Oct. 1

Read Genesis 42

¹⁰ "No, my lord," they answered. "Your servants have come to buy food. ¹¹ We are all the sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies." (The Message)

Because we know the story we believe this statement from the brothers is not true. They have been living a lie for many years from the time they went home and told their father that Joseph had been killed by wild animals. Maybe they have been telling the story long enough that they have come to believe it themselves. Yes, they might not be spies, but at what point could we say that they are honest men? Have they changed over the years and become honest in all they do and say? Have they been trying to make up for the violence done toward Joseph and the pain they have put their father through by doing the right things?
But what if they really are honest men now? At what point can the past be forgiven, if not forgotten, and we can accept them now as they are rather than as they once were? Is it at the same point that we can accept who we are and not who we once were?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• How might the way the brothers treated Joseph have defined the way they saw themselves?
• Do you think the brothers saw themselves as honest or were they trying to put on a good show?
• Do you know someone whose actions in the past continue to define them no matter what they do today?
• What do you need to set aside from your past so that you can truly be the person you are now and not who you were then?

Sept. 30

Read Genesis 41

⁴⁶ Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt. (The Message)

Joseph goes from the favorite son, to slave, to promising servant, to prisoner, and now to the second most powerful position in Egypt. Joseph has what one might call a bit of a roller coaster ride! It wasn't what Joseph would have expected or chosen if he had the options back when he was helping with his father's flocks in the desert. But it also seems to be the case for many of us in our own lives. It isn't necessarily what we would choose but in one way or another it seems to all work out for the glory of God and the good of those around us.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• How do you think Joseph saw his life unfolding when he first had the dreams about his brothers and father bowing down to him?
• In the midst of the difficult times do you think Joseph ever felt like giving up? Why or why not?
• Has your life been more like a roller coaster or a flat straight Kansas highway?
• How have the difficult times in your life led you to new places in your serving God?

Sept. 29

Read Genesis 40

⁸ "We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is no one to interpret them." 
      Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams." (The Message)

As Joseph went from having dreams to interpreting dreams I wonder if he continued to have dreams himself?
I have to admit that I very rarely remember any of my dreams. There have been a small number of times when I have woken up in the night and sensed God speaking directly to me about specific things. I don't know if they would be classified as dreams or not but they were life changing moments. In those cases it was clear enough to me what God was saying that I didn't need someone else to interpret them for me but I did speak with some trusted spiritually mature people to make sure that I was not over interpreting the guidance that God was giving. I don't know if God spoke in this way to me because I wasn't getting it in other ways or if it is one of the primary ways that my spirit is open to God. What I do know is that when I wake in the night I pay attention to what God might place upon my mind.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Why do you think Joseph was comfortable in giving an interpretation to the two men's dreams?
• If you didn't know the rest of the story what other ways might these dreams have been interpreted?
• How open are you to God speaking to you in the midst of your dreams?
• What dreams have you had that have stuck in your mind as having possibly come from God?

Sept. 28

Read Genesis 39

 ^2-6 As it turned out, God was with Joseph and things went very well with him. He ended up living in the home of his Egyptian master. His master recognized that God was with him, saw that God was working for good in everything he did. He became very fond of Joseph and made him his personal aide. He put him in charge of all his personal affairs, turning everything over to him. From that moment on, God blessed the home of the Egyptian—all because of Joseph. The blessing of God spread over everything he owned, at home and in the fields, and all Potiphar had to concern himself with was eating three meals a day. (The Message)

As we read the story of Joseph we quickly jump to the problems he gets into with this master's wife. But I would invite you to stop for a moment at the beginning of the story. It isn't the first and won't be the last time that God blesses a non-believer because of the life and faithfulness of one who chooses to follow after God. It really doesn't seem quite fair or right that God would bless Potiphar in such an amazing way. After all shouldn't God be spending God's time blessing and enriching those that are doing God honoring things? But that isn't the way things work in God's world and we are left to wonder why.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think were Joseph's first thoughts when he was sold to Potiphar?
• What do you think Potiphar's friends thought about his increased success and blessings?
• Who do you see on a regular basis that is being blessed even thought they do not appear to be a follower of God?
• How might you bring blessings to others, both those who follow and don't follow the ways of God?

Sept. 27

Read Genesis 38

²⁶ Judah saw they were his. He said, "She's in the right; I'm in the wrong— I wouldn't let her marry my son Shelah." He never slept with her again. (The Message)

If you have been following along and reading each chapter of Genesis you might be thinking that you couldn't even get this story on TV these days. Yes the Bible is more than we usually think about and it contains stories of life in all ways including some things that we would rather not think about. One of the reasons why I am continually amazed as I read the Bible over and over again is the honesty by which the people are portrayed. The Bible doesn't write out the flaws and missteps of the primary characters but instead tells it like it is. So many times we try to clean up our lives so that we look better than we are. We want to be acceptable in the eyes of the world and even though we know that we aren't perfect (nor are those around us) we hope that we can just gloss over those things that we aren't really proud of in our lives. The stories in Genesis invite us though to look at our lives with a bit more honesty than we like and that is exactly where God wants to show up.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What were your first thoughts when you read or heard the story of Judah and Tamar?
• What character in this story can you identify with? Why?
• Have you ever done something that you thought was right at the time only to have to apologize later? How did it feel?
• What part of your life have you tried to hide from others because you didn't want to risk being vulnerable?

Sept. 26

Read John 4:43-54

^53-54That clinched it. Not only he but his entire household believed. This was now the second sign Jesus gave after having come from Judea into Galilee. (The Message)

Chapter 4 in John has been focused upon how and why people believe in Jesus. First it was the women at the well who believed because Jesus hold her everything about herself. Then it was the people of the women's village who first saw the change in the woman and then heard Jesus for themselves and believed. Now it is an official in the King's court who believes.
The story of the official doesn't quite give us enough information though. We are left wondering did he believe when Jesus told him that his son would live or did he believe when he went home and found that Jesus's words were true? It is clear that those in his household believed because of the boys recovery but it isn't quite so clear about the official himself. It could be that the answer is yes and yes.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• When the official turned to go home which do you think was more prevalent in his mind? Hope that Jesus words were true or fear that his words would turn out to be wrong?
• Do you think the son was healed because of the father's faith in Jesus or because Jesus decided that this was a good opportunity to show what God's power could do?
• What kind of miracles do you look for in your daily life?
• How would you respond if Jesus suddenly healed someone that you loved dearly?

Sept. 25

Read Genesis 37

^29-30 Later Reuben came back and went to the cistern—no Joseph! He ripped his clothes in despair. Beside himself, he went to his brothers. "The boy's gone! What am I going to do!" (The Message)

We are invited to spend an extra day in this chapter as we reflect upon the story of conflict between brothers. Joseph has alienated his brothers and they have been brooding over their father's favoritism toward Joseph. When they get the chance they throw Joseph in a well and while intent on killing him decide rather to sell him off as a slave and at least make a little money.
Reuben it appears has been a part of the discussion about Joseph but didn't want to take it to the extreme that the other brothers intended. So Reuben comes back to get his brother out of the well and save him from the harm the other brothers had planned. When he returns he finds out that it is to late and he is left with the burning question of what is he to do now.
In one way or another this moment of action and inaction must have defined the brothers lives for years to come. Did they have second thoughts about what they did? Did they ever talk about it together after they lied to their father about finding Joseph's coat? Did they ever wonder if they should have handled things differently?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Why do you think Reuben wasn't willing to stand up to his brothers before they threw Joseph into the well?
• What might have been Joseph's thoughts as he was hauled out of the well?
• Has there ever been something that you look back with in regret for not having done something that you knew you should have in the moment? What was that event?
• How can you turn that negative experience of inaction into a positive moment for action today?

Sept. 24

Read Genesis 37

^10-11 When he told it to his father and brothers, his father reprimanded him: "What's with all this dreaming? Am I and your mother and your brothers all supposed to bow down to you?" Now his brothers were really jealous; but his father brooded over the whole business. (The Message)

The conflict with Joseph and his brothers starts out not with the dreams but with a bad report that Joseph gives to his father about their work in the family business. The conflict only gets more intense as Joseph shares his dreams with his brothers. Sometimes I wonder if Joseph's personality was just combative in his younger years and this conflict was bound to happen because of who Joseph was or would Joseph and his brothers had a better relationship if he had not been seen as the favorite? One way or another the conflict between brothers only gets worse over time and we are told that the older brothers brooded about it all.
Conflict within a family can become rather intense. We laugh about the family feuds of the Hatfield's and McCoy's and the truth is that sometimes conflict goes on long enough that the original reason's for the conflict fade far into our memories. But the conflict remains to brood over when it is not addressed in a healthy way. One of the signs of healthy family/church/relationship is the ability to deal with conflict openly and without brooding. It takes work to deal with conflict but the results of not dealing with it can become disastrous.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• If you were one of Joseph's brothers what words might you use to describe him?
• Have you ever known someone like Joseph? How did other people relate to them?
• What is the worst family conflict that you know of personally?
• What might you do to bring Godly healing into the midst of an intense and ongoing conflict around you?

Sept. 23

Read Genesis 36

^6-8 Esau gathered up his wives, sons and daughters, and everybody in his household, along with all his livestock—all the animals and possessions he had gotten in Canaan—and moved a considerable distance away from his brother Jacob. The brothers had too many possessions to live together in the same place; the land couldn't support their combined herds of livestock. So Esau ended up settling in the hill country of Seir (Esau and Edom are the same). (The Message)

This time Esau and Jacob seem to part on good terms. Both brothers have become very successful and they can't live and work next to each other without competing against one another so it is time to move on. Esau moves on and the rest of the chapter lists his descendants.
There are times that we might find it necessary to move on from what it familiar as Esau did because staying put doesn't allow us to grow into what we are to become. The decision to move on isn't one that comes easy or is made over night. There is just something that tells us that if we don't move into other areas we will begin to stagnate and not fully realize our potential. In moving on both Esau and Jacob are able to grow in a way that would not have been possible had they stayed in the same area.
I would add a note of caution here as well: Esau did not leave behind those whom he was responsible for. His commitment to his immediate family was a priority and he made sure that they were provided for as they traveled with him. God did not call him to leave behind the people he had made a commitment to love and protect.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Now that Esau and Jacob have reconnected what do you think this parting might have been like?
• What would you have thought if you were one of Esau's family at the prospect of picking up to move to a new place?
• If you have ever moved far away from family what was it like for you?
• What places might God be inviting you to pack up and move away from so that you might flourish?

Sept. 22

Read Genesis 35

¹⁴ Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. ¹⁵ Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel. (The Message)

Twice in this chapter Jacob sets up a stone monument as a way to remember significant events. In the Old Testament these are often called Ebenezer's. These monuments are important to the history of the people and they manage to keep the stories alive as generation after generation passes along the reasons for their presence.
In our fast pace world stories of of the past seem to fade quickly from our awareness. When we lose these stories we lose the connection to those who have paved the road for us to travel, their wisdom, and their life struggles. It means that we have to relearn the lesson's, both good and bad, of life in our own ways. When that happens we miss out on the long history of God's walk with His people on His time and not on theirs. Without that historical perspective of a God who sometimes takes centuries to answer the prayers of His people we risk losing faith in the steadfastness of God and the promises that are yet to come.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think it would have been like as one of Jacob's children to hear him tell the story of his encounter with God.
• How might you tell Jacob's story to someone today?
• What markers do you have in your family that remind you of events of the past?
• How might you establish an Ebenezer with significant people in your life to bear witness to how God has been active in a significant way in your lives?

Sept. 21

Read Genesis 34

¹⁹ The young man was so smitten with Jacob's daughter that he proceeded to do what had been asked. He was also the most admired son in his father's family. (The Message)

Here is another chapter that would be easier to skip over than it might be to dig into and find wisdom that we can use for today. But to get the full effect of the Bible you have to read it all, not just what you want to read or what is easy. So we read the story of lust, infatuation, stupidity, and murder and ask what lessons might we learn?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• If you were to name the key players as good guys, bad guys, and innocent victims who would get what classification and why?
• What caused the trouble to begin with in this story and could it have been avoided?
• How do you think Dinah felt toward her brothers?
• What does if feel like to be in Jacob's shoes, to know that there has been a wrong done, but not be able to address it? 

Sept. 20

Read Genesis 33

 ^10-11 Jacob said, "Please. If you can find it in your heart to welcome me, accept these gifts. When I saw your face, it was as the face of God smiling on me. Accept the gifts I have brought for you. God has been good to me and I have more than enough." Jacob urged the gifts on him and Esau accepted. (The Message)

Jacob and Esau's meeting is nothing like Jacob had feared. Esau welcomes Jacob and embraces his brother's family. All that Jacob had feared does not materialize and Jacob and Esau are reunited. If you notice though the brothers do not take up residence next to one another. Just because there is reconciliation doesn't mean that the past is forgotten. Yet Jacob was willing and able to accept the new relationship with his brother for what it was and that seems to be enough. In fact both Jacob and Esau seem ok with this new relationship between them.
One of the problems that often exist between people is a difference in expectation as far as what the relationship is supposed to look like. When one person has expectations that are more or less than another person has it can lead to hurt feelings and conflict. To arrive at an equal expectation takes an honesty that is not always found within a relationship even the closest and most intimate kinds. To have this kind of honesty we must face our fears and expectations as Jacob did, we must put aside past hurts like Esau did, we must be willing to be vulnerable and even to risk being hurt. Is all this worth it? I think that Jacob would say it was.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think was going through Jacob's mind when he first saw Esau?
• What do you think was going through Esau's mind when he first saw Jacob?
• Who do you need to go see about a relationship issue that is bothering you?
• What could a good outcome be of one of your most difficult relationships if you came to a mutual agreement as to your expectations?

Sept. 19

Read John 4: 27-42
^39-42Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman's witness: "He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!" They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, "We're no longer taking this on your say-so. We've heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He's the Savior of the world!" (The Message)

At some point faith in Jesus has to become one's own. You can't just believe because someone else believes or it is what your family has always done. At the same time faith does have a beginning point and someone who plants the seed for it to begin to grow within you. Just as seeds don't grow to their full maturity without water, light, and nutrients faith can not grow without encouragement, experience, and expression.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Who first introduced you to Jesus?
• Who are you introducing to Jesus now?
• How are you making your faith your own?
• What more do you need that will assure your faith will become stronger and more sure?

Sept. 18

Read Genesis 32

^22-23 But during the night he got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants, and his eleven children and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He got them safely across the brook along with all his possessions.

 ^24-25 But Jacob stayed behind by himself, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he couldn't get the best of Jacob as they wrestled, he deliberately threw Jacob's hip out of joint. (The Message)

Jacob has fled from his father-in-law and now is facing the meeting with his brother, who the last time he saw him was trying to kill him. In the middle of this Jacob has an encounter with God that leaves him wounded yet blessed. It shouldn't be like that though. Our encounters with God should be filled with healing and blessings not wounds and pain. We want a God who blesses us in the ways we want to be blessed.
I wish I knew what it was that Jacob was wrestling with God about. I could fill in a lot of possibilities simply because I have spent my own time wrestling with God. But the reality of the wrestling is more important than the reason for the wrestling. Jacob must have left something behind that night that he had really wanted. Maybe it was the approval and love that he had to trick out of his father instead of it being freely given. Maybe it was the one big happy family dream that was never going to happen. But what he left was replaced by God with something even more. It didn't mean that leaving the dream behind didn't wound Jacob but it also didn't keep him from fully experiencing the life that God intended for him.
Maybe it is time to do some wrestling with God again.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Who do you think Jacob feared more that night; Esau, Laban, or God? Why?
• Has God ever wrestled a dream away from you? Was it easy or hard?
• Are you more likely to do everything to avoid painful situations or face it head on if you know you can't avoid it?
• What dream/expectation are you holding on to that might actually be keeping you from  fully embracing life?

Sept. 17

Read Genesis 31

 ^1-2 Jacob learned that Laban's sons were talking behind his back: "Jacob has used our father's wealth to make himself rich at our father's expense." At the same time, Jacob noticed that Laban had changed toward him. He wasn't treating him the same. (The Message)

Relationships can change over time. Jacob, Rachel, and Leah all notice that things aren't as they used to be with Laban and the rest of the family. Without pointing fingers and placing blame the reality is that we have conflict that God is going to use again to move people out of their comfort zone into a place that they really don't want to go. If Jacob and Laban continue to get along and reap the rewards of God's blessings together Jacob never has to go back and face his brother again. If Rachel and Leah convince Jacob that he should put up with the conflict because they can't stand the thought of leaving their family then their sons are not in place to go to Egypt to save the family in the midst of the famine. It's not that God causes the conflict to happen so that these events would take place but that God can and will bring good things in in the midst of the conflict and it will all glorify God.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What might have happened to Rachel and Leah that they felt like foreigners in their own family?
• Have you ever felt like you didn't belong in your family any more? What happened to make you feel that way?
• Has God ever used a conflict that you have been in to move you to a new place either physically or spiritually?
• How might God be glorified by the conflict you find yourself in the midst of now?

Sept. 16

Read Genesis 30

¹ When Rachel realized that she wasn't having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. She told Jacob, "Give me sons or I'll die!"

 ² Jacob got angry with Rachel and said, "Am I God? Am I the one who refused you babies?" (The Message)

Rachel sounds like a 6 year old (or maybe a 16 year old depending upon the day) as she goes to Jacob and says, "Life isn't fair, I'm not happy about it, now you fix it!" You really can't blame Rachel as we have all felt this way before.
The truth is that life isn't fair and we don't like it that way. But life wasn't fair for Leah either, she didn't deserve to not be loved by Jacob, she wasn't the one who made him marry her. So in the midst of an unfair life we once again have conflict. It's a conflict that doesn't seem to have an easy fix or a happy ending anywhere in site. So we should be surprised that God makes himself known in the midst of the conflict because after all conflict isn't good is it? Or is conflict just one of the places God is most likely to show up in the midst of?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Who can you most identify with in this story, Rachel, Leah, or Jacob?
• Are you finding that life isn't fair right now? How are you dealing with it?
• What is the scariest part of conflict for you?
• How might you be more aware of God's presence in the midst of the conflict you find yourself involved in?

Sept. 15

Read Genesis 29

  Jacob confronted Laban, "What have you done to me? Didn't I work all this time for the hand of Rachel? Why did you cheat me?"

 ^26-27 "We don't do it that way in our country," said Laban. "We don't marry off the younger daughter before the older. Enjoy your week of honeymoon, and then we'll give you the other one also. But it will cost you another seven years of work." (The Message)

The Bible is filled with interpersonal conflict. Sometimes it revolves around miscommunication but most of the time it is based upon the self interest of one person trying to get the better of another. It is something that we will see over and over again as we work our way through the Bible stories. It is something that we are all to familiar with in our own lives as well. One of the struggles is how do we treat others as if they have our best interests in mind while at the same time knowing that everyone is capable of taking advantage of us and hurting us? Because of this reality we can choose to guard ourselves and not trust anyone or we can continually set ourselves up for the pain of being hurt.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• After reading this chapter how do you think each of the primary characters felt about the others? 
• If you had been Jacob what would you have done?
• Jesus says that we should be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. If Jacob would have done this how might this story have been different?
• What conflict in your life might you need to look at in a different way so that you might be healthy and able to treat others in a Christ like way?

Sept. 14

Read Genesis 28

When Esau realized how deeply his father Isaac disliked the Canaanite women, he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son. This was in addition to the wives he already had. vs. 9 (the Message)

The call now might be to question authority or to be yourself but things haven't changed much over the years. Esau figured out how to get back at his parents by doing what he knew they didn't want to see happen. While I'm sure that very few of us who are reading this have ever done anything simply because we knew it would make someone else mad I'm sure that you know someone who has. Maybe it was a career path, or a relationship, a tattoo, or the clothes worn but it was an intentional choice to make someone else realize that they did not have control of the decisions that were made.
Everyone has a need to be able to exert their own independence and psychologists will say that in order to be healthy emotionally each person must break away from the childhood expectations and take ownership of their own decisions. The problem with Esau's decision and many of ours as well is that by choosing the opposite of what is expected we become trapped by the very expectations that we are trying to escape from. It is in the knowing of why we are drawn to make a particular decision that we actually become free to make the decision that might be best for us in which to honor God. This is hard work and one that many of us choose not engage in which leads to more pain for both others as well as ourselves.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• How do you think Isaac responded to Esau's decision to marry a Canaanite woman?
• How might Esau's new wife felt when she found out Esau married her to spite his father?
• Have you ever done something because you knew it was something that wouldn't be approved of by others? What was your act of rebellion?
• How can you tell if you are doing something because it is best for you rather than because of other people's expectations?

Sept. 13

Read Genesis 27

 ⁴¹ Esau seethed in anger against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him; he brooded, "The time for mourning my father's death is close. And then I'll kill my brother Jacob." (The Message)

The say is often repeated that, "Every family is dysfunctional, just in different ways." The good news is that even when we recognize our dysfunction there is someone who seems even more dysfunctional! If there ever was a poster family for dysfunctional the patriarchs of Genesis could very well be the ones. Over the last several days we have seen enough to keep a contemporary therapist in business for quite some time and we aren't even done yet!
When I read the stories of Genesis I am encouraged, not because my life isn't as messed up as theirs is, but because in spite of all the stuff going on God still uses them for great things. When I begin to think about all the ways that I have fallen short in my relationships I take heart from these stories. Today those who believe that Jesus was the son of God call this grace, that we would get what we don't deserve and haven't earned because Jesus takes away our sin. It isn't that we should read these stories and say, "I'm glad that I'm not as messed up as they are!" but rather, "If God can use them, maybe God will choose to use me as well!"

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• When you read this story are you able to identify with Jacob or Esau? Why?
• What role do you think Rebekah had in the conflict between Jacob and Esau? Why?
• What lesson do you think God might be inviting you to learn from this story?
• How might God choose to use you in spite of your families dysfunction?

Sept. 12

Read John 4: 1-26

 ²⁷Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn't believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it.

 ^28-30The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, "Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?" And they went out to see for themselves. (The Message)

There are many ways to read this story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Today though I would like for us to consider the story from the perspective of expectations. The woman shows her expectations of how she will be treated by Jesus and the disciples show their expectations by their shock when they discover Jesus talking with the woman. The expectations of what is supposed to happen shape the event in a way that is almost comical if it weren't for the fact that the expectations almost keep the participants from truly encountering Jesus. To try to understand this story you almost have to look at each person individually and ask how they are seeing and hearing Jesus before you can put the whole experience together and understand what it might mean for us today.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• How do you think the women felt about her encounter with Jesus? With the disciples?
• Have you ever felt like you were an outcast and others wouldn't talk to you? How did it feel?
• Who do your family and friends think you shouldn't talk to? How do they communicate this?
• What can you do to bring Jesus into the conversations that you might have with people this coming week?

Sept. 11

Read Genesis 26

 ⁷ The men of the place questioned him about his wife. He said, "She's my sister." He was afraid to say "She's my wife." He was thinking, "These men might kill me to get Rebekah, she's so beautiful." (The Message)

If this story sounds familiar it's because it is the same thing that Abraham did with Sarah just a few chapters ago. Out of fear Isaac puts his wife as well as the people at risk in the same way his father had years before. It makes me wonder if Abraham ever talked about some of his life experiences with his son or if he tried to ignore some of those things that he wasn't to proud of? Could Isaac's life have been different if he and Abraham would have talked fully about both the good and the bad?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think Isaac might have learned from his father if he knew the whole story of Abraham's life?
• Do you know anyone who seems to be repeating the same "mistakes" that their parents did?
• What lesson have you learned the hard way that you would not want your children or grandchildren to have to go through?
• How might you go about telling your story, both the good and bad parts, so that your children might learn from your life?

Sept. 10

Read Genesis 25

^7-11 Abraham lived 175 years. Then he took his final breath. He died happy at a ripe old age, full of years, and was buried with his family. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, next to Mamre. It was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. Abraham was buried next to his wife Sarah. After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac. Isaac lived at Beer Lahai Roi. (The Message)

As Abraham's life comes to an end we are left with the story of a man who was far from perfect. But when Abraham died we are told he died happy and full of years. It really is the way most of us would like to have our lives described isn't it? But that kind of a life doesn't seem to just happen. Abraham had a lot happen to him over those 175 years, not all of it good. But in the end he died happy.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Who do you know that could be describe in the same way as Abraham, "He died happy at a ripe old age?" What were the characteristics of their life?
• How do you think Abraham dealt with the things in his life that allowed him to die happy?
• How would you like to be described when you die?
• What are you doing now that will help you become the person you want to be remembered as?

Sept. 9

Read Genesis 24

The man watched, silent. Was this God's answer? Had God made his trip a success or not? vs. 21 (The Message)

The story of Isaac and Rebekah is a fascinating one to me. The way the story is told it is obvious that the story teller in looking back over the events sees the hand of God at work in the midst of everything. As we read the chapter over it becomes clear that Rebekah and Isaac will be brought together by God but as it is happening the servant is left to wonder, "Is God really going to make it that easy?" We are told that we shouldn't put God to the test but there are plenty of examples in the Bible of people seeking discernment in God's desires who ask very specifically for signs that they might know God is actively present in the midst of certain circumstances.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Who would you rather be in this story, Rebekah, Isaac, the servant? Why?
• Have you ever asked God for a sign so that you would know that it was God's will for something specific?
• Do you believe that stuff just happens, that God controls every detail of life, or something in between?
• When you look back on specific events in your life where have you seen God actively involved?

Sept. 8

Read Genesis 23

^1-2 Sarah lived 127 years. Sarah died in Kiriath Arba, present-day Hebron, in the land of Canaan. Abraham mourned for Sarah and wept.

 ^3-4 Then Abraham got up from mourning his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites: "I know I'm only an outsider here among you, but sell me a burial plot so that I can bury my dead decently." (The Message)

The story of Sarah's life comes to an end like all of ours will. Abraham is left to grieve his wife's passing and Genesis doesn't tell us much except that he mourned and wept for his beloved wife. It is probably a good thing the Bible doesn't go into great detail as to Abraham's grieving process so that we don't try to emulate it in our own times of grief. The details are not important in the how of Abraham's grief, what is important is that the grief was real and expressed. Abraham felt his wife's passing as each of us do when someone we love dies. How we express it will be different for each one of us but we have to know that it is all right to mourn and grieve.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• When you were a child how did you see other people deal with death?
• What do you think are the "right" ways and "wrong" ways to mourn someones death?
• Is there someone around you who is grieving right now? What might you do to support them in this time
• Is there anything that you can do to prepare yourself for the grief that will come into your life at some point in time?

Sept. 7

Read Genesis 22

 ¹ After all this, God tested Abraham. God said, "Abraham!"
"Yes?" answered Abraham. "I'm listening."

 ² He said, "Take your dear son Isaac whom you love and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I'll point out to you." (The Message)

I have to say right up front that I do not understand this story from a parents point of view and I'm sure I don't understand it from being a son. If there has ever been a reason to be in therapy I think Isaac gets the award here. I get the point of the story in that God is separating himself from the other gods of the day and age that were associated with child sacrifices. I understand that Abraham is being asked once again to place his whole faith in a God who can do exactly what he promises to even more than once. I get it that if God can give Abraham a son at their advanced age he can give them another son even several years later. I just don't get how God can ask this of a parent or what Isaac must have thought as a result of this little excursion.
I'm left to wonder if Abraham and Isaac ever talked about this when Isaac was older or was it just something that remained unspoken between them. If it was never spoken of how could Isaac ever come to grips with the reasons why his father was willing to do this and put him through such an ordeal? So while I think of Isaac I also think about the things that have not been spoken of between my father and I and I'm left to think about what needs to be spoken of between my son and I.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What are your first thoughts about this story of Abraham and Isaac?
• How do you think Isaac might have viewed God as a result of this experience?
• Do you have things in your life that you need to talk about with your parents, siblings, children that might help you understand your life in a healthier way?
• Where can you look for God even in the worst of your family experiences?

Sept. 6

Read Genesis 21

^9-10 One day Sarah saw the son that Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham, poking fun at her son Isaac. She told Abraham, "Get rid of this slave woman and her son. No child of this slave is going to share inheritance with my son Isaac!" (The Message)

The Bible tells us story after story of the trouble that siblings can get into with one another. Sometimes it turns out for good (like Joseph) and sometimes not so good (like Cain and Abel) but you can guarantee that there will always be something that happens in the midst of it all. In this case it is the jealousy that is triggered in Sarah because of Ishmael and Isaac's actions that cause the trouble. In the midst of it all Abraham is distraught by what is to come and God reassures him that it will be ok.
In the midst of our family interactions there might be times we find ourselves at odds with one another. Sometimes it if for good reasons and many times it is for reasons that eventually will just seem down right silly. But in the midst of conflict any reason seems serious. So we find ourselves like Sarah and Abraham having to make choices. Choices about how we will treat others and what we will do or not do and knowing that both action and inaction could have a huge impact upon the course lives will take. The decisions are not always easy but when we seek out God's guidance in the midst of things we can at least hope that his hand will be int the midst of the future for everyone involved.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Who do you identify more with in this story Sarah or Hagar? Why?
• What conflicts has your family had in the past that has changed the direction of peoples lives?
• What conflict in your families past can you pray for God's healing to come into the midst of?
• Where might God be in the midst of a difficult family relationship today for you? Where might you pray that God becomes know in your family interactions?

Sept. 5

Read John 3: 22-36

²² After this conversation, Jesus went on with his disciples into the Judean countryside and relaxed with them there. (The Message)

Sometimes a small word or seemingly insignificant transition in the Bible story can stand out in a very significant way. This is one of those passages that is worth spending some time pondering. Our usual view of Jesus is that of someone very task oriented. It is more likely that we think of Jesus with his face turned toward Jerusalem, debating with the religious establishment, teaching, or healing rather than relaxing with those who were following after him.
On this holiday weekend can we see Jesus playing volleyball with us, fishing off the pier with us, walking around the car show with us, sitting down over corn on the cob and barbecue and laughing until tears come to our eyes? We know that Jesus wanted those who followed after him to have a deep relationship with God his father but he also wanted to have the same kind of relationship with them. We can talk about having a personal relationship with Jesus as much as we want but if we don't allow Jesus to relax with us we will miss out on one of the greatest joys of faithful living.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Have you ever stopped to think about what Jesus did with his disciples when he wasn't teaching or healing? What might that time have looked liked like?
• Do you find it easier to always be working for Jesus or relaxing with Jesus?
• Where will you and Jesus meet this weekend?
• Do you need to set aside regular time to relax with Jesus? If so what might that look like?

Sept. 4

Read Genesis 20

^1-2 Abraham traveled from there south to the Negev and settled down between Kadesh and Shur. While he was camping in Gerar, Abraham said of his wife Sarah, "She's my sister."

 ^2-3 So Abimelech, king of Gerar, sent for Sarah and took her. But God came to Abimelech in a dream that night and told him, "You're as good as dead—that woman you took, she's a married woman." (The Message)

The Old Testament is an interesting read for sure! Abraham is not the saint that we picture in our minds when it comes to religious people who serve God. But Abraham is in process just like we all are, sometimes he gets it right and sometimes he doesn't. Here in this story Abraham is willing to put his wife Sarah at risk to protect his own life and what it does is not just put Sarah at risk but also the king of Gerar and his whole family. God intervenes and everything works out alright, this time. But God doesn't always intervene in our lives or the lives of those whose stories are told in the Bible. Our actions have consequences for ourselves, our families, and even those we do not know.
On first glance it might seem that this story doesn't have much to do with us today. But maybe Abraham's action is more like us than we care to admit. Have you ever stretched the truth just a bit to make yourself look better in someone else's eyes? Have you ever said something about someone else to deflect blame that you might receive for something that you did? When you talk about others do you not always tell the whole truth? Maybe the circumstances are different but the mindset and actions of Abraham continue to be lived out in each of our lives.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Put yourself in the kings place, what would you think if you had done the same things as he did?
• What do you think Sarah must have thought and felt? Toward Abraham? Toward God?
• Where or When are you most likely to stretch the truth?
• What can you do to keep your words honest and true in all ways and at all times?

Sept. 3

Read Genesis 19

²⁹ And that's the story: When God destroyed the Cities of the Plain, he was mindful of Abraham and first got Lot out of there before he blasted those cities off the face of the Earth. (The Message)

The story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is not an easy read. There is a lot there that we would rather not approach, at least I would rather not. But the story does not end with destruction it ends with new life. It is not life in the way we would like it to be in today's day and age but it is life! The story is a story of hope in the midst of danger, sin, and despair.
To often we look around us at the evil and we fall into the trap of saying only how bad the world is and how things will never change. But when we take that perspective we lose out on the thread of God's redemption story in the Bible. If the Sodom and Gomorrah story is only about God's justice we have lost the glory of what God is desiring to do and that is to bring life where there was once only death. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a story of hope just like every other story in the Bible.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• When you hear the names of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah what do you first think of?
• How is Lot's story a story of hope?
• When you see the world's problems do you see possibilities for despair or hope?
• What bad news in your life do you need to allow God to bring new life into the midst of it in the way that only he can?

Sept. 2

Read Genesis 18

^1-2 God appeared to Abraham at the Oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. It was the hottest part of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing. He ran from his tent to greet them and bowed before them.

 ^3-5 He said, "Master, if it please you, stop for a while with your servant. I'll get some water so you can wash your feet. Rest under this tree. I'll get some food to refresh you on your way, since your travels have brought you across my path." (The Message)

Abraham's encounters with God continue. Abraham does what everyone in his culture would have assumed was the right thing to do when strangers come and that is to provide hospitality. At first look we might simply think that Abraham was giving hospitality because it was God who came to visit but that was not the case. Abraham's culture assumed that hospitality was the standard procedure. Hospitality was what kept the culture and society alive in a day before supermarkets and hotels. Over the course of the Bible story we see the importance of hospitality given to strangers and the ways in which God used that hospitality for divine purposes. Hospitality was a necessity for basic survival then, is it still necessary today?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What might have been Abraham's first thoughts when he saw the strangers standing there?
• In what ways is Abraham's life changed by the hospitality that he offers?
• Has your life ever been changed by offering hospitality? In what ways?
• What can you do to offer hospitality on a more regular basis?