Both Abraham and Isaac were very emphatic about who their sons married.  Their spiritual instincts correctly impressed them to go to great lengths to arrange circumstances that allowed their sons to find love with a suitable mate.

If you have unmarried children, pray every day that the Holy Spirit assists them in finding the right mate.  Believe me, your future can be awesome or awful based upon your child’s choice.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, we need Your intervention in the lives of our children.  Direct their path to the right relationships.  In Jesus’ name.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 28,29

Through his mother’s assistance, Jacob stole the blessing intended for his firstborn brother, Esau.  He is a picture of us, imperfect persons who live under God’s blessing.

This life is a chance to see God keep chipping away at the things in our life that aren’t like Him.

The Psalmist said, “The Lord will complete what his purpose is for me. Lord, your gracious love is eternal; do not abandon your personal work in me.”  Ps. 138:8

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, You are so merciful to us.  Forgive our sin, and keep us in the way everlasting.

DAILY PRAYER:  Gen. 25-27

Through two significant instances in Isaac’s life, God demonstrated His ability to provide.

First, when Abraham was instructed to offer him as a sacrifice, God provided a ram instead of Isaac.  Then, when Abraham’s servant traveled to the land of Abraham’s family to select a wife for Isaac, God miraculously arranged for Rebekah to answer the servant’s prayer by drawing water for his camels at precisely the right moment.

God’s miraculous ability to provide is available to you.  “Ask and you shall receive,” is what Christ declared to His disciples.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, we are awed by Your great power and ability to provide for us.  We praise You.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 22-24

Lot and his family were specifically instructed to flee Sodom and not look back. God was about to destroy the city for its sin.

The New Testament also uses this expression regarding sin ie. flee fornication, flee idolatry, flee youthful lusts, flee the love of money.

Lot’s wife just had to look back and her life was ended when she did.

When tempted, flee the temptation and focus of Jesus who will pull you through to safety.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 19-21

The voices of the victims of sin in Sodom and Gomorrah were heard clearly in heaven.  God sent a delegation of three to appraise the evil there.  As we know, God destroyed the cities because of their immorality.

The outcry of the sins of our nation make God completely aware of our condition.  As Christians cry out in prayer, God hears.  May our voice be heard and may God send a revival, a turning back to Him.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, hear our prayer and cry for Your intervention.  Heal our land.  Visit our nation.

DAILY READING;  Gen. 15-18

As Abram and Lot stood viewing the new land before them, Abram said to Lot, “Choose the land you want to live in and I’ll go the other direction.”  Lot selfishly chose the best looking territory for his family and livestock.

It turned out to be a bad choice … sinful Sodom and Gomorrah, hostile conquest by enemy kingdoms.

Lot allowed his eyes to prevail over principle.  John instructed us not to be controlled by the love of the world … the lust of the flesh, of the eyes, and the pride of life.  [1 Jn. 2:16]

DAILY PRAYER;  Lord, forgive us for being controlled by what we want.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 11-14

Think of it … male and female animals being drawn by God’s Spirit to the ark built by Noah.  And they did it without GPS.

We are told that adult salmon return like clockwork to the spawning streams where their lives began after swimming around in a big ocean for thousands of miles.  No GPS!

God has a plan for our lives, and He is great enough to direct us by His Spirit.  Listen for His voice.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, I marvel at Your greatness as displayed in nature and in the story of Noah and the ark.  Reveal Your greatness in my life.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 7-10

After Cain had slain Abel, God asked Cain, “Where is your brother?”

Cain’s reply was, “I don’t know.  Is it my job to take care of my brother?”

It IS OUR JOB to take care of our brothers and sisters in God’s family.  God did not intend for us to cope with this life alone.  If you have a Christian friend who is in need, immediately do what you can to show them care.  A visit, a flower, a meal, a phone call of encouragement … these are the care packages we all need.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, forgive us for being so self-centered.  Grace us to reach out in care to someone today.

[One of the Trinity dads had an accident yesterday and is hospitalized.  Please pray for him.)

DAILY READING:  Gen. 4-6

I’ve lived long enough to verify that teaching God’s Word to your children is one of the most beneficial things you can do to insure that their lives will be successful. (Josh. 1:8)  As parents, God instructs us to discuss His words and ways with them “over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning.”  (Deut. 6:7)

Join me for another year of reading through the Bible.  This helps us as parents, teachers and leaders to fill our hearts and minds with God’s principles.  He speaks to us through His Word.

“Blessed is the person who hears Me,watching at My door every day … wanting to be with Me.” (Prov. 8:34)

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, wake us up early each day to hear You.  We are desperate for Your direction in our lives.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 1-3

Peter declares that “God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven” … and that “God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him.  So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.”  [1 Pet. 1:4-6]

God is using His power and resources to see to it that we get to heaven.  We don’t have to tough it out alone.  Our constant faith and trust are a big key.  Also, a fixed focus on our prize makes the tough times of this life seem minor compared to the rewards of living for Christ.

Hold on!

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, thank You for Your grace that fuels our ability to live this life successfully.

DAILY READING:  1 Pet. 1