Faith Walk

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 9:1-17 Genesis 29-30

What Goes Around Comes Around

Genesis 29-30, Matthew 9:1-17
Key Verse: Genesis 29:25

Two men got what they wanted, but both got it the wrong way. Jacob wanted his father's blessing. In yesterday's reading we saw how he deceived Isaac to get the blessing. Laban wanted his older daughter wed. By deception he got what he wanted too.

Jacob wanted to marry Rachel. He served Laban for seven years to get her. It is touching to read that those years "seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her" (29:20).

Then Laban substituted Leah. What was a touching scene becomes a torturous one. It is hard to imagine the emotions of Jacob when he realized that he had been deceived.

These verses do not teach that if we deceive we will be deceived. But they do show us the pain of sin and the problems sin causes. Ultimately Jacob married Rachel. He worked another seven years for her, and his home became one of division and unhappiness.

When a person is intent on getting what he wants in whatever way possible, he faces a future filled with the problems sin brings. Jacob got what he wanted-and what he did not want.

Think about the family situation of Jacob and his wives. It involved an unloved wife and competition for a husband's affections. Later there is even strife among the children. Getting what we want instead of waiting for what God gives can be very unpleasant.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 9:18-38 Genesis 31-32

A Turn for the Better

Genesis 31-32, Matthew 9:18-38
Key Verse: Genesis 32:9-10

A veteran missionary once wrote that he would rather be like Jacob than Solomon. In his assessment, Solomon started so promisingly but ended disastrously, while Jacob started disastrously but ended well. In these chapters Jacob's turn begins to be evident.

A dozen sons were born in a setting of dysfunctionality. Wives were competing and using their servants to aid their cause. It may seem surprising that God would continue to work with such a clan of schemers, but He did -- not to condone their actions but to accomplish His ultimate purpose.

In some respects things were going well. Jacob's flocks were increasing, and his ability at husbandry brought about great prosperity. But with that came jealousy and discord between him and Laban.

God intervened and put Jacob on the road again. He told him to go back home. Home for Jacob was not just where the hearth was but where Esau waited. This time he did not flee but obeyed. Even when pursued by Laban, he did the right thing. Jacob was willing to face up to what he had done.

No matter how disastrously we may have begun, the example of Jacob encourages us to finish well.

No matter what your past or present, you can aim to finish well. Strengthen your resolve and determine to be more like Jacob than Solomon. Finish well.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 10:1-20 Genesis 33-35

Meeting the Past in the Future

Genesis 33-35, Matthew 10:1-20
Key Verse: Genesis 35:3

There are times when we see the past in the future. We may sing, "The sun'll come out tomorrow," but tomorrow may have clouds of our own making.

God wrestled with Jacob to make him the man He wanted him to be. He left Peniel a changed man, whose limp reminded him with every step of when he "saw God face to face, and yet [his] life was spared" (32:30).

But some effects of past actions are not removed by a decision. Both the reunion with Esau and the rape of Dinah are strong evidence of that. Jacob's deception of his father and the stealing of the birthright destroyed his relationship with his brother. In chapter 33 he faced the ongoing effects of past actions.

When his daughter was raped, his sons followed the family pattern of deception to get their revenge on the people of Shechem. Jacob's weak leadership in the situation allowed them to carry out their wicked plan to restore the family honor. He had a fresh start at Peniel, but the effects of past actions remained.

A right decision does not remove all the remains of our past. We must still determine daily to do what is right.

It's easy to be a person of habit. Patterns get ingrained in our lives and those of our family, but we are not condemned to always live that way. By God's grace we can change.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 10:21-42 Genesis 36-38

Obviously More Righteous

Genesis 36-38, Matthew 10:21-42
Key Verse: Genesis 38:26a

The character of Judah was such that he could say about his daughter-in-law, "She is more righteous than I." How painful it must have felt to acknowledge that fact, especially considering Judah said that when he realized she was the "prostitute" he was trying to pay!

Consider his character as recorded in these chapters. First, it was his idea to sell Joseph. He proposed the "profitable alternative to fratricide," as John MacArthur puts it.

Second, it was his shameful neglect that prompted Tamar to disguise herself as a prostitute. Two of Judah's sons had died while married to Tamar. He postponed the marriage to the third, a marriage expected under the practice of Leverite marriage.

Third, while going to where they were shearing sheep, he slept with what he thought was a prostitute. Later he learned that it was his daughter-in-law.

Besides a lack of integrity, he was a hypocrite, as seen in Genesis 38:24-26. He said that Tamar should be burned to death for her prostitution-until she confronted him with proof that he was the man who had slept with her.

Sin and hypocrisy bring shame. Better to live a righteous life of integrity like Joseph than one of sin and hypocrisy like Judah.

Check your integrity today. Ask God to help you have a pure heart before Him, one that shows in clean hands before others.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Genesis 39-40 Matthew 11

Integrity Incarcerated

Genesis 39-40, Matthew 11
Key Verse: Genesis 39:23

After a sequence of individuals with character flaws, the narrative now turns to a man about whom nothing negative is recorded. Joseph truly lived a life of righteousness and integrity. He did it with his mind focused on God and not his circumstances.

It is recorded that "the Lord was with Joseph and he prospered" (39:2). Potiphar promoted him to the highest position of responsibility in his house. It was there that Potiphar's wife propositioned him, repeatedly. Opportunity for immorality presented itself to Joseph day after day.

But Joseph's focus on God kept him from sin. His refusal included these words: "How . . . could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (v. 9). He was not asking how he could sin and get away with it. He was not wondering how it would affect Potiphar or his place in the house if found out. Instead, his concern was that his sin would offend God.

In one sense, Joseph's refusal cost him. He was falsely accused and imprisoned. In another sense, though, his refusal brought God's continual blessing.

Our desire always must be to please God. That involves living a life of righteousness and integrity.

"God, help me to always do what is right, whatever the consequences may be. May I desire Your blessing over anything else, even if I am misunderstood or falsely accused."

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Genesis 41-42 Matthew 12:1-23

Getting Past the Past

Genesis 41-42, Matthew 12:1-23
Key Verses: Genesis 41:51-52

"Deal with it!" is a phrase often heard today. Sometimes it is accompanied with the encouragement to "get over it." These phrases can be like a form of shock counseling. Hit over the head with a blunt piece of advice, a person realizes, hopefully, that it is time to "move on."

When Manasseh was born to Joseph and his wife, Joseph chose a name that meant "forget" because God had made Joseph to forget all his trouble (41:51). His brother's name, Ephraim, meant "twice fruitful" to remind Joseph that God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering (v. 52).

Joseph definitely grew up in a dysfunctional family. There was enough wrong done to him to last several generations. He was sold into slavery, falsely accused of attempted seduction, imprisoned and even forgotten by those he helped-more than enough to warrant a lifetime crippled by the past.

Yet the past did not dominate and control Joseph. Instead, he kept his focus on God. By God's grace and with God's help, he put the past behind him and rejoiced in the blessings of the present.

By God’s grace and with His help, so can you.

Perhaps there is pain in your past. Leave it there. Don't let the past control your present. By God's grace you can be the person He wants you to be, not one in bondage to previous experiences.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 12:24-50 Genesis 43-45

Oh, Brother!

Genesis 43-45, Matthew 12:24-50
Key Verse: Genesis 45:5

Joseph's life had its shares of downs. His brothers were jealous of him, almost killed him, sold him into slavery and lied to his father about what happened to him. As a result, Joseph lived as a slave, was falsely accused and then imprisoned. He could have become filled with resentment, feeding on thoughts of malicious intent and looking for an opportunity to get back at his brothers.

Opportunity came knocking-not just once but twice! His brothers literally came knocking, needing food. Joseph put them to the test and then finally revealed himself to them. Their reaction of fear was natural. It was Joseph who acted in a supernatural way. He did not use the opportunity to extract his revenge.

His heart had not fed on thoughts of getting even but on the sovereignty of God. His conclusion was that God had sent him to Egypt in order to preserve his family. Joseph knew that to get past the past he had to trust God.

We, too, must rest in the sovereignty of God. We may not understand all that is happening, but we must determine to rest in the truth that He is God.

Is there someone you would like to get back at? When hurt, we are tempted to hurt back-and harder. Instead of bringing that other person to mind, think of Joseph. A heart of revenge hurts first itself, and then others.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Genesis 46-48 Matthew 13:1-30

Sounds Good to Me!

Genesis 46-48, Matthew 13:1-30
Key Verses: Genesis 48:15-16

God providentially paved the way for Joseph's family to sojourn in Egypt. At a time of famine, Jacob's extended family was welcomed there, where food and land was made available to him.

As they prepared to meet the Pharaoh, Joseph gave his family a bit of advice. He knew that Egyptians did not like shepherds, so he scripted an answer for them to use when asked about their occupation. He told them to say, "Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on" (46:34).

Imagine his chagrin when his brothers said to Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, just as our fathers were" (47:3). What were they thinking?

Perhaps they were thinking that the Egyptians might not like shepherds, but that was exactly what they were. Instead of it being an embarrassment, it was to them an encouragement.

When he blessed Joseph, Jacob spoke of "the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day" (48:15). The shepherd God is an encouragement to those who are a part of His flock. David would later write, "The Lord is my shepherd" (Ps. 23:1). And Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:14).

It may not sound good to others, but "shepherd" sounds good to God's own.

The New Testament Greek word for "shepherds" is used to describe pastors. Your pastor is an undershepherd of Jesus. It is a blessing of God that He has not left us as sheep without a shepherd.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Genesis 49-50 Matthew 13:31-58

From a Garden to a Grave

Genesis 49-50, Matthew 13:31-58
Key Verse: Genesis 50:24-25

Warren Wiersbe comments in his notes on Genesis 50 that "Genesis begins with a garden and ends with a coffin: what a commentary on the results of sin!" The progression is from life to death. Sin brought death. Immediately things changed from the idyllic to sin-cursed.

Yet it is a hope-filled coffin that catches our attention here at the end. It contains the bones of Joseph, who made the sons of Israel swear an oath that when God came to their aid, they must carry his bones up from Egypt (50:25).

Joseph believed God. Until his dying day he never wavered in his belief. The strength of his belief was so strong that he made plans to be twice buried: temporarily in Egypt but ultimately in the Promised Land.

What a strange sight it must have been-the people of Israel trekking through the wilderness, carrying what was probably an elaborate Egyptian mummy case. That coffin carried the hope-filled bones of Joseph.

We suffer the effects of living in this sin-cursed world. Yet if we know Jesus as Savior, we are assured of an eternal home where there is no sin. Don't dwell on the world. Instead, read the Word. Fill your bones with hope!

If we walk by sight our faith will waver. But if we walk by faith, our sight will see things differently. Determine, like Joseph, to interpret what you see by your faith.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 1-3 Matthew 14:1-21

One in Four

Exodus 1-3, Matthew 14:1-21
Key Verses: Matthew 14:16-18

An indication of the importance of the feeding of the 5,000 is the fact that it is the only miracle of Jesus recorded in all four Gospels. The account in John 6 gives so much emphasis to the meaning of the miracle, presenting it as a sermon in action.

The timing of this event is significant. It is the beginning of a phase in Jesus' ministry in which His primary focus was on His disciples. Jesus used this occasion to stretch their understanding of what He expected of them. They were to undertake responsibilities that looked beyond their ability, things they could accomplish when their inability was coupled with Jesus' ability.

The crowd needed to eat. The disciples' suggestion was to send them to the villages nearby to buy food for themselves. But Jesus said that was not necessary. Instead, He instructed His men to give them something to eat-an overwhelming task for a group with limited resources. The disciples then saw that what they had, when placed in the hands of Jesus, could be used to accomplish what looked impossible.

One of the lessons of the loaves is that we must look past our inability and see His ability. When Jesus works through us, we can accomplish the tasks He gives us.

"God, help me rely on your ability. The tasks You set before me can appear overwhelming until I see them through Your eyes."

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 4-6 Matthew 14:22-36

Wet Enough to Worship

Exodus 4-6, Matthew 14:22-36
Key Verse: Matthew 14:33

In our mind we have the basic idea of what happened in this account. The disciples were in a boat, at night, in rough water. Then Jesus appeared out of nowhere. At first the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus calmed them by saying, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (v. 27).

Peter then seized the moment. "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," Jesus said (vv. 28-29). And Peter did--to a point. When he looked at the wind, he was afraid and began to sink.

But one fact is never mentioned. How wet did Peter get? Did he sink ankle deep or go all the way under before Jesus caught him? The text does not say. It does say, however, that after getting into the boat, those there worshiped Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God" (v. 33).

Worship is a response. Peter got wet enough to respond to Jesus with worship. The other disciples also responded to Jesus with worship. We may not walk on water like Peter, but our hearts must respond to Him as did the hearts of the disciples. He is Lord. Let us worship Him.

Remember, worship is a response. Do you just read the Bible, or do you respond to what it teaches you? Praise God for sending Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 7-8 Matthew 15:1-20

Rote or Real?

Exodus 7-8, Matthew 15:1-20
Key Verses: Matthew 15:8-9

The previous chapter concluded with an interesting worship service. It took place in a boat and was a spontaneous response to Jesus. Worship is, as Warren Wiersbe defines it, "The believer’s response of all that he is-mind, emotions, will and body-to all that God is and says and does."

There were people in Jesus' day who confused going through the motions of worship with the real thing. They said the right things and did the right things, but their words and actions were not from their heart.

It was not a new problem. Isaiah had confronted the people years before on this issue. Then in Matthew 15 Jesus quoted Isaiah, confronting the people yet again.

Today the words of Isaiah confront us too. Perhaps daily devotions have become a ritual or routine. Church attendance can be maintained for the wrong reasons. Even our words may sound right but be wrong.

Worship is not to be treated as a thing but lived out as an action. It is not a matter of art but of heart.

So look at your heart today. Is your worship only of the lips or of the life?

Take a moment to list three things for which you can praise God. Then tell God your praise-and then tell someone else!

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 15:21-39 Exodus 9-11

Slow Learners

Exodus 9-11, Matthew 15:21-39
Key Verse: Matthew 15:32-33

In these verses we read of another crowd at mealtime. This time, however, it's Jesus who points out the need for food. The previous time the need was brought up by the disciples. Just as before, however, they appeal to their apparent inadequacy.

Their question, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?" is responded to with a question: "How many loves do you have?" (vv. 33-34). Five loaves and two fish were more than enough before. Their collective lunch this time is seven loaves, a few small fish-and Jesus.

It is amazing to see how slow the disciples were to understand His power. They had not yet learned the lesson from the previous miracle when the 5,000 were fed. No wonder Jesus at times called them men of little faith.

Once again the disciples were confronted with their inability. Once again He had them state how much food they had. This provided the evidence that what followed was truly a miracle. Once again they saw Jesus' ability.

Like the disciples, sometimes we are slow learners. We need to keep our faith growing. Our faith grows as we feed on the Word, learning what it says and living it daily. Keep reading, learning and living the Bible.

Is God setting before you a task you think is too great? This passage challenges you to place what you have in His hands and let Him work through you.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 16 Exodus 12-13

Now I Get It

Exodus 12-13, Matthew 16
Key Verse: Matthew 16:12

Those of us who enjoy telling a good story usually agonize inwardly when we have to explain it. Hopefully, at some point in the retelling of the story, a light will come on and the person will say, "Oh, now I get it!"

Imagine how Jesus might have felt when His disciples still were not getting it. He said, "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (v. 6). They thought, Did He say that because we didn't bring any bread?

So, to those Jesus addressed as "You of little faith," He asked, "Do you still not understand?" (v. 9).

Their focus was on the physical; His was on the spiritual. They thought of bread for the body; He thought of food for the soul. In the miracles of feeding the multitudes, Jesus had demonstrated His ability to meet their needs. They could trust Him to provide for them. Now, though, He wanted their attention to be on spiritual matters, not just physical.

When you pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," are you looking for just that which is physical, or are you asking for that which is food for the soul?

Are you a careful listener? Not all teaching is correct. Listen carefully and then compare all teaching you hear with the Bible.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 14-15 Matthew 17

Stand Still

Exodus 14-15, Matthew 17
Key Verse: Exodus 14:13

Exodus 14 Moses told the people, "Don't just do something. Stand there!" Those were not his exact words, but they might make us stop to look more closely at the account of the parting of the Red Sea.

It is easy to miss what it meant for the Israelites when Moses said, "Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today'" (v. 13). It meant that they had to stand still and do nothing, even though Pharaoh's army was pursuing, they were fleeing, and the Red Sea was in the way!

Notice how long they had to stand still-all night. What a long night that must have been. Pursued and pinned in, they had no escape.

God could have delivered them immediately, but He chose not to. Instead, He taught them to trust Him. They were not given anything to do but to wait.

Can you stand still and wait? It is hard sometimes not to do something. Salvation comes to us because Jesus did it all. God's work in our life sometimes is the same way. We stand still, and He works while we wait.

"God, give me patience. Help me to know how to stand still, to wait on You."

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________