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Posts Tagged ‘god’

A New Name

Posted in Bible Study, Genesis, tagged , , , , , on February 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Genesis 32-34, We finally see Jacob beginning to get it. In chapter 32 for the first time he calls God by His personal name – the LORD or YHWH as it’s written in the Hebrew Scriptures. Years of striving and manipulation have come down to this watershed moment. We know from the text that the LORD has begun speaking to Jacob personally. He told Jacob to return to the land he had fled 20 years earlier. Jacob’s faith was big enough to step out, but not big enough to eliminate the fear of his brother. It may have been 20 years, but his brother, the experienced hunter and killer of game, was angry enough to kill him when he left. So, Jacob does what Jacob has always done, he makes a plan to protect and benefit himself. God may have told him to head back home, but Jacob still can’t help but attempt to control the situation.

Jacob wrestled with God. This is not a metaphor. This represents the seismic shift in his relationship with the LORD. Previous to this God had been “the God of his father” while Jacob has schemed and wrestled with man – first Esau, then his father to steal the patriarchal blessing, then Laban. Here he finally calls God by his personal name and he meets Him… alone… at night…. at a point of heightened fear… and he wrestles with God. God takes him to the limit of his strength. We know God could immediately win but He allows Jacob to wrestle with Him and hold onto Him. That is the point. When Jacob (and us) commits to hold onto the LORD no matter what, things change. God gives Jacob a new name to signify this transformation.

LORD, you are our God. You have done great things on our behalf. Like Jacob, we want to hold onto you. You are our help. You are our hope. We put our trust in you today knowing you love us with a steadfast love. We desire to reciprocate and the only way to do that is to allow your Holy Spirit to do your deep work in us. So, we say yes today. Change our heart, our mind, and even our name if you so choose. We just want to be wholly yours.

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Dysfunction and the Grace of God

Posted in Bible Study, Genesis, God Stories, Trials, tagged , , , , , on February 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Genesis 30-31, It is important to put Jacob’s story in context. He was living in the ancient near east before the Law was given. There were obviously some generally accepted aspects of a moral code, but a written standard of behavior doesn’t seem to exist. Yet even given this context, we see all manner of greed, manipulation, and deceit at work in Jacob’s family. In today’s reading we get some 15 years compressed into 2 chapters, but it’s easy to picture a contentious household based upon the few stories captured here. Into this maelstrom we see God’s plan weaving through to bless Jacob and lead him back to the land of promise.

Stories like this make it essential to remember the inspired Word of God consists of various forms of literature. In the Old Testament in particular it is often DESCRIPTIVE of situations rather than PRESCRIPTIVE. The description of less-than-optimal family dynamics likely mirror dysfunction that can be found in many homes today. Yet, through the 20 years Jacob lived under the yoke of obligation to Laban, God’s grace would show up in little ways.  My mind went back to Jacob’s departure from Isaac and how he referred to “Isaac’s God” rather than “the LORD.” God is working in Jacob’s heart through the years of hard work, dysfunction in his family, pressure from his uncle / father-in-law, and separation from the land God, through Isaac, promised him. In leaving Laban, Jacob is taking a big risk. One, his father-in-law won’t like it and might bring harm to his family. Two, his brother who he cheated 20 years before might still want to kill him. And three, the arduous trip itself would be difficult for his family. This is a very intense situation. We’ll see how Jacob handles this soon.

LORD, life is often tumultuous. Pressure from various sources threaten us and seek to push and pull us away from you. But you are there even when we don’t see you… when we don’t feel you. Thank you for your grace that often comes in small glimpses. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to know that you are present at all times. You are so good, so faithful, so amazing, so worthy of all our praise which we give to you today. Be exalted O LORD, our God!

Addendum: As I started to write out this prayer, the flight attendant asked me to put up my laptop for take-off. I folded my computer and then let the prayer just flow for 10 minutes or so as we went down the runway and into the air. During that prayer the LORD made this very personal for me. We have a child who dutifully went to church with us until he went off to college. Since then, he has charted his own course. I can see his approach towards the LORD would be similar to Jacob’s. A personal relationship with the Lord has not been a priority for him. At best, he would refer to God as “my parent’s God”. He is right at 20 years since going off to college. I believe the Lord brought that to mind, not just for me, but for everyone reading this who has a loved one who does not yet have a personal relationship with the LORD. It is His desire and our most blessed relationship to be joined with the Father who loves us more than we can know. God’s message to me and to you is: “Don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep hoping. I am at work and I will bring my children home.”

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Trickster Becomes the Tricked

Posted in Bible Study, Genesis, God Stories, Trials, tagged , , , , , , on February 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Genesis 27-29, We’ll follow Jacob for several chapters and one thing that fascinates me is the arc of Jacob’s life from scheming trickster to the beloved patriarch of twelve sons and one daughter. Jacob’s early life is spent in the shadow of the tribe’s tents. Isaac was wealthy, so there wasn’t a need for the sons to venture far afield for game. Esau couldn’t help himself. It was what he loved. Jacob stayed close to home. As such he was positioned to steal his brother’s rightful blessing. The degree of planning and deceit woven into Jacob’s and Rebekah’s tricking of Jacob is stunning. It seems tremendously important that Jacob refers to God as “Isaac’s God” rather than as the LORD. He doesn’t yet know God personally. We’ll keep our eye on the arc of Jacob’s life to see this change.

That Jacob lands in the perfect location to begin a new life with Laban and his family shows God’s favor despite Jacob’s flaws. But God is not finished with lessons for Jacob. Imagine on the morning after your wedding you find someone other than the woman you thought you had just married lying beside you. For us, it is horror and humor mixed together. For Jacob, it was to feel a little of what his brother Esau must have felt. God’s desire is that we all grow and mature in faith in Him. It is a little less painful if we choose to learn from the Word and the wisdom of others. But in His wisdom, grace, and love, He often gives us experiences that open our eyes to seeing from a whole new perspective… even if it’s a little painful.

Father, thank you for leading and teaching us all our lives. My receptivity to your life lessons is variable at times, but you are always faithful to provide those opportunities, nonetheless. We say yes to your lessons, and we will strive to be open to learning and applying what we learn as we go forward. May our lives reflect your grace as we allow you to transform us. May we live immersed in your Word and intentionally seeking to walk closely with you all our days. To you be the glory, O LORD, our God!

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A Pretty Poor Trade

Posted in Bible Study, Bible Study, Genesis, God Stories, Priorities, tagged , , , , , , on February 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Genesis 25-26, I’ve marveled at Esau’s short-sightedness every time I read the story of him selling his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. There’s hungry and really wanting some food, but to give up your birthright as the oldest son is a pretty high price to pay. There are a lot of things in play here. First off, Esau’s mind was in the moment not the long-term ramifications. Second, his value system was skewed. That which was truly important, he valued too lightly while placing undue value on that which was both fleeting and common. Third, God who exists outside of time, knew the outcomes these two brothers would walk in. He had foretold it to Rebekah when she prayed to the Lord about the struggling twins inside her womb. That struggle continued through their birth and into their adulthood.

My takeaways are not necessarily to be like Jacob. He was not “righteous” in all this. But we can learn from Esau. I will not be ruled by my stomach nor by short-term benefit for long-term loss. I will prioritize that which is truly important, even the seemingly lesser things that are truly valuable like morning coffee with my beloved when I am in town. And I will seek the LORD with all that I am, seeking to walk in the path He has laid out for me to bless and serve wherever He takes me.

Lord, help us to keep our eyes on you, trusting you with the big picture. Help us to value things rightly, making the things of God, whether big or small, our priority. And lead us in the way of righteousness, loving and serving from a heart that is daily being shaped more and more to be like yours. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us today. Amen.

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From One Family

Posted in Bible Study, Bible Study, Genesis, God, God Stories, Prayer, Worship, tagged , , , , , on February 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Genesis 12-15, Today’s reading is bookended with God speaking great and mighty promises to Abram. The first is that through Abram’s family, a great nation will come that will bless all the families of the earth. In chapter 15 the LORD repeats the promise that it will be through Abram’s very own son that a great nation will be brought forth who will be the blessing to all nations. This is an amazing promise in its own right but considering that Abram was75 years old when we first meet him and the second promise comes some time later as he and his family sojourn in the land of Canaan, it will require a miracle to occur. Fortunately, no promise of God will go unfulfilled AND God is in the miracle business. Being the Creator and Sustainer of all life, it is no big deal for God to create life through Abram and Sarai. It is the timing that often trips us up.

We are four thousand years later, and we know how true these promises are and how they have been, and are being, fulfilled. First came the nation of Israel which still exists today. Second came Jesus, the Messiah for all mankind. God’s promises to Abram fulfilled. But God hasn’t stopped making promises and He is still fulfilling promises. You and I are recipients of so many promises from God. A foundational promise for me is a universal promise to everyone who bends the knee in surrender to Jesus as Lord. He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” I can bank on that because He is faithful and true. He was to Abram. He is to you and He is to me.

O Lord God Almighty, you are faithful and your promises are true. We give you all the faith we can muster knowing that you are able to take our offerings and do what we can’t with it. You are building and shaping us into a nation of priests to minister to all nations. Lord, we say yes. Use our words, our actions, our giving to further your kingdom. May the Good News of Jesus transform us in such a way that it flows to everyone we meet and everywhere we go. Be glorified O LORD our God. Be glorified!

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Restoration

Posted in Bible Study, God, job, Prayer, tagged , , , , , , on February 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Job 40-42, Job’s long requested interview with God ends today and to say it went differently than Job had in mind would be a significant understatement. The LORD’s response to Job is exactly what Job needed to hear. God lovingly puts Job in his place by articulating His place. Job “the Righteous” is properly humbled. There was nothing wrong with Job’s actions before calamity befell him. The only area where Job needed correction was in his heart where pride had taken root. Like an undiagnosed disease, Job’s pride had to be brought to the surface and dealt with. And God did.

Look at the amazing ripple effect of Job’s calamity. Job had a personal encounter with the LORD and it changed him. Job had his pride brought into view and he was humbled and repented. Job’s friends were rebuked by God, they were humbled, and they repented and apologized to Job. Job forgave and then Job interceded for them. If we stopped right there with right relations between God, Job, and Job’s friends restored, it would be a win, win, win. But God, in His overflowing generosity, restores Job’s family line and restores material blessings upon him. The author emphasizes how over the top this is by pointing out the blessings upon Job’s daughters. Within the intensely patriarchal society of the day, this shouts of God’s goodness and generosity. God sees the big picture. And in His wise and loving way, He always draws those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose, into closer fellowship with Himself and with His family.

LORD, I thank you for Job and the picture you give us of this man and his journey into deeper fellowship with you. I can’t help but marvel at the transformation in Job through these 42 chapters. It seems Job knew about you and tried hard to honor you at first, but by the end, Job came to truly know you and that made all the difference. LORD, help us to know you, to learn from you, to grow to be like you, following the leading of your Holy Spirit more and more. Do what you need to do to crush pride and whatever else might be present in our heart that hinders our relationship with you and others. We love you LORD and we give ourselves to you this day.

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God Speaks

Posted in Bible Study, God, Jesus Christ, job, The Father, worldview, tagged , , , , , , on January 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Job 38-39, God Speaks. When we see the word Lord in all capital letters, “LORD”, we are seeing the personal name of God. So, the LORD shows up, and the story finally gains the one true, authoritative voice in what has been a rather tumultuous conversation. Instead of starting with answers though, the LORD immediately begins asking questions. God does not need to defend Himself, nor does He really need to explain His actions. His ways are so much higher than ours, and He works within the context of the entire universe, that He does not owe us any explanation. And we probably wouldn’t understand the complexities if He did. What He does do is ask questions to help Job and his friends grasp who He is and this great gap between their limited knowledge and wisdom against God’s greatness as Architect, Creator, and Sustainer of all that is.

I also noticed that God peppering them with questions was what He does when He comes to earth in the flesh some 2000+ years later. Jesus seldom just answered questions with direct answers. He answered questions with questions. In the Gospels Jesus was asked about 180 questions while He is recorded as asking over 300 questions. I realize this is very purposeful. For the LORD, it is much more important for us to internalize who He is and allow it to move us toward a deep relationship with Him than it is for us to just gain knowledge. He doesn’t need us to memorize the answers to the test, He wants us to know Him, to trust Him, to allow Him to give us the answers we need at the right time. And some of our questions will simply disappear in comparison to knowing Him. And with today’s encounter, I think Job, and us, are well on the path to learning that.

LORD, we acknowledge our limited understanding and perspective. You are God and we are not. We are so thankful that it does not matter how much we know, so long as we know and trust you. We have questions and you are okay with that so long as we trust you will give us what we need when we need it. And you do and you will. In this we confidently rest. You are our Architect, our Creator, our Sustainer, and Lord. To you we give all praise, honor, and glory today and forever. Amen.

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Condensed Caustic Correction

Posted in Bible Study, God, job, Trials, tagged , , , , , , on January 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Job 35-37, Condensed Caustic Correction. I have had it with Job’s friends. Elihu started off seemingly reasonable yesterday with a tone that sounded a bit more compassionate toward Job than Job’s previous three friends. Today Elihu goes full beast mode leaving Job demoralized and crushed. Job responded to each of the previous friends’ “correction” but he is seemingly silent under the weight of young Elihu’s blistering condemnation. Elihu says several correct things about God, but he assumes some things about Job that we know are not accurate. As Elihu continues on he seems to get more worked up, laying it on thick to Job. Job, a man who has essentially lost everything but his life, is browbeaten and repeatedly wrongly accused of bringing this misfortune upon himself.

I am learning that one of the greatest gifts we can give someone is empathy. Putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes in their time of need is to position ourselves to bring God’s comfort. We do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes God will provide answers but not always. We do not need to force it. What we can do is provide grace and a true friend who will be there. Rather than pointing to some perceived fault, we just need to point to Jesus and bring our friend to the One who was, and is, a Father to the fatherless and a friend to the friendless.

LORD, help us to always wait for you in bringing corrections. There are proper times and places, but we so need your help to bring correction in a way that can be received. With your help we can definitely live and share the compassion you have toward us and toward all humanity. Love through us, Lord. Enable us to preach the Gospel with Holy Spirit-inspired actions. And at the right time, give us the words of life that soothes the soul and brings others to you. We love you Lord and it is in Jesus’ Name that we pray!

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God Plays the Long Game

Posted in Bible Study, God, God Stories, heaven, job, Trials, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Job 32-34, God Plays the Long Game. A young man shows up in today’s reading, Elihu, and he initially seems to bring some much-needed wisdom to the conversation with Job. Unfortunately, he heads down the same path as the three friends telling Job what a rebellious sinner he must be for God to punish him so. Before he starts accusing Job without truly knowing the background, he says some things about God that are true as he describes God as merciful. In Job 33:29-30 Elihu points out that God will allow pain and suffering to get a person’s attention and to turn them away from sin and back to Him. This is a true statement, and it speaks to God’s mercy. But it is not the reason for all pain and suffering as Job’s story shows us.  There are times when the brokenness of this world impacts us and we suffer independent of our relationship with the Father. And perhaps an even more paradoxical reason is that in some cases the suffering of a righteous person might be to reach an unrighteous neighbor, friend, or family member.

The martyred missionary, Jim Elliot comes to mind. Jim felt called to reach a cannibalistic tribe in the upper Amazon region of Ecuador. After months of preparation and repeated attempts to find ways to communicate with the tribe, the missionaries found an area on a river in the jungle where they could land their plane. Within a few days they were killed. While this could easily be the end of the story; a thwarted attempt to reach a remote, violent tribe in some distant jungle, it was not. Jim’s widow, Elizabeth, shared his passion. Not long after Jim’s death, Elizabeth was able to reach the Waodani tribe that had killed her husband. She befriended them. She moved in to live with them with her and Jim’s young daughter. And through her the tribe was converted and the Bible translated into their language. Jim’s words written shortly before his death are a powerful reminder that God plays the long game, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Father, help us to keep in mind the long game. Remind us that our words echo through time if they are your words spoken in truth and love. Teach us to number our days with eternity in mind, that we might live lightly in this world and fully with you. In Jesus’ Name we pray.

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Turning the Corner

Posted in Bible Study, God, job, Orphans, Responsibility, Spiritual Growth, Trials, worldview, tagged , , , , , , on January 11, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Job 29-31, Turning the Corner. Our time in Job thus far has been bookended by accounts of Job’s righteousness. In chapter 1 God speaks of Job’s righteousness so we know Job is truly a good and righteous person. In chapter 31 Job goes on to list all the things that he does that are good and right. Job’s righteousness is impressive and puts me in my place by comparison. Which, when I think about it, is possibly a good thing for both Job and me. It is good for Job because it uncovers an area of his life, pride and entitlement, that are NOT character traits that endear us to God. It is good for me because I still have a way to go to even measure up to Job’s righteousness AND I can receive the warning from Job’s pride. It is the slippery slope that comes when our reputation supersedes our relationship with the Father.

But everything is about to change. Job’s three friends have run out of steam. Their accusations and false help have not stuck. And Job’s heart is laid bare with all of his goodness peeled back to reveal an area of need. God loves Job just like He loves us. What seemingly started as a dare between God and Satan has become a tool God uses to reveal to Job his need that he would never have seen without his suffering AND the interactions with his friends. And God will use this to bless not just Job, but his friends too. I am excited to see where God takes us in the coming days.

Father, you love us too much to let us remain stuck. In Isaiah you call out righteousness laid over pride as filthy rags. You desire that we act right towards others, but you desire that to spring forth from our ever-growing relationship with you. So, we bend our knees and lay all our ambitions and motivations before you now. You know them already. We ask that you help us to see ourselves rightly and live surrendered. We offer ourselves to you that you might transform us. We are your children and our desire is to live as faithful men and women of God. Be glorified, our Lord and our God!

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