Genesis Forty - Five

An amazing reunion unfolds today as Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers. I find it rather fitting, that they would be terrified at the realization, of them looking at what they can only assume is a ghost. This was a long time coming for Joseph. I am blown away by his assurance, that God is going to take care of him in the midst of severe tribulation. Joseph had his freedom taken from him, and yet he explains to his brothers how necessary it was, for God to lead them to this conversation.

God truly is amazing.

"Father, thank You that Your plans cannot be thwarted."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Forty - Four

Judah offers his life in place of Benjamin. He is willing to take the form of a slave, the punishment for his younger brother, and ultimately do what his father has asked him to do (bring Benjamin back to him because his is precious to him).

I do not believe this is just a coincidence. Judah family line includes some of our greatest blblical hero's. David, Solomon, Ruth to name a few. Oh yeah, this other guy to... maybe you have heard of Him. Jesus of Nazareth. The Messiah, the Christ.

Judah offers to become a slave in place of Benjamin.
Jesus offers His life in place of ours.
He takes the punishment for the things we have done wrong toward the King Eternal.
So we can be close to this King and experience the greatest of all the Kingdoms, because we are precious to Him.

"Jesus, thank You that sin could not defeat You. Help me to walk in the light of Your ways and shine the way You are calling me to."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Forty - Three

What a beautiful thing is about to happen.
As we get to experience these relationships
that are being restored I am reminded of 5 things:

1. All relationships that matter require maintenance.

2. The best relationships we have hurt the most when there is conflict.

3. Conflict does not necessarily mean the end of the relationship.

4. Putting up facades in relationships will only hinder authentic growth.

5. God created us for relationship with each other.
But more importantly He created us for relationship with Him.

"Dad, thank You for speaking to our hearts about how significant relationships are."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Forty - Two

"They said to one another, 'Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us.'"
-----Genesis 42:21

Ever have something you did come back to haunt you?

Maybe it was revealed in public for all to see.

Maybe it is a nagging feeling that you did something that you are not very proud of but can't shake it no matter how hard you try.

I think this is one of those experiences for Joseph's brothers.

Years have passed since they sold Joe into slavery. At least a decade since that day in the fields when every one's lives were forever altered. The brothers are experiencing a distressing situation and for lack of better words confess, "We are getting what was coming to us for Joesph."

The best ways for us to not suffer from seasons like this is not to commit the acts that lead us down these roads. I know, EASY TO TYPE, HARD TO LIVE. I choose to take this one step at a time. I want to be able to look into the future with excitement. Not looking over my shoulder for the past to catch up to me.

"Father, help me live each moment for the glory of You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Forty - One

"God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do."
-----Genesis 41:28

I can hear your thoughts... o.k., maybe I can't hear your thoughts. But I can guess after reading this verse that you may be thinking something along the lines of... "It must be nice that God would let Pharaoh know what He was about to do, I wish God would do the same for me." Frustration grows when we feel we have been blindsided by life. We tend too much of the time, to take it out on God. We claim to lose faith over matters of preference. Because God did not want to play football and we did, we take our ball and go home claiming that He has "wronged" us.

Many times God gives us warning signs for what is to come. In both seasons of abundance and bareness. He especially speaks when we are doing things that are unwise. His Word is a great case study of how He is calling us to live. We have the luxury of seeing very similar situations that we face in our lives. We get to live in hindsight, knowing the outcome to many of these challenges.

God actively speaks to us TODAY!!!
The question is, are we listening?

"Father, open my ears to be tuned into what You are telling me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Forty

Joseph is in prison.
The people he helps forget about him.

The beauty of hindsight is that we know this simple truth:

Hallelujah, God is near!!!
In the mist of turmoil, He is near.
In the dungeon, He is near.
In the storm, He is near.
In the sunset, He is near.
In the land of abundance, He is near.
In the land of scarcity, He is near.
In all circumstance we find ourselves in, He is near.
Hallelujah, God is near!!!

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Nine

"Look, she said to them, 'this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us!'"
-----Genesis 39:14

This HEBREW!!!

I was born well after the persecution of the Jews in Germany during the Holocaust.

The civil rights movement with Dr. King
was after my time.

My generation does not grasp racism the way the ones before us have. We live in a society for the most part, where the color of your skin, or your sexual preference is no longer a deciding factor in your inclusion into the real world. I think we have realized that we are all real people, living in a real world. Some can believe that the world is like that Coca Cola commercial where everyone is in harmony and swaying in perfect unison. But I am not sold on that image (no matter how much I long for it).

Potiphar's wife this morning, reminds of an ugly truth that I feel we face today. Stereotypes can at times be just a dangerous as racism. The Egyptians did not have much respect for the Hebrews. In fact, in a bit further into the story, the Hebrews are slaves to the Egyptians.

Labeling people with Stereotypes breeds suspicion. God was with Joseph. God was blessing everything Joseph was a part of. There was nothing apparent here that indicated Potiphar's skepticism of Joseph. But once you throw the words "This Hebrew" into the mix, everything changes.

People are people. With dreams, fears, victories and defeats. Be careful that you don't paint every person with the same brush on the basis of skin color, economic status, sexual preference, education level, or whatever else you tend to judge people on. People matter to God... so much that He would send His own Son to set them free from the bondage of sin and death.

"Father, help me see people with Your eyes, and as You send me to them, help me love them with Your heart."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Eight

"Judah said, 'Bring her out and have her burned to death!'"
-----Genesis 38:24

It is interesting how Judah's perspective changed when he realized he had played a major role in Tamar's pregnancy. He goes from a desire to burn her to considering her more righteous than he is. When we feel that we have been wronged it is easy to jump to the most outlandish of conclusions.

But what happens when we find ourselves on the other side of that coin?

What happens when we helped someone wrong ourselves?

Judah was willing to give away as a pledge, the seal to his family line. This is not just any little thing to give away. This was his identification for his family heritage.

Much of the time, taking part in sin will cost you something dear to you. A relationship, an opportunity, your self pride. It is easier to play the part of the victim. Judah tried that, until he realized that he too had played a significant role. Be careful when you are to the point where you want to burn someone to death for something they did to you. You may be just as guilty.

"Father, help me today, to see sin how You see it. Let me know how incomplete it truly is."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Seven

Jealousy can cause one to do things that they would not otherwise do in 'sane' situations. Here we find Joseph's brothers with so much jealousy towards Joseph that it turns into hatred. This is always a risk.

Jealousy is a creature that begins small in the heart. Many times it is birthed from something so small that we do not originally address it. However, as time passes it gains power, grows, and eventually if left unchecked will take over the whole self. This is what we see with the brothers here. Their jealousy of Joseph has led them down a road of being willing to sell him into slavery.

Verse three states that Israel loved Joseph because he was born to him in his old age. It wasn't anything Joseph did. Just because of who he was. Jealousy is often misdirected. The brothers should have been jealous that Israel did not love them as much. Not because of a love that Joseph received for just being loved. Perspective in the face of jealousy means everything.

Andy Stanley wrote a great book with some great insight about jealousy. "It Came From Within". You should pick it up at Amazon.com.

"Father, help me today keep any bit of jealousy in perspective to Your indescribable gift."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Six

Esau finds himself in a predicament. The land is filling up because Jacob and him have to many possessions. Instead of seeing a war, we see Esau move.
Sometimes family does things that are uncomfortable, to help others in the family succeed. Esau seems to genuinely care for Jacob and will do just about whatever he can to help him be prosperous.

I have a brother (two years younger). As I sit here typing these words I can see why Esau would do this for his little brother.

Love... pure and simple.

Esau loved his brother regardless of the past or if you think he should. There are just some things that don't require a reasonable explanation. I love my brother.

"Father, thank You that we have the opportunity to experience relationships in our lives like these."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Five

"So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem."
-----Genesis 35:4

There is a tendency in me to chase the illusion of gods that I think will give me fulfillment. Every time I do this I find myself still searching. That is except when I pursue my Heavenly Father. He has never left me searching for something else. What does not make sense is that I would still chase foreign 'fake' gods even today.

I love what Jacob and his family does here. They bury their foreign gods and left the area that could do them harm. This will only work if you refuse to never come back to the hole.

James 4:7-8
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Com near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

"Father, there is no other God but You. There is no other more beautiful."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Four

To be honest. I am not sure how to take this chapter.

On the one hand...
Jacob's sons acted deceitfully. Simeon and Levi routed the men of Shechemites and the son's took things that did not belong to them. This is wrong.

On the other hand...
Dinah was raped, and to add the insult onto the injury, he comes back and asks to be rewarded by marrying her. I can see their reaction to be justified. I am not an advocate for revenge, But I am an advocate for justice.

Revenge however, never seems to be as satisfying on the other side. We tend to find that the 'victory' is not as sweet.

But Shechem did something that by our standards deserves punishment. I know the preacher side of me should type that we should allow God to be our vindicator. That He will always come to our rescue. That revenge is not the answer in any situation. Like I said, to be honest with you, I am not sure how to take this chapter.

"Father, help me understand more deeply how to trust in You in all circumstances. Let me lean not on my own understanding but be rooted in the security of Your sovereignty."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Three

"But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him, And they wept."
----- Genesis 33:4

Yesterday we read about Jacob's fear of seeing his brother again. In fact he went as far as trying to buy his love back. Esau had been wronged and taken advantage of by Jacob years earlier. When they parted ways, they were not on the best of terms. However, it appears that time does heal some wounds. Surely Esau being mad at Jacob, would still be justifiable. But as we read from verse 4, this is not true.

I am inclined to think this morning on what would cause this reaction from Esau.

Here is what I am thinking:
Esau valued Jacob over the stuff. Esau meets Jacob with 400 men, so clearly, he was not doing too shabby in the material side of things. I wonder if we had a chance to read the story of Esau here, if we would see a man realizing what is important in his life.

Here, we are allowed to see an encounter of two brothers.
One fearing the other one, due to uncertainty.
The other, only being certain that he is ecstatic to see Jacob.

Relationships are more rewarding, and can take you further in this world than stuff ever could.

"Father, show me today some relationships you are leading me to mend."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Two

"Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
-----Genesis 32:28

I have been dealing with an issue about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that I could not get my head around. These men seem to thrive in the art of deception. Each time we see it happen in scripture, they walk out the other side with God blessing them. I have not been able to figure out what is going on here. What am I missing? This doesn't seem fair. Why are people doing things in deception, being rewarded by God?

Then it hit me. I was reminded about this verse a few weeks back:

"...the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and give them to anyone he wishes."--Daniel 4:32

It hit me. It is not my job to approve how God distributes His blessing. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are not deceptive people in God's eyes. They are first of all people who God loves, that just so happen to use deception in their weakest moments. I can relate to that.

I feel this is the beginning of a paradigm shift for me. Once again my job is simplified. My role in the story of God is not His auditor. My role is His child. It is clear in Jacob's story here, that God is working on Him and is not finished doing something incredible through his family. In verse 28 God gives Jacob a new name, ISRAEL.

The moment I met my heavenly Father, He gave me a new name...

His Child!!!

"Father, You alone are God and You pour Your blessings on those You choose."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - One

"Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. then he left and returned home."
----- Genesis 31:55

It is possible to have conflict and not go to blows. We live in a short fuse society and for the most part, are brought up to believe that "he who throws the first punch wins." This is not true. He who throws the first punch only throws the first punch. There is a way to have constructive conflict with such a one in our lives.

Here are a few thoughts about this:

1. Conflict is inevitable in any
lasting relationship.
As strange as it sounds, the greatest relationships I have had in my life at some point also had the greatest conflicts. There is a bond formed after the conflict is resolved.

2. Honesty is the HOV lane for resolving conflict faster.
When we choose honesty over deceit, we can get to the root of the issue faster.

3. Conflict does not have to end
in the death of a relationship.
Just because a disagreement happens does not mean that you should start taking applications to replace that person. Remember, we are not in junior high anymore (that is unless you are in junior high and reading this. If you are in junior high, then assume that I meant to type elementary school in the place of junior High.)

4. There is a way to glorify God and
have conflict with others.
Not all of your disagreements are moral imperatives. You don't always have to win while annihilating your opponent. There are some battles worth losing if they keep the relationship going.

How we have conflict with others will reflect the love of our Savior. We are created as relational beings. To be relational involves more than one person. Any time there is more than one person involved, you have a difference in opinion. This may lead to conflict.

"God, open my eyes to be aware of Your Spirit as I have conflict."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty

I think this is where ABC got their idea for Wife Swap. It is interesting to me the customs of Jacob's time. It seems to be a lot of work and I am not sure I would like this. Apparently the wives were not big fans of it either. I am glad that God has changed our customs here for us. I don't want to have to compete for the love of my wife and I do not believe it is fair for her to have to compete for mine.

This is important to write as we live in the world of "secret adultery". Much of the Internet has become a breeding ground for lust. As well as most prime time television shows. Pornography has become a business, a multi-billion dollar industry catering to the superficial needs of man. Misty should not have to compete for my love with real or illusionary people.

God wants to be the only god in my life. He does not wish to share me with anyone. When we refuse to share our love with other lesser gods, we experience a love like nothing else. The Enemy wants to distort love and corrupt our hearts. Much of the time we make this easy for him.

"Father, help me protect my heart today and give it to only You and Misty."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Twenty - Nine

"When morning cam, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, 'What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I?' Why have you deceived me?"
-----Genesis 29:25

Deception seems to run rampant in this family. I love Jacob's reaction when he realized he had been duped into marrying the wrong woman. Better yet, I love Laban's response, "Oh, it's our custom to give away the older daughter first. I thought you knew that, my bad. I'll tell you what though, 7 more years of service and I'll give you both daughters."

It hurts when one realizes he has been deceived by another. It tends to hurt more when there is a personal connection to the deceiver. Politicians...church leaders... city officials... school administrators... employers... co-workers... clients... friends... children... spouses. Deception hurts. Much of the time it hurts everyone involved. I believe the root cause of deception is a lack of faith in others. We believe they are not capable of doing what we think they need to. So we steer them in the direction we 'want' them to go.

Be careful when you choose to utilize this toxic weapon.
You never know how sever the infection may become.

"Father, thank You for using honesty with me to show me the right way to live."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Twenty - Eight

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."
-----Genesis 28:15

I serve a God of His word. When He makes a promise in scripture He has always come through. His Truth is one of the foundations of our faith. Read the words He tells Jacob here. I find great assurance that I am not alone in this journey. God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

How I think of Him as watching over me is important in how I view Him as God. If my belief is that He watches over me to dictate and discipline (like a stern teacher from grade school) then I will tend to try to hide more often from His presence. If I believe that He watches over me for my protection to lead me to the ultimate place of safety (like a loving parent) then I will tune my heart to His leading. I want to follow in the latter.

I also want to remember that when discipline does come that it is not because He is picking on me. God chooses discipline at times for course corrections. He wants us to grow.

"Dad, thank You for watching over me today. Help me see more of Your path."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Twenty - Seven

"Now then, get your weapons --your quiver and bow- and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me. Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die."
-----Genesis 27:3-4

These verses jumped out to me for an entirely unconnected reason in comparison to what is going on in this story.

Esau is about to receive Isaac's blessing. Him being the oldest is a factor, and him being Issac's favorite is also a factor. The blessing is not only a personal accolade, it is very profitable as well.

This brings me to a simple thought:

Everything of worth costs something. The appreciation of effort to achieve a goal is elevated when we receive "the blessing." Isaac could have just as easily blessed Esau at that moment, and then asked him to get him something to eat. My guess is that maybe he wanted Esau to savor the moment. To realize the significance of what is about to happen. To appreciate the moment.

Christmas as a kid is sweeter when you spend the entire year trying to be good.

College is appreciated more when the education you gained lands you that dream job.

Careers are more fulfilling after a big task that took energy, thought and sweat.

Anything you receive of value will cost you something.

I am reminded that my relationship with God costs something very dear for my Heavenly Father.

"Father, help me today realize that everything of worth is going to involve a transaction. Grant me the strength to continue to completion."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Twenty - Six

"When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, 'She is my sister, because he was afraid to say, She is my wife.' He thought, 'The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful.'"

-----Genesis 26:7

Be aware of what disciplines you pass on, to the ones who are around you. People are very observing, especially people that have deep affection for you. Children, Constituents, Proteges, Strangers. We all learn from each other. Isaac here, has apparently picked up a trait from his dad. it is the third time in scripture this happens, and the King of the land has yet to molest or kill anyone. Deceitful people produce deceitful situations. Deceitful parents produce deceitful children. Deceitful bosses produce deceitful employees. Deceit may be entertaining on T.V., but is harmful in real life.

What we do matters. Watch the community you spend your "influence" time in. They have the ability to propel you in certain directions. Make sure they propel you in a direction you want to go.

"Father, help our yes be yes and our no, no today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Twenty - Five

"So Esau despised his birthright."
-----Genesis 25:34

Esau was really hungry. He apparently thought he was to the point of death. So he gives away his birthright for a bowl of stew. Now I enjoy the occasional bowl of hot stew on a cold day, but this seems to be a bit out there! However, it is easy to criticize Esau's actions here without taking a look at ourselves.

What significant thing have you traded, for something of almost no value? This is a blog and not a journal, so I will spare you and myself the list of things I have traded. Just know that there have been many. Unfortunately, none have panned out the way I originally thought they would have. but I realize this: eventually Esau will be starving again and will not have as much to bargain with.

Some other random thoughts:

Don't throw away the promise of tomorrow for a bean burrito and a soft taco.

The illusion of fulfillment outside of Christ will always leave us wanting.

Tomorrow's hundred dollars is better than today's five.

Be aware of people that want to take advantage of you.

A bowl of stew hardly compares to a feast.

"Dad, help me keep my head about me, and not trade the gift You have for me tomorrow for something that is fleeting."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Twenty - Four

"He said to the chief servant in his household,
the one in charge of all that he had,..."
-----Genesis 24:2

I love side kicks. Not the sissy ones that always get the hero in more peril. But the ones who are willing to follow the leader into the very end of a battle, whether that be victory or defeat. Some of my favorite movies are based on characters like this: First Knight with the knights of the round table, willing to fight for their king's dreams. Gladiator and the slaves that chose to help Maximus find his freedom. Sam Elliot's character in We Were Soldiers, as his only task was to protect his colonel. Sam Wise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, helping Frodo in the battle for middle earth.

It's one thing to hire a personal assistant. It is an entirely different thing to have an armor bearer with you heart and soul (1 Sam. 14). A person like that is vital to having success in this world. It is my belief that in order to have that kind of person in your life, you have to be that kind of person in your own life. Who is it that you would battle the fiercest battles for, so they can have the victory? Who is it that their vision causes a reaction in you, where their safety is a priority? Most people prefer the role of Abraham in this story. People with authority are always under authority. No one goes from nobody to ruler of a Kingdom without a process. Serve well today.

"Father, help us realize more today how relational You have made us. Show us insight into how just how helpful the role of the chief servant truly is."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Twenty -Three

"The Hittites replied to Abraham, 'Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will refuse you his tombs for burying your dead.'"
-----Genesis 23:5

Influence will take you further than talent will.
When you are able to have influence with more people than just yourself you have the opportunity to tap into their talents as well. This process is what makes great teams great. Multiple talents leading in one direction. Many believe that it is talent that makes the leader. Talent is just talent. Take professional athletes for example. All of them have talent. But it doesn't take much to see that responsibility is not a necessity in having talent.

As a leader influence will get the vision ball rolling faster and farther than you can imagine. When we have influence with others we do not dictate their actions. We have the chance to channel their efforts toward a single goal. Everyone has influence with someone.

Who do you have influence with?

Who do has influence with you?

"Father, help us this week to be motivated to making You known in the areas of influence that You have established for us."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Twenty-Two

God instructs Abraham to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering. The thought of this playing out any other way than how it did makes my stomach turn. I could not imagine what he must have gone through as a Father. God will not call you to do something that is contrary to his word. That is easy for us to know now. But what about Abe? He is living the word at the moment. It will not be for a while longer before we get the books of law. Abraham did not have the luxury of telling God that he is not suppose to kill.

A concept that sticks out strongly here is that we do not see Abraham attempting to convince God to do something else. Go back a few chapters, Abe is not one to keep quiet as he pleads with God to not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. We don't see Abe's concern or logic in this situation. Did Abe have that much faith that God would supply a way out?

I am inspired to think so. I want to have that kind of faith. I want to rest, fight, live assured that if He says go, I will follow. Abraham followed here right up to the moment of fulfilling the sacrifice. We so much of the time would have cut the wood. Maybe start down the road. Maybe traveled a few days. Some really dedicated people would have actually built the altar. But Abraham was willing to bind Isaac's hands. His boys hands and lay him on the altar. Picking up the knife I imagine must have been the hardest thing to do. And then God becomes the hero again as He does in every story.

I don't want Abraham's faith.
Albeit, it is a great faith to have.
I long to have personal, intimate faith in my God. I long to follow Him to the darkest places of my world and shine for Him with the assurance,
where He leads is the place He wants me.

"Father, lead me deeper into Your story and show me more of You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Twenty-One

Three things happen in this chapter.
God fulfills a promise.
God supplies a great need.
God establishes the southern boundary of Israel.

The story that Abraham and Isaac are beginning is a beautiful story of God's will being fulfilled in the everyday lives of His children. This morning I had a chance to take part in the Kindness In Action event that one of our Access groups put on. I must confess when I woke up this morning kindness was not on the tip of my heart. Misty and I have been out of town with a group in Atlanta for the Catalyst Conference. We arrived home last night about midnight. Fell asleep about 1 oclock. Your body may be able to function off of a few hours of sleep but mine chooses not to. Add on the energy of being around 10,208 people for two days, airport security checkpoints, and 2 runway delays. I am a bit tired.

This morning however was refreshing and exciting. We were all everyday people taking part in the story of God. To our knowledge no one came to Christ as they watched us pick up trash in the parking lot, clean outside windows or the store restrooms. None the less God was honored and I believe He smiled on us today.

And my grumpiness left when I saw people dedicated to making a difference in our world.

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Twenty

"Abraham replied, 'I said to myself, '
There is surely no fear of God in this place,
and they will kill me because of my wife.'"
-----Genesis 20:11

I underestimate people. Just when I think that I have people pegged a with certain attributes, I am surprised. The good news here is that apparently I am not alone. Abraham is seen here once again not trusting in God's protection as he convinces Sarah to say that she is his sister. Abimelech is warned about what is happening and the effects of it by God Himself. When asked about it Abe replies with the response that he had it all figured out and knew the outcome. The challenge here is that what he thought was certainty appeared to not be so certain.

People have the ability to grow. Just like you are not the same person you were 5 years ago. Neither are most others. My ten year high school reunion is coming up in about 2 years. It is so easy to classify people by their former actions. Some of the time this evaluation is valid. In the short term. But in the long run people may change.

Keep this in mind:
God is working on you.
He is transforming you into something greater.
You are not the only person in the world.
He may be working on them as well.
Thinking people may grow could be an option.

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Nineteen

WOW....

THAT IS ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT GENESIS 19....

I believe this may be the most dysfunctional chapter in all of scripture. This has all the makings of a weird independent film or at least a Jerry Springer episode....

A mob of men wanting to have sex with the guests of Lot,
Lot offering his daughters as a way to appease their appetites,
The men turn that down,
The angels causing the men to be blind,
Sodom is destroyed by God,
Lot's wife turns into a pillar of salt,
Lot's daughters laying with their father.

I don't understand much of what is happening here.
The story of God is not for the faint of heart.
God is just and fair regardless what we think He should do.
He makes the right call every time.

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Eighteen

"But Sarah was afraid,
so she lied and said, 'I did not laugh."

But He (God) said, 'Yes, you did laugh."

-----Genesis 18:15

There were a few things that stuck out about this chapter. However, I am going to only write about this verse.

"Sarah was afraid, so she lied..."

Fear will cause us to make unwise choices. We do not enjoy fear because of the uncertainty of what will be the outcome. Fear leads to uncertainty and uncertainty leads to more fear. What a slippery slope.

"and Sarah said, 'I did not laugh'."

Sarah reminds me here of the little kid that is attempting to convince the adult that they did not eat the cookies with chocolate chips all over their face. I wonder at times why I think I can manipulate God into seeing only the good that I do. It's as if I try Jedi mind tricks with the creator of the universe (that is a dorky star wars reference, may the force be with you).

"But He said, 'Yes, you did laugh.'"

This is an attribute of our Heavenly Father that get's little talk time. He is honest. He tells no lies. As we are in need of guidance God is always honest with us. Especially through His word. There is no "duping" Him. He will not be used as a genie or a whipping board. God our Father is.....EVERYTHING. He reminds us when He proclaims that 'He is God and there are no others like Him.'

Notice that He didn't turn Sarah into dust or inflict her with a disease. We can be honest with God. He is wise enough to show us how to tackle even the biggest challenges we face. He is compassionate (the word compassion means to suffer with) enough to comfort us in moments of weakness. He is big enough to help us through every moment of every day.

"Dad, I long to be honest with you. Help me control my fears today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Seventeen

"And Abraham said to God, 'If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!"

-----Genesis 17:18

A lot of uncomfortable things take place at the end of this chapter. At least for the men of the Hebrews. Abraham and Sarah receive their new names (a name makes a great difference) if not, then God would not make such an effort to give people certain names.

Verse 18 is insightful to the human condition. God just told Abraham that a nation will be produced out of his new offspring. Abraham recommends that God do it a more convenient way. As the father of a young child, I can somewhat sympathize. Late nights, early mornings, feeding all the time. Abraham was around 100 years old and my guess is that he didn't want to raise a baby again. Ishmael becomes much more convenient.

I find that I am not so different. When it comes to following God, convenience is preferred over actual effort almost every time. To be honest, there is nothing wrong with pursuing convenience. Unless of course, God has specifically led you in one direction. In our finite minds, we have a warped view of the energy needed to perform any given task. God at times will take us the long route to help us learn (check out the Exodus).

Would it have been easier to pass the blessing on through Ishmael? Maybe, but perhaps it's a 50-50 shot. Is it wiser to follow God's plan over the convenience of our lives? Absolutely, since he knows what is going on. He is about to let a 100 year old man and a 90 year old woman have a baby. This is no accident.

"Father, help me today to see past convenience and follow what You are leading me to do."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Sixteen

"But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar;"
-----Genesis 16:1

There are some verses in scripture that shed light in some of the modern day issues we are facing. Genesis 16:1 is one of them. What happens in this chapter is still prevailent in our modern day world. The battle that will ensue between Issac and Ishmael is the fight that is taking place for Israel between Jews and Muslims.

I find it interesting that the maidservant, Hagar, had an egyptian heritage. Go a few chapters back to see what happened the last time Abram was in Egypt. Hagar was given to Abram out of his deceitful and lack of trust in God. I wonder what the connection is (if any) between that and the challeneges going on in that area today?

This chapter is best experienced in hindsight for these characters. I would think that if they knew what was down the road then they would never have left the drive way. This is where trust in God is vital. It doesn't state that after Sarai offered Hagar, Abram sought wisdom from the Lord. God had promised him offspring. Maybe asking if this was the way God would do it would have been wise.

God's wisdom is needed in all decisions. Small and big ones, decisions require more insight than we are alloted in the situation. Remember, we have limited vision. We have a guess about what will happen in 5 minutes but no guarantees. If we rely on our Heavenly Father to guide us through uncertainty we can step with more assurance. He has displayed this time and time again throughout our history.

"Father, I long to follow You even when I am unsure about what happens in the next five minutes."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Fifteen

"Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward."
-----Genesis 15:1

I have a lot of "stuff". If I took the time to list all the "stuff" that I have accumulated you would probably think that I am a bit on the materialistic side. The opinion would probably be valid. I have been talking a bit with Misty over the past few weeks over the concept of simplifying life. Pastor Jess hit the nail on the head today during the service. He said (paraphrase) "Most of us are living life at a pace that is much to fast."

I find that I get stuff to help me go faster. The issue with the "stuff" that I have is this: IT DOESN'T AMOUNT TO MUCH. IT'S JUST "STUFF".

Today as I read the words of God to Abram I was challenged. Abram was a guy with "stuff"!!! A lot more "stuff" than I will ever have. God gently reminds him in a vision, "Abe- I am your shield, your very great reward."

God says the same to us. The discouraging point is when we choose the fleeting safety of the "stuff" over His protection. He outlives "stuff" everyday.

Sunday is a great day for a resolution. This week I will remind myself that God is my shield when trouble arises. I will remind myself that He is my treasure to cherish above all things.

"Father, praise be to You for Your indescribable gift. "

Heart and Soul
BAG
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