genesis – Page 2 – The Georgia Nest

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?

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

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

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Genesis Chapter 19

“The Hand of Mercy”

(Read Genesis Chapter 19 First)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verse 27 stood out to me:

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

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

And in verse 29 we read,

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

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

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

Life Application

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

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

• Interceding for others can change their destiny.

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

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Genesis Chapter 20

“Faith over Fear ”

(Read Genesis Chapter 20 First)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Genesis Chapter 21

“Always Faithful”

(Read Genesis Chapter 21 First)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life Application:

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

Week 19 of the Devotional Series

October 27, 2025 brookepacheco5

The Study of Genesis: Post Seven

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

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis 16 – 18

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

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 16 – “When Waiting Feels too Hard”

Chapter 17 – “A Promise”

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

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

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

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

Genesis Chapter 16

“When Waiting Feels too Hard ”

(Read Genesis Chapter 16 First)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Only God can make promises like that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apply It Personally:

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

Ask yourself:

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

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

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

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Genesis Chapter 17

“A Promise”

(Read Genesis Chapter 17 First)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life Application

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

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

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

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

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Genesis Chapter 18

“Is Anything too Hard for the LORD”

(Read Genesis Chapter 18 First)

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

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

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

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

That moment reminds me of how intimately God knows us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life Application:

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Is any thing too hard for the LORD?”

Heavenly Father,

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

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Week 18 of the Devotional Series

October 13, 2025 brookepacheco5

The Study Of Genesis – Post Six

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

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis 14 – 15

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

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 14 – “Faith in Action”

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

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

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse —

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

I Do – Watch Me Study

Genesis Chapter 14

“Faith in Action”

(Read Genesis Chapter 14 First)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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We Do – Let’s Study Together

Genesis Chapter 15

“God Can Bring us Out to Bring us in”

(Read Genesis Chapter 15 First)

Genesis 15 opens with such comforting words:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

________________________________________________________________

You Do – Apply It Personally

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

Below are some prompts to help you reflect and journal:

Trusting Him as Your Shield

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

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

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

Treasuring Him as Your Reward

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

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

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

When God Brings You Out

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

• How might He be doing that now?

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

His Covenant

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

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

Faith That Pleases God

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

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

• End your journal time with a prayer of faith…

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

Closing Reflection

Throughout this week, remember:

God is your shield that covers you in every storm.

He is your reward and your treasure above all else.

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

Heavenly Father,

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

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Week 17 of the Devotional Series

October 6, 2025 brookepacheco5

The Study of Genesis: Post Five

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

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis 10 – 11

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

This week’s devotion includes:

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

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

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

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

I Do – Watch Me Study

Genesis Chapter 12

“Altars of Faith and a God Who Rescues”

(Read Genesis Chapter 12 First)

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

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

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

• Noah’s altar (Gen. 8:20): gratitude

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Reflect Together:

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

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

Journaling Questions:

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

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

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

Key Takeaway:

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

________________________________________________________________

We Do – Let’s Study Together

Genesis Chapter 13

“Humility Leads to Blessing”

(Read Genesis Chapter 13 First)

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

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

This reminds me of a couple of verses of scripture…

Philippians 2:3–4:

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

Romans 12:10

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

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

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

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

Life Application:

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

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

Journaling Questions:

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

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

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

Key Takeaway:

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

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“What I Saw God Do in Hephzibah, Georgia”

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

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

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

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

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

Our young people need this. America needs this.

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

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

1. “I just want to serve.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

So I want to challenge you:

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

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

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

Reflection questions:

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

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

The Study Of Genesis – Post Four

September 29, 2025 brookepacheco5

Week 16 of the Devotional Series

***Note – We just completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our fourth devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 16 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis 10 – 11

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

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 10 – “The God Who Sees the End from the Beginning”

Chapter 11 – “God’s Plans Always Prevail”

(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 — A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

I Do – Watch Me Study

Genesis Chapter 10

“The God Who Sees the End from the Beginning”

(Read Genesis Chapter 10 First)

Genesis 10 is often called the ‘Table of Nations.’ When you first read it, it can feel like just a long list of names that are hard to pronounce. But if you take the time to slow down and look closely, you realize it’s actually a map of where the nations came from and a reminder of God’s hand over all of our history.

1. God sees the end from the beginning

From Japheth (Noah’s son) came Javan, whose descendants became the Greeks. As we read on, we will discover that the Greeks become a mighty empire that shaped world history and even appear in prophecy (Isaiah 66:19; Daniel 8:21; Joel 3:6). This reminds us that God knows how every story begins and ends. Nothing in our lives is too small for God to incorporate into His bigger plan.

2. Human pride versus God’s rule

From Ham’s (Noah’s son) line came Nimrod, who built kingdoms like Babel, Nineveh, and Babylon. Josephus records that Nimrod led people away from trusting God, turning them toward tyranny and pride. His story shows us what happens when humans try to build their own kingdoms instead of submitting to God’s. Nimrod’s cities later become the very places God’s people struggle against (Babylon in Daniel, Nineveh in Jonah, Assyria in 2 Kings). Pride always sets us up against God, but His kingdom stands forever.

3. God’s promises are trustworthy

Ham’s (Noah’s son) son, Canaan, fathered the Canaanite nations of the Jebusites, Amorites, and others. These are the very nations God promised Abraham that Israel would overcome (Gen. 15:18–21). Generations after Genesis 10, God’s Word proved true as Joshua led Israel into the land. What God says, even in genealogies, comes to pass.

4. The nations are in God’s hand

From Shem (Noah’s son) came nations like Elam and Assyria. From these names we see the spread of people across the earth, just as God commanded after the flood. The nations, both then and now, are not random or out of control. Acts 17:26 reminds us that God “determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.” He is the Lord of history, directing all nations toward His ultimate plan of redemption in Christ.

Key Takeaway: Genesis 10 reminds us that all of history is guided by God. From great nations being formed to the little names we tend to skip over, everything is part of His plan.

________________________________________________________________

We Do – Let’s Study Together

Genesis Chapter 11

“God’s Plans Always Prevail”

(Read Genesis Chapter 11 First)

Part 1: The Tower of Babel (vv. 1–9)

After the flood, everyone spoke the same language. As people journeyed east, they found the plain of Shinar (Babylonia/Chaldea—modern-day Iraq). This was a valley with two rivers, and I imagine that it was fertile and appealing, so they settled there. They were planning a great city and a tower that reached the heavens.

We find their goal in this verse… “Let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (v. 4).

This was a direct rebellion against God’s command in Genesis 9:1 to “be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth.” Instead of spreading out to fill the earth, they resisted God’s plan and wanted to settle for their own glory.

The Lord came down to see their work. He said, “Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language… and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do” (v. 6). God wasn’t intimidated by their power, but I believe He knew that their coming together apart from Him would end in disaster.

So I think it was in mercy that He confused their language and scattered them across the earth. The city was called Babel, meaning “confusion.” It’s no coincidence that later, Babel/Babylon became a biblical picture of human pride standing against God.

Life Application: Pride always leads to confusion. God’s will cannot be stopped. Obstacles in our plans may actually be His way of protecting us from building our own “tower.”

Part 2: The Lineage of Shem (vv. 10–32)

From Shem’s line comes a genealogy leading to Abram (later Abraham).

What we learn about Abram’s family:

• His wife, Sarai, is barren (v. 30).

• His brother Haran dies, leaving his son Lot (v. 28). Lot becomes significant later.

• Terah, Abram’s father, leads the family from Ur of the Chaldees (southern Iraq) toward Canaan, but they stop and dwell in Haran (southern Turkey) where Terah dies (vv. 31–32).

After God scattered nations at Babel, He focuses in on one family through whom He will carry out His covenant plan. Genesis 12 will show God calling Abram to Canaan with the promise of blessing all nations.

Even in the middle of human rebellion (Babel), God was already working out His covenant plan through Shem’s line. Our failures never derail God’s purposes.

________________________________________________________________

You Do – Apply It Personally

Journal Questions:

1. What “small” areas of my life do I need to entrust to God, believing He sees the end from the beginning?

2. Where am I tempted to build my own “kingdom” instead of seeking God’s kingdom first?

3. How does seeing God’s promises fulfilled in history strengthen my faith in His promises for me today?

4. Do I trust that God is sovereign over the nations even when the world seems unstable? How can I rest in His control this week?

5. Where in my life might I be building a “tower” for my own name instead of God’s glory?

6. How have I seen God lovingly “scatter” my plans when they didn’t align with His will?

7. What gives me comfort when I realize that no matter how chaotic the world seems, God is still unfolding His plan?

Heavenly Father,

Your Word tells us that our hearts plan out what we want to accomplish and the direction we want our lives to go, but You are there directing us and helping us stay on the right path. We thank You for Your guiding hand. We trust that You know the end from the beginning. Help us not to be prideful in thinking that we need to make a name for ourselves instead of exalting Your name. Help us to remember that pride always leads to confusion and that above all we need to seek You first.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

The Study of Genesis: Week Three

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025 brookepacheco5

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis Chapters 6-9

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 6 – The Wickedness of the World

Chapter 7 – Trusting God in the Storm

Chapter 8 – God Remembers Us in the Waiting

Chapter 9 – Blessing Beyond Me

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

I Do – Watch Me Study

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse — The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

Genesis Chapter 6 – God’s Covenant with Noah

(Read Genesis Chapter 6 First)

Genesis 6 opens with one of the more mysterious verses in the Bible: “the sons of God” took the daughters of men as wives. I won’t dive into the theological debate on whether the “sons of God” are fallen angels, descendants of Seth, or ancient rulers. But what’s important to see is that God was not pleased with these marriages.

In verse 3, God says His Spirit will not always strive with man. That word “strive” means to plead with or convict. God’s Spirit was actively reaching out to mankind, but humanity was choosing the flesh which we know is weak, sinful, and opposed to God.

Then verse 5 says, “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” That’s heartbreaking. Imagine living in a world where no one did good. Where evil was always abounding and constant. Can you imagine how on edge and unsafe you’d feel always watching your back and expecting harm?

God saw their hearts and was grieved. But even in His sorrow, He extended grace. He declared that man’s days would be 120 years. This was likely the time He gave for humanity to repent before he would send the flood.

Verses 6 and 7 show us God’s emotional response: “It repented the Lord that he had made man… and it grieved him at his heart.” The word “repented” here means He felt sorrow and deep regret over how far mankind had fallen. God’s heart aches over sin.

But then verse 8: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

Why Noah? Verse 9 tells us he was a just man. He was righteous, obedient, and his heart was fixed on God. He was perfect in his generations, meaning blameless and full of integrity. But most importantly, “Noah walked with God.” That’s the kind of life we’re aiming for and can be achieved with a daily, faithful walk with the Lord.

As I read the rest of the chapter, I was struck by how detailed God’s instructions were. He tells Noah exactly what to do, even the window, which Noah will one day open to release the dove. God knew every part of the storm that was coming, and He equipped Noah with exactly what he’d need to get through it.

The last verse of the chapter is such a simple but beautiful testimony: “Noah did all that God commanded him.” Imagine how hard it was building a massive ark by hand, gathering animals, storing food for people and beasts alike. But Noah obeyed. He trusted. And God carried him through.

We Do – Let’s Study Together

Trusting God in the Storm

(Read Genesis 7)

Genesis 7 shows us a God who is both just and patient, powerful and precise. As we walk through this chapter together, let’s ask ourselves: Are we listening when God speaks? We may not hear an audible voice like Noah might have, but God still speaks through His Word, through conviction, through other Christians, and through peace or unrest in our spirit. Are we paying attention?

God gave Noah specific instructions down to the number of animals, the timing, and even the waiting period before the flood began. What might God be asking you to prepare for? Sometimes obedience means getting to work before we see the storm clouds.

Let’s pause and reflect:

•Is there something God is prompting you to do, even if it doesn’t make sense right now?

•Do you tend to wait until the storm is right overhead before you listen and obey?

•How do you see God’s mercy in His 7-day delay before judgment began?

Even in judgment, God was measured and merciful. He preserved life, made a covenant, and gave Noah everything he needed to endure. Let’s cling to this truth: God’s plans are not rushed or random. They are perfect, even when we don’t understand them.

Together, let’s pray for the faith to obey, the patience to wait, and the trust to enter when He says, “Come.”

(Read Genesis 8)

God Remembers Us in the Waiting

Let’s sit with one of the most hope-filled truths in the story of Noah:

“And God remembered Noah…” (Genesis 8:1)

The storm had lasted 150 days. That’s almost half a year of nothing but water, noise, unknowns, and waiting. But when the time was right, God caused a wind to blow, and the waters began to recede. This was God’s mercy in real life.

Can you think of a time when you were stuck in a long, heavy season? Maybe you felt like the storm would never end. But then one day it did. The heaviness began to lift. The panic settled. A little peace returned.

That wasn’t coincidence. That was God remembering you.

Let’s also notice the dove. She returned to Noah with an olive leaf, a small symbol of hope. She could’ve kept it, but she brought it back. This made me think of how God sometimes sends someone to us in our hardest moments to say, “You’re not forgotten.”

Take a moment to reflect:

• Has God ever sent someone to encourage you during a storm?

• Has He ever used you to bring hope to someone else?

When Noah left the ark, the very first thing he did was worship. He built an altar and offered a sacrifice of gratitude. And Scripture says the Lord smelled a “sweet savour.”

True worship touches the heart of God.

As we think about this, let’s ask ourselves:

• In my seasons of survival, have I made space to worship?

• When God brings me through, do I stop and say thank You?

Together, let’s commit to remembering what Noah knew:

God is faithful in the flood, we can trust Him in the waiting, and He is worthy of our worship.

You Do – Apply It Personally

Now it’s your turn.

Read through Genesis 9 and take some time to think about and journal through the questions below. Ask the Holy Spirit to help show you how to apply them personally to your life.

1. Legacy of Obedience

“And God blessed Noah and his sons…” (Genesis 9:1)

•Why do you think God chose to bless Noah’s sons even though the text doesn’t speak of their faith?

• What are some ways I can be faithful to God as a parent and hope that my children are blessed by my actions?

After you reflect:

When I read that God blessed Noah AND his sons, it made me stop and think that my faithfulness, trust, and obedience to God could trickle down and bless my children. Here are some ways that we can be intentional and live this out:

• Stay rooted in God’s Word and walk in obedience.

• Pray blessings over my children daily.

• Live in a way that my children see what faith looks like.

• Trust that my walk with God impacts them more than I realize.

2. Image-Bearing and Justice

“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you… even as the green herb have I given you all things.” (Genesis 9:3)

“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” (Genesis 9:6)

•What does it mean to you personally that you are made in God’s image?

•How might this truth shape the way you see others, especially those who are hard to love?

•Do you carry any unforgiveness or judgment that needs to be surrendered to God’s justice?

After you reflect:

In these verses, we see both the generosity of God and the value He places on life. God gave humans the right to eat all animals but He also set a clear boundary: human life must not be taken. People are sacred to God because we are made in His image. Let’s look at some ways we can apply this to our everyday lives:

• Treat others with respect, knowing they bear God’s image.

• Teach my children that life is sacred from the womb to the elderly.

• Honor God by how I treat His creation.

3. God’s Promises and His Sign

“I do set my bow in the cloud…” (Genesis 9:13)

•How do you typically remember God’s promises in your everyday life?

•What has God promised you in His Word that you may have forgotten?

After you reflect:

God gave a rainbow as a sign of His covenant never to destroy the whole earth by flood again. Here are some ways we can be reminded of God’s promises to us.

•Pay attention to the signs of God’s faithfulness (even in nature.)

•Create my own reminders (journals, scripture cards, or prayers) of God’s promises to me.

•Teach my children to see God’s hand in everyday beauty.

4. Handle the failures of others with honor, not shame.

“And Shem and Japheth took a garment… and covered the nakedness of their father.” (Genesis 9:23)

•How do you usually respond when someone close to you fails or sins?

•Is there anyone in your life right now you’re tempted to talk about instead of cover with grace?

•What would it look like to “walk backward” and cover someone with honor and love?

After you reflect:

Ham exposed his father’s shame, but Shem and Japheth honored him by covering him without looking. For us today, this means:

• When someone falls short, choose compassion

• Respond with grace

• Cover others in love the way Christ covers me.

5. Noah’s Humanity and God’s Mercy

“And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years… and he died.” (Genesis 9:28–29)

•How do you feel about Noah’s failure being recorded after such great faithfulness?

•What encouragement does it give you to know that even the righteous stumble?

•Where do you need to give yourself grace to keep walking forward?

After you reflect:

Noah was righteous, but he wasn’t perfect. His story doesn’t end in failure.

How can I live this out?

• Be humble. Anyone can stumble.

• Be hopeful that even though I fail, it doesn’t define my future.

• Keep pressing on.

Key Takeaway:

Faithful obedience leaves a legacy, honors God, and invites blessing that reaches beyond you.

Heavenly Father,

I want to thank your Spirit for reaching out to us to do good. You know how weak our flesh is and you continue to help us overcome it’s sinful nature. Your heart aches over sin and yet you still give us grace. Help us to continue in walking daily with you, reading your word, and spending time in prayer. I’m in awe that you know everything about our lives before they even happen and you equip us with exactly what we need. Help us to obey and trust that you will see us through. Thank you for speaking to us, and may we have ears to listen. We know heavy seasons will come in our lives, but we thank you for growing us during those times, remembering us, and eventually lifting our heaviness. Help us to live our lives for you, Lord, and allow those blessings to trickle down to our children. Help us to go through each day treating everyone with honor and respect because we know how important and sacred people are to you because you created us in your own image. Help us to choose compassion, grace, and love in how we treat others and ourselves. Help us to stay humble and obedient.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Week Two

June 16, 2025 brookepacheco5

The Study of Genesis: Week Two
Hearts, Sin, and a Faithful God: Lessons from Genesis 3–5

Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do

Focus: Genesis 3–5

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:

– Reflection on sin’s subtlety (Genesis 3)

– A study on Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)

– A look at God’s faithfulness through genealogy (Genesis 5)

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

I Do – Watch Me Study

The Subtle Entrance of Sin

(Read Genesis Chapter 3 First)

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

This Week’s Memory Verse — Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

In Genesis chapter 3, we first read about the serpent. Were you reminded of sin when you read about this creature? Think about the connection. A snake is incredibly subtle. It moves quietly, low to the ground, hidden beneath grass, leaves, or shadows. It can slip through tight spaces, slide up trees and walls, and remain completely unnoticed until it strikes. You may not even realize it’s there until it’s too late.

It’s no coincidence that this is the creature used to bring deception into the world. In the garden, he approached Eve not with obvious evil, but with twisted truth, suggesting that God was holding something back from her. He planted doubt and misrepresented rebellion as wisdom.

Sin often shows up in our lives the same way: quietly and disguised. For example, maybe you start comparing your life to someone else’s on social media. At first it seems harmless and you’re just scrolling, liking, and observing. But over time, discontentment creeps in. You begin to question your worth, your purpose, maybe even God’s plan for you. That’s how the enemy works: subtly. He doesn’t always tempt us with something clearly wrong. Sometimes, it’s just a seed of doubt, jealousy, or pride that begins to take root in our hearts.

That’s why it’s so important to stay close to God’s Word and keep our hearts guarded. When we walk closely with Him, we can better recognize those sneaky lies and choose truth instead.

Recognizing Sin’s Sneaky Patterns

Let’s look at some other ways sin may creep subtly into our lives:

Bitterness in Relationships

Maybe you’ve been here too. You get hurt by a friend or family member, and instead of addressing it or forgiving, you brush it off and bury it. But over time, that unresolved hurt turns into resentment. It affects how you treat them, how you think about them, and even how open you are with others. Bitterness creeps in quietly, but left unchecked, it hardens the heart. What started as a small offense can become a spiritual stronghold if we don’t let God heal it.

Subtle Entertainment Shifts

I’ve noticed how easily I can fall into this. You start watching a show that seems mostly clean with just a few questionable parts. But gradually, you get desensitized to language, sexuality, or the values it pushes. Before long, things that once made you uncomfortable now seem “normal.” The enemy loves to slowly convince us it’s no big deal.

In Psalm 101:3, God calls us to guard our eyes. David said, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.”

The Hebrew meaning of “wicked” in this verse is “worthless.” David is saying that he will not allow himself to look at or focus on anything that would lead him away from righteousness. He hates the evil and sin that people do who turn away from God to pursue a sinful life. He doesn’t want to be around them so that their sinful nature doesn’t “stick” to or influence him.

For us today, we can be intentional about what we watch, read, listen to, or give our attention to so that we avoid things that are impure, empty, or distracting from God.

Justifying Gossip

This is something God has been showing me lately. It starts as “just sharing a concern,” but before you know it, you’re talking negatively about someone behind their back. The words seem small and harmless, but the heart behind them isn’t loving or honoring. The enemy can tempt us with conversations that feel casual but pull us away from honoring God with our speech.

Self-Sufficiency

It happens to us all. Life gets busy, and instead of praying or seeking God, you start relying on your own strength. You stop reading your Bible “just for today,” and soon a week has passed. It doesn’t feel sinful, but it slowly leads to a dry, distant heart. Satan can easily convince us we don’t have time for God today.

These are just a few subtle ways sin can sneak in, and we are all guilty at times. But as we draw closer to God, He helps us see them more clearly and gives us strength to turn from them.

Let’s pause at Genesis 3:3:

“But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”

This verse made me stop and wonder: Why would God give such a strong command with such a serious consequence… but not explain why? Why didn’t He explain to Adam and Eve the reason behind His forbidding?

But then I thought about parenting. My husband and I (and you probably do too) often give our children rules without going into every reason why. For example, we tell them not to go off with someone they don’t know. We might say, “Because they could take you away from us,” but we don’t go into all the dark and scary details. Why? Because we want to protect their innocence. We just want them to trust that our boundaries are for their good.

In the same way, God didn’t lay out the full weight of what eating the fruit would bring. He simply asked them to trust Him. He wasn’t being unfair. He was being loving. I believe He was shielding them from the burden of knowing evil.

God never wanted us to live in a broken world full of pain, fear, and sin. I imagine heaven as the way things were always meant to be… God’s beautiful creation, living in harmony, worshiping Him, free from the burden of sin and sorrow. That’s the kind of life He invited Adam and Eve into and still invites us into when we trust and follow Him.

After Adam and Eve sinned, Genesis 3:7 says,

“And the eyes of them both were opened.”

Their innocence was gone, and now they knew both good and evil. From that moment on, God knew sin couldn’t be left unchecked, and each act of disobedience would need to be addressed.

That reminds me so much of parenting. Why do our kids obey? Often, it’s because they know there will be consequences. As parents, we give those consequences not to punish in anger, but to lovingly guide and protect our children and to help them grow into wise, thoughtful people. God does the same with us.

The Bible says in Hebrews 12:6:

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

In other words, God’s discipline is a sign of His deep love. Through the Holy Spirit, He gently convicts us in order to shape us. Just like a good parent, God corrects those He calls His own, because He desires our growth and our good.

We Do – Let’s Study Together

Cain and Abel: Giving with the Right Heart

(Read Genesis 4)

This is the story of Cain and Abel, the first two sons of Adam and Eve.

Cain was a gardener, and Abel was a shepherd. When it came time to bring an offering, Cain brought fruit from the ground, and Abel brought a firstling of his flock and its fat. The Lord respected Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. So let’s explore what God is teaching us here about the heart behind our giving. What does God value from us?

The Bible tells us in Genesis 4:4–5 that “The Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering.” That might seem confusing at first. After all, they both brought something, right?

Take a moment to read Genesis 4:3–5 slowly.

What do you notice about Cain’s offering compared to Abel’s?

What might the difference be in how each one gave?

After You Reflect:

Here’s what stood out to me: Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. That means he gave the best and first of what he had. And it was a blood offering, which points forward to Jesus, the Lamb who would one day shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins.

In the Old Testament, God later required blood sacrifices to atone for sin (Leviticus 17:11), and Hebrews 9:22 says, “Without shedding of blood, there is no remission [of sins].”

Abel gave in faith, trusting and honoring God with his best. That’s confirmed in Hebrews 11:4, which says:

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain… and by it he being dead yet speaks.”

Now Cain brought an offering too, but the Bible doesn’t say he brought the first or the best. It just says he brought “some” of the fruit of the ground and remember that’s the same ground that God had already cursed back in Genesis 3. There’s no mention of faith or sacrifice, just something he produced. Maybe he was going through the motions or offering on his own terms instead of God’s.

1 John 3:12 helps us understand even more. It says:

“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one… because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”

Cain had the wrong heart motives.

God knew the difference. Abel’s offering was worshipful and pointed toward Christ. Cain’s was prideful and self-directed. And even after Cain’s offering was rejected, God was still merciful. He spoke with Cain and invited him to do better.

So what does this mean for us?

Let’s ask ourselves a few heart questions:

• Am I giving God my best or just what’s convenient?

• Am I acting out of faith or obligation?

• Are my motives truly to honor Him or to check a box or earn approval?

And here’s something to think about:

If we ever feel jealous of someone else’s closeness with God, like Cain did with Abel, it might be a signal to examine our own heart. God wants our love, our trust, and our faith not just our effort.

Journal Prompt:

Write down a recent moment when you “gave” something to God (time, service, worship, finances, etc.).

Was it your best? Was it done in faith?

Be honest. There’s no guilt here. We’re here to grow.

After You Reflect:

God isn’t after perfection. He’s after your heart. He values faith, trust, and a spirit of worship. Just like He invited Cain to do better, He lovingly invites us too. We don’t have to be afraid of correction. He corrects us because He cares.

Even after Cain’s offering was rejected, God didn’t lash out in anger. Instead, He gave Cain a chance to reflect and repent. In Genesis 4:6–7, God asks him:

“Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?”

It’s like God was gently saying, “You know what to do. If your heart is right, your offering will be too.”

But Cain didn’t respond with humility. He let bitterness take over. Instead of turning back to God, he turned against his brother. In verse 8, we read the devastating moment when Cain murders Abel. The very first human death recorded in the Bible caused by jealousy and pride.

And still… God didn’t destroy Cain.

God confronts him, just like a loving Father would. He asks Cain where his brother is. And it’s not that God didn’t already know, but He was giving Cain a chance to confess. Yet Cain replies, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

So God delivers judgment: Cain would be cursed from the earth and made to be a wanderer. But even then, we see a glimpse of grace. In verse 15, God places a mark of protection on Cain so that no one would kill him. Even after all that, God preserved his life.

That blows me away. God is holy and just, but He is also unbelievably merciful. Cain deserved severe punishment, but God still cared for him.

And isn’t that just like our God?

He sees every motive, every sinful thought, and yet He continues to extend mercy. Like a loving parent, He corrects us but He never walks away from us.

So today, let’s remember:

• God desires our heart, not just our actions.

• He wants us to worship in spirit and in truth.

• And even when we mess up, He’s there calling us back with both correction and compassion.

Let’s stay close to Him.

Let’s bring our best.

Let’s check our motives.

And let’s be thankful for a God who doesn’t give up on us even when we get it wrong.

You Do – Apply It Personally

Genealogy & God’s Faithfulness

(Read Genesis 5)

Now it’s your turn.

Read through Genesis 5, a chapter full of names and ages of the descendants of Adam.

If we’re being honest, it might not seem like the most exciting read at first glance. But there’s something deeply meaningful here.

Even though it may not feel action-packed, it’s important to let your eyes fall on these names. From Adam, the very first man, to Noah, the man God would later use in a powerful way. This genealogy follows the line of Adam through Seth (not Cain), the son born after Abel was tragically murdered. That detail matters!

This chapter reminds us that the Bible is not a collection of fairy tales. It’s built on the lives of real people who lived real years and real lives.

Personal Reflection & Application

Think about or journal your responses to these questions:

1. Why do you think God included the names and ages of these individuals?

What does that reveal about how He values people and generations?

2. When you read names like Adam, Seth, and Noah, do you see them as real people with real lives?

How does that change the way you approach the Bible?

3. Why is it significant that this genealogy follows the line of Seth (not Cain)?

What do you notice about God’s mercy and His unfolding plan?

4. Have you ever skimmed through a chapter like this, thinking it was “boring”?

What might God be inviting you to slow down and see?

5. How does knowing God worked through generations of flawed and ordinary people give you hope for your own place in His story?

6. What does this chapter show you about God’s faithfulness, even after the heartbreak of sin and death?

Key Takeaway:

God’s love and mercy are constant even in the face of sin. He desires our hearts, corrects us lovingly, and weaves His plan through generations of imperfect people. He is faithful, and He is always working.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for loving us and correcting us when we sin in order to teach us a better way. Thank you for never leaving us even when we allow our flesh to get in the way of your Spirit. Help us keep our motives pure in everything we do for You. Strengthen us to walk through this week with hearts open to Your leading allowing Your Spirit to work in us and through us.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen