E100-26

 

Israel's Disobedience

Judges 2:6—3:6

Kevin's Commentary (link to commentary)

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord God, I want to know what You say is right and wise, and then to live that way. Teach me more today.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What do you think causes people to ignore God’s ways, suffer as a result, see him help them, and then turn away from him again? Have you experienced that pattern?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• How would you explain the Israelite’s pattern of falling away from God, getting in trouble, crying out for help, being delivered and falling away again?
• Do you experience ups and downs in your relationships with God? With others? Why is that so?
• Do you think God might use other nations to “test” our country as he did with Israel? If so, explain and give an example if you can.
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. What are two things you can do this day and this week to help you keep your relationship with God steady and moving forward? Begin implementing them now.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I pray for myself and my nation that we will keep following Your ways faithfully each day.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

#Hashtag

#Judges

#Sin

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-25

 

The Fall of Jericho

Joshua 5:13—6:27

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Powerful God, I trust Your power and I want to learn to trust it more and more each day.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Have you ever felt God asking you to do something seemingly impossible? What happened? How did that experience affect your faith today?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What do you think the Israelites were thinking as they marched around Jericho? Have you or someone you know ever taken a step of faith that seemed odd or impossible? If so what did you learn?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Write this down and put it where you can see it each day: “Be strong and courageous…do not be discouraged, for the Lord Your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Ask God for assurance of his presence and care for you no matter what challenges you may face.

Before the Next Time: This week, read again the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and read Joshua 1:8. How can you make God’s Word and God’s law more completely a part of your everyday life?

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

#Hashtag

#Joshua

#Victory

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-24

 

Crossing The Jordan

Joshua 3-4

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Show me more today, O Lord, about how to live in a way that pleases and honors You the most.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Joshua’s men gathered stones to be a sign to future generations. What “stones” will you leave behind to testify to God’s work in and through your life?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Some people see the Israelites crossing the Jordan as an image of death. What do you think about it?
• What is your Promised Land? Do you think you’ll ever reach it? Why or why not?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Write a purpose or mission statement for your life. Include goals or “stones” that you want to leave as your spiritual legacy for your children and grandchildren.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I want my life to make a difference. Show me what I can do now to leave a lasting legacy behind.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-23

 

Joshua Succeeds Moses

Joshua 1 

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, I know You are always with me and I thank You that I can have the courage to face whatever comes my way.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What examples or sources of guidance do you have to rely on when you face difficult or threatening situations? How have others and God’s Word helped you in the past?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Moses was Joshua’s mentor. What would you say makes a person a good mentor? Have you ever been one?
• From what you know about Moses, why was he a good spiritual mentor for the young Joshua?
• Is there someone you view as a spiritual mentor for you—either a living person or someone from history? How does their example help you today?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

#Hashtag
#Mentor
#Courage

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-22

 

The Golden Calf

Exodus 32–34

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. God, You and You alone are the true and living God, worthy of all worship, honor and praise.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What are some of the “things” that people you know make into “idols”? Why do you think they do that? What “idols” or false gods are most tempting to you?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What do you think motivated the Israelites to worship the Golden Calf instead of God? What motivates people to worship “things” rather than God today?
• What things pull you away from God? What makes you feel closer to God?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do.  As you go through the day, be alert to and name the “idols” that people are worshiping. Be especially alert for those that tempt you.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord and God, keep my heart and mind focused on You so that I never fall prey to the lure of false gods.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

##Hashtags
#Idolatry
#Moses
#Tablets
#Omnipresence

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-21

 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Exodus 19:1-20:21

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, thank You for giving us the wisdom for fruitful living that is contained in Your laws.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Some people consider the Ten Commandments outdated today. What use can they have in a modern, diverse society such as ours? Which ones are most needed today?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• There's a lot of controversy today surrounding the Ten Commandments. What place do you think they should have in our pluralistic society?
• Which of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) is most challenging to you? Why?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. While in many cases intensified in the New Testament, reread the Ten Commandments each day this week and decide how well you are able to live by each one. Pray for help to observe them as Jesus repeated them called us to live their intended application.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Pray that God's wise laws for living will gain greater acceptance throughout our country, churches, families, and personal lives.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Picture

Video

#Covenant
#Word
#Law

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-20

 

Crossing The Red Sea

Exodus 13:17—14:31

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. My God, I trust my day to You today. You are the one who I know I can count on no matter what happens.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Have you ever had a time when, like the Israelites, you had to rely totally on God? What did you learn? How did that time affect your relationship with God?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• The Exodus and crossing the Red Sea were defining moments for the Israelites. What have been the defining moments in your life? How did they affect you?
• Have you had any defining moments with God? If so, what happened? 
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. What are the situations in your life where your only hope is for God to act on your behalf? Write a helpful Bible verse on paper and carry it with you to remind you of God’s care.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Ask God to equip you with courage to trust him in tough times and simply follow as he leads.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

 

Video

#Deliverance #Salvation

#Hardhearted

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-19

 

Passover And Exodus

Exodus 12:1-42

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, my life is a journey with You and I’m thankful to be on it. Guide me in that journey today, I pray.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. The Passover and Exodus are central biblical events. Why do you think they are still memorable today? What meaning do they have in your daily life, and for others you know?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What does the account of the Passover and Exodus show you about God?
• Why do you suppose the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt has inspired people throughout the ages? What do these events say to you?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. The next time you receive Communion, recall that Jesus’ “last supper” was a Passover meal. Then reflect on how his death accomplished a great deliverance for you.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I’m grateful that Jesus has made it possible for me to be freed from slavery to sin.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

#Passover

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-18

 

The Ten Plagues

Exodus 6:28—11:10

Kevin's Commentary (link to commentary)

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. God, You are a holy God who is right and good in all You do. I give You my worship and all honor.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. God judged Egypt harshly with the plagues. Do you think God still judges nations today? If so, what are some reasons for that judgment and some examples of it?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• God was clearly involved in the affairs of Egypt at that time. How involved do you think God is in the world today? Explain your answer and give examples.
• Some people think that natural disasters, like the plagues on Egypt, are expressions of God’s judgment. What do you think?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Whenever you read or hear the news today, pray and ask God to lead your nation in ways that will avoid his judgment. Pray also for your nation’s leaders.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, You are an upright and fair judge. May our people live so that You won’t judge us as You did Egypt.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

#Plagues

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-17

 

The Burning Bush

Exodus 3:1—4:17

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, I want to see You more clearly, love You more dearly and follow You more nearly today and each day.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What are the most significant ways you “meet” with God? What means does God use most often to get your attention? How can one best prepare to meet with God?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Moses encountered God at the burning bush. What are some ways that people encounter God today? How do you encounter him?
• Have you ever had a kind of “burning bush” experience? If so, explain.
• Moses was afraid to look at God. How would you describe your relationship with God? Is fear involved? Why or why not?
• Have you, like Moses, ever felt inadequate and unprepared for something God wanted you to do? If so, explain the situation. Did God help you in any way?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Allow some additional time today, or this week, to meet with God alone. Plan any special ways you will prepare yourself for this meeting.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, tune my heart and mind to the frequency of Your Spirit so that we can meet and have real fellowship.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-16

 

Next 5 lessons will focus on Moses and the Exodus

In these readings, we meet Moses, one of the greatest and most significant Old Testament figures. Moses grew up as a privileged member of Pharaoh’s royal family, but had to flee Egypt when he murdered an Egyptian who had been abusing one of the Israelites. Years later, the Lord appeared to him in a burning bush and called him to go to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to “let my people go” free from their slavery. In these passages from the book of Exodus, we’ll see how God called Moses and how God was intimately controlling the “defining moments” (for example, the plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea) by which he delivered his people and brought about their exodus. 

Purpose: To learn from the way Moses encounters God and how God’s actions in the special times of our lives shape and define us.

Birth of Moses

Exodus 1:1-2:25

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. When you pray, ask God to meet you in his Word and to speak to you as you read it now.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. God protected Moses at his birth and as he grew. How has God been active in caring for you through your life? Why do you suppose God has done this?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Moses faced both challenges and opportunities growing up in Pharaoh’s household. How have the difficulties and opportunities in your past prepared you for your life today?
• Do you have a mission in life? If so, how would you describe it?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Begin a journal to record the ways that God is providing, caring and preparing you for the work to which he has called or is calling you.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I’m grateful for the many ways You have protected and prepared me for life. Help me live it faithfully.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

 

Video

#Purpose

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-15

 

Joseph Reveals His Identity

Genesis 45:1-46:7 (Joseph Deals Kindly with His Brothers)

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. God, I want to know You and know more about You. Draw me closer to You today, I pray.
• Read = Genesis 45:1-46:7 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Can you look back on troubles and disappointments of the past and see how God has used them for good in some way? What difference will that make in the future?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Are there issues from your past that still shape who you are and what you do today? Is their effect positive or negative? Explain.
• What lessons have you learned from the life of Joseph?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Be prepared to deal with any challenge, frustration or problem today by first repeating to yourself: “God can use this for good—for me or for someone else.”
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

 

Video

#Reconciliation

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-14

 

The Brothers Return

Genesis 43–44

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover.  Lord, my life is a journey with You and I’m thankful to be on it. Guide me in that journey today, I pray.
• Read = Genesis 43–44 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Joseph’s brothers had begun to change. What helps family members grow and change beyond past mistakes and sins? Have you been able to do so? What helped you?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Joseph had a plan to see if his brothers, who’d hurt him so badly in the past, had changed. How have you found healing from the unresolved hurts from the past?
• How could you help others who are struggling with past hurts? What can you share from your own experience?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Make a note of 2–3 ways you have grown and matured in your family relationships. Next, list 2–3 ways you want to continue to grow and mature.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. My God, You know where I need Your help to grow and mature. I want to love and support my family even more.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

 

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-13

 

Ten Brothers Go to Egypt

Genesis 42

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord God, I thank You that you know me inside out and all that I think and feel—and still love me so much.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Joseph was harsh and distant in dealing with his brothers. Is that kind of behavior ever justified within families? Can that behavior ever be loving and constructive?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• When his brothers came to him in Egypt, Joseph pretended not to know or care about them. Why do you think people sometimes hide their true feelings?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you felt it necessary to hide your true feelings? If so, tell why and what happened.
• In what kind of situations do you feel most comfortable sharing the “real you”? Why is that?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Make the effort today to tell someone close to you, perhaps in your family, how much they mean to you. Make a loving gesture to demonstrate your feelings.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. 

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

 

Video

#Family

#Siblings

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-12

 

Prison and Promotion

Genesis 39:1-41:57

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Ask God to share wisdom from his Word with you as you read this next passage about Joseph.
• Read = Genesis 39-41 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. How can a person deal with situations where they may be severely tempted or mistreated (as Joseph was)? How can one continue to trust God in such situations? Have you?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Have you, like Joseph, ever been unfairly put in a tough situation? If so, tell when and what happened?
• Have you ever learned an important lesson from being put in an unfair or tough situation? Explain.
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Make a plan to deal with the next time you are treated unfairly by someone. Decide how you will react, especially if you may be facing such a situation soon.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord God, I want to have the strength and maturity of Joseph the next time I’m tempted or mistreated.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Video

#Maturity

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-11

 

Sold Into Slavery

Genesis 37

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. God, I’m thankful today for all those whom I love and who love me. I pray Your blessing on them.
• Read = Genesis 37 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What are some of the problems you see in Joseph’s family? How could they have been avoided? How have you dealt with any problems or conflicts in your family?
•     God is ... What do we learn about God?
•     We are ... What do we learn about people?
•     Like most families, Joseph’s family experienced conflict and tension. What causes tension and conflict in your family or families you know?
•     From your experience, what is the best way to resolve family conflict?
• Thought of the Day: Being considerate of others and not showing favoritism can be challenging for a family, so what can you learn? --Think about it!
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Take time during the day to record your major dreams for you and your family. Then, share some with your family and pray together that God will bless them.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, may my dreams be ones that please You and create only harmony and blessing in my family.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Picture

https://youtu.be/5yFfn1zns4s

#Favoritism
#Jealousy
#Forgiveness

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-10

 

Jacob and Esau Reconcile

Genesis 32-33

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Teach me from this passage, Lord, and give me a teachable spirit whenever I read the Bible.
• Read = Genesis 32-33 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What was the key to the reconciliation of these two brothers? What do you think is the most vital element in healing strained family relationships? Why?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Jacob and Esau were severely estranged. Have you ever had a strained or broken relationship with a close friend or family member? If so, how did you deal with it?
• From your experience, how can broken family relationships be healed? How could Jacob and Esau’s relationship have been healed quicker?
• Thought of the Day: Reconciliation is something God can bring about if one is willing? --Think about it!
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. If you have any strained relationships in your family, prayerfully approach the person(s) involved to attempt a reconciliation as soon as possible.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I want to be reconciled and a reconciler within my family and all my relationships.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

 

#Reconciliation

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-09

 

Jacob and Esau Compete

Genesis 27–28

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Thank God for your family and close friends. Ask God to help you keep those relationships strong and healthy.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. How has your family made you the person you are today? What have you learned about making and maintaining good family relationships? What must healthy families avoid?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• In what ways has your family of origin shaped you, for good or bad?
• Jacob and Esau didn’t have a healthy family of origin. In your opinion, what are the
• characteristics of a healthy family?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Ask yourself, “What can I do to strengthen my family relationships?”. Do at least one such thing today and plan to do at least one more in the next few days.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Ask God to bless your family with a growing closeness and harmony. Ask him to let you be a part of that.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

#Blessing

give you my blessing. This blessing is one that transfers the leadership of the clan to the next generation. If the inheritance remained undivided for some time (which was common), the privileged son (usually the firstborn) was designated the administrator of the estate. The administrator had significant control of the estate. His roles included presiding at sacrificial meals celebrated by the family, supervising burials and funerary rites, and serving as guardian-redeemer. Jacob (and Rebekah on his behalf) would desire this because it was also in the administrator’s hands to approve the timing for the division of the inheritance. If Esau were the administrator, he could presumably delay the division indefinitely and thus deprive Jacob of the advantage of the double share of the inheritance. The blessing also served as a proclamation of the destiny of the sons. It was not accorded the same status as a prophecy from God (note Isaac’s use of the first person in v. 37: “I have made him”), but it still was an exercise of authority believed to be binding through the very speaking of the words. This is why Isaac could not take it back even though it became clear that he had been tricked. It was clearly a celebratory occasion since Isaac asks for the preparation of a special meal, but as such it is odd that the whole household was not asked to be present, both as co-celebrants and as witnesses to the legal transaction. It is not hard to imagine, however, that when political issues of favoritism are involved, there is an inclination to be secretive.

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-08

 

Isaac's Birth and "Sacrifice"

Genesis 21:1—22:19

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, sometimes Your word is hard to understand but please help me because I really want to.
• Read = Genesis 21:1—22:19 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Sacrificing Isaac was a big test for Abraham. Has God ever tested you? What was the result? Why do you think God tests people? What does it accomplish?
•     God is ... What do we learn about God?
•     We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Think of one challenge you face today that provides an opportunity to exercise your faith. Then, decide that challenge will be a “spiritual opportunity” for you.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Good Lord, I pray that You’ll help my faith to grow a little bit stronger each day.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

#Sacrifice

#Faith
#Testing

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-07

 

God's Covenant With Abram

Genesis 15

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Thank God for his many promises to you and that you can count on him to keep them all.
• Read = Genesis 15:1-21 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Because Abram was childless, it seemed impossible for God to keep his promise. What obstacles seem to prevent God from keeping his promises to you?
•     God is ... What do we learn about God?
•     We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Today, write down God’s most special promises to you and then read that list a few times throughout the day. Remind yourself that God keeps his promises.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I know that whatever circumstances may say, You can be relied on. Help me to always trust that.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

#Promises

#Covenant

Abram a man of faith

Abram was far from perfect. There were times when he trusted the Egyptians before he trusted God. He even lied, telling Pharaoh that his wife was his sister. But Abram made one decision that changed his eternal life: He “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3).

Here is a man justified by faith before his circumcision (see Romans 4:10), before the law (see Romans 4:13), before Moses and the Ten Commandments. Here is a man justified by faith before the cross! The sin-covering blood of Calvary extends as far into the past as it does into the future.

Abram is not the only Old Testament hero to cast himself upon God’s grace. We must not see grace as a provision made after the law had failed. Grace was offered before the law was revealed. Indeed, grace was offered before man was created! “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake” (1 Peter 1:18–20).

E100-06

 

The Call of Abram

Genesis 12:1-20

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Thank You, God, that You have called me to know You and have a close relationship with You.
• Read = Genesis 12:1-20 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Have you ever felt “called” by God to do something or go somewhere? When and how? What ways do you think God may use to call people today?
•     God is ... What do we learn about God?
•     We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. If you’re not sure of your “calling” from God, ask a trusted friend, minister, or shepherd for guidance. Review and evaluate the ways that you are pursuing that “calling.”
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Ask God to confirm in your heart his calling to you and to help you carry it out faithfully each day.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

#Calling