Tag: Genesis

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God Has A Promise For You

This devotion begins with humans being called to reflect the rule and reign of God. But people turned away, seeking to build their own Kingdoms. This quickly turned to violence and oppression. Humans lived in rebellion rather than in harmony with God. 

Amidst this situation, God called Abraham and Sarah. He came into their lives to make covenant promises, to re-establish them as a people living in harmony with Him. 

Scripture says Abraham and Sarah were an old and childless couple. The new start God made with them didn’t look very promising, but God makes promises in unpromising situations. God promised to be their God, to bless them, and to make them a blessing on the earth. Then, a powerful little seed was tucked in with this packet of promises. God said to Abraham, “Kings will come from you,” and God said about Sarah, “Kings of peoples will come from her”. What would that have been like, to hear God say that your descendants would be Kings and Queens on the earth? 

Today, just like in the lives of the old couple Abraham and Sarah, God is in the business of re-establishing Kings and Queens in our families and communities. His promises to Abra­ham and Sarah would, in time, bear good fruit for their descendants and for the whole Earth. Remember, God wants to do the same for us. For if we are in Christ we will bear good fruit and prosper. Let us trust His promises.   

“I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.” (Genesis 17:6).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Fill me with your Spirit so that your Kingdom may come and your will may be done in me today. Please bless my family and community, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

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The Mother Of All Living

When sin entered the world, grief and pain entered the lives of Adam and Eve. Think of the joy this couple experienced at the birth of Cain. Genesis records her saying, I have acquired a man from the Lord. Then, shortly after, they were blessed with another son in the birth of Abel. It did not take long, however, for trouble to brew between the brothers. When God showed preference to the offering that Abel brought before Him over Cain’s offering, jealousy showed its ugly face. In his anger, Cain killed his younger brother, Abel.

Imagine the grief that Eve faced. Not only did she have to face the death of a son, but that death came from the hand of her firstborn. God continued to bless Adam and Eve with children, but the Bible does not give us the names of these children until Eve gave birth to Seth. God even identifies Seth as the replacement for Abel.

Through Mother Eve, we see the birth of the church. Because these three sons played a significant part in the birth of the church, they are the only three children of Adam and Eve mentioned in the Bible. Abel, the Godly son, was to be the continuance of the Godly seed. After his death, God chose Seth to continue in this role. We discover later that Noah was descended from Seth, the Godly seed. Abraham, descended from Noah’s son Shem, became the father of the nation of Israel with whom God made a covenant, and was, in essence, the father of the church.

Today God has maintained a Godly seed on the earth. When pondering this, we realize that Eve, the Mother of All Living, the nation of Israel, therefore the mother of God’s church. Yes, through Eve sin entered into the world, but also through Eve came the birth of God’s church, her birth and influence of Seth gave birth to the father of faith. A people set apart for God’s use. Also, through Eve came the birth of the Lord Jesus, the Saviour of all mankind. So before we crucify her let’s give her some alcaides for allowing God to use her to fix her mistakes and giving us hope.

And Adam called his wife’s name Eve because she was the mother of all living.  Genesis 3:20, NKJV 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I’m weary. My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. Father, I am so in need of you. Like Eve I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back up after mayor setbacks. Please God keep me on track again. Your Word says the joy of the Lord is my strength. If that’s true, then I need your joy to replace all the tired parts of my mind, body, and soul. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

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Promises Delayed Not Denied

a close up shot of a woman holding a rosary while praying

It could be that your faith is not the kind that thinks God owes you anything. Lucky you! God will never disappoint. But Abram was of the other sort. God promised him more than once that he would have a son to carry on his name and he would hold him to that. In our age of a million ways of leaving a legacy after our passing, it might be hard for us to understand why childbearing was so important for Abram. But it was everything.

 

It seemed like despite God’s very clear promises, He failed to deliver, for decades. Until long past Sarai’s procreative years. It must have seemed that God was toying with them: either distracted with a million other concerns or worse, teasing and never intending to follow through.

 

Today, what does it mean when we think God has made a promise to us that is not kept … at least for a very long time? Does God have a short attention span? Is God prevented by other forces? Is God waiting for something in us to finally be receptive, for the combination lock of our hearts to click open? Or does God, who lives in the past-present-future, know exactly the right timing? I believe the latter is true. Don’t lose hope, God will deliver at the right time so the blessings and the praise is maximised.

 

Abram said [to God], “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord. – Genesis 15:3-6 (NIV) 

 

Let’s Prayer

Yahweh, give us the courage to ask you for what we really want and to listen for your answer, and trust your promises. God, give us the patience to wait as long as it takes for you to make good on all you have said. In Jesus’ name Amen.

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The Journey of Faith

Can you see how God keeps His promises? Let’s dare to believe in God, knowing he is faithful, even when we are not! Picture Abraham with Sara, his wife, his nephew, his servants, and his herd of livestock travelling with a tent to pitch anywhere they needed to. 

Abraham believed in God with childlike faith. At seventy-five, Abraham would have loved to enjoy the wealth and lifestyle he was accustomed to in Haran. Yet, he left and went where God led him. As a foreigner in a new country, Abraham had to develop his faith to cope with new situations. 

Scripture says Abraham moved to Egypt because of famine. Pharaoh, the King took his very beautiful wife to his palace. Abraham didn’t reveal that Sara was his wife. Then, a plague was sent to Pharaoh’s house causing him to release Sarah and send Abraham out of the country. While waiting for God to give them a family, he and Sarah tried to accomplish the promise themselves and a child was born, not of Sarah, but their Egyptian servant. Sarah, his wife, became angry at that servant’s scoffing and asked Abraham to act. So, God asked Abraham to listen to his wife. Abraham asked the servant and mother of the child to move out with her son. They did. 

Today like Abraham you may have failed at times, but God hasn’t failed you. Abraham received everything that was promised, Canaan the land his descendants would one day possess, and Sara had the child Isaac, although they were both past the age of childbearing. Let’s dare to believe in God, knowing he is faithful, even when we are not! Thank God that nothing is impossible to him. 

“The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed by you.” Genesis 12:1 NLT 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for showing how mighty and faithful you are through Abraham’s and Sara’s life. God, please help me to keep my eyes on you with eternity in my heart so I can finish strong. I hold on to Your promises knowing they are sure in Christ’s name. Amen 

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Tanzania Here We Come Without Hesitation

As a child, I wanted to take a mission trip. Each time the topic was preached on I would sit on the edge of my seat. I would see the smiling faces of the people and would dream of hugging them. I wasn’t sure how… I didn’t know when… but it was a wish I prayed on. 

As I prepare to leave for the mission field in Tanzania, I came across today’s verse that speaks to mission service. Genesis 12:4 says, “Without any hesitation, Abram went.” The bravery of Abraham to pick up his entire family and move to Canaan when he was seventy-five years old was true faith. Surrounded by modern-day conveniences and being some 15 years younger, I can hardly fathom leaving all I know for nothing familiar with no hope of returning. 

The mission field can be local too there are things we can do every day and people in arm’s reach to be helped… but God specifically tells us to go out into the world. Some people groups still don’t know about Jesus. Some people don’t have clean water to drink. They don’t have consistent food, either, because they’ve never really had a prolonged time in their lives where their needs were easily met because of the greed and selfishness of others. 

Today I challenge all to become intentional missionaries. We are privileged to have much and still complain. We scoff and waste food and flex our right to voice our opinion. But what if we chose to see and acknowledge what’s going on past our doorstep every day…to help those on the outskirts of society and the world, who don’t know and who don’t have daily needs and a fair quality of life. Like Abram, I have decided it’s time to move for God “Without any hesitation.” Keep us in your prayer as we leave for Tanzania this weekend. 

“So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.” – Genesis 12:4 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I praise You for our missionaries and mission teams. Father, thank You for allowing me the opportunity to come face to face with the people who need the gospel and who need physical, emotional, and spiritual aid. God, please forgive me for forgetting about the forgotten. Thank you for blessing me with the chance to go on mission this trip this weekend keep us safe and teach us valuable life lessons. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

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God The Healer Of Broken Relationships 

5 Truths about God’s Design for Sex in Marriage

From my own experience, if a husband has an affair, the wife feels hurt and distrusts him. Even if she wants to restore their relationship, trust must also be restored. Sin involves not only violating a command but also betraying a relationship. Not only do we need Jesus Christ to receive the punishment we deserve, but we also need someone to heal our broken relationships. In our sins, we betray God. Genesis says, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth.” 

Today, many ask, “Can couples who have endured the pain of betrayal be reconciled?”

Those who survive betrayal and go on to have a loving, trust-filled relationship almost always need someone to help them. Similarly, because we have betrayed God, we need someone to reconcile us to God. The broken relationship between each of us and God can be restored and healed only through the work of Christ. He came to make all things new, including our relationship with God. Jesus, our reconciler, draws us back to God even when we want to run the other way. Hallelujah! 

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. – 2 Corinthians 5:19 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, my reconciler, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you paid, not only to cover the penalty for my sin but also to reconcile me back to God. Yahshua, without you, we would be alone and broken forever. God, I’m sorry for betraying you. please accept my confession in Christ’s name. Amen. 

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Ridiculous Laughter

Holy Laughter

Has God ever surprised you with the ridiculous? Has He promised you something that seems impossible? Have you ever thought that God is taking too long because there is no time left? You’re not alone Sarah was ninety years old when she became the mother of Isaac. When the Lord visited Abra­ham a year earlier and told him they would have a son she laughed. Sarah thought it was impossible—and perhaps even ridiculous. Shortly after that, she held her newborn son in her arms, understanding that, God had the last laugh. Now she laughed with Him not because the situation was surprising, funny or ridiculous, but because it was so wondrous. She even named her son child Isaac, which means “laughter.”

Today, are you waiting on God for the ridiculous? Is He taking too long? Abraham and Sarah’s long years of disappointment at not having a child and waiting on God to keep His promise ended in the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby boy. God had indeed brought laughter and hope, the beginning of the fulfilment of His promise to make them parents of a great nation. His faithfulness to them is one example of how God is faithful to us. God wants to birth laughter and joy in you right now to end sin, suffering and death.

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” — Genesis 21:6

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Father, please give me patients as I await answers and hold on to the ridiculous and the miraculous. Just like Sarah and Abraham, keep me laughing until my breakthrough comes. Today I celebrate the birth of joy and no more sin, suffering, Sorrow and death in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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An Unexpected Journey

In his old age Jacob now begins one more journey. Many years earlier, Jacob had fled his homeland in fear; now he leaves in the hope of a joyful reunion with a son he had thought was dead. But this journey also requires him to leave the land God has promised to him. This journey will take him to Egypt, a place of danger for his father and grandfather. Can God be involved in this unexpected change of plans? 

Jacob begins this journey with worship, even if a plan seems appealing to us, it will not succeed if it does not honour God. Though his own son had invited him to come and stay in Egypt, Jacob also knew of God’s warning that his descendants would be mistreated in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13). For this reason, God’s assurance was vital to his journey. 

Today, it may seem that God has placed you on a journey you did not expect: a new career, a new home, a challenging situation that stretches your faith. Hear today the great assurance that Jacob heard: “Do not be afraid. . . . I will go . . . with you.” God, who lived among us and journeyed with us in the flesh of Christ, will redeem and bless even the unexpected journeys of all who trust in Him in 2o22. 

“Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.” — Genesis 46:3 

Let’s Prayer 

Yahweh, sometimes you send us to unexpected places in life. Give us wisdom to discern your leading in our journeys, and give us courage in knowing you are always with us, through Christ, our Savior. Amen. 

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The Lamb

As a boy I remember my mother reading bible stories to us, one that made an impression on me was the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was pictured raising a knife over the altar to kill his son, and Isaac’s words have stuck with me “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Our focus this Christmas is on Isaac’s question. 

Even though God graciously provided a ram in place of Isaac, it was not “The Lamb.” Hundreds of lambs were sacrificed on the night of the Passover to deliver God’s people. Thousands more were sacrificed in the temple in obedience to God’s commands for offerings. Yet Isaac’s question remained: “Where is the Lamb?” Isaiah prophesied that the people’s true salvation and deliverance would come through a Lamb who would pour out His blood and bear the sins of many. 700 years after Isaiah prophesied, an angel proclaimed that Mary would have a Son and He will save the mankind from their sins. The Lamb had finally come.  

Today, we are in the Advent season, Christmas Day is coming. We know our Saviour was not born on that day, but let us joyfully celebrate on the 25th and every day the birth of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who died and rose again to take away our sins and give us new life forever! Hallelujah! 

“The fire and wood are here,” said Isaac, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” — Genesis 22:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, we sing this Advent with the angels of 2000 years ago, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive us and deliver us, honour and glory and praise!” God, we eagerly look for that day when Christ will return and there shall be no more pain, no more suffering, no more death, and praise God no more satan or sin, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Faith and Righteousness Go Together

GodInterest exists to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds, equipping people with a faith that works in real life and sends them into a world to serve for God and humanity.

Many people are looking for ways to be righteous or in “right standing” with God. In Genesis 15 it simply says that when we believe God, that’s righteousness. The evidence, of our faith is found in our actions. Faith without works is dead. That means, when we really believe something, our actions will support what we believe. Abraham believed God, he obeyed His Word and left his father’s land, even when he didn’t know where he was going. In the same way, when we believe God, we have to leave some things behind in order to embrace the new life He has in store.  

Today, as you let go of the old and, by faith, embrace God’s promises, know that He is leading you down paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake! Keep believing and keep stepping out, knowing that your best days are ahead of you! 

Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for making me righteous in You. Today I choose to accept and believe Your Word by faith. God, help me to follow You all the days of my life in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Help Me I’m In A Dark Place

Tears, shedding tears

Does something you need seem impossible? With man it may be, but we serve the all-powerful God, and He can create something out of nothing! He can make a way when there seems to be no way, and open doors that seem closed forever!

The Bible says, “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” but before He spoke the world into existence it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful too! He can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight! Hallelujah!

Today, know that you are created in the image of Almighty God. There’s power in your words, and there’s power when you’re in agreement with Him. Start saying what God says about your situation. Speak life to your broken dreams today. Speak hope into the hopeless places. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, because He will turn things around for you and create something out of nothing!

“Now the earth was formless and empty…and God said, ‘let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:2—3, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I trust that You are willing and able to make a way for me where there seems to be no way in my life. Father, fill me with Your peace and faith. Give me a vision for all You have for me, and help me to always speak Your words of truth and light into my darkness. God, thank You for making me in Your image, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Words Are Like Seeds

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Did you know words are like seeds? When we say prayers, when we speak the Word of God, it’s like planting spiritual seeds. It’s a principle that God established at the beginning of time. The harvest is determined by the seeds we sow, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Think about how a planter waits for the harvest. He knows that if he protects his seed, he will get an abundant harvest. He waters it, pulls the weeds, keeps the soil moist and exposes it to sunlight. 

Today, like the planter we have to protect our spiritual seed. We can’t allow the “weeds” of negative thinking to come in. We have to pull them out by saying, “God, my trust and confidence is in You, I will stay positive.” We have to water our seed through praise to God, keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy. We expose our seed to sunlight by staying in the presence of the Son of God. That’s how we protect our seed. When you protect it, it won’t be long before you will see that harvest of blessing in your life. 

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, I declare that my trust and confidence are in You. Thank You for hearing my prayers daily. God, I know that seed planted in Your Word will produce an abundant harvest in my life. Help me stay positive, protective and potent with all my words and thoughts, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Declare It!

Did you know there is creative power in the words we declare? In the same way that God created the world with His words in Genesis 1, we “create” our own world with our words. We can create an atmosphere of peace, joy, power and love with our words, or we can create an atmosphere of strife, confusion and defeat.

Today, use your words to open the door for God to move, by declaring His Word over your life. Declare that His strength is at work in you. Declare that no weapon formed against you is going to prosper. As you declare God’s Word over your life, you’ll see it come to pass. You’ll feel His strength, joy and victory rising up inside of you, so that you can embrace the life of blessing He has prepared for you.

“Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared.”(Numbers 14:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I recognize that there is creative power in my words. Father, help me, by Your Spirit, to use my words for good. God, remind me to always declare Your truth over my life, and over the lives of others. I bless You today and always, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Don’t Let Jealous Folk Stop Your Praise

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." ?

Across the world, from Japan to the UK, we have experienced major droughts. In the Bible Isaac was in a great drought, but he went out and planted crops right in the middle of the famine. It didn’t make any sense, but somehow in that same year of drought, the Bible says, “Isaac received 100 times what he had sown, because the Lord blessed him.” Hallelujah!

What’s interesting is that when Isaac got blessed, the people around him, the Philistines and his friends, all of a sudden got jealous of him. They were fine as long as he was broke. As long as they were at the same level it was no big deal. But when he stepped up to a new level, when he began to wear his blessings well, the scripture says, “The Philistines hated Isaac.”

Today, you may have noticed, when you start to do better, the people around you don’t celebrate. They become jealous. But you can’t allow the attitudes of others to hold you back and cause you to live in mediocrity. Instead, when you’re blessed, brag on God! Shake off the criticism of others and receive His blessings. Wear it well because when you honour Him, He will continue to increase and promote you all the days of your life!

“Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.” (Genesis 26:12, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for every good and perfect gift that You have poured out on my life. Father, in humility, I choose to wear my blessings well. I won’t shrink back at the criticism of others; but instead, I will walk forward with You into the life of blessing You have prepared for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Be A Dream Releaser Not A Dream Crusher

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

I spent the evening reflecting on the people God has placed in my life. They haven’t been placed there by accident. God brings people to us for a purpose. We should live with this awareness that, “I am here to add value to people. I am here to help them succeed.” Don’t go around always thinking, “I wonder what that person can do for me. I wonder what they have to offer.” No, we should have the attitude, “what can I do for them? How can I help them come up higher? Can I teach them something I know? Can I connect them with someone who can help them?”

Don’t make the mistake of going through life being ingrown. Instead, be a dream releaser. Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else. There is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best.

Today send a quick text, tweet, or facebook post offering someone hope, or just make a two-minute phone call where you encourage someone, because when you live as a dream releaser, you’ll see your own dreams come alive too!

They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.” – Genesis 37:19 (NRSV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me to be a blessing to others. Please Father, show me ways to be a dream releaser so that I may help others to rise higher. God, help me to use my influence to encourage others and honour You always, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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God Make Me A Sower

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?" (Matthew 5:13)

In the book of Genesis, God set up a system of seedtime and harvest. Everything God does starts with a seed. The Bible also tells us that He gives seed to the sower. In other words, if you are a person who has a desire to bless others and sow seed, God will make sure you have plenty to give.  

Notice in today’s verse what happens when we generously sow seed, we increase more! Just like planting a seed in the natural brings a natural abundant harvest, planting a spiritual seed brings a spiritual abundance. You can’t outgive God! The Scripture says that He will pour out blessings on you that you can barely contain. God’s blessing goes way beyond the financial realm. He wants you to have blessed relationships, good health and a happy career.  

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and look for ways to start sowing? What do you have in your hand? Can you start by giving a smile and sowing joy? Do you have five pounds to help someone who is homeless buy some food? Choose to be a blessing and watch how God brings increase in every area of your life. 

“There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.” (Proverbs 11:24, AMP) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I want to be a sower. Father, help me to see the people around me the way You see them, so that I can bless them the way You want to bless them. God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life as I do my best to be obedient to Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

 

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