It seems that “buttering up” a potential enemy is an ancient practice. Jacob, who stole his brother Esau’s birthright and blessing, was about to encounter his brother after a long absence. When he fled, Esau was planning to murder him! So it must have been with tremendous trepidation that Jacob obeyed God and returned to the land of Caanan. I think the fight between God and Jacob may have been Jacob dreading his reception. He may have had a crisis of faith and felt like he was leading his family to the slaughter. Even after the meeting was cordial and … Continue reading Genesis 32-34

Deceit and trickery. That is what comes to mind in the reading of these chapters. I don’t understand what a spotted branch has to do with spotted offspring, but I do think God was using genetics to cause the strong spotted animals to be born as part of Jacob’s flock. I am also confused about why Laban had household idols and why Rachel stole them and lied about them…right after a speech about how God was with Jacob. Inquiring minds want to know!! More on this later… Continue reading Genesis 30-31

Short posts next few days via my phone. A question…why did Isaac not realize that he was eating domesticated goat meat when “wild food” was his favorite dish? Was he so old he couldn’t smell or taste well? And…my heart aches for Leah every time I read about the horrible trick her dad made her participate in. She loved Jacob so much! But I guess he must have felt at least something for Leah because she had many children by him! No insights tonight. Just exhaustion after a long car ride and thankfulness for safe travels. Continue reading Genesis 27-29:Leah

There is so much meat in today’s reading.  I wish I had more time to write, but this is one of those days where my words must be few. God Answers Prayer. Chapter 24 of Genesis tells the beautiful story of how Abraham provided a wife for his beloved son, Isaac.  (Earlier in the reading Abraham obeyed God and took Isaac — the one from whom all Abraham’s descendants were supposed to flow — out to sacrifice him on a mountain!  Could YOU be that obedient with your child?  I think Abraham obeyed because in the back of his mind … Continue reading Genesis 22-24:Prayers, Specifically