Genesis
It is easy to think we know better than God what is good for us in our life. Today I’m coming at Joseph pretty hard. I’m disclosing this upfront to acknowledge I’m being unfair. Overall, Joseph is an upright guy. God uses him in an incredible way
Genesis
When we are mature in our righteous behavior, the world gets a glimpse of God as He works through us. This is faith in action; it is the model Jesus showed us when He came. Jesus’ life was all about servant leadership. He demonstrated God’s power through His righteousness
Genesis
It is always easy for God to use us when our eyes are upon Him. This makes sense. People are easiest to teach when they are focused on the teacher and ready to listen. People are easiest to lead when they are focused on the directions and willing to follow.
Genesis
Even when we behave righteously, the world can still attempt to bring us down. No good deed goes unpunished. In our righteousness, people choose to believe what they want instead of believing the truth. If Jesus’ righteousness could not spare him from the world’s wrath, why should our righteous
Genesis
God can easily use people in whom the world recognizes trust. Someone people are more trustworthy than others. Some people are more trusting than others. Some people are devious enough that they will readily take advantage of people who are trustworthy. Even so, when it comes to building relationships and
Genesis
God’s ability to forgive and supply good to our life is incredible. We are neither deserving nor responsible for God’s love. He loves us as a gift. When we were least worthy, He came to us and embraced us in His love. Judah’s wife dies. After mourning,
Genesis
Danger lurks at the door. Sin crouches around the corner, waiting for our vulnerability. Sin can be forgiven and we know we need not fear its bondage over us, but we still fall prey to it periodically. We remain vigilant. Once more we see someone in the Hebrew patriarchal line
Genesis
The ultimate result of our sinful nature is our attempt to contort God’s design to serve our needs, not His. We focus on ourselves; it is our nature. It is why we do what is wrong, even when knowing it is wrong! It is why Jesus had to die
Genesis
Small sins left unchecked always lead to larger sins that are harder to manage. Modern culture is rife with examples. How many times do participants in road rage claim the whole incident started because someone cut them off in traffic? We often hear of violence in schools, and extreme violence
Genesis
Human beings are genuinely skilled at turning the glory upon us. One of my favorite encounters with Jesus is the meeting of the rich young ruler who calls Jesus good. There, Jesus asks the ruler why he calls Jesus good and then explains only the Father is good. What a
Genesis
God loved the whole world enough to die for our sake so that we all can spend eternal life dwelling with Him. It’s not about my greatness. It’s not about what I can do for God. It is about the enormity of His love and His blessing reaching
Genesis
One of the central tenets of the story of Genesis is God’s faithfulness to His promises even though the people who follow Him are flawed. We are not perfect. God knows that. Fortunately for us, He is perfect. Genesis 36 is a summary chapter to Esau. Comparatively speaking, his