Scripture: Genesis chapter 12
Observation: The chapter begins with Abram hearing instructions from the Lord to leave his homeland and travel to an unknown place which the Lord is giving to him. Abram leaves with his wife and nephew Lot in obedience to God. God leads them to Canaan where Abram builds an altar. However, there is a famine, and Abram leaves with his wife Sarai to Egypt. Here he fears for his life, because Sarai is so beautiful he's sure he'll be killed for her. So Abram instructs Sarai to tell everyone she is his sister to protect himself. When they arrive in Egypt, Pharaoh hears about the beautiful Sarai and takes her for his wife. Pharaoh is kind to Abram, but God is not kind to Pharaoh - He afflicts the whole household with plagues. Pharaoh realizes the reason for this is Sarai, and he gives her back to Abram and sends him off.
Application: Do godly, righteous men make bad judgments? They sure do! Abram was wise enough to obey God when he was led to an unknown location, because he had faith that God would give him all He'd promised. Yet when it came to trusting the Lord with his life in Egypt, Abram took matters into his own hands and lied about his wife, putting her and all of Pharaoh's household in danger. What was Abram thinking?! He wasn't. Abram had faith, but he had much to learn about trusting God with his whole life. I find myself being no different. I know God is faithful, yet many times I've made decisions on my own, without consulting God first. Like Abram, I have much to learn.
Prayer: Abram was a great man of faith Lord, but he didn't always have that great faith. He had to go through many experiences before his faith was strong enough to make it to the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:8-19). My prayer Lord, is that I will learn from the examples and experiences of others as well as my own experiences, to trust You completely and not fear, to obey You in all things, and to guide myself by Your Words and not my own thoughts and desires. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Genesis 11
Scripture: Genesis chapter 11
Observation: God had commanded Noah and his sons to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, but Ham's descendants decided they would build a city with a tower that would reach the heavens. They wanted to make a name for themselves so they wouldn't be scattered over the face of the earth (v.4). This was contrary to God's will, and for that reason He confused them in their language so that they couldn't communicate anymore, forcing them to move.
The second part of the chapter takes us through Shem's descendants, until we reach Abram and Lot.
Application: We are fools if we think we can thwart God's plans! We may think we can do whatever we want, but God's will cannot be changed by our whims nor by the desires of others. We don't need to worry about our lives, because when God says His will be done, it will be done!
Prayer: Father, You have the ability to make all things new, and to work all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28). Why then, do I worry about tomorrow or the next day? You have everything under control, Your plans are firm, and I only need to trust in You. You are my Comforter and my security. I thank You for having my life in Your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: God had commanded Noah and his sons to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, but Ham's descendants decided they would build a city with a tower that would reach the heavens. They wanted to make a name for themselves so they wouldn't be scattered over the face of the earth (v.4). This was contrary to God's will, and for that reason He confused them in their language so that they couldn't communicate anymore, forcing them to move.
The second part of the chapter takes us through Shem's descendants, until we reach Abram and Lot.
Application: We are fools if we think we can thwart God's plans! We may think we can do whatever we want, but God's will cannot be changed by our whims nor by the desires of others. We don't need to worry about our lives, because when God says His will be done, it will be done!
Prayer: Father, You have the ability to make all things new, and to work all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28). Why then, do I worry about tomorrow or the next day? You have everything under control, Your plans are firm, and I only need to trust in You. You are my Comforter and my security. I thank You for having my life in Your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Genesis 10
Scripture: Genesis chapter 10
Observation: Noah's lineage. We see where Noah's sons migrated to after the flood. Japheth and his sons settled in the coastlands. They lived in what is now known as Greece, Italy, and parts of Europe (Germany, Spain, Wales). Ham (the cursed son) and his descendants traveled to Africa and parts of the Middle East; his descendants were the enemies of Israel. Shem, the blessed son, and his sons moved westward to Syria, Persia, Assyria and the Arabian Peninsula. It is through Shem's lineage that we receive the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Application: God provided this information for us so that we could see the lineage of His Son. Sadly, in times past, Christians used this passage to justify slavery. It was believed that taking Africans as slaves was biblically acceptable because the descendants of Ham were cursed and therefore were bound to slavery. It shows us how easily Scripture can be manipulated to say what is convenient for us at the time. Jesus, who taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves, would never approve of the cruelty shown towards Africans by those calling themselves His followers. The Bible is not meant to be taken in bits and pieces to fit our needs. It is a complete book, a manual for life, and we need to adjust our lives to fit God's Word.
Prayer: Father, how selfish and egotistical we become when we try to use Your Word to justify our actions! We can never deceive You, we only deceive ourselves. Show me if I am using Your Word in a way that is dishonoring to You, and help me understand Scripture the way You meant for it to be read. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: Noah's lineage. We see where Noah's sons migrated to after the flood. Japheth and his sons settled in the coastlands. They lived in what is now known as Greece, Italy, and parts of Europe (Germany, Spain, Wales). Ham (the cursed son) and his descendants traveled to Africa and parts of the Middle East; his descendants were the enemies of Israel. Shem, the blessed son, and his sons moved westward to Syria, Persia, Assyria and the Arabian Peninsula. It is through Shem's lineage that we receive the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Application: God provided this information for us so that we could see the lineage of His Son. Sadly, in times past, Christians used this passage to justify slavery. It was believed that taking Africans as slaves was biblically acceptable because the descendants of Ham were cursed and therefore were bound to slavery. It shows us how easily Scripture can be manipulated to say what is convenient for us at the time. Jesus, who taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves, would never approve of the cruelty shown towards Africans by those calling themselves His followers. The Bible is not meant to be taken in bits and pieces to fit our needs. It is a complete book, a manual for life, and we need to adjust our lives to fit God's Word.
Prayer: Father, how selfish and egotistical we become when we try to use Your Word to justify our actions! We can never deceive You, we only deceive ourselves. Show me if I am using Your Word in a way that is dishonoring to You, and help me understand Scripture the way You meant for it to be read. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Genesis 9
Scripture: Genesis chapter 9
Observation: God makes a covenant with Noah and his descendants, never to destroy all of mankind by flood nor will there be another earth-wide flood. To symbolize the covenant, God provides the rainbow to be seen during any rain. Then we see how Ham, the youngest son of Noah, dishonors his father by seeing him naked. He tells his brothers, who discreetly cover their father. When Noah finds out what has happened (he was drunk at the time), he curses Ham's son Canaan and his descendants, and blesses Shem for honoring his father and not doing as Ham did.
Application: When I read this with my 12 year old, he pointed out that we are all descendants of Noah, and therefore any covenant God made with Noah's descendants applies to us as well. I love it when the Word speaks to my children that way :).
Next we come to the one blemish on Noah's life - he drank wine and became drunk. This apparently amused his son Ham, who saw his father and went to tell his brothers about it. Had he accidentally walked in on his father and covered him as his brothers did, there would have been no curse. It was the fact that Ham dishonored his father, leaving him like that and going off to tell his brothers about it, that brought a curse upon his son Canaan, later the enemies of the Israelites. We see here two things: the sin of drunkenness and its consequences, and the sin of dishonoring a parent.
Prayer: Father, we all are sinners. This is shown to us in that Noah, the only righteous man on earth, made a terrible mistake and became drunk, which led to shame when he behaved in a way unlike himself. His son then dishonored him, bringing yet more shame. I know that it's common to see drinking as a harmless pastime, but it can easily get out of control, even in the hands of the most godly person. May I never find myself in such a position, where I may end up dishonoring my God and my Savior with irresponsible behavior. Whether it be because of something I say or do, I do not ever want to bring disgrace to my ever-loving Father. May my words and actions always bring you glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: God makes a covenant with Noah and his descendants, never to destroy all of mankind by flood nor will there be another earth-wide flood. To symbolize the covenant, God provides the rainbow to be seen during any rain. Then we see how Ham, the youngest son of Noah, dishonors his father by seeing him naked. He tells his brothers, who discreetly cover their father. When Noah finds out what has happened (he was drunk at the time), he curses Ham's son Canaan and his descendants, and blesses Shem for honoring his father and not doing as Ham did.
Application: When I read this with my 12 year old, he pointed out that we are all descendants of Noah, and therefore any covenant God made with Noah's descendants applies to us as well. I love it when the Word speaks to my children that way :).
Next we come to the one blemish on Noah's life - he drank wine and became drunk. This apparently amused his son Ham, who saw his father and went to tell his brothers about it. Had he accidentally walked in on his father and covered him as his brothers did, there would have been no curse. It was the fact that Ham dishonored his father, leaving him like that and going off to tell his brothers about it, that brought a curse upon his son Canaan, later the enemies of the Israelites. We see here two things: the sin of drunkenness and its consequences, and the sin of dishonoring a parent.
Prayer: Father, we all are sinners. This is shown to us in that Noah, the only righteous man on earth, made a terrible mistake and became drunk, which led to shame when he behaved in a way unlike himself. His son then dishonored him, bringing yet more shame. I know that it's common to see drinking as a harmless pastime, but it can easily get out of control, even in the hands of the most godly person. May I never find myself in such a position, where I may end up dishonoring my God and my Savior with irresponsible behavior. Whether it be because of something I say or do, I do not ever want to bring disgrace to my ever-loving Father. May my words and actions always bring you glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Genesis 8
Scripture: Genesis chapter 8
Observation: The flood waters recede and Noah and his family are finally able to leave the ark along with the animals. First thing Noah does is build an altar so that he could offer sacrifices to God. God then pledges never to curse the ground because of mankind, because "the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth."
Application: Before doing anything else, Noah shows gratitude and faithfulness by worshiping God. He presents an offering to the Lord on the first thing he built, an altar. Do I show my gratitude to God immediately after He has blessed me, or does that get pushed to the side in my excitement?
God tells us in verse 21 that man's inclination is evil even from youth. Noah was able to fight against that evil inclination, as did many faithful men and women in Scripture. It can be done, but our faith must be in the One who can give us the strength to win the battle.
Prayer: Father, forgive me when I forget to give thanks immediately for all You do. In my excitement I may ignore the One who makes all things possible. You deserve not only my gratitude but my praise as well. You know that my inclination is towards evil; give me wisdom to persevere against my own nature so that my life may bring honor to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: The flood waters recede and Noah and his family are finally able to leave the ark along with the animals. First thing Noah does is build an altar so that he could offer sacrifices to God. God then pledges never to curse the ground because of mankind, because "the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth."
Application: Before doing anything else, Noah shows gratitude and faithfulness by worshiping God. He presents an offering to the Lord on the first thing he built, an altar. Do I show my gratitude to God immediately after He has blessed me, or does that get pushed to the side in my excitement?
God tells us in verse 21 that man's inclination is evil even from youth. Noah was able to fight against that evil inclination, as did many faithful men and women in Scripture. It can be done, but our faith must be in the One who can give us the strength to win the battle.
Prayer: Father, forgive me when I forget to give thanks immediately for all You do. In my excitement I may ignore the One who makes all things possible. You deserve not only my gratitude but my praise as well. You know that my inclination is towards evil; give me wisdom to persevere against my own nature so that my life may bring honor to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Genesis 7
Scripture: Genesis chapter 7
Observation: The great flood. This chapter describes in detail the amount of rain fallen, the extent of the damage to both man and animal, and how the only ones that remained alive were Noah and those in the ark with him.
Application: What stood out for me in these verses was that neither Noah's wife nor his daughters-in-law are mentioned by name. For that matter, the Bible never says that Noah's sons were righteous, only that he was, yet his whole family was saved. It reminded me of Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Noah was faithful to the Lord, and his whole household was saved. God's compassion and mercy go beyond what we would consider justice.
Prayer: Father, how truly good You are! It had escaped me in the past, that you saved this entire family even though we know little about them, only that the patriarch Noah was faithful to You, and yet You saved the entire family. It gives me great comfort to know that you are watching, not only over me, but also over my loved ones. You love them more than I do, because You created them, and I can trust that Your mercy will extend farther than I can imagine. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: The great flood. This chapter describes in detail the amount of rain fallen, the extent of the damage to both man and animal, and how the only ones that remained alive were Noah and those in the ark with him.
Application: What stood out for me in these verses was that neither Noah's wife nor his daughters-in-law are mentioned by name. For that matter, the Bible never says that Noah's sons were righteous, only that he was, yet his whole family was saved. It reminded me of Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Noah was faithful to the Lord, and his whole household was saved. God's compassion and mercy go beyond what we would consider justice.
Prayer: Father, how truly good You are! It had escaped me in the past, that you saved this entire family even though we know little about them, only that the patriarch Noah was faithful to You, and yet You saved the entire family. It gives me great comfort to know that you are watching, not only over me, but also over my loved ones. You love them more than I do, because You created them, and I can trust that Your mercy will extend farther than I can imagine. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Genesis 6
Scripture: Genesis chapter 6
Observation: Mankind had become so wicked, so corrupt, so far from God's will, that He was grieved in His heart and sorry He'd ever put them on earth. His only consolation was Noah. Noah was the only righteous man on earth. For this reason God chose to establish a covenant with Noah and save him from the impending doom of mankind.
Application: It must have been difficult to be the only person on the entire earth serving God. How many times haven't I felt like there is so much evil in the world and so few who wish to follow Jesus, but Noah was alone on earth serving the Lord. Because of his faithfulness, and because he didn't fear being different, Noah and his family were blessed. It shows that one person can make a difference if he chooses to stand up for what is right and lets nothing deter him from God's calling.
Prayer: Lord, there is much in this world that can be a discouragement. As I read about what was going on in Noah's time, I see so many similarities: evil, corruption, "every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts continually evil" (v.5), and I realize, if Noah could be faithful under those circumstances, so can I! But I have to choose to be faithful and walk with You. I cannot let this world entice me with its attractions which are temporary, but instead I must seek that which is eternal. Holy Spirit, help me to keep every inclination of the thoughts of my heart on what is good, and pure, and noble, and of good report, that I may be pleasing to my Lord and my God. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Mankind had become so wicked, so corrupt, so far from God's will, that He was grieved in His heart and sorry He'd ever put them on earth. His only consolation was Noah. Noah was the only righteous man on earth. For this reason God chose to establish a covenant with Noah and save him from the impending doom of mankind.
Application: It must have been difficult to be the only person on the entire earth serving God. How many times haven't I felt like there is so much evil in the world and so few who wish to follow Jesus, but Noah was alone on earth serving the Lord. Because of his faithfulness, and because he didn't fear being different, Noah and his family were blessed. It shows that one person can make a difference if he chooses to stand up for what is right and lets nothing deter him from God's calling.
Prayer: Lord, there is much in this world that can be a discouragement. As I read about what was going on in Noah's time, I see so many similarities: evil, corruption, "every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts continually evil" (v.5), and I realize, if Noah could be faithful under those circumstances, so can I! But I have to choose to be faithful and walk with You. I cannot let this world entice me with its attractions which are temporary, but instead I must seek that which is eternal. Holy Spirit, help me to keep every inclination of the thoughts of my heart on what is good, and pure, and noble, and of good report, that I may be pleasing to my Lord and my God. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Genesis 5
Scripture: Genesis chapter 5
Observation: The lineage of Noah. For all of Noah's ancestors, the Bible says they died. In the case of Enoch it was different. Verse 24 says "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him." Finally Enoch's great-grandson Noah is born, one who would "comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” (v.29).
Application: It doesn't take a math wizard to figure out that many of the men mentioned in Noah's lineage were alive while Adam was alive. They heard first hand the account of the garden, of the sin, and the consequences. Yet the only man that was walking with God was Enoch. How is this possible? Because our sinful nature is stronger than our conscience. The apostle Paul recognized this when he admitted, "The good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." (Romans 7:19). From the start sin has a stronghold on us, but as Enoch showed, it is possible to walk with God even in our sinful flesh.
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to be like Enoch, to walk with you and set an example to others, but just like Paul, I find that the good I want to do is not what I end up doing. What a task it is, to go against my very nature, but what rewards when I know that I've pleased You by not giving in to evil! Help me to remember that, and to make every effort to grow in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: The lineage of Noah. For all of Noah's ancestors, the Bible says they died. In the case of Enoch it was different. Verse 24 says "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him." Finally Enoch's great-grandson Noah is born, one who would "comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” (v.29).
Application: It doesn't take a math wizard to figure out that many of the men mentioned in Noah's lineage were alive while Adam was alive. They heard first hand the account of the garden, of the sin, and the consequences. Yet the only man that was walking with God was Enoch. How is this possible? Because our sinful nature is stronger than our conscience. The apostle Paul recognized this when he admitted, "The good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." (Romans 7:19). From the start sin has a stronghold on us, but as Enoch showed, it is possible to walk with God even in our sinful flesh.
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to be like Enoch, to walk with you and set an example to others, but just like Paul, I find that the good I want to do is not what I end up doing. What a task it is, to go against my very nature, but what rewards when I know that I've pleased You by not giving in to evil! Help me to remember that, and to make every effort to grow in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Genesis 4
I have begun reading a chapter of the Bible a day with my son, and I've decided to keep a record of our devotions here on my SOAP blog.
Scripture: Genesis 4
Observation: Cain, eldest son of Adam and Eve, becomes jealous of his brother Abel because Abel finds favor in the sight of the Lord and Cain does not. Rather than heed the Lord's warnings, Cain lets his anger and hatred grow until he takes his brother to a field, committing the first premeditated murder. Lamech also kills, but he tells his wives that it was in self-defense.
Application: God spoke to Cain and warned him about what was going on in his heart. "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." (verse 7). As James explains, "Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (James 1:14-15). We are to examine ourselves and see if our desires are in line with God's will, and if they are not, we must rid ourselves of them. With the Lord's help, we can rule over our sinful desires.
Prayer: Lord, my desire is to serve you, but my sinful nature would have me go totally contrary to that. Help me, guide me to Your will and not my own, and show me when my desires are in conflict with Yours so that I may turn to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture: Genesis 4
Observation: Cain, eldest son of Adam and Eve, becomes jealous of his brother Abel because Abel finds favor in the sight of the Lord and Cain does not. Rather than heed the Lord's warnings, Cain lets his anger and hatred grow until he takes his brother to a field, committing the first premeditated murder. Lamech also kills, but he tells his wives that it was in self-defense.
Application: God spoke to Cain and warned him about what was going on in his heart. "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." (verse 7). As James explains, "Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (James 1:14-15). We are to examine ourselves and see if our desires are in line with God's will, and if they are not, we must rid ourselves of them. With the Lord's help, we can rule over our sinful desires.
Prayer: Lord, my desire is to serve you, but my sinful nature would have me go totally contrary to that. Help me, guide me to Your will and not my own, and show me when my desires are in conflict with Yours so that I may turn to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)