To Joseph was given the ability to interpret dreams.  His gifting provided his ticket out of jail, and eventually to the prime position in the entire land of Egypt.

To you has been given an ability that sets you apart.  It’s the gifting of God that is going to make a difference in the lives of others for their good.  Even though you may find yourself in the prisons of life, be faithful to Him and wait for your chance.  He holds all the keys.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, You are my hope for the future.  I trust Your master plan for my life.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 39-41

Judah, one of Jacob’s sons, had a daughter-in-law who had been widowed. Tamar was promised another son to marry her to continue the family lineage.  Judah forgot his promise to Tamar.  She got even by disguising herself as a prostitute, making herself available to Judah as he passed by her on the road.  His passions ruled.  She became pregnant.

No doubt, this encounter proved to be a giant smear on Judah’s reputation.

Our out-of-bounds appetites for food, sex, pleasure etc. will all produce grief in this life, when allowed to be in the driver’s seat.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, let Your Holy Spirit rule my passions.  When tempted, I will call upon You.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 36-38

Bethel was where Jacob wrestled with God when running from Esau.  It was his recurring place of prayer and commitment to God.  He knew he could always run to Bethel to renew his spiritual roots and spend time pouring out his heart to God, such as he did when his sons slaughtered the Shechemites.  It was at Belhel God changed his name from Jacob (deceiver) to Israel (Prince with God – King in training.)

We all need a Bethel.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, I run to You. I find my rest and encouragement in You.  You change me in Your presence.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 34,35

When Jacob left home to search for a wife, he had nothing but a walking staff. When he returned, he brought a large family and flocks and herds.  He had become a rich man.

Scripture says his father in law Laban was blessed just because Jacob was there.  That’s the nature of God’s blessing.  Nobody deserves it, but it brings favor and prosperity because of God’s goodness.

You have that same blessing because of God’s presence in your life.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, Your blessing makes me rich, and causes no sorrow.

DAILY READING:  Gen 30-33

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