would leave with silver, gold, jewels, and clothing.

I love how God can do more than bring us through hardships. Sometimes He brings beauty from it too.

Real Life Application:

Are you in a season that feels like you don’t know God’s plan for your life or you feel like you’re waiting? God may still be preparing you there.

Have you been resisting something God placed on your heart because you feel inadequate?

Are you trying to fight battles in your own strength instead of trusting God to work?

* Have you forgotten that God sees your affliction and hears your cries?

Journaling Questions:

Is there an area of my life where I have been asking “Who am I?” instead of trusting God’s calling?

2. What waiting season in my life may actually be preparation?

3. Have I been trying to handle a battle myself instead of surrendering it to God?

4. What does God being “I AM” personally mean to me right now?

5. Where have I seen God’s timing work differently than my own expectations?

Week 34 of the Devotional Series

April 13, 2026 brookepacheco5

The Study of Genesis Post Twenty-Two

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 22nd devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 34 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next couple of weeks.

Focus: Genesis 48

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 48 –“More Than I Thought I’d See”

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse — “And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.”

Genesis 48:11

Genesis Chapter 48

“More Than I Thought I’d See”

(Read Genesis Chapter 48 First)

Joseph was notified that his father, Israel (Jacob), was sick, so he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to go see him. When they arrived, someone told Jacob they were there, and he strengthened himself enough to sit up in the bed.

I love that his first thought when he sat up was on God.

The first thing he tells Joseph is how God appeared to him long ago, blessed him, and promised to make him fruitful, multiply him, and give him the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession. Even though they were in Egypt instead of Canaan, Jacob had no doubt in what God had spoken. In verse 21, he reminds Joseph that God would bring him again to the land of his fathers.

That is great faith! Jacob still believed and trusted what God told him, even when his life didn’t look like what was promised.

Let’s pause right here and journal or reflect:

Sometimes our lives can look more like Egypt than Canaan.

We may find ourselves in places we didn’t expect and time passes. It can become easy to question if what God said will really come to pass.

But look what Jacob shows us. It’s powerful! He didn’t base his faith on what he saw, he based it on what God said.

So, what about us?

• Are we allowing what we can only see to shape what we believe?

• Have we let time or disappointment weaken our confidence in what God told us?

• Are we still holding onto His promises with the same faith we had when we first received them?

• Is there something God has spoken over your life that doesn’t look like it’s come to pass yet?

• What would it look like to trust Him anyway?

Jacob does something interesting next. He tells Joseph that he wants to claim his two sons as his own so that he can leave them an inheritance just like his other sons. Then he briefly reflects on the loss of Rachel, reminding Joseph of his mother.

When Jacob notices Joseph’s sons, he brings them close, hugs them, and kisses them. And then he says something so powerful:

“I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.”

Just look at what God can do!

Jacob never thought he would see Joseph again and not only did he see him, but he saw his children too. What God restored went beyond what Jacob could have imagined.

Reading this also reminded me of this verse…“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” – Ephesians 3:20

God often goes beyond what we even thought to ask for.

Journaling & Reflection

• Has there been a time in your life where God did more than you expected?

• Are you limiting what God can do based on what you’ve seen so far?

Next, Joseph brings his sons before Jacob and bows himself. He positions them intentionally with his oldest at Jacob’s right hand and the youngest at his left, following the tradition that the greater blessing would go to the eldest.

But before Jacob blesses them, he begins with these words:

“The God which fed me all my life long unto this day… the Angel which redeemed me from all evil…”

Before he asks God to bless them, he acknowledges who God is.

He gives Him honor and reflects on God’s faithfulness. He remembers how God carried him his entire life.

That’s something for us to take note of.

God is not just someone we come to with our requests. He is more than worthy of our recognition, gratitude, and our praise.

Journaling & Reflection

• Do you take time to acknowledge who God is before asking Him for things?

• What are some ways God has “fed you all your life long unto this day”?

What Jacob does next was a bit unexpected. He crosses his hands, placing his right hand on the younger son instead of the older. Joseph tries to correct him, but Jacob makes it clear that this was intentional.

God’s ways are not always what we expect.

The younger would be greater. The blessing didn’t follow tradition, but it did followed God’s purpose.

Journaling & Reflection

• Has God ever worked in a way that didn’t make sense to you at the time?

• Are you open to God moving differently than you expected?

This part really made me think about legacy.

Both boys would become so influential that people would one day speak a blessing over others, saying, “God make thee as Ephraim and Manasseh.” (Genesis 48:20 KJV)

That made me stop and ask a deeper question…what kind of legacy am I leaving behind?

Not just in what I say, but in how I live. In what I model. In what I pass down without even realizing it.

I pray that one day my children and grandchildren will see something in my life worth following that points them closer to God. I want to live the kind of life that encourages others to grow, do better, and become better.

Journaling & Reflection

• What kind of legacy are you building right now?

• If someone followed your example, where would it lead them?

Jacob’s final words to Joseph are full of faith:

“Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.”

Even at the end of his life, Jacob points back to God’s promise that He once made him.

Then he gives Joseph a double portion, an inheritance that would carry on through his sons.

Joseph had lived through years of hardship, uncertainty, and waiting. But God’s faithfulness brought him through and it overflowed into something greater than he could have imagined.

Final Reflection:

• Can you see ways God has been faithful to you, even through hard seasons?

• Where might God be working in your life right now in ways you don’t fully see yet?

Closing Thoughts:

As we close out Genesis 48, I keep coming back to that one simple but powerful line…“I had not thought to see…”

Jacob didn’t expect to see Joseph again. In his mind, that chapter was closed and the finality of that loss was accepted. The grief was something he had learned to live with.

And yet…God.

God restored what was lost, and He brought Jacob into a fuller, richer, and more meaningful life than he ever imagined possible.

He does that with us too!

There are things in our lives we think… “that will never happen.” Prayers we’ve stopped praying. Hopes we’ve tucked away and forgotten. Situations we’ve accepted as “this is just how it is now.”

But God is not limited! He can still work and write stories for our lives that we never imagined possible.

And sometimes, just like Jacob, we don’t fully see it until we’re in the middle of something we never thought we’d experience again…or maybe never thought we’d experience at all.

What I love most is that Jacob didn’t waste that moment. He used it to bless and speak life to the next generation toward God.

Don’t miss the invitation for us too.

We need to recognize God’s faithfulness and respond to it, to live in a way that reflects it, and to pass it on.

So wherever you are today…wether it be in a season of waiting, trusting, or finally seeing something come together, hold onto this truth:

God is able to do more than you think, see, or dare to hope for.

And when He does…don’t miss it.

Let it deepen your faith, shape your legacy, and remind you that His story for your life isn’t finished yet.

Week 32 of the Devotional Series

March 9, 2026 brookepacheco5

The Study of Genesis: Post Twenty

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 20th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 32 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next couple of weeks.

Focus: Genesis 46

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 46 – “Stopping at Beersheba”

(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 he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. – Genesis 46:3-4

Genesis Chapter 46

“Stopping at Beersheba”

(Read Genesis Chapter 46 First)

Have you ever been on the verge of making a big decision and felt unsure about what comes next? Maybe a new season is beginning, and part of you is hopeful, but another part of you feels a little nervous about the unknown. In Genesis 46, Jacob finds himself in that very place. Before moving his entire family to Egypt, he stops at Beersheba to seek the Lord. That stop before the journey holds a beautiful lesson for us.

If you remember from our previous Genesis devotions, Beersheba wasn’t just any stop along the road. It was a place with history. His grandfather Abraham had worshiped God there, and his father Isaac had also built an altar there when the Lord appeared to him.

Jacob stopped at a place that reminded him of God’s faithfulness before going into something unknown.

Sometimes that’s exactly what our hearts need too. Before moving into a new season, it helps to pause and remember the times and places where God has already been faithful in our lives.

Before we make big decisions. Before we go through uncertain seasons. And for sure before stepping into something new.

When we stop to remember God’s faithfulness in the past, it can help prepare our hearts for whatever lies ahead.

Journal Questions:

• What “Beersheba” places do you have in your life? These could be moments where God clearly showed His faithfulness?

• When you face something uncertain, how can remembering those moments strengthen your trust in Him?

• Is there a place, memory, or season where God met you that you can return to in your heart when you need reassurance?

I love that Jacob stopped to seek God first…and AFTER that, God speaks to him. It reminded me of Jeremiah 29:13 –

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Jacob must have been seeking God with all of his heart because God calls his name, “Jacob, Jacob,” and tells him not to be afraid to go down to Egypt. Then He gives him this beautiful promise: I will go down with you.

God is the perfect travel partner! He will give us directions, AND He will go with us on our journey!

Jacob didn’t know what the future would hold in Egypt, but he knew one thing for sure…God would be there.

Isn’t that often how the Lord leads us too?

There are many times in our lives when we will be stepping into something new. A new season, a hard decision, or a path we didn’t expect. We may not see the whole plan, but God gently reminds us the same thing He told Jacob: Don’t be afraid. I’ll go with you.

That comforts me. Does it you?

Because when God goes with us, even those unfamiliar places and uncomfortable starts can become part of His good plan.

Maybe today you’re facing something that feels uncertain. Do you have a big decision to make? Is there a change in your life that needs to take place? Is God asking you to do something and you know you need to take that first step of obedience?

If the Lord is leading you there, you can trust that He’s already gone ahead of you, and He’ll walk with you every step of the way.

A Few Questions to Think About:

Is there an area of your life right now where you feel unsure about what’s ahead?

What might it look like for you to stop and seek the Lord before moving forward the way Jacob did?

• Can you think of a time when God led you somewhere unexpected but later showed you His purpose?

Remember friend, we may not know the whole plan, but we can know the one who is walking with us. Do you know him personally? If not, I want to share with you how you can…

The Bible tells us that every person needs salvation, and it also clearly shows us how we can be saved.

We Are All Sinners

Romans 3:23

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Every one of us has sinned. No one is perfect, and our sin separates us from a holy God.

Sin Has a Consequence

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Sin leads to spiritual death, but God offers us a gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Christ Died for Us

Romans 5:8

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Even while we were sinners, God showed His love by sending Jesus to die in our place.

We Must Believe and Confess

Romans 10:9–10

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Salvation comes when we truly believe in our hearts and confess Jesus as Lord.

Anyone Who Calls on the Lord Can Be Saved

Romans 10:13

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Salvation is available to anyone who calls on Jesus in faith.

Seek the LORD. Talk to Him. He loves you.

Forgotten by Man, Remembered by God

January 19, 2026 brookepacheco5

Week 27 of the Devotional Series

The Study of Genesis: Post Fifteen

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 15th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 27 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next few weeks.

Focus: Genesis 38 – 40

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 38 – “Sin, Consequences, and Repentance”

Chapter 39 – “The Lord was With Joseph”

Chapter 40 – “The Butler and the Baker”

(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 — “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” – Hebrews 6:10

Genesis Chapter 38

“Sin, Consequences, and Repentance”

(Read Genesis Chapter 38 First)

Genesis 38 is one of those chapters we don’t naturally gravitate toward. It’s uncomfortable, full of poor choices, broken promises, and selfishness. But we can still learn a lot of lessons from this chapter. We will see that God can still bring redemption out of human failure.

We left Joseph being sold into Egypt by his own brothers. One of those brothers was Judah. He’s the one who suggested selling Joseph instead of killing him. Around that same time, Judah walked away from his family and settled among the Canaanites. He married a Canaanite woman, started a family, and drifted even farther from the heritage he had been given. We can see how one compromise led to another. We can experience the same in our relationship with God…distance from God rarely happens all at once, it usually happens step by step.

Judah’s first son, Er, was wicked and died under God’s judgment. His second son, Onan, refused the responsibility God had designed to protect Tamar, his brother’s widow. Long before it was written into the Law, God’s heart was already clear: “If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her… that the firstborn may succeed in the name of his brother which is dead” (Deuteronomy 25:5–6). But Onan wanted the pleasure and benefit without the sacrifice or burden, and God took his life too. So Tamar experienced years of injustice. Judah promised her his third son, Shelah, but he never kept that promise. He let time pass, allowed her wait until his son was old enough to marry, let her grow older, and when the time came, he left her without a family or future.

Tamar’s response was bitter and sinful. She was deceiving and that is never justified. When Judah finally realized the truth, that he himself was the father of her child, his words were surprising… “She hath been more righteous than I.” She was not innocent, but he felt she was less guilty than him since he withheld what was right and allowed sin to grow in her heart because of his neglect.

And Scripture tells us, “he knew her again no more.” It shows that Judah’s repentance was not just words said because he was embarrassed. This is the beginning of a different Judah. We will see in the chapters ahead that he’s the one who will later offer himself in Benjamin’s place, and he’s the one whose line will carry the promise forward.

Next, we read about Judah and Tamar’s twins. One hand reaches out first, and the midwife marked his finger with a scarlet thread. But the other breaks through and is born first. His name is Pharez, which means “the breach, the breakthrough.” From this broken chapter, full of sin and pain comes the family line of King David… and eventually, Jesus.

God did not excuse the sin in this chapter. But He did not abandon the people in it either. So if you have a sinful or painful situation going on in your life, God can work through it too.

Journaling Questions

Are there areas where I’ve slowly drifted instead of deliberately walked away?
Have I ever chosen convenience over responsibility, even knowing better?
Is there a promise, apology, or responsibility I’ve put off that God is asking me to face?
What would true repentance look like for me? Not just feeling sorry, but changing direction?
Where do I need to trust that God can still bring good, even from chapters I wish weren’t written?

________________________________________________________________

Genesis Chapter 39

“The Lord was With Joseph”

(Read Genesis Chapter 39 First)

In the last chapter, Joseph’s story was paused while we studied the difficult account of his brother Judah. Now Genesis 39 brings us right back to Joseph. We left off with him being sold into Egypt and placed in the house of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard.

One sentence stands out over and over in this chapter:

“The LORD was with Joseph.”

Because the Lord was with him, Joseph prospered. He was shown mercy. He was given favor.

This isn’t something only Joseph could experience. We can pray for the Lord to be with us too.

Verse 3 tells us something powerful. Other people could see that the Lord was with Joseph. They could see that God made everything he touched prosper. When God’s hand is on someone’s life, it doesn’t stay hidden for long.

Scripture tells us:

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

God loves to honor those who honor Him.

What stands out to me most in this chapter is Joseph’s character.

He had every reason to be bitter. He had been betrayed by his own brothers, sold like property, carried into a foreign land, and made a servant. Yet the Bible says he served.

Being a willing servant is a picture of humility and love. If we are willing to serve people faithfully, we are showing that we are willing to serve God faithfully too.

“By love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

Scripture also tells us Joseph was “goodly and well favoured,” meaning he was handsome. That explains why Potiphar’s wife was drawn to him. When she tried repeatedly to tempt him, he refused. He spoke of trust. He spoke of loyalty. And most importantly, he said:

“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)

That is integrity.

Joseph worked hard, stayed faithful, and honored God when no one would have blamed him for giving up. Potiphar noticed and he made Joseph overseer of everything he owned. One day Potiphar’s wife grabbed Joseph by his garment. He didn’t hesitate and consider sinning. He ran. Leaving his robe behind in her hands. That alone is a lesson. Joseph knew not to tiptoe around temptation. We are called to flee from it. “Flee also youthful lusts.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

Because she had his garment, she had what she needed to form a lie. She accused Joseph of trying to disgrace her.

Here is a hard truth many of us learn sooner or later:

When people cannot get you to do wrong, sometimes they will lie about you instead.

Joseph was punished for a sin he did not commit. Potiphar had him thrown into prison. But again, Scripture says: “The LORD was with Joseph.” God showed him mercy and gave him favor even in a prison cell.

That encourages me because it means we can be in situations that feel too low, too unfair, and we can even feel hopeless, but God’s favor can still reach us. “For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12)

The chapter closes with these simple words:

“And that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.”

That is my prayer.

That wherever He places me… whatever season I’m in… whatever task is in front of me…

the Lord would be with me, and make it prosper.

Journaling Questions

Where has God placed me to serve right now, even if it isn’t where I hoped to be?
What does integrity look like in my daily choices when no one is watching?
Are there situations I need to stop entertaining and start running from?
Do others see evidence of God’s presence in how I live and work?

“The LORD was with Joseph.”
May that be true of us too.

________________________________________________________________

Genesis Chapter 40

“The Butler and the Baker”

(Read Genesis Chapter 40 First)

While Joseph is in prison, God is still using him.

One day Pharaoh’s chief butler and chief baker are thrown into the same prison. Joseph, who has already been made overseer, is serving them and looking after them. One morning he notices something…they look sad.

He asked them why they were sad and they tell him they both had dreams, but there’s no one to interpret them.

And I love Joseph’s response. “Do not interpretations belong to God?” In other words: I can’t do this on my own… but I know the One who can. Joseph doesn’t take credit, but instead he lifts God’s name first.

The butler tells his dream. A vine with three branches is in front of him, budding and producing grapes. He pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup. God gives Joseph the interpretation clearly and confidently:

In three days, you’ll get your job back.

Then Joseph tells the butler, “But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

The baker hears the good news and wants his dream interpreted too. But this time the truth is hard. He dreamed of three baskets upon his head and birds eating from them. And Joseph doesn’t soften it. He tells him plainly…

In three days, you will be hung and the birds will eat your flesh.

And three days later, on Pharaoh’s birthday, everything happens exactly as God revealed to Joseph. The butler is restored and the baker is executed. Joseph was right. God was faithful. But the butler forgot Joseph.

Sometimes God will use you and the people you helped will still forget you.

Sometimes you’ll be faithful and not given any credit.

Sometimes you’ll do everything right and still stay in the ‘prison’ longer than you should.

But we can learn this from Joseph…

Your calling is not dependent on people giving you credit.

Your story doesn’t have to be read or noticed for God to be using it.

God remembered Joseph, even when the butler didn’t.

Journaling Questions:

1. Where in my life do I feel forgotten or overlooked right now?

2. Am I still serving others well even when life feels unfair?

3. Do I give God credit first or only when things are going well?

4. Is there a hard truth God is asking me to speak in love?

5. What would it look like to trust God with my timing instead of trying to force my own?

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.