-Twelve- Delivered By Grace

Delivered by Grace

Today’s Reading: Genesis 37

Focal Verse: Genesis 37:24-25

Then they took him and cast him into the pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat a meal. They they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt.

Joseph’s early life seems a story of pitfalls and tragedy. Because of the favoritism show by his father, his brothers hated him. He just made matters worse by bragging about the dreams he had where he was ruling over them.

The day comes when the brothers plot his murder. First they throw him into a pit. The Bible tells us there was no water in it. Obviously, that was not always the case, so the lack of water in the pit was God’s first grace to Joseph. Then God sends a caravan by, just at the right time. Greed takes precedence over the brother’s murderous lust, and they sell him into slavery instead.

Slavery may not sound like deliverance, but in Joseph’s case it was. Joseph had found favor in God’s eyes. God would not allow him to be killed, but He did allow him into slavery so that in future times, Joseph could receive more grace and a whole land would receive it because of him.

Joseph was young. There are not any stories of great heroism on his part. There is nothing written to suggest that he was “super-spiritual”. God could have used anyone to so what He was about to accomplish, but He chose Joseph and, in His grace, He lifted Joseph out of the pit of death.

If you are a child of God, do not fear your enemies. The same God that lifted Joseph out of the pit is watching over you today. Take your concerns and your thanksgiving to Him.

-Eleven- Grace to the Deceivers

Grace to the Deceivers

Today’s Reading: Genesis 34 and Genesis 35:5

Focal Verse: Genesis 35:5

And they journeyed and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.

I have some bad habits that I know I have passed on to my children. As much as I would like to go back and change some things, I can’t.

Jacob was a deceiver. He stole his own brother’s birthright through deception. We now see his sons becoming the deceivers, and putting the family in danger once more.

The revenge that Simeon and Levi exacted from the people of the land, for the rape of their sister Dinah by one man, was excessive (see Deuteronomy 22:28-29). Jacob was troubled for he knew they deserved retaliation, just as he had deserved retaliation from Esau.

But God had grace. God was not showing approval for what they had done, and Jacob did not forget what they had done when he gave blessings on his deathbed (Genesis 49:5-7); however, God once again affected the hearts of those who could have retaliated. He has mercy on those who are His. Death was deserved, but grace was given.





Consider any bad habits you may be passing on to others. With God’s grace begin to change them. Thank God for the times He has not allowed the full penalty for your sins.

-Ten- Jacob Returns Home

Jacob Returns Home

Today’s Reading: Genesis 32:1-12 and Genesis 33:4,10

Focal Verse: Genesis 33:10b

“I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.”

　

One of the most difficult things to face is someone you love that you have wronged. You know you don’t deserve forgiveness, but your heart pounds as you get ready to “face the music” and hope that, somehow, you will receive it anyway.

Jacob deceived his father and his brother, Esau. Esau lost his birthright through that deception. Jacob had no reason to expect a good reception from him. He was so frightened he even divided up his family so that they would not all be killed. He was prepared for the worst.

But God reached down in mercy. He changed Esau’s heart and all was forgiven. Punishment was deserved, but grace was given.

　

　

You may have wronged someone that you need to reconcile with. There is no guarantee they will give you forgiveness, but pray to the God of grace and ask Him to change their heart.

-Nine- Abraham and Isaac

Abraham and Isaac

Today’s Reading: Genesis 22:1-13

Focal Verse: Genesis 22:8a

And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”

Many couples have known the pain of trying to conceive a child and being unsuccessful. Abraham and Sarah experienced that pain. It must have been very confusing to them to have received the promise from God for a child, but becoming older, past childbearing age, and still no child.

But then God fulfilled the promise. His name was Isaac. The joy Abraham and Sarah felt must have been indescribable. God had kept His promise and they had a son in their old age.

Can you imagine having this gift from God, raising him, and then giving him back to God? That is exactly what God asked of Abraham. I believe many of us struggle with this. We don’t understand why God would ask, and why Abraham would obey.

Abraham didn’t earn Isaac. Although he was a godly man, he still struggled with sin, just like you and me. God chose to give Isaac out of His grace, and He had the right to take him away.

Abraham understood God’s grace, however. He had experienced it on so many occasions that he trusted God. He knew God was a God of miracles. After all, Isaac was a miracle. Hebrews 11:17-19 tells us that Abraham knew if need be, God would raise Isaac from the dead.

Once more, out of His grace, God provided a substitute - -a ram. He didn’t require Abraham’s only son. Later, an only Son, would be sacrificed. God’s only Son. This time there would be no ram. This time, because of grace to you and me, He would make the sacrifice.

　

Abraham was willing to give his son because he understood the love of God and he was willing to put God first. Do you understand God’s love that way? Are you willing to put Him before everything?

-Eight- One Foot In The World

One Foot in the World

Today’s Reading: Genesis 14:1-16 and Genesis 19:1-29

Focal Verse: Genesis 19:16

And while he lingered, the man took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.

It is an unfortunate fact that many Christians, at one time or another, live with one foot in the world. They have a saving faith in God, but put the world ahead of Him at times. Lot was a person like this.

There is much to learn about the enormity of God’s grace from Lot’s story. Lot wasn’t a model follower of God. In his greed, when he and Abraham divided up the land, he quickly snatched up the better part. He lived a life of wealth and prosperity. There’s nothing wrong with that, unless it comes before God. Lot becomes so comfortable with the sinful place that he lives in, that he even offers his daughters to a mob of wicked, lustful men.

Despite the worldliness of Lot’s life, God rescues him twice. The second time He rescues him, Lot is reluctant, but the angels physically pull him along. God gives us grace sometimes even when we don’t realize we need it.

I don’t really like Lot, but that’s ok. The important thing is that he reminds me that even though, at times, I put one foot in the world; even though sometimes I am reluctant to go with God….God gives me grace.

　

To be friends with the world is to be an enemy of God (James 4:4). Even though Lot is a wonderful example of God’s grace, He is not a good model for godly living. Ask for God’s grace to help you “leave the world behind” and follow Him faithfully.

-Seven- Hagar

Hagar

Today’s Reading: Genesis 16:1-16

Focal Verse: Genesis 16:13b

Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees

 I live in a society where I have many rights. I am very blessed by that. There are many, however, who do not. There are countries where women, unborn children, poverty-stricken people, and people of different beliefs are persecuted. It seems as if they have no one to protect their rights. Hagar was in a similar position as some of these.

She was a foreigner. She was a maidservant of Sarai. She had very few, if any, rights. So few, that Sarai was able to give her to Abram so that he would have an heir, as Sarai herself had not, as yet, conceived.

Things worsened. When Hagar conceived, she looked down on Sarai and, in reaction, Sarai was very cruel. So cruel, in fact, that Hagar ran away.

Fear must have gripped her. She is a servant in a foreign land. Where would she go? What would she do?

In the wilderness, she met God. He has heard her cries. He has seen the wrong done to her. He graciously tells her to go back. He lets her know what the future holds for her child.

Hagar didn’t do anything to deserve God’s grace. In fact, she brought a little of the trouble on herself because of her haughtiness towards Sarai. But God saw her trouble and that she needed protection and hope, and so she named Him You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees.

Even if our world sees someone as insignificant, God does not. Even if we think at times that no one sees our plight, there is One who does. His name is You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees.

　

Pray for those in our world who have few rights. Prayerfully consider if there are ways you can help. If you are one of these,

pray to the God-Who-Sees.

-Six- God calls Abram

God calls Abram

Today’s Reading: Genesis 12:1-3,10-20

Focal Verse: Genesis 12:3

“And in you all the families of earth shall be blessed.”

Do you have a calling from God? As believers, we have the calling to be witnesses for Him. Do you sometimes feel inadequate for the task? I imagine Abram did, too.

Look at Abram. He deals dishonestly with the Egyptians in reference to his wife, Sarai. He even puts her purity in danger by his cowardly actions. It’s not the only time we see Abram taking things into his own hands instead of relying on God.

But the promise was made to him: “And in you all the families of earth shall be blessed.” This was a promise for the future that extends blessings to us today. God chose him despite his dishonesty, cowardice and his other failings.

God could create a blessing from Abram, not because of who Abram was, but because of who God is. God can use you to reach others, not because of who you are, but because of who He is. And in this way, He pours His grace out on the world.

　

Are you fulfilling your calling from God. If not, why not? Give yourself to God with all your weaknesses and let Him bless a world through you.

-Five- Job

Job

Today’s Reading: Job 38:1-11 and Job 42:1-6

Focal Verses: Job 42:5-6

I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore, I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Job? And grace? I wanted to skip the book, thinking there was no way I would find grace here…but, I did.
Job was a righteous man, and for reasons that only God, in His incredible wisdom, could understand was taken through a severe testing of his faith in God. He never lost faith, even though he lost his property and his children, endured immense physical pain, and faced misplaced criticism from his “friends”.
Job admits that he has sinned (Job 7:21 and Job 13:26), but knows that he lived righteously and was not wicked as his friends charged. He charges God with being unfair. I have to admit that as I was reading, I questioned why, too. Job was a godly man.
Then God answers Job and puts him (and me) in our places. Job 38:1-11 details questions God has of Job. As I read, my arrogance melts as I realized the magnificence of God and how little I know. As Job repents in 42:1-6, I repent also.
My God is a gracious God. The many times I think I know better, He reminds me who He is and restores me with grace, just as He did with Job. God chastised Job’s “friends” for they spoke falsely about Job. He also gives Job back double what He had.
What I have realized is that God doesn’t owe us anything. When trouble comes our way, we say “Why me?”. What I really think should happen is that when good things come our way, we should say “Why me?”. We have not and cannot earn God’s grace. He gives it freely to those who believe in Him. He gave Job the grace to endure the horrors he went through, just as He gives every true believer the grace to endure to the end.

Thank God for His grace in the good and the bad. Pray for grace for those you know who may be going through a “Job” time.

-Four- In the Ark

In the Ark

Today’s Reading: Genesis 6-9

Focal Verses: Genesis 6:6-8

Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

So the LORD said, “I will destroy man who I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I made them.”

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

God gives grace to those who believe Him. He knows our every thought and He knows we are imperfect, but His desire is that we believe what He says. Noah was one of those who believed God and God gave him grace.
Was Noah perfect? No. Genesis 6:12 tells us “So God looked upon the earth and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on earth.” “All flesh”, it says, not all flesh except Noah. We have further evidence of Noah’s humanness in Genesis 9:21. It tells us of a time when Noah gets so drunk that he laid down naked and exposed to whoever might enter his tent. But yet God gives Noah and his family grace.
God told Noah what He was going to do and how Noah is to prepare for it. God blesses the family of Noah by including them in His grace to Noah. When the flood is over and Noah is on dry ground again, he offers a sacrifice to God, for Noah knows he is unworthy and God, out of His grace, has saved him.
Hebrews 11:7 tells us that Noah believed God. Noah wasn’t perfect. Noah wasn’t holy. He simply had faith that what God said would come to pass…..and God gave him grace.

God’s desire is that we have faith in Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Go to God with any doubts you may be having.

-Three - Malice Murder

Malice Murder

Today’s Reading: Genesis 4:1-15

Focal Verse: Genesis 4:15

And the LORD said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him seven fold.” And the LORD set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.

In the state where I reside, you can seek the death penalty for malice murder. Webster’s defines malice as “a desire to inflict injury on another.” I believe Cain’s murder of Abel meets that description.
God sees it coming. He sees where Cain is headed. He warns Cain that his anger will cause him to sin. He offers Cain a chance to “do well” and be accepted, but Cain lets his anger rage, and he kills his brother.
Murder must be punished. As Cain hears the punishment God has imposed, he cries out for mercy, saying “Anyone who finds me will kill me”.
How does God answer Cain? He gives mercy to him who did not have mercy on his brother. He sets a mark on Cain to protect him from being killed.
What did Cain do to earn this? Nothing. What did he deserve? Death. What did God give him? Grace.



Remember a time when you did not receive full punishment for your sin. Thank God for His mercy on you.

-Two- In the Garden

In the Garden

Today’s Reading: Genesis 2:8-9, 15-18, 25; Genesis 3:1-21

Focal Verse: Genesis 2:17

“but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

God made an idyllic garden for Adam and Eve. There was plenty of food, and man and beast lived peacefully together. Obviously, the climate was perfect, for they didn’t even need clothing.
God only had one requirement for staying in this paradise – they could eat of every tree but one, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God never wanted Adam and Eve to have this knowledge, so that they would never know the pain of sin and death.
Adam and Eve chose to disobey. They deserved immediate death. God could have just started over with a new man and woman or even put the animals in charge, but instead He offered grace.
Yes, He moved them out of the garden. Yes, He had other consequences He imposed, but He gave them life and hope. As He sent them out of this perfect garden into a less hospitable environment, He looked with pity upon the clothes they had tried to fashion from fig leaves and compassionately made them warm, dry clothing of animal skin. God sacrificed one of His precious animals that He had created to enable this disobedient couple to survive outside the garden. Now that’s grace!



Consider the commands God has given you that you are now disobeying. What might God be trying to spare you from? Resolve in your heart today to obey and ask God for His forgiveness and help.

-One- In the Beginning

Today’s Reading: Genesis 1

Focal Verse: Genesis 1:26a

“Let us make man in Our image”

Do you ever marvel at the intricacy of the world God created for us? Day by day, He lovingly crafted together all that we would need to sustain life…and then He put it into the hands of man.
Why man? Why not the birds, or the sea creatures, or cattle? Did man do anything to deserve supreme authority over the earth? Did God just make man “better” than the others? Did He just finally “get it right”? We read again and again as He created each thing that God “saw that it was good.” In verse 31 we read “Then God saw everything that He had made and indeed it was very good”. Then, why man? Why was it that God said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. ”?
It was purely, simply grace. It was God’s desire to take His incredible creation and put it into the hands of His choosing and into the hands of someone who had not done anything to earn it.



Spend time this day observing and marveling over the intricacies of God’s creation. Thank Him for it.