Sold into Slavery – Genesis 37:1-36 This week we get to look at one of the most colorful (literally!) characters in the Old Testament, Joseph. Joseph is world-famous for his “Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and his story of brokenness, slavery, integrity and reconciliation that will unfold as you read the texts this week. Clearly, Joseph’s family is…

Jacob and Esau Reconcile – Genesis 32:1-33:20 Reconciliation Requires more than Bribery! In the first part of this story, Jacob reminds me of a divorced parent who continually tries to buy the love of their child through extravagant gifts. If you’ve ever watched a child get spoiled by the increasingly expensive gifts bought by one…

Jacob and Esau Compete – Genesis 27:1-28:22 We live in a competitive world where we are taught to do whatever it takes to get ahead.  If you’ve seen one of those news stories about competitive parents at children’s sporting events, you know exactly what I’m talking about!  We want the best for ourselves… but we…

Isaac’s Birth and “Sacrifice” – Genesis 21:1-22:19 Trust and Obey Did you ever do “trust falls”?  Maybe it was in a gym class… or a leadership development program… or at a team-building activity.  The idea is that you fall backwards into the arms of the people on your team, who promise to catch you.  When…

God’s Covenant with Abram – Genesis 15:1-21 Promises, Promises Probably the two most important items of wealth and security in the ancient world were children and land.  Flocks and herds may have been a close third, but unless you had land upon which the livestock could graze, and unless you had children to care for…

The Call of Abram – Genesis 12:1-20 go to the land I will show you I recently heard someone say that they pray “for just enough light so they don’t trip.”  It might not be enough to see all the way down the pathway, but enough to get to the next bend. Like Abram, we…

Sermon Podcast: E100 #2: “Living Stones” Text: Genesis 11:1-9 In addition to the daily email devotionals, you’re invited to listen in each week through the sermon podcast that is connected to our E100 Challenge. As we begin our journey through the Grand Narrative of Scripture, we explore what it means to be created in the…

Tower of Babel – Genesis 11:1-9 so that we may make a name for ourselves The people try to build a tower to the heavens, and God confuses their speech.  I find it interesting that God chooses this particular consequence.  After all, at first glace, the punishment doesn’t seem to fit the crime.  Why not…

God’s Covenant with Noah – Genesis 8:1-9:17 Covenants and Contracts. Certainly there are elements of modern-day contracts which reflect the ancient practices of covenants.  And yet, at the same time, there are some significant differences. For starters, contracts typically exist for the purpose of self-protection.  A contract is a legal transaction that spells out the…

The Flood – Genesis 6:5-7:24 The First Zoo I love zoos and animal parks… at least the ones where the animals are well cared for!  A few years back, the church graciously provided us with a one-month sabbatical for rest, reading, and renewal. One of the highlights of our time was being able to visit…