Life in Exile

Genesis 21 shows us two mothers and two sons. Different futures, but both seen by God and blessed by God. All because of grace.

When we move too fast to solve a problem, we don't allow space for God to speak into the issue. Learning to appreciate the silence allows us to grow in our ability to hear his voice.

The rescue of Lot in Genesis 19 is no less dramatic and important than his rescue of Abraham in chapter 20. What does he rescue him from? Himself.

If Church life can be messy, so can mission life. Much of that is due to our unique personalities. Getting along with colleagues is a learning process but well worth it.

Lot is the greatest example of a compromised faith, yet, even in this story of destruction, we see God's grace come through. It's a gem amidst the ashes, but it shines just the same.

How do we stand fast in this shifting and changing world in which we live? Stand on the Rock, which never moves, and live in exclusive allegiance to Christ alone.

Genesis 18 is a chapter of contrasts as the Lord speaks blessing over Abraham and Sarah and judgment over Sodom and Gomorrah.

Conflicts and uncomfortable situations arise when serving cross-culturally. Knowing when to speak and to whom is as important as when to stay silent.

There are times when we mark a moment when we encounter God; there are other times when he marks us. Genesis 17 reveals such a time in the life of Abraham.

Societies change when the defenses of values and faith are removed. Are you building up the defense system in your home, city, country, or tearing it down?

The sixteenth chapter of Genesis is full of riches, but the one that speaks to me today is all about the God who seeks and sees even the most unlikely of persons. God leaves the 99 to seek the lost sheep.

Change in ministry can bring a sense of homesickness for what we've known before. It's important to learn to accept the seasons of life in service.

In Genesis 15, Abram asks how can we believe when we can't see how God will accomplish his will? We remember we trust the God of covenant. No obstacle is too great for him.

If your life were written as a poem, what would it say to others about the author of your faith?

While sin can be appealing and draw us in, we soon find ourselves in a hot, sticky mess that's hard to get out of. Lot had this trouble, but God's grace prevailed.

If there's one thing we can't stop while serving, it's the aging process. With aging comes new perspectives on home and what it means.

Do you struggle to hear God because of all the noise in your life? How can you put a healthy distance between people or things that keep you from hearing God's voice? Abraham learned this same lesson.

If we believe the gospel message is for all people, why do we live as if it's not? Are you playing favorites in how you treat others and seek to reach them for Christ?

God remains faithful to his promises even when we choose our own way. Abram learned some lessons from the choices he made, yet, we still see God's grace in Genesis 12.

Leaving home means coming back to what we knew is no longer a given. Being at home at home takes work and requires help from others.

When man chooses to do things his own way instead of God's, things can get confusing...even language. We have lessons to learn from the Tower of Babel.

Some people we can just avoid, but Jesus is not one of them. Representing him brings a response from others one way or the other. There is no middle ground with Jesus.

Why do we need another genealogy after the flood? Because mankind is starting again. 

How we leave a place of service impacts how we find home in the next location.

Do you need reminders of important events for for your to-do list? God used a reminder too, but it's not for what he would do, but what he would not.