The Virtual Pew Daily: Jacob

Showing posts with label Jacob. Show all posts

Monday, November 16, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis 49, 50, Matthew 10, Living by Example and Expecting Difficulty

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 49, 50, Matthew 10

Living by Example and Expecting Difficulty

In chapter 49 Jacob gathers all of his sons around to address them before they die. One thing of notice here is that by all indication this address which includes praise and judgment is done in private. While there are rare times to do these types of things in public, there is a general approach that we see that it is done straightforward, to the point, honestly, but amongst each other, not for the world to see.

How many times in today's world do we like to stand on pedestals and look like we are all that to the world around us involving things that should be done privately? We also see here that the 12 sons of Jacob are what are later known as the 12 tribes of Israel. Right after talking to his sons, Jacob one of the leaders of the Christian faith, dies.

Joseph shows deep compassion for his father at the point of his father's death. We see Jacob has a great deal of respect from the powers that be in Egypt. In today's standards you would say he had an elaborate state funeral where the whole nation turns out to show respect. Part of that was the way Jacob handled himself around others. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a time to be bold and to the point, we see that in Jacob in the previous chapter, but the way he did things was respected by others.

With the death of Jacob the brothers are afraid that Joseph may take their past out on them, yet Joseph is moved to tears because he loves his brothers. While he has power he can exercise he chooses to act in love and compassion. Do we do that? There are times it is best to remove the obstacles around us but that doesn't mean we don't love those removed.

Joseph was a man of integrity that loved his family and saw the work of God without complaining about his past. That is a test for us as well. How do we look at the negative things in our lives? Do we use them as motivators to move on and make us better, or do we hold on to grudges and complain about our situation? In these regards, Joseph and Jacob are most definitely examples to follow.

Matthew 10,

At the start of Chapter 10 we see Jesus is calling forth his apostles. One of the common mistakes many make in today's church is not distinguishing the difference between Jesus 12 apostles and the disciples. Many often times confuse the two. While an apostle is also a disciple, it is possible to be a disciple without being an apostle. The initial 12 had a purpose and role quite different than the multitudes of disciples that followed Jesus.

In Jesus 12 Apostles we see men coming from all walks of life, from fishermen to a tax collector. Men who like those in leadership in the church today should mirror society.

As the disciples are sent out Jesus makes a strange request, but if we think about it the request shows the planning nature of Jesus. He wasn't up to doing something without thinking about it. He knew he had to win over the Jews and those in the surrounding area first. He also has the apostles and disciples going out to do their work without the expectation of getting paid. They are to stay in homes and be grateful for what they have. Give blessings if blessings are deserved and pull the blessings if the people were not welcoming. Jesus clearly had a plan as we know from the teachings that come up later. It wasn't that Jesus didn't care about the Gentiles, (non Jews,) we know He did, but again, there was a plan.

During this send off, Jesus knows early on there is going to be trouble and warns those He is sending out. Everything from beatings to death can be expected. The message He is sending them out with will challenge the establishment, traditional aspects of faith and the very belief of who Jesus is to the people who are being taught by those Jesus is sending out.

Do we take seriously the challenge of sharing Jesus despite the consequence? Are we so caught up in protecting ourselves that we aren't willing to make the sacrifices of ultimately showing others love? That was the expectation Jesus sent forth His followers with.

Jesus also assures his followers that despite hard times, not if, but when they occur, the reward and protections He offers is greater in the end. That is not to say they, or we won't experience tough times, but neither will they endure. The glories and rewards God has for our spirits and souls are what will endure. Jesus speaks a reward here, you tell others you belong to me, I'll make sure to tell my Father in Heaven that you belong to me. Again, it's the same today, there will be difficulty, even today.

So many in today's world preach and apparently live an "everything is wonderful and we are going to be blessed with wealth, health, and anything we want," world. This is in direct contradiction to what Jesus is teaching here if we look at the context of His teaching, in fact, He is telling us to expect just the opposite.

At the conclusion of this chapter, Jesus makes sure that those who do show love and compassion to those he is sending out are just as valuable as the ones they are showing love to. In some ways we see illustrated here a point of theology known as The Priesthood of All Believers, that is, we are all valuable to the Kingdom of God and we all have a purpose where the purpose of serving the one who is preaching is just as valuable as the one preaching. This says so much as to our witness towards others the importance of what we do. It is here, that Chapter 10 concludes.

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To see Genesis Chapter 49 and 50 and Matthew 10 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+49%2C+50%2C+Matthew+10&version=CEV

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Thursday, November 5, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis 47, 48, Matthew 9, God Takes Care of His Own and a Bold Faith and Response

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 47, 48, Matthew 9

God Takes Care of His Own and a Bold Faith and Response.

The first chapter today, 47, shows us a shrewd business man, yet a man who also understood the concept of caring for his people. In today's world it's hard to imagine a king, president ruler, requiring someone to give them all of their animals, all of their land, and then 1/5th of their possessions in order to survive but that is exactly what Joseph and the King of Egypt does. Of course early on, Joseph and his family were provided the best land to raise their sheep on and the King had them take also care of his flocks. How would we look at this in today's world?

We also see before going to the next chapter that Jacob, Joseph's father is getting older and near death. He makes a request to not be buried in Egypt but instead in his homeland.

In Chapter 48 we see that Jacob is sick and Joseph takes his sons to visit him. We see the concern of a grandfather for his grandchildren and an act that while on the surface seems confusing, was one directed by God, that has Jacob giving the primary blessing to the youngest of hi grandsons when was normally for the older son. Even though Joseph tries to correct this, Jacob assures him that he knows what he is doing.

Through all of his years, Jacob kept his faith in God. He kept in tune with God to know what the Lord would want him to do, even if it meant going against tradition. In the same way today followers of Jesus must be willing to be in tune with The Holy Spirit. Do we have a deep enough relationship that we can go against the flow or traditions when God calls us to? We also need to look at our children and grandchildren and take into consideration that what we teach them should be things that will carry on for generations, long after we are gone.

Matthew 9

We see this chapter start off with Jesus being criticized for healing a man. How many times in today's world do we as followers of Jesus get criticized for standing up for Godly principals? Remember it happened Jesus was the Son of God NS If it happened to him, it will happen to us. Jesus gives indication as to how to deal with such criticisms. He didn't just stand by and say nothing, He responded in wisdom, not in foolishness.

We see Jesus chose Matthew, a tax collector to be one of His first disciples. Again, He is questioned about the decision while at a party at Matthew's. Jesus responds again in a way to confront and address reality. He doesn't just take the criticism, He finds a way to respond in such a way as to show the true intent of those asking the questions. Some of the questions He is asked isn't only from followers of John the Baptist.

In the confrontations and interaction with Jesus we see that the questions are often asked because the people doubting who Jesus is. The rest of the chapter we see stories of people who had faith in who He was. We see Jesus performing acts that only God can perform and much of the time healings and responses are based on the persons faith. A faith that recognizes Jesus as the Son of God.

At the conclusion of the chapter we see Jesus teaching the disciples. He realizes there is a great deal of work to be done and the concept of faith would largely be based on the responses His followers gave to those seeking out truth. A huge part of that response was miracles, not just miracles though, While a physical healing was a part of it, an answer and miracle of recognizing in various ways that Jesus was the Son of God and the answer to their problems was a part of it. Jesus was the messiah many were looking for. He showed in His responses to others, there was a need for His disciples to also show that type of love, while at the same time, standing bold in their faith in the Son of Man, Jesus.

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To see Genesis Chapter 47 and 48 and Matthew 9 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+47%2C+48%2C+Matthew+9&version=CEV

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Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis 45, 46, Matthew 8, Family Reunions and Going To Jesus

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 45, 46, Matthew 8

Family Reunions and Going to Jesus

After the last devotion we ended in a sort or cliffhanger, today, we have the continuation. Joseph is now in the palace serving his brothers and is so overcome with emotion that he tells his servants to leave the room. After they leave the room Joseph can't hold in his emotions any longer, he breaks down and starts weeping so loud that those outside of the room hears him. After a bit of convincing Joseph convinces his brothers that he is in fact Joseph, the brother they had sold into slavery. There is something amazing though at least to me.

All through this experience Joseph is not angry at his brothers, he has no desire to seek retribution against them. Instead, he pours out love and compassion, telling them it was God that sent him before them to Egypt.

Do we look at our circumstances and the hand of God as putting us in the place we are? I'll be honest, I fail at this, but maybe this is not only something you need to be more aware of, but I as well. We serve a God who knows the future and will do His part to put us in the places we need to be. We get in the way. If we let go and let God, God will put us in places that goes beyond our imagination. Of course we live in a world where evil exists so it's important to be on our toes and make sure our relationship with God is in an appropriate place.

In Chapter 46 we see Jacob and all of his family going to Egypt. There are some 70+ people that make the journey as the list does not include many of the wives. The reunion between Joseph and his father is emotional. Jacob has lived a long time, living much of it in the pain of losing his son. He realizes now his beloved son is alive and Jacob is content with his life and is now okay with dying.

I believe there comes a time near death that the one who is dying, if dying of old age, illness or something of the sort desires to come to a place of peace. I realized and experienced that with my wife before her death. She wanted to live until Christmas and see that I was okay. It was upon releasing her and telling her that I was going to be okay that she died within seconds of telling her that, on the day we celebrated Christmas. Are we at a place of peace with God? What do we need to have happen in our lives to be at a place of peace? Unfortunately many seem to still be fighting with God in their relationships, acceptance and other areas where our own desires take over. Like Jacob, or my own experiences have shown me, it is better to be at a place where we can find peace with God, but to get there, we have to be honest as to what it is that is holding us from that place of peace.

Matthew 8

We now see the continuation of Jesus ministry after the Sermon on the Mount. He is coming into town and immediately miracles start happening and we see the examples of peoples faith. One of the things we see is Jesus is approached by others far more than He approaches them. They recognize their need and are compelled to go to Jesus for help. It seems like so many times in life others are telling us what we need to do and here, we see where the individuals know what they need to do. Were others telling them what they needed to do? It doesn't seem so. It seems as if they knew themselves and acted on it.

We also see that not in every situation does Jesus do what the person wants. This gives reason to think that just because we want something it does not mean that God will do it for us. He may tell us to stay, or go. He has His reasons for doing and telling us whatever the circumstance is we need to do. We must be in a relationship to hear and act on the answers we get.

In this passage we read about miracles, strong faith, demonic possession controlling the weather and much more. It is at this place that Jesus ministry begins to take off, He is followed by many and we see He has power over health, demons and even weather conditions. No man can have that power. We see early indications as did many others that Jesus was in fact, the Son of God.

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To see Genesis Chapter 45 and 46 and Matthew 8 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+45%2C+46%2C+Matthew+8&version=CEV

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Friday, October 23, 2020

Daily Devotional Genesis 43, 44, Matthew 7 Sacrificial Love

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 43, 44, Matthew 7

Sacrificial Love

Today we are in the story of Joseph where his brothers, who had been sent away with grain and supplies from Egypt have to return from their land because they are running out of food and Joseph is the only one who can provide for them. Their father Jacob is reluctant but must agree to send the brothers back with their youngest brother Benjamin.

The brothers are nervous, not knowing that Joseph is the ruler they are going to see. Joseph knows and we see an emotional aspect of him seeing and meeting his brother for the first time. He has to leave the room, go back to a room alone where he cries and then cleans himself up only to come out and continue the ruse.

Joseph is still planning to surprise his brothers and ultimately his father. While this in some ways doesn't make sense, we see a part of Joseph that while cautious is also planning ahead.

Joseph had a plan and sets it in place. He isn't done yet. He has his servants put a cup in the sack of Benjamin and on the way home they are to be confronted by some of Joseph's men and then take Benjamin as a slave. Of course the brothers have no idea of this and when it happens they are very upset and hurt. We see in some ways the remorse for what they know their father will feel, especially after they had told their father their brother Joseph had been killed. We see that Joseph's brothers truly love their father Jacob.

In this effort to talk Joseph into reconsidering what they think he is going to do, Judah pours out his heart, spilling the beans if you will and telling Joseph the whole story. He is heartbroken out of his love and concern for his father.

What happens next? Well you'll either have to read ahead or wait until the next devotional, because just like a lot of good stories, this chapter ends in a cliff-hanger.

Matthew 7

Here we see the continuation of the Sermon on the Mount, the longest continual teaching of Jesus in the Bible. He starts of Chapter 7 warning us about "judging" others, in what I believe is one of the most misquoted passages of scripture. Many often say, you shouldn't judge. I like the CEV translation here because it is more accurate to the actual Greek and uses the word "condemn." It is not our job to condemn, it is the job and responsibility of the follower of Jesus to offer hope, yet speak truth without condemnation.

We see the importance of seeking truth, whether that be about faith or other issues in life. We can also draw a comparison to how we interact with others as Jesus points out. We have to understand for ourselves, and others, that God is a perfect Father who will do amazingly wonderful things for those He loves.

We have to remember though, that following God is more than just words, there are actions, an aspect of submission and surrender to God, with the realization that He is in fact, God. We can so easily get caught up in the things we do, what we think and the results but Jesus makes things complicated. God goes so far as casting out those who say they love Him and has done miracles in His name. We must realize that what we do can't be built on our efforts but has to be built on the teachings of Jesus and based on the relationship we have with Him.

Today, we must contemplate, how serious is our relationship with Jesus? Are we willing to submit to His ways, to love, serve and share the truth about Jesus. Or, are we watering down the message? Is our focus on ourselves, others, or is it on Jesus and the love He would have us show? Only we know the answer to those questions along with God. They are however questions we need to ask. Do I have a real and loving relationship with Jesus?

To see this post in it's original setting, along with information on how to support The Virtual Pew, click on the link in the comments.

To see Genesis Chapter 43 and 44 and Matthew 7 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43%2C+44%2C+Matthew+7&version=CEV

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Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Daily Devotional Genesis 41, 42, Matthew 6, Letting Go, Letting God and Reaping the Benefits

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 41, 42, Matthew 6

Letting Go, Letting God, and Reaping The Benefits

In Genesis 41, we see the continuation of Joseph's story. He is in prison, has been for several years, and he seems to have been forgotten. There was the man who served the king whose dream he interpreted that forgot to tell the king about Joseph as he promised he would do. Then the king one night has two troubling dreams. He calls his prophets, magicians and others, none of whom can interpret the dreams. It was then that the man who had been in prison with Joseph tells the king about Joseph and his abilities.

That’s how it seems to be with me sometimes, people I have done things for, helped and been there for seems to forget about it as they move on in life. I am sure many of us have experienced this. I have found out though, even as a one who believes in free-will, that there are times people will remember or do something that reminds them and they contact me back with a thank you, a recommendation or something of the sort. Of course there are times that helping others seems to get lost and we get nothing in return. But many times, just like in the case of Joseph here, we find there is a right time and place that things do come back to us. So it was with this situation, a perfect time where Joseph experiences a blessing beyond his dreams. He interprets the kings dreams and goes from a place of imprisonment to a place where only the king has a higher place in all of Egypt.

In Chapter 42 we see Joseph's brothers going back to their father Jacob. Joseph has an elaborate scheme to get all of the family there, while at the same time the reminder for his brothers of the dream he had had in his youth of his brothers bowing down to him. Joseph is planning retribution to get even. We see his sadness when he hears the brothers telling their story and he has to turn his head away as he weeps.

Joseph knows the plans God has before him and for his family. On the surface upon returning to Jacob by his brothers this adds to the pain and suffering of losing one son and a brother for the family for Jacob. Joseph has plans though, he has intent. While we don't see it yet, Joseph desires to see his family together again and taken care of. He is patient in obtaining the results of the story.

Are we patient in waiting on God or working through the difficulties and waiting for the ultimate prize or rewards God has for us? I'll admit, often times I'm not. We want instant gratification and reward but we have to remember, God's timing is better than ours and just like Joseph and his family are about to experience, if we are patient, we may see the ultimate blessings and rewards God has for us, despite the difficulties and pains we have gone through.

Matthew 6

In Chapter 6 we have the continuation of The Sermon on the Mount by Jesus. As a reminder it is the longest continual teaching of Jesus in the Bible. We see Jesus continue to not only address aspects of the Law but of behavior and then taking it deeper to the intent or the law.

One of the things we see Jesus begin to address is that the things we do, be it for others, ourselves, the poor etc., should be done with the intent of being done in such a way as it is between us and God, not with the intent to bring attention to ourselves, whether it be the time we spend in prayer or the things we do for others. The concept of doing things in secret is strongly emphasized by Jesus. It should address the heart and actions of many who in reality do these things to bring attention to themselves. I will admit, it is a hard concept, we want credit, we want recognition but Jesus is having us do things out of love, and concerns where those things and people are the focus in our relationship with God.

Jesus follows through with this concept as He teaches what many call, The Lord's Prayer where He is instructing us how to pray.

As Jesus continues He goes over ways we can grow closer to God, via prayer, fasting, actions and so forth. Many worry and have concerns, yet Jesus reminds us that we need to remember our reliance is on God not ourselves. God will do far more for us than we can do for ourselves. God gives a peace that if we understand the abilities and love He has for us, we will know that we in reality have nothing to worry about. Once we get to the place where worry is not an issue, our ability to do more for the Kingdom and feel at peace with ourselves is enhanced because we recognize the love and appreciation we have from God is greater than the fear we place on ourselves.

As I have stated in earlier devotions, the ways of God is not always the easy way, but, they are the best ways and provide the greatest results if we apply them. While many won't spend time studying and trying to apply aspects of The Sermon on the Mount because they are hard, the results obtained from that effort are far greater than the results of ignoring this aspect of Jesus' teachings. As has been stated before, the best things in life, come with effort. The effort in applying Jesus teachings from these chapters will have far more benefits than consequences.

To see Genesis Chapter 41 and 42 and Matthew 6 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+41%2C+42%2C+Matthew+6&version=CEV

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Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Daily Devotion, Genesis Chapters 35, 36, Matthew 3. God's Promises and Our Faithfulness

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 35, 36, Matthew 3

God's Promises and Our Faithfulness

Today, we are reminded once again that God made a promise that many descendants would come to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Through these three individuals we see a faithfulness and consistency in their willingness to follow and obey God. It is as they honored God, that God honored them. There is also the clear aspect that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the God to be honored. We will hear later on how God is a jealous God and how He is to have no other God's before Him. The question is, what is it in our lives that is our God or takes priority over the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

We see a willingness to serve God, to follow His directives no matter what. In a situation where fear exists, God gives courage. In a situation where harm may come, God gives protection. Even our enemies will fear God. Of course there may be hardships along the way. There may even be what some would consider failure, but ultimately, God comes through to those who faithfully follow Him in all things, not just some things. Could that be a reason many don't have the peace that God offers, or the results that brings joy even in difficult times. Yes, we will all be lacking at times but it is important to return to honor and serve a God that keeps His promises.

The remainder of Chapter 36 is a genealogy. It is a reminder that God did indeed keep His promises that many descendents would follow Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is a reminder that for us, God will as well keep His promises. Are we willing and do we need to and follow through with doing the things God would have us do?

Matthew 3

In today's Matthew passage we see the introduction of John the Baptist who would be the one in many ways to introduce his cousin, Jesus into the ministry. In that introduction we see some characteristics of John that should not be overlooked. John in many ways, was faithful to the point of being seen even in his world as different. He had an aspect of authority about him but he also was one that from his surroundings, mainly in the wilderness, had spent a great deal of time contemplating on and seeking God.

John, had an impact, even many of the religious leaders of the time went to John and to be baptized. In their efforts John saw through their hypocrisy. He called them out as they had clearly not been seeking God, instead, they were more or less playing games, trying to manipulate others to make themselves look good. John didn't have a tolerance for this.

In today's world, it seems as if many in the church are not willing to hold others accountable for their actions. That doesn't mean we turn our backs on people, for sure, love them, reach them with the message of Christ, but we shouldn't condone or make light of ones actions. We are called later on to be fruit inspectors, but in today's world, many pastors don't do that, they make excuses, they misuse scripture and make exceptions. Again, this isn't meant that we abuse and hurt people, but neither does it mean we ignore their actions. John is simply challenging, in a confrontational way, the intent and purpose as he sees no evidence of change. John if you will, was not going to be manipulated by the religious leaders of his time.

It is unfortunate that we still see this, but we do. We must be reminded, to stay faithful to the ways of God. It isn't easy but when we do we have a peace about us. There is nothing like looking back on mistakes and saying to ourselves, "If I had only listened."

John sees another blessing for his actions, he gets to baptize his cousin, Jesus. John recognizes his own imperfections and realizes he is not worthy but in that, in his willingness to recognize his weaknesses, is a humility that contributes to the quality of leadership and relationship he had with God.

There are many lessons from John that we can learn from. There are lessons for the church. The question becomes; are we willing to learn?

To see Genesis Chapter 35 and 36 and Matthew 3 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+35%2C+36%2C+Matthew+3&version=CEV

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Monday, October 5, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis 31, 32, Matthew 1, The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 31, 32, Matthew 1

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Today I start something a bit different. I am doing the daily devotion on 2 chapters in the Old Testament and 1 in the New Testament.

The Genesis passage is another interesting passage. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is at the end of Chapter 32 but more about that later.

It is fascinating that Jacob would put up with as much as he did from his father in law. He has now worked for his father in law Leban for almost 20 years, despite the deceit, lies, and being taken advantage of. He does it out of an attitude of commitment and love for his wife Rachel, and subsequently Rachel's sister who he has also married Leah.

There comes a time in all of our lives that enough is enough and we must take action to take care of ourselves. There is a popular misconception in many church circles that we as individuals in the scheme and order of things are last despite such teachings that state otherwise such as we are to love our neighbors as ourselves which implies that we are to love ourselves. There are those Jacob is committed to, his wife, children and his family, so after a period of time, Jacob does what is best for Jacob.

In the journey for independence and to go back to his family, Jacob practices a sort of deceit. He sneaks off from the lands he is in takes his herds and his family and slaves to head back home without telling his father in law Leban. I can kind of understand why, especially after some 20 years of labor for this man and the way he was treated.

On the journey Rachel steals some things from her father unbeknownst to Jacob and he makes a pledge that he will take action against the thief. Rachel becomes deceitful and hides the fact that she is the thief and ultimately Leban and Jacob make a peace agreement. In a strange sort of way, despite the harsh differences and feelings, they still make peace. How much can we learn from that?

In their agreement we also see a situation at the end of chapter 32 where Jacob essentially ends up having a wrestling match with God through the night. Now I admit, this is a hard concept to grasp; he wrestles with God all night and the passage says he wins. I don't get it; how can he defeat God? I think there are some interpretations here that likely mean more than what we read on the surface but in the long run, Jacob has his name changed to Israel and he has an injury that has him limping for the rest of his life. There are consequences for wrestling with God, I think especially so when done in a spiritual sense.

Are we wrestling with God in any way? Do we want things our way? Are we willing to do what is necessary to show those that we love that we love them and will do the best for them? On those points, Jacob passed the test.

Matthew 1

Today I start including a chapter from the New Testament, and will start with Matthew 1.

Matthew starts with Jesus genealogy. This is an area easy for many to skip over, but interestingly, we see that the first ones mentioned are those we have been studying, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Here we see that Mary, the mother of Jesus, conceives a child by the Holy Spirit. Prior to the conception she was engaged to be married to Joseph, a good man. This was a carnal sin in these times, especially since she had not had relations with any man and Joseph was to be the only man she was to have relations with. Yet, Joseph tries to find a way out of the situation so Mary don't suffer the consequences. It is then that an angel appears to Joseph telling him of the situation and of the birth of the Christ child that is to come,

There are a lot of ways to look at this passage, one, our past means something. Our families and the families before our immediate families mean something. They are all a part of making us who we are.

There is something else, that is the need to be in contact and open to the direction of God. Joseph is a man often neglected and not thought about but he was willing to listen to and obey God, to the point that even in a difficult situation, he obeys.

Joseph loved Mary and was willing to place the leading from God above his own needs. There will be times in our lives that difficult decisions have to be made, and in those situations, like Joseph, we need to seek direction from God, and listen to that direction.

We don't have a lot of information about Joseph in the Bible but I have to tell you, what we do have only makes me wish we had more. May we all learn from the lesson of seeking wisdom and direction from God, even in the tough times.

To see Genesis Chapter 31 and 32 along with Matthew 1 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+31%2C+32%2C+Matthew+1&version=CEV

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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis 29, 30, Love, Deceit, More and More Wives

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 29, 30

Love, Deceit, More and More Wives

In this story, Jacob goes and takes a trip to visit his uncle Laban. Laban who lives some miles a way, has a daughter that Jacob loves, her name is Rachel. Immediately upon seeing her, he falls in love and wants to marry her. The only problem, Laban tells him he has to work for him for seven years and after that seven year period he can marry Rachel.

Well a series of events happen that I honestly have a hard time figuring out. Laban is deceitful and somehow Jacob marries his older daughter Leah. He doesn't realize he has married the wrong woman until the next morning. See what I'm talking about.

Naturally he is a little upset and has a talk with Laban. Laban makes another agreement that he can marry Rachel if he works for him for another 7 years. Jacob agrees to it and puts in another 7 years of labor.

Through Jacob's life he has at times practiced deceit, and now, it is being used against him. A lot of people in today's world talk about the concept of Karma, while I don't personally believe in Karma, there are definitely times where God gives us some of our own. In other words concepts like "You reap what you sow" and other come to mind.

There is another interesting concept here, these two sisters are jealous for all kinds of reasons, children being the main one. Jacob and Leah have a number of children and it is sometime before Rachel is able to bear children. As a result of the jealousy they both give their servants to Jacob to marry, (brining him up to at least 4 wives,) and he has child after child. Can you imagine that type of jealousy. I know times were different then in a lot of ways, but I can't imagine more than one wife, especially since Jacob so loved Rachel and it was obvious to all of those around.

In life, we need to find peace with where we are at, we need to accept that to get some of the things we want in life, we need to work for it. In Jacob's case it was 14 years. In the end God provided for Jacob, there would be multitudes of descendents and he would accumulate wealth for his hard work habits. There was a price to pay though, one that I can only imagine, and thankfully have never had to experience. Another lesson though, that reap what you sow thing can cause all kinds of problems if you're not careful, so for me, for you: be careful.

To see Genesis Chapter 29 and 30 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+29%2C+30&version=CEV

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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 27, 28: God Uses Broken People

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 27, 28

Deceit and How God Uses Broken People

I am grateful that I don't have to be perfect to find favor with God. Many people over the years have told me over and over again how they can't be loved by God because of the things they have done in their past. There are multiple passages in the Bible that says otherwise, this is one of them,

One could, in fact, often does think that they are a good person, that they haven't done anything wrong but in comparison to Christ and the law as established in the Old Testament, (which doesn't exist as of this story) we are all broken. There is an innate nature to all of us that knows at some point the difference between right and wrong. It is clear here that Jacob and his mother know this, as does Jacob's brother Esau. What is somewhat confusing to me, and I'll admit it, is the realization that even after being fooled, and knowing that he was tricked, Isaac keeps the blessing he has made to Jacob, (which rightly belonged to Isaac,) and will not take it back.

We see the decrepit of both Isaac and his mother Rebekah, yet we also see the redemption in part of Jacob as he is traveling and has an experience with God. There is an old song with a line in it that refers to this, "I am climbing Jacob's ladder," which was really the ladder of God. It is during this experience that Jacob makes a pledge to God to follow him, in all ways, for the remainder of his life. He makes a commitment of time, and money.

Have you had a moment of realization where you realize who God is and his power? Have you experienced his love? If so have you made the commitment of time and money, I say, giving time on your calendar and through your bank account? Time and money are often the indicators of a willingness to follow God, in the Old Testament it was a minimum of a 10% commitment, in the New Testament it is the realization that it all belongs to God so it isn't how much you give, but how much you keep. This is a totally different concept. There are often excuses, but like Jacob, if we want the blessings of God we have a commitment to God.

Think about it, yes, God can use that which isn't perfect, me and you, and in our appreciation of that, there should be little to no issue of our willingness to show God appreciation for what he has done for us, even in our brokenness.

To see Genesis Chapter 27 and 28 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+27%2C+28&version=CEV

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