Even though Laban cheated Jacob and reduced his wages ten times, God continued to bless Jacob and protect him from loss.

We can get all bent out of shape about perceived injustices, but God has the final say on every matter. He sees our plight. He doesn’t always pay on Fridays, but He ALWAYS PAYS.

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” [Pr. 10:22]

PRAYER: Lord, I put my trust in You alone. Forgive me for griping when I suffer injustice.

READ: Gen. 31-33

… (until) I have done what I promised you.” These were the words God spoke to Jacob the night he slept as he was on his journey to find a wife. He called the spot Bethel, the House of God, the Gate of Heaven.

Paul echoed this theme of God’s covenant ability to unfold His plan in our lives when he said, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” [Phil. 1:6]

Our confidence is in God Who made us and sustains us rather than in our own energy and ability.

PRAYER: Lord, we are awed by Your great power in our lives. Your plan will succeed. Ours will fail. We relinquish our lives to You alone.

READ: Gen. 28-30

Jacob was coached by his mother, Rebecca, on how to steal the birthright that belonged to his brother, Esau. She taught him how to deceive.

Parents are a big key to the traits of a child. Attitudes, character, work-ethic, and most other lifelong tendencies are cultivated in the home, be they positive or negative.

It’s critical that parents foster good habits and qualities. Active, engaged and dedicated parents produce quality children. It’s worth it!

PRAYER: Father, grace us with the wisdom of heaven to raise Godly offspring. Not deceivers.

READ: Gen. 25-27

Abraham’s chief servant told Laban, Rebecca’s brother, that Abraham had walked faithfully before the Lord. Hence, he was a wealthy man showing the Lord’s blessing upon all the he had. They were no doubt impressed.

Such faithfulness is a model for us. The faith we receive from the Lord assists us in living lives that are faith-FULL.

He reveals His goodness to us as we walk with Him. The devil does not make us faithful. Serving ourselves and our lusts does not make us faithful. Only serving God.

PRAYER: Father of faithfulness, You have been faithful to us. Grace us to be faithful to You, Your Kingdom, and all that touch our lives.

READ: Gen. 23.24

Hagar was driven into the wilderness at Sarah’s demand because of the tension between the two mothers. Despondent, Hagar cried out to God. He mercifully visited her with comfort and a promise that He would bless her son and make of him a great nation.

A mother’s love and prayers move heaven when children are in trouble. She touches the heart of God.

PRAYER: Father, You have given great compassion to mothers concerning their children. Stir their hearts to cry out to You that righteousness might be established in the lives of their children.

READ: Gen. 20-22

The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were so grievous that heaven was penetrated with an alarming sound that got God’s attention. He and His angels came down to condemn the cities when they visited Abraham.

During this visit, Abraham and Sarah were informed that they would have a miracle son. Through Abraham’s bloodline, a Savior would be born who would take away the sin of the world.

Heaven would much rather hear the sound of us praising Jesus than the outcry of sin.

PRAYER: Father, hear our praises. Forgive our sin and cleanse us that we may offer a pleasing sound to You.

READ: Gen. 18,19

God instructed Abraham to circumcise every male including himself as a sign of the covenant they had together. It was an outward sign.

Paul spoke of the circumcision of the heart, an inward work. Both the natural and spiritual procedure is used to signify God’s agreement with His people. Women, likewise, can be circumcised in their heart.

All Christians, regardless of gender, should submit to God’s spiritual process of covenant commitment.

PRAYER: Lord, our lives belong to You alone. Touch and change our hearts to conform to Your standards.

READ: Gen. 15-17

The offspring of the early patriarchs seem to be their chief accomplishment. With no deeds mentioned, we see the importance of children and family influence.

Although we know of no natural offspring of the Apostle Paul, he surely had significant spiritual reproduction. He referred to Timothy as his son in the faith. He spoke of the members of New Testament churches as being his joy and crown.

Hence, both natural and spiritual reproduction are significant. Christianity is a family affair.

PRAYER: Lord, I want to be fruitful in Your Kingdom. 

READ: Gen. 11-14

God promised Noah that He would not flood the earth with water again. He commissioned Noah to fill the earth with people.

Two prophets declared that God would cover the earth with the knowledge of His glory, as the waters cover the sea.

As we fill our lives with His presence, we help fulfill this prophecy.

PRAYER: Lord, fill me with the knowledge of Your glory.

READ: Gen. 7-10

God gave the plans to Noah to build the ark, a large flotation device that would preserve him and his family from the floodwaters that were to come. God knew he would need it.

The storm hitting Texas was no surprise to God. As is His nature, we can trust that He provided ways to escape to save His people.

Paul declares, “But God is faithful Who will not permit you to be tempted beyond your abilities, but will make a way out so you can endure.” [1 Cor. 10:13]

He makes a way out.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, we trust You for the way out, the boat in the storm, the strength to endure, so that we can be a sign to this generation that You are faithful.

READ: Gen. 4-6