Genesis
When we live in such a way that our actions are worldly and they disguise the righteousness in our heart, we cannot expect anyone to see what dwells within, much less want it! This parallels Jesus’ teaching as He washes the feet of His disciples. The world will know we
Genesis
God wants us to help the people around us rise above the flaws our culture breeds within us. We are His hands and feet. We are His agents of change. We are His plan for bringing His kingdom to this earth. Because of the famine, Isaac moves to dwell among
The reality of our sinfulness does not necessarily preclude God’s reality regarding our righteousness. I go to bed thanking God for this every night. I wake up reminding myself of this every morning. Regardless of the mistakes I make today and the sins I live out today, God still
Genesis
God calls us to recognize our failings and then rise above them. I love how our holy scriptures contain stories of people making mistakes. It can make the Bible a bit hard to read at times, because we cannot say, “If it’s in the Bible, God approves.” We always
Genesis
We are called to find value in all of God’s people and the many talents they bring. It can be rather mindboggling to think of all the people in the world – including al the people who have ever lived – and then think that God loves them all. It can
Genesis
When Rebekah and Isaac get together, a pairing of people who need each other’s perspective to become complete is formed. No person is complete on their own. We all have flaws and weaknesses. We all have growing edges and people who can help us grow. We become better when
Genesis
For those in God, death has no lasting impact upon anything that truly matters. This is a hard sentence to type, because the pain of death is real for those left behind. We deal with emotional responses. We feel physical absence. Our flesh struggles greatly with our spirit when confronted
Genesis
When we make choices, God asks we make them with His ways in our heart. There are some things in this world that God forces to happen. Examples are creation, the exile into Babylon, and the birth of Jesus. None of us can stop God’s absolute will. God’s
Genesis
Godly decisions made by godly people help make us people God can use. We do the right thing because we follow God. Doing the right thing, though, helps us learn patterns of behavior that make it easier to do the right thing the next time. Our decisions help make it
Genesis
God wants followers who are unafraid to step out and follow Him. Following God requires faith because He often asks us to do things for which we cannot know the outcome. He asks us to do things that run counter to expected norms. Frequently, there are logical friends and family
Genesis
Relationship with God allows us to trust Him; trust in God translates into an ability to rely upon His timing. God doesn’t force Himself upon others. God gave Adam and Eve freedom in the Garden of Eden. When God called Abraham, God invited Abraham invited Abraham into relationship rather
Genesis
When God does answer our prayer, our job is to worship Him. He knows His plan for us. He knows the future and the past. He knows what our needs require. Because of this, He deserves our praise. Rebekah should receive some credit. When she gives water to the camels