Devotionals

Genesis:  The Beginning  

God, Jacob, and His Dream 1-27-16 

READ:  Genesis 28

Isaac accepts his favored child, Esau, will not be the one to fulfill the covenant blessing.  The land God promised to Abraham will be passed down through Isaac’s line and into Jacob.  Jacob has always been at home; not much of an explorer.  I am thinking this was pretty stressful for Jacob.  Do you like getting out of your comfort zone and traveling by yourself to places you have never been?  It was Esau who was always outdoors and had experience with the land.  Yet, now Jacob must follow Isaac’s instruction to leave a place of security and familiarity to explore the promised land (think about this line: ‘leave and go to the place I will show you’).  Somebody say, “This is a set up!” God is going to show Jacob something about serving El Shaddai!  So Jacob leaves.  

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

God, Jacob, and His Dream 1-27-16

READ:  Genesis 28

Yesterday, we read about Jacob’s deception and how he used it to get the blessing of Isaac.  This blessing determines the patriarchal succession; therefore, Isaac’s blessing links Jacob with the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant.  Today, we will read about Jacob and the dream he has from the LORD on his way to see Laban the brother of Jacob’s mother, Rebekah.

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Blessed by Deception 1-26-16

READ:  Genesis 27

Yesterday, we made the journey with Isaac through the land of the Philistines; the circumstances grew ridiculous, but Isaac chose to remain in God’s peace.  Today, we will witness a dark place in Jacob’s heart as he steps on the platform of deception with his mother to manipulate Isaac. 

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Isaac in Philistine Land 1-25-16

READ:  Genesis 26

Yesterday, we read about the battle of the birthright in the lives of Esau and Jacob.  Today, we will see how Isaac succumbs to deception and spiritual insecurity; but also finds a way to prosper in the land of the Philistines—a pagan nation.  Some of this sounds very familiar.

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Abraham Dies 1-24-16

READ:  Genesis 25

Yesterday, we read about how God helped Eliezer find the right wife for Isaac according to Abraham’s request.  Today, we will read about the sons of Abraham and how they handle their father’s death.

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

A Wife for Isaac 1-23-16

READ:  Genesis 24

Yesterday, we read about the death of Sarah, as well as Abraham’s first seed planted as a property owner in the Promised Land when he buys a cave in which to bury Sarah.   Today, we will read about Isaac, the son of Promise, and how God provided him a wife, Rebekah.

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Sarah Dies 1-22-16

READ:  Genesis 23

Yesterday, we read about the birth of Isaac, the dismissal of Ishmael and Hagar, as well as a ‘mountain-of-a-test’ for Abraham.  Today, we will hold Abraham’s heart as his beloved Sarah dies and he makes arrangements for her burial.  

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Isaac, Turmoil & Test 1-21-16

READ:  Genesis 21-22

Yesterday, we read about Abraham’s deception to King Abimelech; Abraham learns that God expects His prophet to speak the truth even when pressured.  Today, we read about Isaac’s arrival and how that promise brings turmoil with some and later a great test for Abraham.

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Abraham & Abimelech 1-20-16, Cont.

READ:  Genesis 20

Yesterday, we saw how Abraham interceded for Lot and his family with the LORD; they were spared during the destruction of Sodom.  Today, we are going to read about Abraham’s encounter, with King Abimelech, while he is traveling between southern Palestine and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Abraham & Abimelech 1-20-16 Introduction

READ:  Genesis 20

Yesterday, we saw how Abraham interceded for Lot and his family with the LORD; they were spared during the destruction of Sodom.  Today, we are going to read about Abraham’s encounter with King Abimelech while he is traveling between southern Palestine and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.

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