In Genesis 29 Jacob arrives at Paddan Aram where Laban lives. He was instructed by his father Isaac to go there and take a wife from among his own people. He agreed to work for Laban for seven years for Rachel and at the end of seven years Laban gave him Leah because it was custom to give the oldest daughter first. Jacob agreed to work for another seven years if He could marry Rachel. He ended up married to them and their maidservants and had many children through them. This is one way God fulfilled His covenant with Abraham.
In chapter 30 Laban wanted Jacob to stay and agreed to give him the sheep that were spotted. Jacob works hard and builds a large flock for his family. God gave him wisdom to build a large healthy flock of spotted and stripped sheep. God always gives us wisdom to succeed when we walk in His ways.
In Romans 10 we see righteousness by faith. 9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
It is such a to be able to trust the covenants that God has ordained. These hold true for all of us. The scripture tells us that Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Trust God and the same guidance and wisdom that made Jacob successful will be available you. Then you and your house will be saved.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Genesis 25-26; Romans 9:1-15
In Genesis 25 Isaac and Rebecka had two sons Jacob and Esau. God had told them the older will serve younger and we in a weak moment saw Esau trade away his birthright to Jacob.
In chapter 26 we see Jacob and Rebeka being obedient to God and following Him as He told them where to live and blessed the work of their hands. He established Him and others respected and feared God as Jacob was blessed by Him. Even when he dug two wells the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled over, Jacob dug a third well and named it Rehoboth saying, "Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land." But taking advantage of Esau cost him. 34 When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. 35 They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.
In Romans 9 God shows us He chooses His children. 8In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring... 14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." God has chosen to bring to Him those who make His son Lord of their life. When we put our life in His hands, He gives us life. Jesus said "Because I live, you also will live." John 14 19(NIV)
In chapter 26 we see Jacob and Rebeka being obedient to God and following Him as He told them where to live and blessed the work of their hands. He established Him and others respected and feared God as Jacob was blessed by Him. Even when he dug two wells the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled over, Jacob dug a third well and named it Rehoboth saying, "Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land." But taking advantage of Esau cost him. 34 When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. 35 They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.
In Romans 9 God shows us He chooses His children. 8In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring... 14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." God has chosen to bring to Him those who make His son Lord of their life. When we put our life in His hands, He gives us life. Jesus said "Because I live, you also will live." John 14 19(NIV)
Genesis 23 and 24; Romans 8:22-39
In Genesis 23 we experience the death of Sarah who was Abraham's wife. Abraham mourned for her and petitioned the people of Canaan for a burial site for her. They showed Him honor by selling it to him and by giving Him a fair price.
In chapter 24 we see Abraham providing a wife to his son Isaac to comfort him from his own people. God had promised to do that and God provided as Abraham trusted His word. Abraham's servant also trusted God and prayed specifically for a girl to come and offer him water and his camels and Rebecka did just that. The family believed God and Rebecka understood what God was doing and (without even a picture of him) went back became Isaac's wife.
In Romans 8 we see Paul understood they were first fruits. The great thing about the assignment they were given was the blessing they passed on in the faith. We are fruits of their labor. If they were not fruit that produced fruit we would not have the gospel. We are to pass on the word of God and be faithful to Him in all our ways and He will produce a crop of righteousness through us. 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" The God who loves us will make all things happen according to His plan and will use all of his riches and power to accomplish through us. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. What more could we ask for?
In chapter 24 we see Abraham providing a wife to his son Isaac to comfort him from his own people. God had promised to do that and God provided as Abraham trusted His word. Abraham's servant also trusted God and prayed specifically for a girl to come and offer him water and his camels and Rebecka did just that. The family believed God and Rebecka understood what God was doing and (without even a picture of him) went back became Isaac's wife.
In Romans 8 we see Paul understood they were first fruits. The great thing about the assignment they were given was the blessing they passed on in the faith. We are fruits of their labor. If they were not fruit that produced fruit we would not have the gospel. We are to pass on the word of God and be faithful to Him in all our ways and He will produce a crop of righteousness through us. 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" The God who loves us will make all things happen according to His plan and will use all of his riches and power to accomplish through us. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. What more could we ask for?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Genesis 16-17; Romans 6
In chapter 16 we see where Sarai (Sarah) - Abram's (Abraham's) wife Made a decision to give her maidservant Hagar to Abraham to be His wife. She made this decision based on her understanding of God and what she knew she was capable of, not on who God really is and what He is capable of. This decision brought them much pain. Even though their decision was made by sight and not by faith, God still pursued them and restored them. God named Ishmael wile He was still in the womb, and knew what kind of man He would be and the relationship He would have in the family. The decision affected generations to come and when Abraham was 86 Ishmael was born to them.
In chapter 17 the Lord appeared to Abram and said "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." He fell face down. He was now 99 years old and we see Him believing God and that day he responded in obedience and his descendants to God's covenants. God knows what he is doing no matter what phase of life we are in. As we respond in faith, then we see the miracle God has in mind.
In Romans 6 we see life in Christ verses death in sin. God is the master of our life and we are to take the position of the servant and serve Him with the things we used to serve the world. We are to use these things for good and God will show us a whole new area of service. He will not eliminate us but restore us and bring to our remembrance everything He has said to you and His original call on your life. He also knows us intimately and as we obey, God leads us to a greater understanding of Him and His intentions. John the Baptist's ministry only lasted 6 months. Is there a limit to what God can do? He said I will do even greater things through you. "It's not the length of time but the quality of your obedience." (Henry Blackaby) 6:22 "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." He looks for a heart that does not overlook disobedience but is willing to be redeemed and restored. You cannot recover what could have been but can take hold of what's going to be.
In chapter 17 the Lord appeared to Abram and said "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." He fell face down. He was now 99 years old and we see Him believing God and that day he responded in obedience and his descendants to God's covenants. God knows what he is doing no matter what phase of life we are in. As we respond in faith, then we see the miracle God has in mind.
In Romans 6 we see life in Christ verses death in sin. God is the master of our life and we are to take the position of the servant and serve Him with the things we used to serve the world. We are to use these things for good and God will show us a whole new area of service. He will not eliminate us but restore us and bring to our remembrance everything He has said to you and His original call on your life. He also knows us intimately and as we obey, God leads us to a greater understanding of Him and His intentions. John the Baptist's ministry only lasted 6 months. Is there a limit to what God can do? He said I will do even greater things through you. "It's not the length of time but the quality of your obedience." (Henry Blackaby) 6:22 "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." He looks for a heart that does not overlook disobedience but is willing to be redeemed and restored. You cannot recover what could have been but can take hold of what's going to be.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Genesis 7-9; Romans 3
In Genesis 7 we see the Lord following through on His decision to flood the earth. In Genesis 6:6 "The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain." Noah was the only one on earth that found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Gen 6:9 tells us about his character - "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." This is also a huge example for us to follow. All mankind is here today because Noah was faithful in His walk with God. We see God taking the life from everything He created on the face of the earth that was left behind.
In chapter 8 we see the Lord remembering Noah in the ark. He sends a wind, dries the earth and delivers them safely on dry ground. This whole process (the flood and receding of the waters) took a year and ten days. We then see Noah offering burnt offerings to the Lord. This pleased the lord and He vowed to never again destroy all living creatures as He had done. 22 "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
In chapter 9 He instituted that covenant with the rainbow as a sign that sealed the covenant and reminded both God and man of these things. 17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."
In Romans 3 we see Jesus was the answer to the covenant between God and man. Man cannot do this on our own because of the condition of our heart. We want to have a Godly relationship with Him and everyone else, but it takes a changed heart in order to not grieve God. Gen 6:5 "The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time." Christ comes in and changes our heart to desire the things of the Lord. His spirit dwells in us and gives us a new life that reflects His image. Romans 3:28 "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law."
8:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood." That means He acted on our behalf as the one who would turn aside God's wrath at the same time removing our sin and giving us life. We see God's desire for a covenant relationship with man realized through Jesus Christ His Son and our desire for a relationship with the father made complete through the Son.
In chapter 8 we see the Lord remembering Noah in the ark. He sends a wind, dries the earth and delivers them safely on dry ground. This whole process (the flood and receding of the waters) took a year and ten days. We then see Noah offering burnt offerings to the Lord. This pleased the lord and He vowed to never again destroy all living creatures as He had done. 22 "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
In chapter 9 He instituted that covenant with the rainbow as a sign that sealed the covenant and reminded both God and man of these things. 17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."
In Romans 3 we see Jesus was the answer to the covenant between God and man. Man cannot do this on our own because of the condition of our heart. We want to have a Godly relationship with Him and everyone else, but it takes a changed heart in order to not grieve God. Gen 6:5 "The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time." Christ comes in and changes our heart to desire the things of the Lord. His spirit dwells in us and gives us a new life that reflects His image. Romans 3:28 "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law."
8:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood." That means He acted on our behalf as the one who would turn aside God's wrath at the same time removing our sin and giving us life. We see God's desire for a covenant relationship with man realized through Jesus Christ His Son and our desire for a relationship with the father made complete through the Son.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
2nd Timothy 1-4
In 2nd Timothy 1 we are reminded of the gift God has given us. 6"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline...12b Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."(NIV)
We are to treasure the gift God has brought to us through the word and ministry of His people. It is so easy to forget that during trials and hardships. Satan will do everything in his power to convince us otherwise. Staying true to God will strengthen your faith and testimony.
In chapter 2 we are instructed to stay strong in two things: 1; Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and 2; Endure hardship together as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, competing by the rules (doing things God's way) and we will be rewarded. We are not to quarrel or pursue evil desires of our youth, but to "pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
Chapter 3 defines godlessness in the last days. 2"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." They are the ones who persecute the church, even though they may claim to be part of us. Our knowledge of scripture will give us wisdom. 16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
In chapter 4 we are given instruction on Preaching the word in and out of season. Many will not accept this and will reject sound doctrine (Godly truth). They will only accept what they want to hear. It is easier to do what we want than what God wants and that also takes us out of a position of power and puts God there. There is a crown of righteousness for those who persevere to the end. Be true to God and He will show you mighty things as He does them through you.
We are to treasure the gift God has brought to us through the word and ministry of His people. It is so easy to forget that during trials and hardships. Satan will do everything in his power to convince us otherwise. Staying true to God will strengthen your faith and testimony.
In chapter 2 we are instructed to stay strong in two things: 1; Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and 2; Endure hardship together as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, competing by the rules (doing things God's way) and we will be rewarded. We are not to quarrel or pursue evil desires of our youth, but to "pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
Chapter 3 defines godlessness in the last days. 2"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." They are the ones who persecute the church, even though they may claim to be part of us. Our knowledge of scripture will give us wisdom. 16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
In chapter 4 we are given instruction on Preaching the word in and out of season. Many will not accept this and will reject sound doctrine (Godly truth). They will only accept what they want to hear. It is easier to do what we want than what God wants and that also takes us out of a position of power and puts God there. There is a crown of righteousness for those who persevere to the end. Be true to God and He will show you mighty things as He does them through you.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Titus
Titus chapter 1 begins telling us what position that God has placed Paul. He was placed to minister to the people of God and reveal the knowledge of truth that leads to godliness - 2 "a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior." (NIV)
Titus was left in Crete to straighten out what was unfinished. His job was to appoint Elders in every town. Church leaders must have a life that will be Christlike. He is entrusted with God's work and must hold firmly to the message as it has been taught. He must be able to apply sound doctrine to encourage and refute as necessary. Here are some other qualities; 7b "he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (NIV) These are things God wants to add to each of us so that He can truly use us to spread the word and be good stewards of that gift. Paul didn't give names of those who would be appointed, rather He knew Titus would recognize them by the work they had allowed God to do in their life.
In chapter 2 we encounter what the believers are to be taught - sound doctrine. Older men; to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Older women; to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (NIV) Then He tells us to be subject to our bosses or masters so the word of God will be attractive to them.
In chapter 3 we encounter the truths about being subject to rulers, authorities and being obedient, ready to do whatever is good. We are to slander no one and to live peaceable lives. We are not to be enslaved by all kinds of passions, but to live in freedom in Christ. 3b "We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone... 14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)
We are to understand what we have been delivered from and not run back to them. He has great things to do in the lives of His people. We have seen today how God used Paul and Titus. How does He want to use you? As we apply His truths God will do more that we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (NIV)
Titus was left in Crete to straighten out what was unfinished. His job was to appoint Elders in every town. Church leaders must have a life that will be Christlike. He is entrusted with God's work and must hold firmly to the message as it has been taught. He must be able to apply sound doctrine to encourage and refute as necessary. Here are some other qualities; 7b "he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (NIV) These are things God wants to add to each of us so that He can truly use us to spread the word and be good stewards of that gift. Paul didn't give names of those who would be appointed, rather He knew Titus would recognize them by the work they had allowed God to do in their life.
In chapter 2 we encounter what the believers are to be taught - sound doctrine. Older men; to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Older women; to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (NIV) Then He tells us to be subject to our bosses or masters so the word of God will be attractive to them.
In chapter 3 we encounter the truths about being subject to rulers, authorities and being obedient, ready to do whatever is good. We are to slander no one and to live peaceable lives. We are not to be enslaved by all kinds of passions, but to live in freedom in Christ. 3b "We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone... 14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)
We are to understand what we have been delivered from and not run back to them. He has great things to do in the lives of His people. We have seen today how God used Paul and Titus. How does He want to use you? As we apply His truths God will do more that we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (NIV)
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