Isaac and Abimelech -- Genesis 26

I am finding it such an adventure to start at the beginning of the Bible and travel through times past. Together we embark on this journey at the foundation of time, moving through history, discovering our roots. We are learning about the many firsts of life. We read about the first sin, the first piece of clothing, the first parental experience, the first flood, first covenant; the list goes on and on.

In Genesis 26:1-3 we learn about another first, the first witness protection program. There was a famine in the land... And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. Then the LORD appeared to him and said: "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you…”

Isaac needed to escape the famine, but he also needed to keep his family safe. God told him to go to Gerar and to stay out of Egypt. God was sending Isaac to a safe place, He was going to keep Isaac and his people protected during the famine. God promised Isaac he would keep His promise to Abraham, and that in the end He would give all Abraham's descendants these lands.

I find it truly amazing the God of Isaac wants to do the same for me and my family. He tells me to keep close to Him. His promise of protection is evident by the salvation He provided us when He sent His only Son to die. Can you feel the love?

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Faith test of Sarah and Abraham -- Genesis 18:1-33

I just hate it when I have the urge to laugh and know it is not appropriate behavior or timing. I used to get the giggles whenever I was in the library with my girlfriends. Everyone knows you can't do any talking or laughing in that building without calling down the wrath of the librarian.

I can't help but feel a bit sorry for Sarah when she laughed - to herself, no less - and God heard it. She had waited for so long to have the promise fulfilled, and her faith was beginning to waiver. After all, she knew her body and recognized she was long past the time for giving birth. She was thinking to small, she was thinking that giving birth was up to her. "Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.  So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?"  (Genesis 18:11-12)

Sarah is so much like me, always limiting the power of God. I need to remember when I pray to pray for things that could only be provided by God. I need to regularly pray for miracles. How else will I be able to point to Him as the one who brought about the realization of my request? God can do anything! I must learn to pray bigger, pray for miracles, God and can do it.

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Promises, Promises -- Matthew 28:1-10

Who hasn’t been disappointed by a broken promise? We may even be the culprit who fell back on a pledge, who did not follow through with a commitment.

A business owner who has no respect for his client’s time will keep them waiting long past the scheduled appointment. His word is not dependable, and he soon earns a reputation which reflects this behavior.

The scripture lesson in Matthew 28:1-10 is all about promises, Jesus’ promise to his disciples and to us. Jesus promised to return, to rise on the third day. Jesus keeps his promises whether I believe it or not. When He says, “I will…” we can count on it to be so.

Jesus met the women Mary, and the other Mary, as they left the tomb, and instructed them to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. He promised He would be there. They could depend on it, as unreasonable as it was to think Jesus, who just died, would meet up with them in Galilee, He promised, and he is in the business of fulfilling promises.

This is still true today. We read in Scripture Jesus is with us, He loves us, He forgives us and his death brings us salvation. These are promises we can take to the bank. Praise God!

Read the entire text at Biblegateway – Matthew 28:1-10

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