Genesis 32—33: Planning and Praying

Warming Up to God

As you sit before your Father, remember that he has also come to be with you. Rest with him and enjoy his presence while he teaches you about himself.

• But don't rest too much...or you might fall asleep!

Discovering the Word

After Jacob receives the ominous report brought back by the servants (32:6), he alternately plans and prays. How does his prayer in 32:9-12 reflect his relationship with God at this point?

• He trusts God now. He is very confused, but he trusts that God will deliver him.

To what extent do you think Jacob's plans are consistent or inconsistent with his prayer (32:13-21)?

• Giving a present is a good gesture, it shows an attempt at reconciliation. But not going with them to present it shows cowardice. 

How does the struggle with the unknown man give insight into Jacob's personality (32:22-32)?

• Jacob has great perseverance and he is very strong.
• He is continually struggling, fighting, striving with both God and men, and he continues on.

How does the change of Jacob's name from "he deceives" to "he struggles with God" indicate the development of his character?

• "The deceiver" is another word for the devil. Not an excellent name for one chosen by God. "Struggling" with God is what we all do, even if we don't admit it.

In what ways does this meeting between Jacob and Esau (chapter 33) contrast with the last time they saw each other (chapter 27)?

• Greatly! The have both grown up. They both seem to be much more content with where God has them and the years seem to have melted away the hostility between them.

Applying the Word

In what ways can Jacob's prayer be a model for our own praying?

• It is always good to repeat the promises of God, that way you are remembering the good that he has in store for you.
• He is also very honest. He is afraid, and he asks for deliverance. Oh, how many times has that prayer been repeated over the centuries.

In what areas do you struggle to trust and obey the Lord?

• Financial. Brian and I are in a good place right now, but it was very hard to think that He was taking care of us when we were doing all the work. 
• Of course, my prayers are always short and I make no time for meditation...I know I should, but I just fall asleep! Oh, Lord help me. I want to do good, I want to have a deep, meaningful relationship with you, but I am so busy! And you always seem so distant!

In what areas can Jacob's actions toward Esau be a model for us of repentance and reconciliation?

• Well, he went above and beyond in his gift giving. He also prayed about the meeting a lot!

Responding in Prayer

Praise the God of the world, your Father, for being a God who changes names. Ask him to "rename" you as one in the image of his Son.

• Rename me as one in the image of Jesus. Give me a desire for that. Love Jesus. Always. Seek him continually and he will fulfill my life.

Genesis 30:25—31:55: Rivalry and Its Results

Warming Up to God

Why are you coming to be with the Lord today? Tell him with honesty and frankness your thoughts and feelings. Extend them as gifts of obedience, and he will accept them as a fragrant offering.

• I am coming to you today because 
• I know that I should.
• it is what you have asked me to do.
• I want to internalize your word. I want to have something to hold onto today.
• You are worth my time, precious as it is.

Discovering the Word

Why does Jacob want to leave, and why does Laban want him to stay (30:25-30)?

• Jacob wants to build his own wealth.
• Laban wants Jacob because Jacob has made him rich in the time that he has been with Laban.

Describe Jacob's way of getting back at Laban to increase the strength of his own flocks (30:37-43).

• Jacob tried a number of schemes to make his sheep more prosperous. This included breeding the sheep in sight of stripes (in the form of stripped sticks), segregating his flock from Laban's, and only breeding his sheep at a certain time of year.
• This is what Jacob did, but none of these things seem to yield true today.

What new factors in Jacob's situation now prompt his decision to leave Laban's employ and return home (31:1-13)?

• Laban's sons feel cheated by Jacob.
• Laban does not like him as much as he used to.
• God told him to go home.

How has God protected and provided for Jacob in the midst of his unjust treatment by Laban (31:1-21)?

• God made his flock grow in spite of Laban's trickery, but not because of Jacob's experiment.
• God gave Jacob direct instruction to return home.
• Jacob's wives were also on board with the decision to return to his homeleand.
• Jacob fled like a thief in the night.

How do Laban and Jacob reconcile their differences (31:43-55)?

• They set up a pillar or a watch-post. It is only a symbol for God's watch over Jacob.
• Jacob promises to take no other wives.
• Neither party will pass over the heap to harm the other.

Applying the Word

Why is it often so difficult for us to see the other person's point of view in a controversy?

• We are so convinced of our side and because we are selfish. Convincing someone to think differently is an act of God and the older we get, the harder it is. This is why God needs to change hearts in order for a person to be saved.

What have we learned in this passage that can help us in dealing with a strained or fractured relationship?

• Conflict will always result when we are not truthful.

Genesis 27:41—30:24: God's Mercy and Justice

Warming Up to God

What words would you use to describe the mercy of God? Thank him for each way he has shown mercy to you.

• Mercy. He forgives me every time I mess up. Whether it's a big sin or a small one, they are all forgiven. Completely, every time.
• If I live in the place where my sin takes over me, my selfishness begins to fester. It builds and builds until I can see little other than my wants. In this place, I am an ugly person. Undesirable to be around and eventually I don't even like myself. In his mercy, God brings me to that breaking point and I see myself clearly. Then I begin to come back into his arms. Sometimes it is a long time before I am able to pull myself out of this trap. Usually, if I am not daily living in the word and seeking God, I see nothing wrong with my selfish living.

Discovering the Word

When Rebekah hears of Esau's plan to kill Jacob, what strategy does she devise, and how does she persuade her son and husband to carry it out (27:41-46)?

• She tells Jacob that Esau will kill him if he stays.
• She tells Isaac that she is bereaved because of the evil women of the land. She does not want Jacob to marry them.

Describe what happens to Jacob on his first night away from home (28:10-15).

• When the sun goes down, he finds a rock to use as a pillow and lays down to sleep.
• He dreams of a latter that ascends into heaven. Angels are going both up and down this latter and at the top, God stands. 
• God reiterates his promise to the line of Abraham. He tells Jacob, that even though he is leaving for a season, he will return to the land that God has promised him.

From Jacob's response to the dream, what clue can we get about his relationship to God at this point (28:16-22)?

• His response makes me think that perhaps up to this point, he did not have much to do with God. He went above and beyond in his promises; he shall be his God and he will give a tenth of what he earns to God. 
• If God provides for Jacob, Jacob will follow him.

In what ways is Jacob's initial experience in Haran similar to and different from that of Abraham's chief servant many years earlier (29:1-18; see also 24:10-28)?

• They both journeyed far and then found themselves at a well.
• The servant asked God for a sign to find the right woman. Jacob was not necessarily looking for a match.
• Rebecca watered the servant's camels, while Jacob watered Rachel's sheep.
• Both matches seem to be love at first sight.
• Rebecca freely gave herself to Isaac, Jacob had to work for Rachel's hand.

Jacob meets his match and means of discipline in Laban. In what way does the latter's trickery repay Jacob for the exploitation of his father's blindness (29:19-24), and how is this situation resolved (29:25-30)?

• Jacob deceived his father in his blindness, Jacob was similarly blind when he took in Leah. Be it the veil that Leah wore or the drink he consumed at the celebration, Jacob was "blinded" from knowing who he was taking into the wedding chambers.
• Laban agreed to give Jacob his other daughter in exchange for 7 more years of work. Sadness upon sadness for Leah.

What impresses you about the relationships between Rachel and Leah (30:1-24)?

• There is a constant battle between the two women. 
• Seemingly their only value is in how many children they can conceive. They are very manipulative in the ways that they relate to one another.
• The mandrake is an interesting story. Rachel effectively prostitutes Jacob to get Leah's precious mandrakes...which generates the opposite effect: Leah becomes pregnant and Rachel remains barren. Mandrakes are supposed to help you become fertile and they are very rare.
• There is never any love expressed between them. I think it would be hard to love someone with whom you are constantly competing with and sharing a husband. I am a very fortunate woman.

Applying the Word

A past sin or disobedience to God can leave us with a burden of guilt or failure. How can Jacob's experience renew our confidence in God's grace?

• I don't know. Jacob's experience is pretty daunting. His life with his two wives seems pretty miserable. The consequences of his lies and deceit are great.
• But, if what is meant here is his dream...well, God can give us vision to face the trials that that we face, whether they are consequences for our sins or just sad life situations.
• I am not necessarily paying for any sins now, but I remember the guilt and shame that I would feel when I was in college when Brian and I would get too intimate with one another. Thank God I am with him now, otherwise those feelings would still plague me today. I didn't know it, but God orchestrated my life so that I would end up with Brian, Hallelujah!

Spiritual maturity often comes through suffering. In what difficult situation do you now believe God is working to strengthen your faith and character?

• Kids. My beautiful bouncing (and bouncing and bouncing and....) baby boys. They have more energy than they know what to do with and they test my limits daily. I think I have become a more patient person through this. I have certainly learned how to manage my time better!

Responding in Prayer

Spend time thanking God for his care and discipline in your life.

• Thanks! Thank you for discipline? There is something backward about that! True, however. I can see it in the high school kids that I teach. The kids that are given free reign to do anything that they want have major authority issues and they don't really feel like anyone's opinion is worth anything.
• So yes, thank you. There is so much in this life to learn. There are books upon books of how to make yourself a better person, a more successful person, a more happy person. Thank you for a direct line to the source of all happiness and contentment. Overall, I am pretty content!

Genesis 25:12—27:40: A Family Feud

Warming Up to God

What one new event or piece of news can you share with Jesus today? Tell him a story and ask him to teach you as you continue reading the stories of Abraham, Isaac and now Jacob.

• I'm going to Nashville! It has been such a long awaited event and it is finally here! I am going to meet a bunch of women like me who are trying to start a business in their busy, busy lives. Teach me as I continue reading these stories in Genesis.

Discovering the Word

What difficulties and tests of faith do Isaac and Rebekah encounter in connection with the birth of their sons (25:19-22)?

• First, she couldn't get pregnant. Then she had a rough pregnancy. Her children "struggled within her". Sounds rough.

What does the incident in 25:29-34 reveal about the character of the two brothers?

• Jacob was a cook, and he was clever.
• Esau was a hard working man, but he was rash and irrational. He only cared about the now and did not consider what his actions would do for his future.

What specific promises does the Lord make to Isaac in reaffirming his covenant with Abraham (26:2-6, 23-25)?

• God reaffirmed his promise to Abraham. God would give these lands to Isaac's offspring. All nations would be blessed through them. Isaac's offspring would be many.

In 25:28 we learned that "Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob." How does this parental favoritism work itself out in the struggle recounted in 27:1-17?

• Isaac is ready to bless Esau. The eldest and the "rightful owner" of the birthright.
• Rebekah makes a plan so that Jacob will take the Birthright instead, Not conventionally, but with lies and deceit.

How does Jacob succeed in deceiving his father (27:18-29)?

• Jacob lies to Isaac. Jacob has a quick tongue.
• He put a young goat's hair on his hands and wore Esau's clothes so that Jacob would think that he was Esau.
• Wait, just want to point out here that Esau must have been extremely hairy if a goat's hair could deceive Isaac.
• Jacob packs lies upon lies. "I am Esau." "God granted me success." "I have the hands of Esau."
• The plan was Rebekah conceived the plan, but Jacob takes full responsibility for carrying it out.

Applying the Word

Verse 34 states that Esau despised his birthright (his double portion of the inheritance and future role as head of the family). In what areas are you tempted to give up something spiritually valuable for the sake of something of little or no value?

• Just now, when I could not stop going through all of the amazing files that I was given through the Business Boutique conference to come here and do my QT. My life is full of distractions and my mind flits from one to the next with great speed.

In what ways have you experienced the strength of your parents or been influenced by their weaknesses?

• I have always been impressed by their work ethic, working hard for my goals has inspired me to do many things in my life. But many times my goals are pretty weak or even nonexistent. 
• Also, my dad used to work so much that he would often skip church, which kind of down played its importance.

How can you show equal love and care to family members with radically different personalities?

• I need to give up the comparison to my sister and somehow show her the love of Christ. Often, this is done through serving, and I just thought about this, through communication. I think she's pretty lonely in her perfect world.

Responding in Prayer

Ask God to show you how to encourage better relationships in your own family or living situation.

• Help me learn how to better love my sister. Whatever that looks like.

Genesis 24:1—25:11: God's Guidance and Care

Warming Up to God

God wants to give you the desires of your heart. What are you yearning for today?

• To create. Oh how I love to create. Everything from messy muddy pottery, to beautiful soothing music! I want to dance. 
• I want to influence and minister to the people around me...but I don't want to put in the work and emotional energy that goes with that. I fear that God will give that desire of my heart of hearts to me ad make my life a mess!
• I want to be at peace.

Discovering the Word

What main concerns are evident in Abraham's commands to his servant (24:1-9)?

• He wanted to make sure that Isaac did not take a woman from the land he was in and that Isaac did not travel to Abraham's homeland. Perhaps he thought that Isaac would perhaps not return.

As the servant arrives at Nahor he offers the first prayer for personal guidance recorded in the Bible. What does he specifically ask of God (24:12-14)?

• The servant asks to grant favor to his master.
• He asks for evidence of the woman he is looking for through her kindness and generosity.

How does the servant's account in 24:33-49 reveal his excitement and awe at the Lord's guidance?

• The servant was amazed at the Lord's providence; the way that he orchestrated all the events to make certain that they worked out the way they were supposed to.

How does Rebekah's family react to these sudden, unexpected events (24:50-53)?

• They believe that the events were also orchestrated by God. They whole heartedly support Rebekah's sudden betrothal.
• After the betrothal, the servant gave Rebekah and her family expensive gifts.

In what way is Rebekah involved in the decision to go with the servant (24:54-60)?

• She decides to go with the servant the next day. I do not believe that I could do that. It would mean leaving my family forever with less than a day's notice.

What do we learn about Abraham's final years (25:1-11)?

• He took another wife, Keturah, and had more children,
• He left everything he had to Isaac.
• He sent his sons from Keturah away to the "east country"
• He died at 175 as a happy man who lived a full life.

Applying the Word

The servant had not asked for a vision or miraculous event but for guidance through clear signs in natural circumstances. When has God guided you in this way?

• Nothing comes to mind.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from studying the life of Abraham?

• He messed up, a lot. But he was still regarded as very faithful. He didn't get everything right all the time, but he kept coming back to God and trusting him when it mattered most.
• I am not sure how I score here. I'd like to hope that I am faithful. But I am continually frustrated with my children, and with the fact that I have so little time to call my own. It makes me want to be bitter. God, help me to trust you through this (wonderful) season of my life.

Genesis 24:1—25:11: God's Guidance and Care

Warming Up to God

God wants to give you the desires of your heart. What are you yearning for today?

• To create. Oh how I love to create. Everything from messy muddy pottery, to beautiful soothing music! I want to dance. 
• I want to influence and minister to the people around me...but I don't want to put in the work and emotional energy that goes with that. I fear that God will give that desire of my heart of hearts to me ad make my life a mess!
• I want to be at peace.

Discovering the Word

What main concerns are evident in Abraham's commands to his servant (24:1-9)?

• He wanted to make sure that Isaac did not take a woman from the land he was in and that Isaac did not travel to Abraham's homeland. Perhaps he thought that Isaac would perhaps not return.

As the servant arrives at Nahor he offers the first prayer for personal guidance recorded in the Bible. What does he specifically ask of God (24:12-14)?

• The servant asks to grant favor to his master.
• He asks for evidence of the woman he is looking for through her kindness and generosity.

How does the servant's account in 24:33-49 reveal his excitement and awe at the Lord's guidance?

• The servant was amazed at the Lord's providence; the way that he orchestrated all the events to make certain that they worked out the way they were supposed to.

How does Rebekah's family react to these sudden, unexpected events (24:50-53)?

• They believe that the events were also orchestrated by God. They whole heartedly support Rebekah's sudden betrothal.
• After the betrothal, the servant gave Rebekah and her family expensive gifts.

In what way is Rebekah involved in the decision to go with the servant (24:54-60)?

• She decides to go with the servant the next day. I do not believe that I could do that. It would mean leaving my family forever with less than a day's notice.

What do we learn about Abraham's final years (25:1-11)?

• He took another wife, Keturah, and had more children,
• He left everything he had to Isaac.
• He sent his sons from Keturah away to the "east country"
• He died at 175 as a happy man who lived a full life.

Applying the Word

The servant had not asked for a vision or miraculous event but for guidance through clear signs in natural circumstances. When has God guided you in this way?

• Nothing comes to mind.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from studying the life of Abraham?

• He messed up, a lot. But he was still regarded as very faithful. He didn't get everything right all the time, but he kept coming back to God and trusting him when it mattered most.
• I am not sure how I score here. I'd like to hope that I am faithful. But I am continually frustrated with my children, and with the fact that I have so little time to call my own. It makes me want to be bitter. God, help me to trust you through this (wonderful) season of my life.

Genesis 22—23: Ultimate Faith

Warming Up to God

Tell God about any pain you are suffering right now. Remember that James says trials develop perseverance. Ask God to purify your character while you endure.

• Tired. Mostly because I stayed up too late preparing the house for guests and thinking about what to wear to the Renaissance Festival tomorrow. Not smart, I know, but it used to be that I would have the time to do that earlier in the evening. But kids...whom I love dearly...but they suck up all the time that I used to have.
• Eyes hurt. I don't know why, but they are red, stinging, and gunk producing.
• Period. I'm a lady. Whoa, I'm a lady. 
• Issues with sister. I am having difficulty forgiving my sister. She and her husband are rather vain and mainly for this reason, I don't want to stay in her home again. They make me uncomfortable and I just never know when something I say or do is going to set off my over sensitive sister.
• Loving isn't always easy, in fact, loving the right way all the time is never easy. I know that my trials are small compared to what others face, and my greatest fear is what God is going to "do to me" to help me grow. But in this, my biggest trial, help me love my sister. No matter what. She is a lost soul, bound for hell. My issues with her seem small compared to that.

Discovering the Word

In God's command to Abraham, what phrases emphasize the magnitude and painfulness of this sacrifice (22:1-2)?

• "your only son"
• "whom you love"

What do the details of the narrative reveal about Abraham's response to this incredibly difficult situation (22:3-10)?

• He went immediately and he expected that his son would return with him. He went ahead with the terrible deed because he believed that God would protect his son.

How does God's provision for Abraham in 22:13-14 fulfill the confidence he expressed earlier (22:5, 8)?

• Again, Abraham knew that God would protect his son because God promised that Isaac would be his heir, so I am sure that he was relieved when God provided the sacrifice, but not surprised. 

When Abraham decides to bury Sarah among the Hittites, how do they react to his first request (23:1-6)?

• They want Abraham to bury Sarah in their tombs.

What steps does Abraham go through to observe the laws of the land (23:7-16)?

• Abraham wants to build his own tombs and he wants to own the land in which the tombs sit. So even when the land is offered up to him, he insists on paying the full price.

At the time of Sarah's death, she and Abraham had not seen the fulfillment of most of God's promises. How was her burial a silent testimony to their future fulfillment (23:17-19)?

• Abraham owned a little land, but his descendants would (or perhaps could) own it all.

Applying the Word

In 22:12 the Lord says, "Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Based on Abraham's example, what do you think it means to fear God?

• Abraham put nothing before God. God came first.

Have you ever faced a situation in which obedience to God required you to give up someone or something you loved? Explain.

• I suppose theater could fall into this category. The theater is generally so Anti-God. It was incredibly difficult to thrive as a Christian there.

Responding in Prayer

Praise God for this foreshadowing of his ultimate act of sacrifice—the willful surrender of his Son's life to give us forgiveness and salvation.

• Thank you. I know we are all screwed without Jesus. 

Genesis 20—21: The Consequences of Unbelief

Warming Up to God

What have you struggled with recently? Tell Christ about it and let him take it from you as you come near to him in Scripture.

• My biggest struggle is desiring growth. For the first time in a while, I am actually truly comfortable. This mostly has to do with our current financial state, but it also has to do with the fact that I have a good job that I like. If I ask God to bring me closer to him, I am afraid of what he will do to me. Yes, you read right. What will God do to me if I allow him to really work in my life. Growth is generally painful in some way.
• Lately I have been asking for the desire to draw near. God, bring me to your truth, help me see value in your presence.

Discovering the Word

Describe Abraham's situation and how God deals with it (20:1-7).

• Abraham lies yet again about Sarah's relationship to him.
• God curses an unknowing man for taking another man's wife. (Do you see why I am afraid of God? This man has done nothing wrong on purpose, yet God puts a curse on him and all his family.)
• God tells Abimelech to give Sarah back and have Abraham pray for him. (Which is supposed to make it all better, but why did God have to do this in the first place? Why couldn't he just tell Abimelech to give her back...unless Abimelech would not have done so unless the consequence was fierce. People can be pretty hard headed.)
• Oh God! I understand why you seem to "make things difficult" for us, but that doesn't make it easy for me to desire closeness with you. You care for me and you will do what you will, and I'm scared!

What do the questions Abimelech asks the next day reveal about his attitude toward Abraham (20:8-10)?

• Abimelech is scared of Abraham. He is also indignant that Abraham would bring this curse upon Abimelech's family.

How does the patriarch try to explain his way out of this difficulty (20:11-13)?

• Abraham basically calls Abimelech a heathen. Since "there is no fear of God in this place," they would surely kill him for his wife.
• Also, Sarah kind of is his sister- half truth. This was a prearranged agreement between Abraham and Sarah.

The name Isaac means "he laughs." Describe Sarah's reaction and how she feels after waiting so long for this joyful event (21:1-7).

• All people will wonder and be joyful with her at the amazing thing that God has done for her.

What problem does Abraham face in 21:8-14, and how is it resolved?

• Anger and contempt grows in Sarah's heart toward Hagar and Ishmael. In this anger, Sarah asks Abraham to cast them out. Abraham did not want to do this, because Ishmael was his son too, but God told Abraham that He would take care of Ishmael.

How does God help and encourage Hagar in her hour of crisis (21:15-21)?

• God did provide for Hagar and Ishmael. In the dessert they ran out of food and water, so she left her son a way off and went to die on her own. But God provided water for her and Ishmael, and he grew to be a strong man
• But God first let them run out of water and food, He let them nearly die before he helped them, Why? Would Hagar not have learned to Trust God unless he let this misfortune befall her? Perhaps....perhaps.

Applying the Word

Think of a difficult situation in which fear or unbelief led you to a course of action that didn't honor God. What were the consequences and lessons you learned?

• I have always believed, but I have not always believed well. In college I struggled with impurity. I wanted to do right, but my body screamed wrong. The consequence was shame and frustration with myself. It was the first really hard situation that challenged my faith. I remember thinking, "how far is too far?" Thank goodness I married my husband, otherwise I would have memories of intimacy with a man other than my husband, that could have been very bad for me.

How can Sarah and Abraham's experience encourage us to be more patient and faithful in waiting for unanswered prayer?

• God's plan was infinitely better than Sarah and Abraham's plan. I don't know why God has us wait so long sometimes. It seems difficult (sometimes devastatingly so) to wait for God when I feel like I deserve to have the thing I want. Right now it's time. I have very little time to do the things that I want to do. With two little ones in the home, I am lucky if I get the dishes done, let alone play my guitar, or sew, or go dancing. In my situation, I know that time needs to pass and my children need to grow and this season needs to pass. But if I look forward to fiercely, I will miss what is happening now. Watching my children grow is a joy, and I really must remember that when I am frustrated by the fact that I don't get to do what I want to do.

Responding in Prayer

Thank your Father for the laughter he's brought into your heart.

• I do indeed have much to be joyful for. I love my children and my husband. And while I find some things difficult about the life I have been given, in many, many ways I count myself blessed. God is faithful. He has drawn me into a place where I feel I am supposed to be. Christian, Wife, Mother, Teacher, Business owner. A lot of hats, I know, but God will provide if that is what he wants for my life.

Genesis 18—19: God's Judgment on Society

Warming Up to God

What problems do you see in your community that weigh on your heart and mind?

• Oh my goodness, where do I start? So many sins. Homosexuality is accepted and even promoted. 
• The name of the Lord is scoffed at in most circles. Sometimes there almost seems to be some kind of taboo on it.
• Binge drinking and partying is considered normal.
• Homelessness is prevalent.

Discovering the Word

In 18:1-8 what elements of hospitality does Abraham show even to visiting strangers?

• He had their feet washed.
• He had fresh cakes made for them.
• He prepared a calf for them.
• He waited to see what else he could do for them.

Why does the Lord decide to tell Abraham about his decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (18:16-19)?

• Abraham would become the "commander of his children" and keep them in check. Leading them in the way of righteousness and justice. God wanted to test Abraham in this way. What would be Abraham's response? There must be justice, but also righteousness in the decisions we make.

In the long conversation that follows (18:20-33), what do you learn about Abraham's attitude toward the wicked cities and toward the Lord?

• Abraham feels that in the wicked city, there must be at least some good/righteous people.
• He fears God greatly. He believes that God is bigger and mightier than he. He believes that God is righteous and just.

In chapter 19 we get a close look at the people in Sodom. How do their actions help us understand why they were under God's judgment?

• They are not only homosexuals, but they are also violent men. All of them, both young and old. There are no old wise leaders, all of the people were evil.

How is the Lord's mercy evident in his treatment of Lot and his family (19:10-22)?

• God saves Lot's life from the evil men's plans before they even leave the city.
• God waits for Lot as he tries to persuade his extended family to leave. Then he yanks Lot out of town (by the scruff of his neck, as it were...) with his wife and two daughters.
• God allows Lot to go to the small town instead of the hills. Lot was afraid to go live in the hills.

Describe how God's judgment works out in Sodom and in Lot's family (19:23-28).

• God rained fire and sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah. This burn not only all the inhabitants of the city and the valley, but also all living things. Makes me wonder: what exactly were they growing there that God felt the need to completely destroy it? Drugs? Crazed beasts for sport (like pit bull fighting or something)?
• Lot's wife looked back, apparently longing for the life they had just lost or perhaps just not obeying God, so God made her a pillar of salt. I don't know why a pillar of salt.
• Also...the valley became the Dead Sea...didn't know that!

Applying the Word

In what areas could we intercede with God for our city, state or country because of its sins?

• I have been praying for God to raise up a godly leader...but it looks like we are going to get Clinton or Trump...I guess whenever one of them is in office I will be praying that God will work through them in spite of their agendas.
• I should perhaps also pray for hope for the poor/impoverished. 

What can we do to avert the judgment of God on ourselves and those around us?

• Pray. A lot. Ask for forgiveness. A lot.

Responding in Prayer

Pray for the city or town you live in, that you might be spared God's judgment.

• Well what I know is the school system. What I usually pray for is motivation in those kids. Motivation to just come to school for some: Frankie, Dillon, Cody. Motivation to do their best for others: Ray, Austin, Cody. 
• And I pray for their salvation, of course. Especially those who I see going down a path that will have immeasurable heart ache and pain: Austin, Shelby, Cody, Skyler, Frankie.

Genesis 16—17: When Faith Falters

Warming Up to God

You are like a jar of clay filled with the Spirit of Christ. Pour out to him your weariness, sin or discouragement, and let him pour into you his cool water of grace and peace.

• Weariness? I am always tired. I am doing well to get up before 6 (the goal is 5:30 but it usually ends up being 4:45...today it ws 5:50...), but I am so tired that I wonder how much I am able to actually learn here.
• Then there is the fact that I don't really feel like I am making a difference here. I go day to day, thinking of the things that I want. Yes, I pray for people. But I still don't serve as much as I think I should. It is hard for me with my little ones to balance time for service. I just need to learn more ways to do so with my kids instead of without them.
• I am also discouraged because I still fear what God is going to "do to me" to make me suffer for having such a good life. What is he going to take from me in order to draw me closer to him? It makes me fearful of him, but not in a good way. I am fearful to really seek him because if I do, he will take things away from me. I know it sounds strange, even as I type it. But I feel like this thought is holding me back somehow- keeping me from a deeper relationship with Christ.
• Help me seek you no matter the cost. I am fearful, fill me with an unfathomable peace that I may not hold back, but dive in and be content.

Discovering the Word

Sarai and Abram's action seems strange to us, but it was an acceptable custom in ancient Near Eastern culture. Yet how might their action indicate a lack of faith?

• God promised to provide. But he always uses his own timing. Waiting for God can bring out the worst of thoughts. Despair, anger, unworthy fears. Faith takes patience. Lots of patience. Their action indicated a lack of faith because God promised to provide, but they didn't really believe that he would provide.

Hagar flees to the wilderness of Shur on the northeast frontier of Egypt, her native land. What promises and encouragement does the angel give to her (16:7-12)?

• Her offspring will be mulitplied through her child.
• She shall have a son, but he will be a wild man.

What does Hagar learn about the Lord through this traumatic experience (16:13-14)?

• She learned that God sees all.

In 17:1-8 "God Almighty" appears to Abram and, ironically, changes his name from Abram ("exalted father") to Abraham ("father of many"). What covenant promises does the Lord reiterate in these verses?

• God will multiply Abram greatly.
• He then changes Abram's name to Abraham and tells him that he will be the father of many nations. (not just the Jews? Is he speaking of times to come?)
• Kings shall come from Abraham.
• The land of Canaan will belong to Abraham's offspring forever.

In 17:18 Abraham expressed his concern about Ishmael. How does God respond to Abraham's request (17:19-22)?

• God promises to make a great nation from Ishmael.

How did Abraham fulfill his responsibility in the covenant (17:23-27)?

• He circumcised all the men.

Applying the Word

How can impatience with God's timetable and way of working lead us to unbelief and even disobedience?

• If the things that God promises do not happen on our timetable, we begin to feel like we deserve better. Waiting for God is excruciating. Then after these prideful thoughts take hold, we begin to think that we could do it better if we just did it ourselves. When we do act on our own, that is where the disobedience comes in.

Have you ever gone through a difficult time in which you gained new insight into God's concern for you? Explain.

• Mostly, God seems lofty and unreachable. I have difficulty realizing that God has concern for me. I know he is here, and I submit and try to follow him, but as of this day, he seems too far away.
• The only time that may have been was when I was first teaching and everything was so stupid difficult. He gave me peace in my difficult situation.

Responding in Prayer

Ask God to teach you to be obedient in the face of ambiguous or difficult circumstances.

• Teach me to be obedient in difficult situations. Like right now as I try to keep my eyes open and finish this QT well. Or when my children are not being the little angels I think they could be. Or when I am in a situation where I could share your good news and choose not to.

Genesis 14—15: Tests of Faith

Warming Up to God

What do you think really makes your faith grow? Write down any specific events in your life that God has used to increase your faith.

• Trials and suffering. And this is what I truly fear. I don't so much like to suffer. I fear growth and increased faith in God because of it.
• I remember how hard it was when I first started teaching. I prayed a lot more, but it was stupid hard. Did I rely on God more. Yes. I prayed more and even sung some praise songs now and again. Granted my prayers were mostly about me, but still.
• I like comfortable, so faith is usually secondary. I know that this is not necessarily the way that God wants it to be, but I don't know when I can get past this. I fear what God will do to me (or allow to happen to me) to help me get past this. Cynical, I know, but this is how I feel.

Discovering the Word

What political and military situation is described in 14:1-4, and how is it similar to today?

• There is always war of some kind. There is hunger for power among leaders. Kings have so much power that many times they don't know when to stop.

Since Abram lived in tents away from the cities, his people were not involved in this military campaign. When he learns of Lot's capture, what strategy does Abram devise (14:13-16)?

• A rescue mission with his ready trained men. He defeats them by night and brings back all their possessions.

Who is Melchizedek, and what does he do (14:18-20)?

• He is a king and a priest. He blessed Abram and praised God.

What is Abram's main problem in chapter 15, and how does he propose to solve it (15:2-3)?

• Abram has no children, no heir. He thinks he will have to give all his possessions to a man in his household.

How would God's message to Abram at this point renew his confidence (15:1, 4, 5)?

• God reminded Abram that he would protect him and that his reward would be great.
• God also reiterated that he would have a son, which was the only thing that Abram craved, and that his offspring would eventually be too great to count.

Genesis 15:6 is the first time we read that Abram believes the Lord. Explain in your own words what it means that his faith is credited to him as righteousness.

• God is righteous (right and just). So, if Abram believes the Lord, then some of that rubs off on him.

Applying the Word

What evidence do you find of Abram's growing confidence in God?

• Even though Abram is not getting exactly what he wants, he keeps coming to God. And God renews his promise each time he does.

If you have ever had to wait a long time for God to fulfill a promise, what did you learn in the process about yourself, the Lord and his way of working with you?

• I suppose I waited a long time for contentment and peace in my current work situation. I prayed and cried out, and kept showing up to work.
• I learned that my struggles were not too great for God, even if they seemed insurmountable for me. The situation got a little better as time went on, and then got a lot better when circumstances changed and I was no longer teaching yearbook...God ordained? I think so!

Responding in Prayer

Thank Jesus for his death, which enables our belief to be credited as righteousness in God's eyes.

• Thank you for your death and resurrection. My beliefs are worth nothing without your act of sacrificial love. Help me remember that when I think to complain or burst out in frustration.

Genesis 12—13: Following God into the Unknown

Warming Up

Free your hands of books or pencils and fold them across your lap. Close your eyes and think of the characteristics of God. Let God draw near to you in these quiet moments.

 

 

Discovering the Word

What command and promise does the Lord give to Abram (12:1-3)?

• He will bless him with many children
• All nations will be blessed through him.

What additional promise and encouragement does God give to Abram as he arrives in Canaan (12:6-9)?

• He will give his children the land of Canaan.

How does Abram's scheming about himself and Sarai evidence a lack of faith (12:10-16)?

• He did not trust God to [rotect him in the hostile Egyptian land. He made his own plans to save his neck instead of coming to God for help. This would not necessarily be bad, but Abram's plans included lying and scheming, It is not bad to make plans, but God should always be a part of them, if not the whole of them, I must remember that.

Describe the problem which arises between Abram and Lot (13:1-7).

• Both men became too rich to live in the same place. There began to be bickering between Abram and Lot's herdsmen.

Abram, as the older man, has the right to choose the best land. How does his action here demonstrate a greater confidence in God's promise to take care of him (13:8-13)?

• He allows Lot to make the first choice for home and land. This is being kind and generous to his nephew. Abram knew that God was going to give him/his children the land of Canaan. So he trusted God by doing something that seemed backward. He gave Lot the first choice in land because he trusted God's promise.

What renewed and expanded promises does the Lord give to Abram (13:14-17)?

• He will give Abram all the land that he can see and his offspring will be so great that it will completely cover the face of the earth.

Applying the Word

Describe a time when you took matters into your own hands instead of trusting in God's faithfulness.

• Oh, I don't know...every day? I hardly ever ask God for guidance before I take action. I know I need to pray more. I really can't think of anything specific, maybe that's bad...does that mean that something is going to blow up in my face soon?

 

How can Abram's experiences in chapters 12 and 13 encourage you to entrust your needs more fully to God? 

• God makes promises to us through his word. Many, many promises. Promises to provide for us, to give us hope, to love us, to give us peace. I have confidence that if I truly believed them all, I would be a more content human being. Abram gave up comfort and family to follow God, and God provided for him. He really believed in God's promises. Oh, Chelsea, trust God, he sees all and knows all, trust God.

Responding in Prayer

Thank God for his faithfulness in keeping promises, and ask him to increase your faith while you wait to see your requests come to fruition.

• Thank you for your faithfulness. You do keep promises. Perhaps not when I think you should or how I think you should, but you do keep your promises. Increase my faith while I wait. My life is full of waiting. Waiting in line, waiting for kids to grow up, waiting for time to pass. Help me seek Joy and comfort in you arms. Not in the arms of the pleasures of this world. Help me see you as "more comfortable". Increase my faith, help me desire it!

Genesis 9:18-11:32: Family Problems

Warming Up to God

Does the evil in this world sometimes weigh heavily on you? Tell Jesus your frustrations and let him renew your hope in his sovereignty.

• I look out into our society and see such debauchery, blatant disrespect and public displays of sinful lifestyles.  I wonder just how long we can last before it all catches up with us. Sodom and Gomorrah seems not too far away in so many aspects. 
• And then there's the evil in my own heart. I just don't do the things I know I should, so many times.
• Lord, renew my hope in your sovereignty

Discovering the Word

Describe what happens in the brief story of Noah and his three sons (9:20-23).

• Noah goes back to work, be builds a vinyard
• He succumbsto sin and becomes drunk and exposed.
• Ham sees his father and tells his brothers. Not sure if that meant that he was making fun of his father or if he was planning much worse, but we gather that this was sinful behavior.
• Japheth and Shem walk backwards and cover Noah, so as not to see the nakedness.

What curse does Noah pronounce on Canaan (Ham's son) and his descendants (9:24-27)?

• Canaan's sons shall be slaves, Slaves to the sons of Shem and Japheth.
• Japheth and Shem will live in harmony, but Canaan shall be their servants. 

What interesting facts does chapter 10 reveal about the spread of humanity after the flood? (Note especially 10:5, 8-15)

• The people spread in their own land, not that of the world.
• The people followed Nimrod, the mighty man.
• They built great cities.

 What action do the people of Babel take, and what is their motive (11:1-9)?

• They were building a mighty tower out of brick and mortar.
• They wanted to make a name for themselves, to be famous.
• They wanted to all stay in one place .

It is amusing that the Lord must come down (11:5) to see this tower that will reach to the heavens. What is his reaction (11:5-9)?

• I never thought about the fact that the tower was no where close to God. He had to come down to see it...
• He confuses the language so that there are many language, thus, dispersing them throughout the world.

Genesis 11:10-32 traces the line from Shem to Abraham. Why do you think the author is beginning to shift from all the families of the earth to one family?

• Because Abraham is the man that he chose to make his covenant with. Abraham will be the beginning of the Jews. Abraham was righteous, God always focuses on the righteous.

 

Applying the Word

In what specific ways do families today suffer from a disrespect for parents and animosity among the children?

• If one disrespects their parents, they will disrespect others as well. People don't like to work with you if you are disrespectful.
• Fights among children are common, but once they become adults, those fights can be life altering. Grudges are much harder to break when you are not living under the same roof without mom or dad are continually reminding you of what you need to do.

How have you recently hurt someone through failure to communicate, and what steps toward healing can you take?

• I think this is an interesting question, since the whole story is about how God mad it so that they couldn't communicate...but that doesn't mean it's a bad question.
• Anyway, I fail to communicate with my husband on a daily basis it seems like. I don't know what steps to take. I am better than I used to be, I understand that Brian shouldn't necessarily "know how I'm feeling" and that I will have to tell him if I want to be understood. That has been a huge step for me. I guess I just need to be sensitive to when I do still expect him to "know how I'm feeling" and be sure to apologize and make it right.

Responding in Prayer

Ask the Father to show you one specific way you can be a minister of the gospel of Christ to your family or community.

The first word that came to my mind when I asked this question was prayer. Pray more...since I didn't even pray before this quiet time. Prayer does not come easy for me. It usually feels so useless and one sided. Lord, show me that prayer is not one sided. Bring me closer to you through your word, daily circumstances, and prayer.

Genesis 8-9:17

Warming Up to God

As you come to Jesus today, let the truth of his love that was poured out for you sink into your soul. Reflect quietly for a few moments on the beauty of his love.

Beauty. Love. Patient, kind, selfless. So much more love than I display for my boys. God is continuously looking down on us and willing us to follow him and obey him; not as an angry dictator, but as a father who knows best for his children. He knows every intricate detail of our lives.

Discovering the Word

What do we learn about God's concern for the passengers of the ark and his activity to end the flood (8:1-5)?

• He remembered them.
• He made the waters subside.
• The rain stopped and fountains of the deep were closed, whatever that is. I'm imagining great sprays of water like a continual Old Faithful (Utah).

 

What initiative does Noah take during this period (8:6-12)?

• First he sent a raven, then a dove to roam over the waters and look for land. 
• Why did he not send the raven the second time too? - the raven apparently never returned.
• He sent the dove several times until one time it did not return to him. Then he knew that it had found land and it was safe to exit the ark.

 

Noah's first action after emptying the ark is to offer a sacrifice to God (8:20). What does this reveal about his priorities amid the pressure of urgent tasks calling for immediate attention?

• God came first. Kind of like me, right now I sit in the office at 5:51 going through this study when I could be sleeping. But I don't always live it out so well during the day. I get frustrated too easily and pray so very little. Lord, give me the desire to do better, Help me see the joy before me.

What commission does God now give Noah and his family (9:1-7)?

• Have babies! Lots of them.
• Eat anything that you want, but do not drink its blood, do not eat it alive.
• If anyone kills another, God will require their death (man or animal). This is to ward off the "you killed my friend, so I will kill you and all your family and friends" attitude. (an eye for an eye...)

In 9:17 God makes a covenant as unconditional as it is undeserved. What do we learn about the extent and purpose of this first covenant?

•  For all time, God will never flood the whole earth. He will never give up on us.

Applying the Word

How has God's grace been evident throughout this passage?

• God could have scrapped the whole thing as a bad job (I probably would have...after all, there was only one good man out of the whole bunch!), but he chose a different path. He chose to save the one faithful man and rebuild with him.

How has his grace been evident in your life lately?

• I guess God shows his grace in many ways. He sustains our lives, he gave us saving grace through his sun, he still loves me even when I am not the mom of the year.

 What aspect of Noah's example—his obedience, faith, courage, endurance—is most meaningful to you in a situation you are facing?

• Endurance. Just in the daily life of a mom of young children. sometimes I really feel the love that I have for my children. Other times, it is not so easy. When they are acting out, or they are just generally fussy, or I didn't get enough sleep, I struggle. Not only that, but sometimes (though I would never say it out loud) a envy my life as it was before children. I love my children, and I would never wish them away, but I remember what it was like to actually have time, and I feel a little bitter.
• So endurance! Motherhood is a long road. Oh God, help me to seek you and have peace in you in the stressful moments and in my moments of bitterness.

Responding in Prayer

Spend time in prayer thanking God for his grace to you, who deserves his judgment.

• I do so many things wrong. I don't pray enough (nor do I have the desire to, praying is so...boring/sleep inducing/empty...sorry! just being honest!), I have many, many selfish thoughts, I am not a "good Christian". I have been listening to a podcast about famous/notable Christians in the past 2,000 years, and I really don't come up to scratch!
• Oh God, help me with my unbelief! Thank you for your amazing grace! please help me to seek you with my life. Give me the desire. Help me see things the way you see them, so that I can prioritize a bit better. Give me the desire.

Genesis 6-7

Warming Up

Today is a day full of sin and struggle—and it is a day made and consecrated by the Lord. Tell him about the events of your day and let anxiety slip away.

School started yesterday. It is an interesting thing, This gives me no anxiety or fear. Teaching does not overwhelm me anymore. I guess that is what 5 years experience under my belt will do for me. :) However, at the end of the day, I do not feel like I have anything to give to my family, especially my kids. For the past week I have been almost completely drained when I get done at work, so when I go pick up my kids I am tired and out of sorts. I don't have the energy to give them 100% of myself.

I got more sleep yesterday and I woke up for a QT (at 5:30...who knew I would ever voluntarily do that...) but I still felt drained.

I am also trying to get my website up and running for Graphic Design teachers...but there is nothing else that I can really do. I am waiting on Brian to finish up a few things to help it function better. So, until that happens, I'm a little stuck. I don't spend much time on the website anymore, and I am ok with that. I am not trying to replace my work income...I like my job. The goal of the site has kind of changed. I am offering a lot of free stuff at the moment. I work on it when I can. I imagine that since school has started, I will have more time to put into it.

Time. That four letter word. Why does there never seem to be enough time? I am so jealous of when I had more of it. But that was then. Now is a new and different adventure, and if I am not careful, I will miss it.

Discovering

When the Lord looks at the human condition in the time of Noah, what does he see (6:5-13)?

• The wickedness of man was great.
• EVERY thought and plan of his heart was COMPLETELY evil.
• BUT Noah was not one of those men.
• God saw Noah as a righteous man, blameless among all the people.
• The world was corrupt and filled with violence.

How has God's attitude toward creation changed since the beginning (1:31; 6:6-7, 11-13, 17)?

1. First it was very good.
2. Then he regretted and was grieved that he had ever made man. God would destroy man, and as an extra precaution, all the plants and animals would have to go too. 
3. Then he saw it as corrupt and filled with violence. He was still ready to destroy the earth.
4. And the way that he will destroy the earth, would be with water.

How is Noah different from his contemporaries (6:9; 7:1)?

Noah was different from his fellow man. He was called righteous. He walked with God.  I do not feel like I truly walk with God. I do the right things and I am a "good girl", but I don't feel truly connected with God. And to tell you the truth. The idea scares me. What if God calls me to do something unbearably difficult...suffering...the Christian life is flooded with it. Oh, God. Help me look past my fears and find peace in your promises and joy in the knowledge of your grace.

What provisions does God make for Noah and for the various living creatures to preserve life after the flood (7:14-22)?

• God took two of every creature on earth and had them go with Noah on the ark.
• God sealed the door for their protection from the waters of the flood.
• Everything else...died.

 What details are given about the flood and its results (7:17-24)?

• The waters fell for 40 days.
• The ark rose high above the destruction.
• The water rose so high that even the tallest mountains were covered by more than 22 feet.
• Every land creature on the earth died.
• The waters prevailed for 150 days.
• That is more than 6 months, in case you're wondering.

Apply

In what situations have you felt embarrassed because of your obedience to God?

Sometimes it is in things as simple as prayer before a meal. I can feel the eyes on me and my prayer is...well less than spiritual because I am rather distracted.

Other times, I'm embarrassed in my daily life around the people I meet. I don't want to share my faith in the way I probably should because I worry about what people will think of me. Or worse, I don't feel confident enough in my faith to reach out to someone who needs to hear truth.

Other time still, I am embarrassed to represent such an unpopular subject. Jesus has been so watered down in our culture that the truth seems to be more of a children's story than saving truth. But this truth is the only truth that matters. I don't completely understand why Jesus had to die...but he did die and that somehow saved us all from eternal damnation, an eternity without God. This is the truth that everyone needs so desperately to hear, and I struggle to give this truth to those who need it because the topic has almost become taboo in our culture. People who speak this truth are sometimes construed as "Bible thumpers" and that his not how I want to come across.

God, help me get past these things and be obedient to the things that you have asked of me.

What do chapters 6 and 7 reveal about the severity and grace of God?

Severity of grace? I am not sure that I agree with the wording here...Severity is usually thought of in a negative way. But I suppose the definition is technically: very great, or intense.

So, he had to destroy man because he is a just God. I don't know why he chose to do it this way instead of simply striking every man dead on the spot and being done with it...But anyway, he saved Noah and his family. Noah was called righteous even though he still sinned. He made mistakes (which we read about later).

God saves righteous sinners. That sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true.

The New Testament compares the severe judgment in the days of Noah with the judgment that will be poured out at the return of Christ. How can you urge those around you to seek refuge in Christ?

Shall I stand in the street and shout their damnation? Not only do I not want to put in the energy for that, but I do not feel like that is effective. At least not in our time and culture.

My method is slow. Cultivate a relationship. Slowly ask leading questions and encourage them to seek you. To be completely honest, it's not a great method. I confess that I have zero success. I have lead one person to Christ and to be completely honest, I don't know that that person is really saved. My old college roommate.

A better method would be to pray...a lot more than I do. Time to make some changes there.

Responding in Prayer

Think of someone you want to come to salvation. Pray to God and ask him to "flood" that person with love and forgiveness.

 Leah. Thank you so much for her life and her love for her family. I pray that you would bring her to your grace. Help her to seek you. Bring someone into her life that would lead her to you.

Genesis 4-5

Warming Up

Jesus your Savior wants to care for you today. Hide under his shadow and tell him your concerns. He is listening and offers you peace.

I am not enough. I don't do enough. I am not good enough. There is so much that I want to do and don't have the time for and so much that I should do that I don't make the time for. I have very little self discipline and I struggle so much with indecision.
Lately I have had bad anger and frustration issues. Especially with my children. My head snaps up and my voice strikes like a whip these days. I want to be calm and collected when I discipline...but this is hardly ever the case.
Peace you say? My mind is 90 miles a minute, as expected by the culture that I live in. Peace. How? Extra sleep is a start...prayer can be a second. Actually, those probably ought to be reversed!

Discovering

Why do you think the Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering but not on Cain and his offering (vv. 3-7)?

This is a hard question to ask. I've listened to multiple opinions and had a few discussions about it and I believe that it probably has to do with Cain's heart. The heart is what God always looks at, no matter what the situation. It could have been that Cain did not give God the first fruits, or that he really ought to have offered an animal, but either way, I don't think Cain's heart was in the right place when offering his gift.

How does 4:7 illustrate the nature of sin and our response to it?

The nature of sin is that it is patient and when I put down my defenses, it will rush in and take me over. We must continually be on our guard; asking for help in prayer and doing what we can to ward off sinful behavior and situations.

The Lord confronts Adam, Eve and Cain with their sin by using a question (3:11, 13; 4:9-10). What might be some of the reasons for this approach?

He wanted them to fess up. If they fess up, it gives them the opportunity to ask for forgiveness.

In what way is Cain's punishment (4:10-16) a logical consequence of his sin?

It was into the ground that he struck his brother, so that ground will not yield fruit for him any longer.
It was the ground that he worked and brought a sub-par offering, so now, he will not work the ground ever again.

How do Lamech's attitude and action expressed in his taunting song go beyond that of Cain's (4:23-24)?  

He speaks lightly of death. He would do much worse to so many more people for a less offensive act committed against him.

Apply

The lifestyle of Cain's family is a picture of humanity—technical progress matched by moral decline. How do you see this trend reflected in our own civilization?

It is getting easier and easier to commit crimes these days. A touch of a button can plant viruses, scam honest working people out of their money, or seduce unsuspecting teens in a chat room. Also, the  ease in which our technology lets us breeze through our days with very little toil produces laziness.

How has this chapter helped you to understand the nature and consequences of sin?

There are always consequences for sin. But, we can either ask for forgiveness and learn from it, or we can live in it and become calloused to it's effects. Sin is everywhere, all the time, and we ought to be on our guard. We ought to continuously got to God for help and guidance. 

Prayer

Ask God to heal relationships in your life damaged by the effects of the Fall.

Relationships. Oh, God there are so many neglected relationships in my life. I feel so busy all the time that I do not make time for these. I'm so tired that I do not even want to make time to pray and read the bible. Please give me wisdom in which relationships to pursue more aggressively. Help me to be open to mistakes that I may have made and to forgive where needed.

Genesis 3

Warming up

No sin is any worse or better than the first sin. Tell Jesus about your sin- and let him forgive you.

• Sin. There are so many small things that never really get realized. A small lie here, a completely impatient frustrated yell directed toward my children, a covetous glance toward other women (either at church or elsewhere...) I think the biggest one is my impatience toward my children. They are only 1 1/2 and 3 1/2. They require ALL my patience and then some.
• It is too easy to respond in anger, spank and send the 3 year-old off to his room. I really need to respond with love even when he throws something across the room or smears poop across the wall. Again! I hardly ever pray in the moment. Jesus, forgive me for my anger and help me pray in the moment.

Discovering

How does Eve's answer misrepresent God's command? (2-3)

God never said anything about not being able to touch the tree. Only that they should not eat of it. She also did not name the tree: the knowledge of good and evil.

What statements does the serpents make about the purpose of God's command? (4-5)

• He says that she will not die. 
• That she will be smarter, wiser. 
• She will be like God.
• She will know good and evil. 

How have the serpent's words distorted Eve's thinking? (6)

She now thought that it was good to eat and that it would make her wise. We are ever trying to seek wisdom in our own ways.

How did Adam and Eve's sin affect their attitude toward themselves and God? (7-13)

• They realized their nakedness.
• They were afraid of God.
• They are also passing the blame for the sin.

Describe the judgements of the man, woman, and serpent. (14-19)

• The serpent is cursed. It is the lowest of all livestock. He will always be fighting with man, and ultimately, he will lose.
• The woman will have pain in childbirth. She will always answer to her husband.
• The man will have to work the ground hard in order to get food. Then when he is old, he will die.

What action does God take to end the era in Eden? (21-24)

He clothed his children. Then he sent them out of the garden so that they would not eat of the tree of life, lest they live forever in this state of sin and judgement.

Applying

Adam and Eve made several mistakes: they listened to a creature instead of the Creator, followed their own impressions against God's instructions, doubted his concern for their best interests and made self-fulfillment their goal. In what situations have any of these led you to disobey a command of God?

• Listening to a creation: All too often I go to friends or family with problems before discussing it with God.
• Following their own impressions: Oh, all the time! Listening to my emotions instead of listening to truth. I feel too tired to do a quiet time. I think I know enough to do "life" on my own. I'm too angry at my children to pray in the moment for peace.
• Doubted his concern for my best interest and made self interest my goal: Not sure about this one. I don't think I so much doubt his concern for me...I just forget to remember him in my selfishness.

What lesson have I learned that can help me resist temptation.

Let's see...don't talk to snakes, don't do what God tells you not to do, don't try to hide from God. I think I can do 2 out of 3 pretty well. But you know the verse about doing the thing that you hate, not being able to stop yourself? I get stuck there a lot I feel like. Anger with my children for instance, It is so much easier to give into frustration and yell, than it is to calmly state the problem and deal with it. I guess the lesson is to ask for forgiveness and move on, remembering that God always has his best for us.

Genesis 2

Genesis 1

Back to blogging...maybe, at least. I can't decide if I like doing quiet times this way or with paper and pencil. When I am writing, I feel like maybe I ought to be typing. When I am typing, I feel like I ought to be writing...Well, we'll see.

My plan is to do the whole bible with Inter Varsity Press's comprehensive questions. There are 6-10 questions per chapter. I figure it may take a few years, but I could do this in between other studies that I do a church and/or with small group.

So here it goes!