365 Days of Grace: Experiencing God’S Grace from Genesis to Revelation

By Marcia Furrow

God is a God of grace and you will find him as such every day of the year as you open this devotional. Following a chronological reading plan, Gods grace shines gloriously from Genesis through Revelation.

Each daily devotion consists of a concise synopsis of a portion of that days Scripture, a suggested way in which we might see Gods grace similarly today, and concludes with application questions. In other words: what it says, what it says to us, what it means for us. Each day is completed with a prayer that could be the starting gate for your own private time with God.

If you choose to use it as such, this devotional could be a springboard for your personal journal. While questions are included each day, it is highly possible that God will take you in an entirely different direction. Trust him and ask him to show you his grace that is sufficient for you each day.

In addition, for those who like to go a little deeper, supporting Scripture verses are included in the text for further study.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512762730

Marcia Furrow

In addition to having the “storytelling gene,” which is unique to people raised in the south, Marcia has many years of experience teaching the Bible, fourteen of which was as a teaching leader for Bible Study Fellowship, International. As a daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, Marcia has enjoyed many aspects of life and draws upon her personal experiences as she lovingly and respectfully teaches the Bible, relating its principles to life application. Marcia grew up in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. She met and married Brian at Judson College in Elgin, Illinois. Brian’s various work assignments moved them to Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, and back to Illinois before recently moving to Texas. Marcia and Brian have two sons: Dan (who lives in England with his wife, Nikki, and their three children, Jacob, Matthew, and Stella) and Bob (who lives in Texas with his wife, Jen, and their son, Cal).

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Copyright © 2016 Marcia Furrow.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-6272-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6274-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6273-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016918491

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/15/2016

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

About the Author

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7

January 8

January 9

January 10

January 11

January 12

January 13

January 14

January 15

January 16

January 17

January 18

January 19

January 20

January 21

January 22

January 23

January 24

January 25

January 26

January 27

January 28

January 29

January 30

January 31

February 1

February 2

February 3

February 4

February 5

February 6

February 7

February 8

February 9

February 10

February 11

February 12

February 13

February 14

February 15

February 16

February 17

February 18

February 19

February 20

February 21

February 22

February 23

February 24

February 25

February 26

February 27

February 28

March 1

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

March 7

March 8

March 9

March 10

March 11

March 12

March 13

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

March 19

March 20

March 21

March 22

March 23

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

March 28

March 29

March 30

March 31

April 1

April 2

April 3

April 4

April 5

April 6

April 7

April 8

April 9

April 10

April 11

April 12

April 13

April 14

April 15

April 16

April 17

April 18

April 19

April 20

April 21

April 22

April 23

April 24

April 25

April 26

April 27

April 28

April 29

April 30

May 1

May 2

May 3

May 4

May 5

May 6

May 7

May 8

May 9

May 10

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

May 25

May 26

May 27

May 28

May 29

May 30

May 31

June 1

June 2

June 3

June 4

June 5

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

June 24

June 25

June 26

June 27

June 28

June 29

June 30

July 1

July 2

July 3

July 4

July 5

July 6

July 7

July 8

July 9

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

July 14

July 15

July 16

July 17

July 18

July 19

July 20

July 21

July 22

July 23

July 24

July 25

July 26

July 27

July 28

July 29

July 30

July 31

August 1

August 2

August 3

August 4

August 5

August 6

August 7

August 8

August 9

August 10

August 11

August 12

August 13

August 14

August 15

August 16

August 17

August 18

August 19

August 20

August 21

August 22

August 23

August 24

August 25

August 26

August 27

August 28

August 29

August 30

August 31

September 1

September 2

September 3

September 4

September 5

September 6

September 7

September 8

September 9

September 10

September 11

September 12

September 13

September 14

September 15

September 16

September 17

September 18

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 22

September 23

September 24

September 25

September 26

September 27

September 28

September 29

September 30

October 1

October 2

October 3

October 4

October 5

October 6

October 7

October 8

October 9

October 10

October 11

October 12

October 13

October 14

October 15

October 16

October 17

October 18

October 19

October 20

October 21

October 22

October 23

October 24

October 25

October 26

October 27

October 28

October 29

October 30

October 31

November 1

November 2

November 3

November 4

November 5

November 6

November 7

November 8

November 9

November 10

November 11

November 12

November 13

November 14

November 15

November 16

November 17

November 18

November 19

November 20

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 24

November 25

November 26

November 27

November 28

November 29

November 30

December 1

December 2

December 3

December 4

December 5

December 6

December 7

December 8

December 9

December 10

December 11

December 12

December 13

December 14

December 15

December 16

December 17

December 18

December 19

December 20

December 21

December 22

December 23

December 24

December 25

December 26

December 27

December 28

December 29

December 30

December 31

Dedicated to the

Glory of God

Grace

Divine love and protection bestowed freely upon mankind.

The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.

An excellence or power granted by God.

An unmerited gift from God.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This project would not have come to fruition without several people who came alongside me with encouragement and love.

I would like to acknowledge Lynn Webb for her gracious insights, attention to detail, and her diligence in keeping my boots pointed in the direction in which I needed to walk. Thank you for the hours you spent reading and editing, even as you travelled around the world.

I would like to acknowledge Kacie Feeney who so generously created the graphics for the title and for the Monthly Headings. Thank you for sharing the creativity with which God has gifted you.

I would like to acknowledge the many prayer partners who have lifted this project before the Throne of Grace for years— Susan, Donna, Christa, Sue, Bev, Gayla, Barb, Karie, Kelli, Sandy, Maggy, Martha, Becky, Betty and so many others—you know who you are!

I would like to acknowledge my family: my husband, Brian and my sons and daughters-in-law: Dan, Nikki, Bob and Jen. Thank you for never wavering in your prayers and support. It means the world to me.

INTRODUCTION

How can we describe the indescribable God? To say that he is merciful, just, holy, awesome, and wise is insufficient. If we were to list all of his attributes the words on the page cannot do him justice. He describes himself as I Am. And he is. He is beautifully, wholly, and majestically all that he is!

The more I study God, his Word, and his character the more convinced I am that all of God’s attributes are woven together beautifully and it is quite impossible to separate them: God acts perfectly perfect in all of his attributes all of the time. Therefore, I believe, grace is always present along with every other attribute of God. Is it, therefore, possible to single out a single attribute? That is what this book attempts to do: This book highlights grace.

God’s grace is truly overwhelming to me—as I think about it, every one of his actions toward humanity are actions of grace. God doesn’t have to do anything for, with, to, or through us; but he does. He is not indebted to us, he is not our hostage, and he owes us nothing. We are his creation, he can do with us as he wants, or not do anything with us at all. In whatever way and in whenever time he interacts with or intervenes in our lives, it is always an act of his divine grace. God is a gracious God.

I have undertaken to write a daily devotional highlighting God’s grace. For the most part, the devotional follows a chronological reading pattern through the Bible. As you read the suggested passage at the top of each page, by the end of the year (in about 15-20 minutes a day) you will have read the entire Bible. I have to confess, some of the passages are not truly chronological—for example, the perfect chronological order for the passages on November 5, would be: Mark 15:42–47; Matthew 27:57–61; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:38–42; Matthew 27:62–66; Mark 16:1–8; Matthew 28:1–7; Luke 24:1–12; Mark 16:9–13; John 20:1–18; Matthew 28:8–15. For reading ease (and hopefully to avoid the frustration of flipping back and forth), I have listed them this way: Matthew 27:57–28:15; Mark 15:42–16:11; Luke 23:50–24:12; John 20:1–18.

From each day’s reading, my goal is to highlight one moment where God’s act of grace is clearly seen. On some days, there will be obvious and plentiful displays of God’s grace and I will choose only one. On other days, another of God’s attributes might overshadow his grace, however, I have done my best to reflect the grace that is there, rather than imposing an idea of grace upon Scripture.

The format for this devotional is best described as: What it says, what it means, and finally, what it means for you and for me. Each day’s reading consists of a concise synopsis of a portion of the passage: what it says. Then there will be a suggested way to see the same act of grace in our world today: what it means. Finally, there will be an application: what it means for me and for you. Each day concludes with a prayer, which could be a starting gate for your own personal time with God.

If you choose to use it as such, this devotional could be a springboard for your personal journal. While I have suggested questions to guide you in applying God’s grace to your own life, it is highly possible that God will take you into an entirely different direction. Trust him and ask him to show you his sufficient grace for you each day. Ask God to show you daily where he has been gracious to you and to those you love, and how you might be a conduit of his grace.

In addition, for those of you who desire going a little deeper, I have added supporting Scripture verses in the text for further study.

On those days when life is so busy that you only have time to read one thing, please forego this devotional and read the Scripture. God’s Word should always be our guide into his grace and he will speak to you with infinitely more power than my words ever will.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Having grown up in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, my siblings and I spent many evenings listening to our parents and grandparents tell stories of moonshiners, bootleggers, and preachers (all relatives), hard days in tobacco fields and apple orchards, lean years, and bountiful years. Oh yes, we have the cherished Southern Story-Telling Gene in our family.

Not everyone inherits the storytelling gene, but I believe that I have. With my many years of teaching the Bible—fourteen of which was as a Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship, International (BSF)— I have done my best to develop my inheritance.

Telling Bible stories and relating the application of Bible principles to everyday life is something I love to do. As a daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, and friend I have experienced many aspects of life from which to draw to lovingly and respectfully teach the Bible so that my listeners embrace its truths.

Writing this devotional was a special challenge and joy for me. After having read the Bible through for many years, I sensed the Lord calling me to do more; so I decided in January 2012 to outline the daily passages. Why not? Doesn’t everyone outline the entire Bible? About a week in, I wondered if perhaps I had misheard the Lord. Had I bit off more than I could chew? However, the Holy Spirit encouraged me to keep at it, so I did.

Very early on November 30, 2012, as I was praying and praising God for the blessings of perseverance, I asked God what I should do with all the work I had completed. And then I had one of those thoughts that you never think yourself—I’m sure you know what I mean—a thought that I was convinced had come directly from God. I sensed him telling me to write a 365-day devotional.

What?! My heart started pounding, my breathing increased, and my hands started to shake. There was no way I could do something like that! And, I couldn’t—apart from God I can do no good thing. However, I also sensed God saying to me, I will carry you through. I couldn’t possibly pass up this opportunity to see God at work in my life.

As I began the initial draft of this devotional in June, 2013, God took me on a walk down a path that led right smack through the Valley of the Shadow of Death: my precious dad moved into his Father’s house in heaven. It seems odd that my favorite storyteller will not tell the story of how his daughter wrote a devotional.

So, that is the story of how this little devotional came to be. I hope that it will bless your life as you use it to lead you into the glory and majesty of Almighty God, the God who works miracles—this book is one of them.

And, for the more formal biographical information: In 1975, when I was a freshman at Judson College in Elgin, Illinois, I met the love of my life, Brian Furrow, and married him shortly after we graduated. Brian’s various work assignments moved us from Illinois to Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, and back to Illinois—which is where we lived until we decided to give Texas a try in 2014.

During our time in various communities I have held a number of jobs and roles. I’ve been a chair-side dental assistant, an advertising designer, a reading tutor, a room mom, PTA representative, teacher’s assistant, substitute teacher K-12, and mentor to teen moms. As my dad would say, I’m a jack of all trades, and master of none.

The most consistent role I’ve had over the years is as a BSF volunteer, I’ve served as a Children’s Leader, Group Leader, Children’s Supervisor, and Teaching Leader. I’ve also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Recently I’ve enjoyed leading Christian women’s events (retreats and conferences), and speaking at MOMS and MOPS meetings. Finally, I am currently serving as the Spiritual Advisor for Teen Mother Choices, International (TMCI).

Most importantly, Brian and I have two sons: Dan, who lives in England with his wife, Nikki, their three children, Jacob, Matthew, and Stella; and Bob, who lives in Texas with his wife, Jen and their son, Cal. Our lives are blessed beyond measure.

Grace%20Chapter%20Headers-03.jpg

JANUARY 1

Genesis 1:1–3:24

Toward evening they heard the LORD God walking about in the garden, so they hid themselves among the trees. The LORD God called to Adam, Where are you?

—Genesis 3:8–9

God created the world and everything in it and declared it good. Adam and Eve sin and use fig leaves to hide themselves and their shame from each other. God knows they are hiding from him. God still desires to be with them.

How gracious of God to give them an opportunity to come to him by asking, Where are you? Though they don’t deserve his friendship, God still desires a relationship with them.

Only God can cover the guilt and shame of sin so that we might have a relationship with him. He does this through the blood of Jesus, which was shed for you and for me. In 1 John 1:9 we read that when we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God graciously desires a personal relationship with us. He continually seeks us. He wants to uncover that which we are hiding. He is slow to anger, forgiving every sin and rebellion.

It is said, Man is not what he thinks he is; he is what he hides. Is there guilt or shame that you are trying to hide from God? Will you expose them to God? Will you make a specific list? Will you begin this year walking unashamedly with God?

God, I am afraid so I hide. Remind me that you already know everything about me. Humble me to confess what you see and have brought to my attention. Cleanse me by your grace through the blood of Jesus so that I might stand without shame in your presence.

JANUARY 2

Genesis 4:1–6:22; 1 Chronicles 1:1–4

Why are you so angry? the LORD asked him. Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you respond in the right way.

—Genesis 4:6–7a

Both Cain and Abel bring offerings to God. God accepts Abel’s offering but rejects Cain’s. God explains to Cain that a right heart attitude is necessary in order to be accepted by God. God warns Cain that sin is waiting to destroy him! Cain murders Abel.

How gracious of God to teach Cain that God is more concerned with the status of the heart than the type of offerings laid before him.

Offerings are not about trying to please God or earn his favor. Offerings are gifts of gratitude for what God has already done and are brought before God with a heart that is humble and contrite; these God will not despise (Psalm 51:16–17). Sin causes us to think that we are sufficient in ourselves and that any gift we bring must be accepted by God.

Sin is waiting to devour us. It is waiting to corrupt our hearts in an ongoing battle. We can never fully subdue sin in our lives, but isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus’s death on the cross has broken the power of sin in us?

Will you ask God to reveal the attitude of your heart as you bring all your gifts to him each day?

God, I thank you for saving me and breaking the hold that sin has over me. Thank you that when I repent of all my sins you purify my heart and I can give you the gifts that you deserve. Help me to fight sin and self-sufficiency in my life through the power of the resurrected Jesus.

JANUARY 3

Genesis 7–10, 1 Chronicles 1:5–23

The LORD said to Noah, Go into the boat with all your family … One week from today I will begin forty days and forty nights of rain.

—Genesis 7:1a, 4b

For one hundred and twenty years, Noah builds the ark and preaches that the Lord will destroy the earth. For one week, Noah and his family live in the ark with the animals while the door is open. People see the ark and hear Noah’s message. The Lord shuts in Noah’s family and the animals and shuts out everyone else.

Graciously, the Lord is long-suffering and patient. He waits to give everyone the opportunity to repent and come to him for salvation.

Anyone could have chosen to believe Noah and enter the ark until the Lord shut the doors and it was too late. The Lord knows when it is time to close the door.

Each one of us must make the decision to believe the truth. Are you living in the ark of God’s salvation, or are you being swept along in the current of the culture? Who do you know that needs to hear the truth? Have you told them that Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6)? The time is short. Today is the day of salvation! Only the Lord knows when the door will be closed.

God, I want to live in the ark of your safety and salvation. I choose today to accept the truth that I cannot save myself. I know that apart from you, I will be destroyed in the flood of sinful living. I believe that the work Jesus accomplished on the cross when he died in my place is sufficient to save me, and I ask him to enter my being, take over my life, and save me from destruction.

JANUARY 4

Genesis 11–14; 1 Chronicles 1:24–27

The LORD scattered them all over the earth.

—Genesis 11:8a

The flood ends, and God commands the descendants of Noah to multiply and fill the earth. They migrate eastward and settle in Babylonia. They build a city with a high tower. The Tower of Babel is a monument to their greatness to bring themselves together and keep them from scattering all over the world.

How gracious of God to protect people from themselves. By confusing their language and scattering them over the earth, God accomplished the very action he had commanded them to do.

The inherent bent of humanity toward disobedience and self-promotion was not washed away in the flood; it lingers today. The Lord doesn’t tolerate our sinful choices any more than he did in Noah’s day. He sometimes acts to separate us from those who influence us toward disobedience while simultaneously giving us an opportunity to walk in obedience.

It may seem harsh to have to endure God’s discipline, especially when it separates us from the familiar, but isn’t it worth it if it prompts our obedience?

How is God acting to separate you from sin and sinful influences? Is he prompting you to move out of an area or situation that tempts you to focus on yourself and promote your greatness rather than focusing on obedience to him?

God, it is so hard to stand up against the crowd, to swim against the cultural current. My focus is too often on what others say or what I think will make me look or feel great. I want to live for you and focus on your greatness. Teach me how to tune my ear to hear your command, and embolden me to act in obedience immediately.

JANUARY 5

Genesis 15–18

The angel of the LORD found Hagar beside a desert spring along the road to Shur.

—Genesis 16:7

Sarai (Sarah) can’t conceive a child, so she gives her maid, Hagar, to sleep with Abram (Abraham). Hagar conceives. Hagar treats Sarai with contempt. Sarai blames Abram. Abram tells Sarai to do with Hagar as she sees fit. Sarai treats Hagar so harshly that Hagar runs away. The angel of the Lord finds her alone and pregnant by a stream. God tells her to go back and submit to Sarai.

How gracious of God to come to Hagar in her hopelessness and despair. He always knew where she was. Life was not easy for Hagar, and returning to Sarai and submitting to her would be very difficult. Hagar’s courage and humility to obediently return testify to her faith in God.

God knows our heartache, pain, despair, misery, and helplessness. He knows how difficult the circumstances of our lives can be. He knows how hard it is to endure humiliation, abuse, and shame. He knows because he endured it on the cross for us.

Do you believe that God sees you in your difficulty? Do you believe that he is with you in your lowest moments? Do you trust him to lead you? Are you willing to do whatever he tells you, even if it means humbling yourself before others?

God, I believe that you see me in my hurt, shame, distress, fear, pride, and humility. God, sometimes I don’t feel like I deserve what is happening to me and I want to run away. But I know that you allow my circumstances for my good and your glory. Cause me to trust your providential hand and submit to your instruction wherever you find me.

JANUARY 6

Genesis 18:1–21:7

Yes, I know you are innocent, God replied. That is why I kept you from sinning against me; I did not let you touch her.

—Genesis 20:6

Abraham and Sarah, traveling in the Negev, stop in a place that Abraham believes is godless. Fearing for his life, Abraham deceives Abimelech and introduces Sarah as his sister. Abimelech sends for Sarah. God warns Abimelech in a dream not to touch Sarah. Abimelech professes his innocence.

How gracious of God to mercifully protect his people from sin. Acting in fear, Abraham placed not only Sarah in danger but also the soul of Abimelech. God graciously stopped Abimelech. God graciously protected Sarah. Moreover, by protecting Sarah, God graciously protected the undisputed paternity of the child she will eventually bear.

God is never far from his people, even when they are far from him. When we act in fear, we reveal how far from God we are. When we let fear lead us, we endanger others and ourselves. We have no way of knowing how many times God has intervened in our lives to protect us from sinning and others from sinning against us.

Do you find it humbling to think of whom you would be today or who you could become if God allowed you to do everything you were capable of doing? How indebted to his grace and mercy are you?

My Gracious Protector, thank you for saving me for yourself, for watching over me, and for keeping me from becoming the wicked person I would be apart from you. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.

JANUARY 7

Genesis 21:8–23:20, 11:32; 24:1–67

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush … Abraham named the place, The LORD Will Provide.

—Genesis 22:13a, 14a

Testing Abraham’s faith and obedience, God calls Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. God promised Abraham offspring through the line of Isaac. Isaac has no children yet. Abraham believes God and believes in God’s promise. He knows that somehow God will provide and that he and the boy will both return alive. Trusting God, Abraham walks up the mountain, and Isaac lies down on the altar.

How gracious of God to provide a substitute. At the exact moment of sacrifice, when Abraham had gone as far as God would allow him to go, God provided a substitute: a ram in the thicket. Abraham proved both his faith and his obedience. God proved to be true to his word.

How gracious of God to provide a substitute for you and for me: the Lord Jesus Christ, who died in your place and mine as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Christ: the one who died that we might live; Christ who bore the punishment for our sin.

What most precious thing has God called you to sacrifice, to give up, for him? Are you willing to surrender all for Jesus? Is there anything more precious to you than he? Is this your test of faith and obedience?

Father, help me to understand and accept the truth that Jesus, as my substitute, died in my place and endured your just wrath on my behalf. Cause me to trust your provision and to let go of anything that is more precious to me than you are.

JANUARY 8

Genesis 25:1–26; 1 Chronicles 1:28–34

Now Abraham married again.

—Genesis 25:1a

Abraham’s beloved wife—his partner in life, the woman who leaves home with him not knowing where they are going, the one who follows him as he follows God, and the mother of his son Isaac—dies. Abraham marries again.

How gracious of God to give Abraham another opportunity to share his life, and his God, with a spouse.

There are many tools that God uses in our lives to refine us, to shave off the rough edges, to cause us to seek him, to burn away the pride and self-focus, and to make us holy—and one of these tools is marriage. Marriage is a tool, it is not a goal, but it’s not a tool for everyone. For some God uses singleness. God knows which tool is best for each person.

Not everyone who loses a spouse by death or divorce will remarry. However, if you have, will you covenant with God to love this person as God loves you?

If you are married, do you see your spouse as a gift from God? Or do you see your spouse as the one who should make you happy? Do you believe your marriage is a tool that God is using to refine you? How is God using your marriage to affect your holiness?

If you are single, how is God using your singleness to affect your holiness? Will you embrace your singleness as a tool in God’s hand for as long as he chooses to use it?

God, please help me to embrace my marital status as your tool of refinement. Help me to embrace my spouse or my singleness as a gift of your grace for my eternal good.

JANUARY 9

Genesis 25:27–28:5

Now a severe famine struck the land. The LORD appeared to [Isaac] there and said, Do not go to Egypt. Stay here in this land. I will be with you and bless you … just as I solemnly promised Abraham.

—Genesis 26:1a, 2–3

As in Abraham’s day, a famine strikes. Isaac, as his father before him did, moves to Gerar. God appears telling him to stay where he is and not go to Egypt. God restates the promise he made to Abraham then promises Isaac that if he stays in the land, the promises will be his.

How gracious of God to have a unique plan for Isaac, and to lead him with clarity.

The promises are the same, but the plan is different. Abraham had to learn to follow God, so must Isaac. Isaac’s relationship must be with God directly, not as an appendage through Abraham. God deals with each generation individually.

Each one of us must choose to come into a personal relationship with God as individuals and when we do, he has a perfect and unique plan for us. What we see God doing in the life of someone else is probably not what he will do in ours. And his direction and guidance in our past may be different in our future.

In your current set of circumstances, do you try to follow or perhaps mimic what others have done that makes sense or that brought them success? Or do you directly seek God’s insights and direction for yourself?

God Almighty, cause me to seek your will and your way every day. Keep me from choosing paths that lead me out of your will. Teach me to trust you to direct my path with clarity.

JANUARY 10

Genesis 28:6–30:24

At the top of the stairway stood the LORD, and he said, I am the LORD. What’s more, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go.

—Genesis 28:13a. 15a

Jacob believes God. He believes there is a birthright. He believes the promises given to Abraham and Isaac. He believes the promises are worth obtaining. Yet, he schemes and deceives to appropriate the promises. Esau wants to kill Jacob. Jacob leaves home to save his life.

How gracious of God to use imperfect people to accomplish his perfect plan.

The Almighty Holy God assures Jacob, a runaway and deceiving fugitive, that Jacob is not now nor will he ever be alone. In addition, God confirms that he will give Jacob the birthright and promise that Jacob desired and used deception to obtain.

Amazingly, despite the thick fog of our failures, the mist of our misconceived ideas, the stench of our schemes, and the darkness of our deceptions God still finds us useful.

God uses people who believe that he breaks the power of sin’s grasp. God uses people who trust that he has provided a way for all sin to be cast into the depth of the sea (Micah 7:19). God uses people