Category: Genesis

Read Genesis 50:1-26

We’ve gotten up close and personal with Joseph and his family over the last number of days (if you have been reading this sequentially as I write). Today closes the chapter on Joseph’s life, and the book of Genesis. Looking back over the last 50 chapters, we have covered a huge span of years and met lots of Bible heroes. I have always been amazed at how one book could contain so much history. Joseph’s story has always been a favorite of mine.

We can learn so much from Joseph. He was above all faithful to his God. To our God. Accordingly, he was always protected and people recognized how God walked with him. I don’t know about you, but I hope that people notice that about me. If they ask why I am always so happy, I say it’s because I have a Savior who loves me no matter what. Continue reading “Genesis 50:1-26 – End of an Era”

Read Genesis 49:1-33

Have you ever had anyone speak a prophecy over your life or give you a special blessing? Here we see Jacob’s sons gathered to bid their father farewell as death was close. Jacob appears to have had a surge of energy and alertness as he addresses each of his sons with a message and a blessing. We certainly learned a few things about these boys from Jacob’s departing words.

I remember one time someone was praying over me at a church conference. They told me afterward they saw a lot of wounds in my back and told me the life of a pastor’s family can often be a hard one. At first, I didn’t know what she meant but later realized that people have a habit of stabbing others in the back when they aren’t looking. Sadly, it was at a time of my life where I couldn’t say for sure who was doing the stabbing because to my face, everything was peachy.

After that experience, I began to stand a little straighter because I had the assurance that my wounds were healing and God was working in my life. I just didn’t realize he was working overtime!  Continue reading “Genesis 49:1-33 – Goodbye Jacob”

Read Genesis 48:1-22

Sometimes God uses the unexpected, breaking tradition or appearance. We see that here as Jacob blesses Ephraim more than Manessah, the oldest. Traditionally, the firstborn would receive the greater blessing. Joseph tried to intervene to correct this, but Jacob did it intentionally. Apparently, he had “inside information” and wanted to bless the younger son more. Maybe he remembered his own experience.

God does use the unexpected for his purposes. We are in the Christmas season as I write this. The events of the Christmas story again remind us of God’s economy and choosing the unlikely. Jesus, the King of Kings, was not born in a palace but a smelly stable. The first to hear the news of his birth were not wealthy diplomats but lowly shepherds. Continue reading “Genesis 48:1-22 – The Blessing”

Read Genesis 47:13-31

Being a leader is not always an easy thing, especially when problems arise. Thinking fast on your feet is often necessary when needing to give directions. Being a good decision maker is also a trait a good leader should possess. That is an area I need to work on. I have been placed in leadership roles over the years, and I always say the best leaders must be good followers. Yet, when decisions need to be made, I need to dig deep to find courage. Otherwise, I only second guess and overthink my actions.

How about you? What kind of a leader are you? Because I have been placed in leadership roles, it is often hard to step back and be a follower. I still think like a leader looking for the best solutions. When the leader in charge doesn’t recognize what seems obvious to me, I waver back and forth trying to decide if I should step up and help them see or just wait the course because perhaps an even better solution has yet to be seen. Continue reading “Genesis 47:13-31 – Leadership in Action”