Uh-oh, Favoritism!

Isaac had many stalwart and godly qualities. Our God, the God of the Bible, not only reveals admirable characteristics of men and women, He also shows their weaknesses and stumbles. Isaac’s weakness is revealed when he showed favoritism for his first born son, Esau.  Esau’s mother showed favoritism to Esau’s younger twin, Jacob.  Showing favoritism […]

Security in an Insecure World

Isaac’s life and his approach to his neighbors is an example which we would do well to copy. Isaac didn’t live every moment of his life in a godly manner.  Neither do we.  (Genesis 26:6-11) Isaac was a godly man and God blessed him with wealth, a family, and peace with his neighbors. Does the […]

When Others Notice…

When you have a problem with another – how do you react?  Do you react with defensiveness, hatred, animosity, hurt feelings, self-pity, anger, or revenge? Isaac so lived his life that others noticed the Lord was with him.  Do others see the Lord in your life? Three Philistine leaders came to Isaac and he wanted […]

Pitching Your Tent

Return to the Lord Isaac returned to where the Lord had gotten his attention in the past.  The Lord appeared to Isaac that same night. The Lord said to Isaac, (NASB) Genesis 26:24 “… ‘I am the God of your father, Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and […]

“Come away…”

Isaac returned to Beersheba, and the Lord spoke to him that same night! (NASB) Genesis 26:23-24 “Then he went up from there to Beersheba. 24 The Lord appeared to him the same night and said…” What does the Lord desire of anyone?  Just what Isaac did; return to where God can have your full, undivided […]

Hindsight as Historical Background

Your historical background is important.  Hindsight gives a 20/20 vision of where you have been. Perhaps God is a part of your history and perhaps He is not. Your background makes a difference in your “todays.” Hindsight into your past – reveals your present and affects your future. Isaac had a historical background which impacted […]

A Godly Example

How is your life reflecting your faith in the living God?  What kind of person do others “see” by your words, your choices, your actions? Isaac was asked to leave the Philistines because of his many herds and flocks and because of his great wealth.  God blessed Isaac with much wealth and the Philistines were […]

Moving On!

Isaac was wealthy!  Isaac’s wealth would have made him powerful! The Philistine, Abimelech, was filled with fear at Isaac’s wealth and power.  He asked Isaac to move away from them, he was too powerful for them.  (Genesis 26:12-16)   What did Isaac do?  How did he react? (NASB) Genesis 26:17 “And Isaac departed from there […]

Godly Wealth

There are many ways to be blessed by God and made wealthy. Usually thoughts turn to money; being wealthy in that way is certainly a possibility. Consider the wealth of spiritual maturity in our walk with God. The wealth of loyal friendships is riches indeed. What about God’s peace within in the chaos of our […]

Real Fears and God’s Protection

Isaac had to move his flocks and herds, famine was in the land.  He moved his animals, his tents and his entire household to Gerar. Isaac feared the king of Gerar; he feared that he would be killed so the king could have Rebekah as a wife.  So – Isaac flat-out lied.  And Rebekah, his […]