One year on a boat with hundreds of animals, cramped space, pungent odors, stale air, and no idea how long until the water subsided made for a marathon experience. Noah sent out birds to try and find dry land to no avail until exactly one year after the rains began. Noah could have lost his … Continue reading The First Covenant of Promise (Genesis 8:1-9:17)
Lessons of the Flood (Genesis 6:13-7:24)
The Great Flood story is one of the most recognizable of all Old Testament stories. Sunday School children everywhere can identify Noah and talk about the animals coming into the ark two by two. But what does the story of the flood teach us for living today? The earth is continually evil and judgement hangs … Continue reading Lessons of the Flood (Genesis 6:13-7:24)
Noah, Man of God (Genesis 6:9-12)
Noah. Of all the men in the world of his day, he stood out. Noah was just. This signifies the righteousness of his life. A just man lived a life of holiness before God. God goes on to describe him as a man who was "perfect in his generations." Perfect here does not mean Noah … Continue reading Noah, Man of God (Genesis 6:9-12)
Long Lives, Sons of God, and God’s Grace to Noah (Genesis 5:1-6:8)
Adam's genealogy includes records of the longest lives in human history, many of which were over 900 years. It includes perhaps the longest life in Methuselah, who lived a whopping 969 years! Then Noah was born, and was given a designation as one who would "comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our … Continue reading Long Lives, Sons of God, and God’s Grace to Noah (Genesis 5:1-6:8)
New Beginnings (Genesis 4:16-26)
Sin has entered the world through Adam and Eve's sin. Curses have been meted out. Adam and Eve have been banished from Eden. The world's first murder is in the books, and Cain has been judged, banished, and marked. Everything is different, and not for the better. Cain, though, began a new life in the … Continue reading New Beginnings (Genesis 4:16-26)
Mismatches, Murder, and Marking (Genesis 4:1-15)
Adam and Eve began the first family after the fall from the Garden of Eden. They had two sons that pursued two very different vocations: one a farmer, the other a shepherd. There is much speculation as to why one offering was accepted above the other. The primary thought offered by scholars was that Abel's … Continue reading Mismatches, Murder, and Marking (Genesis 4:1-15)
Provision, Problems, and Prophecy (Genesis 2:8 – 3:24)
Genesis 3:15 (NKJV) 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” In the cradle of civilization, where the Tigris and Euphrates, and the Pishon and Gihon meet, God created man and provided him a … Continue reading Provision, Problems, and Prophecy (Genesis 2:8 – 3:24)
Creation (Genesis 1:1 – 2:7)
Every day this year, and possibly for years to come, I hope to take a brief passage of Scripture and expound upon it to encourage and inform my readers. I encourage my church family to read along this year, beginning with Genesis 1:1 – 2:7. I will post the passage and my reflections each day. … Continue reading Creation (Genesis 1:1 – 2:7)
Devoted To You 