You Can't Take It With You...

I love verse 1:21 in Job:

"I came naked from my mother's womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!"

Oh that we could all have this response when something we love, or something we think we just can't live without, is taken away. In these crazy economic times, I pray that we are all praising God for opening up our eyes rather than just striking us dead! For showing us grace and mercy in spite of our materialistic ways. For forgiving us when we put our 'things' before Him and before our brothers and sisters.

My prayer is that these times will teach us to do without, to make do with less, to live lives focused more on giving than wanting. To remember how blessed we are - yes, by the tangible things but more importantly by our friends and family and the unbelievable love of Christ.

They became slaves..

So I find it interesting in Genesis 47:20-25 when all the Egyptians sold Pharaoh their land and they all became slaves; and they were happy about it!

I also think it's neat to see the very beginnings of what will later result in the Exodus. It's as if we want to say - "No, don't go!" But it's just a reminder of how 'all things work for the glory of God'. It's amazing really. I'm looking forward to Exodus....just gotta get through Job!

I hope this makes sense somewhat! I also hope you're all enjoying this journey!

Again

I may be stuck on this "she's my sister" thing, but how interesting is it that now Isaac is claiming that Rebekah is his sister? Like father like son. It makes me think of generational sins being passed down, and how they may have struggled with fully trusting God to protect them.

Thoughts on the Last few readings...

1. I was wondering if anyone knew what the true difference was when Esau gave up his BIRTHRIGHT to Jacob for some food vs. Isaac giving the BLESSING to Jacob dressed as a hairy man? In my mind I feel like the birthright and blessing are the same thing and my study bible doesn't really make it seem like they are all that different.

2. I thought it was kind of sad that God didn't let Rachel have babies for a time, just because he knew Leah wasn't as loved by Jacob...

Sarah

A little confused about Abraham and Abimilech where God says "he closed up every womb in his house because of Sarah". I know Abraham pretended like Sarah was his sister, but did other men really indeed sleep with her? My footnote in 20:9 speaks of "the guilt you've brought upon me", meaning the adultery. Just curious about this.

Lot's Daughters

So, I don't know how I've have missed this part before, but sleeping with your father to keep your family line going is UNBELIEVABLE!!! (not to mention gross) So I checked my NIV life application bible and the foot note says this:  

"We are most likely to sin when we are desperate for what we feel we must have."

Obviously all of us would realize that incest is not the answer for this desperation to have a family.....however, it did make me think- what other ways, smaller ways perhaps, do we sin when we are desperate for things we THINK we must have? 

I still can't believe I missed this part some how......later girls!

Amy

"please tell them you are my sister"

Hi Ladies

 I'm catching up cause I was out of town this weekend, so here it goes...

I was reading today's scripture from Genesis 12 where there was a famine in the land and Abraham was forced to go to Egypt with his wife Sarah (I know their names aren't changed yet, but I can't get used to Abram/Sarai). Abraham gets this good idea that he should pretend Sarah is his sister so they won't try to kill him and steal his beautiful bride.  I've read this many times, but I'm realizing how little faith Abraham had at this moment in time.  He forgets to think that God can take care of him and this situation and they don't need to lie or pretend anything.  Simply put Abraham is scared and takes matters into his own hands.  I'm reminded in Hebrews in the "faith"chapter (12 I think) where Abraham is known for his faith. I guess it's encouraging that we can screw up and God can still use us. :)

  One other thing on this, I'm reading a book called "When People are Big and God is Small", which is about fearing people instead of God.  Meaning we seek people's approval in life more than we seek God's.  The author specifically spoke of this passage in Genesis stating that Abraham was more concerned about what people thought of him being married to Sarah, rather than being his sister.  It seems to be two different ideas. One was safety, one was embarrassment.  Thoughts?