January 1: Genesis 1:1-2:3 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (verse 27) Obviously this is a familiar verse and it gives us the timeless principle of Imago Dei. We are created in God’s image. From the beginning, the Bible places both man and woman at the pinnacle of God’s creation. Neither sex is exalted and neither is depreciated. Sin would mar the image of God, but Jesus came to recreate the image, through forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the transformational power of God, when we are in relationship with him. What does it mean that you are created in God’s image? How does that affect your life? What does it mean that other people are also created in His image? How does that affect you?

January 2: Genesis 2:15–3:24 – “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” (3:6&7) I mentioned yesterday that the image of God was marred. This was the specific event described in the Bible that has affected all mankind. After Eve sinned, she involved Adam in her wrongdoing. When we do something wrong, often we try to relieve our guilt by involving someone else. Like toxic waste spilled in a river, sin swiftly spreads. It has spread through mankind. Recognize and confess your sin today to God. What would you honestly share with the Lord about your life; your sin? Why is forgiveness so important?

January 3: Genesis 4:1-16 – “The LORD said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.’” (vv 10 & 11) The curse of sin is as real today as it was then. God judges all sin and punishes the sin of mankind. Jesus paid the penalty for sin. He is the only covering that can resolve your sin issue. How would you describe the curse of sin? How would you express your gratefulness for the blessing of Jesus?

January 4: Genesis 6:9-22 – “This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” (verse 9) How are you enjoying this progress through Genesis as we read the main stories and teaching of Genesis? I was drawn to Noah, who was righteous, just like Joseph from our study at Christmas time. Remember righteous means right with God?! The meaning here pertains to Noah’s wholehearted love and obedience to God. He was not sinless, but he lived for God in a world filled with evil. Noah stood alone. Are you influencing others, or being influenced by others? Noah was an influencer. How do you need to stand alone in your world?

January 5: Genesis 7:1-24 – “On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark.” (verse 13) This verse got my attention because it reminds me of how I will one day walk into a permanent home, secure from the evil of the world and the wrath of God. As Noah and his family stepped into the ark they represent the joy of stepping into the presence of the Lord and being protected forever. Heaven is something that I am anticipating and something that I will teach on as we begin the New Year. Does this remind you of heaven? What would be the correlation? I think the correlation could be it took Noah 120 years to build the ark, somewhat like a lifetime. Then he was invited to enter the protective ark of salvation, so to speak.

January 6: Genesis 8:1-22 – “The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: ‘Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.’” (verse 21) Countless times throughout the Bible we see God showing his love and patience towards men and women in order to save them. Although he realizes that their hearts are evil, he continues to try to reach them. The grace of God was even abundant then, and it is the heart of God to want our best. What does this story way to you about God . . . about Noah . . . about yourself?

January 7: Genesis 9:1-17 – “And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.’” (vv. 12 & 13) Don’t you just love rainbows?! Rainbows have history as a visible sign that God keeps his promises. The earth’s order and seasons are still preserved and rainbows still remind us of God’s faithfulness to his Word. Why not thank God for his faithfulness? How has God been faithful to you?

January 8: Genesis 11:1-9 – “So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.” (vv. 8 & 9) The Bible gives explanation to some of the very complex aspects of life, like the different ethnic groups on the face of the globe. We don’t understand it all, but this gives us a picture of how the earth was populated. The earth has its diversity and different ethnicities because of pride and selfishness. When we build relationships with people of different cultures and different skin colors, we actually, with God’s help, recreate a harmony that God intended from the beginning. The Gospel is for all people and for all times. There is nothing like it on the globe. Our faith is not ethnic or territorial. It is the message for the whole world. How does that help you to see others through the eyes of God? How might we be more of a diverse fellowship at New Harvest?

January 9: Genesis 12:1-9, 17:1-8 – “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (vv. 2&3) This is where I find the statement, “Blessed to be a blessing.” Abram was blessed so that through him God could bless all people. This is a principle to live by. How has God blessed you? So how might you bless others?

January 10: Genesis 18:1-15 – “So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?’” (verse 12) That statement is a statement of doubt. Sarah doubted what God was able to do. Zechariah, in the Christmas story, doubted what God could do, and he was mute and deaf for nine months during the pregnancy of his son John. The Lord does not bless doubt. Doubt grieves God’s heart. In Hebrews it says, “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” How does that affect your thinking? How do you want to be a person of faith?

We are utilizing the 365 day reading plan from the Life Application Bible. These are “key selections” from the Bible. Obviously we are reading in Genesis, which is the word for “beginning.” In the first ten days of 2010 we have read about creation, the fall of man, the first family, the righteousness of Noah, the flood and have been introduced to the man of faith named Abraham. These chapters are so important in understanding God’s heart for people. He would select a faithful man named Abraham to set everything in motion by introducing a covenant relationship that would be blessed by God. The blessing would be so great in Abraham’s life that it would spill over to mankind as Abraham was blessed to be a blessing. We will continue to read about this incredible man of faith. As you read each of these Scriptures from Genesis, think about which verse stands out to you and what the Lord might be saying to you through it.

January 11: Genesis 19:15-29 – “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (verse 26) “So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.” (verse 29) I thought it was an interesting comment from the Life Application Bible, that Lot’s wife turned back because she was clinging to the past. She was unwilling to completely repent and move away from the sin that had obviously affected her life. We can’t make progress with God as long as we are holding onto pieces of our old life. The New Testament says we have died to sin, why should we live in it any longer? The New Testament teaches that we set our eyes on the things above. At the beginning of this year, please let go of the past and set your eyes on what Christ has for you, which is hopeful and life-giving. How do you perceive the new year? What do you have to let go of from 2009? What does God asking you to embrace in 2010?

January 12: Genesis 21:8-21 – This is following the reading schedule from the Life Application Bible. Even though we are skipping around, we are landing on significant spiritual teaching that is found in this beginning book of Genesis. “Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” (verse 18) These are the words of the Lord. They are about the destiny of Ishmael and his descendents. He would become a ruler of a large nation. One of Ishmael’s daughters married Esau, Ishmael’s nephew. Unfortunately, the Bible pictures the Ishmaelites as hostile to Israel and to God. Abraham took things into his own hands and it would be a thorn in his flesh and all of God’s people throughout the Old Testament. What is the danger of getting ahead of God? Why do we want to work so hard at fixing our own problems instead of trusting in God’s provision? If you would like to do more reading on the free son and the son who is a slave, go to Galatians 4:21-31.

January 13: Genesis 22:1-19 – This story is a highlight for me. It is a foreshadowing of God’s provision of his Son, the one and only Savior of the world. “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” (vv. 16 – 18) Abraham received abundant blessings because he obeyed God. We are blessed today because of the faith of Abraham. His willing sacrifice was a foreshadowing of just how God gave his one and only Son for us. What do you like about this story? What part of the story stands out to you? Why?

January 14: Genesis 24:1-27 – “May it be that when I say to a girl, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’-let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (verse 14) I like the question asked in the Life Application Bible, “Was it right for Abraham’s servant to ask God for such a specific sign?” The sign he requested was only slightly out of the ordinary. The hospitality of the day required women at the well to offer water to weary travelers but not to their animals. The servant was simply asking God to show him a woman with an attitude of service. The importance of marriage is connected to finding a mate with the right heart. This is an example of finding the right mate based on character, not on beauty, even though she was beautiful. Why do we judge people by the outward appearance so quickly? Why don’t we emphasize the importance of inner beauty and the character qualities that are godly? How might you look at people with an eye for what is inside rather than outside?

January 15: Genesis 24:28-67 – The story continues with Isaac and Rebekah: “Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel and asked the servant, ‘Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?’ ‘He is my master,’ the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.” (vv. 64 & 65) These are interesting verses as Rebekah and Isaac meet. When Rebekah learned that the man coming to greet her was Isaac, her husband to be, she followed two customs. She dismounted from her camel to show respect and she placed a veil over her face as a bride. There is honor in what Rebekah does. What does this tell you about Rebekah? Why is it important to approach people with respect? Why is respect such a rare commodity these days?

January 16: Genesis 25:19-34 – This is the story of Jacob and Esau, which is probably familiar to you because of the birthright. “Jacob replied, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ ‘Look, I am about to die,’ Esau said. ‘What good is the birthright to me?’” (vv. 31 & 32) Esau traded the lasting benefits of his birthright for the immediate pleasure of food. He acted on impulse and he would suffer long-term consequences to that choice. Why do we make quick decisions that are so important? What if Esau would have prayed about what Jacob had brought to him? What if Esau had been godly about his need, his connection to his family and his father? Why would patience and prayer have changed the outcome for Esau? What lesson do you learn from this story?

January 17: Genesis 27:1-40 – This is another story that you are most likely familiar with. It is a story birthed in deception. The outcome is that Jacob does receive the blessing from his father. “May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.” (verse 29) I love the ancient theme of blessing. Gary Smalley wrote a book entitled The Blessing. In The Blessing we learn about the importance of affirmation and forecasting a hopeful future. This is what Isaac did for his son Jacob. This is also an important aspect of being a parent to your children. Do you think your children have been blessed by you? How have you tried to live a life with your children that would propel them into the future with confidence and faith?

Do the names Jacob and Joseph ring a bell. Jacob was renamed Israel and his twelve sons were assigned as the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. His most famous son was Joseph, who was sold into slavery and became second in command to Pharaoh. These stories characterize the activity of God in carrying us through the valleys and peaks of life. I hope you are enjoying our beginning progress through the Book of Genesis and realizing the significance of being in God’s Word everyday so that he might speak to you about the timeless principles of the Scriptures. In 2010 God is going to help us from front to end. I apologize for my quirky sayings. Please notice how God might be speaking to you through each of these stories and ask yourself how the Lord wants you to apply this scriptural truth that he brings to your attention.

January 18: Genesis 28:10-22 – “He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.” (verse 19) I like the word Bethel. It was the title of the seminary I attended in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bethel means “house of God,” and we know that Jacob encountered the Lord in a special way, affirming to him God’s plans for his life. Are there places or situations when God especially spoke to you? It is good to remember times when the Lord impresses his calling on your life. How would you summarize God’s purpose for your life? When did this become most clear to you?

January 19: Genesis 29:14-30 – “Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, ‘I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.’” (verse 18) Obviously you read that Laban tricked Jacob into promising that he would work for another seven years so that Jacob could actually receive the wife he longed for and loved, named Rachel. Jacob was known for his deception and here he is deceived by Laban. Sometimes our way of living can return to bite us. Oftentimes, the way that we live that is inconsistent with God’s plan for us will come full-circle and someone else will behave that way towards us. Has that ever happened to you? What does the verse mean, “What one sows he will also reap.”?

January 20: Genesis 32:1-33:16 – We are skipping some of the story of Jacob as he works for Laban, his father-in-law. In this passage, we find Jacob returning to his homeland. The key point in this story about Jacob returning and meeting his brother Esau, comes, in my opinion, when Jacob wrestles with God. “Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for it is daybreak.’ But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’” (verse 26) Jacob continued his wrestling match all night just to be blessed. It is a picture of prayer, in my opinion. Spiritual persistence is seeking after God in the midst of tough situations. Jacob did not want to enter into a confrontation with his brother without the help and blessing of God. How eager are you for God’s work in your life? How does your prayer life reflect your hunger for God? If prayer equals blessing, how much would God be able to bless you?

January 21: Genesis 37:1-36 – It is time to meet Joseph. We are already connecting with this significant character in the Bible after just three short weeks in the New Year. What part of this story stands out to you? “Judah said to his brothers, ‘What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.’ His brothers agreed.” (vv. 26&27) Joseph’s life was held in the balance. He could have easily been murdered, knowing the attitude of his brothers and the situation that was available to them. However, God spoke to Judah and Judah’s idea was good to everyone. I am drawn to the fact that God was watching over Joseph in the most difficult of situations. His life was protected by God. The Lord had plans for Joseph and no one could get in the way of his plans. How does that story encourage you? What does it say to you about the inevitable reality of people opposing you? How do you see Joseph trusting God even when he is treated so poorly? What do you learn from this introduction to Joseph’s life?

January 22: Genesis 39:1-23 – “Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’” (vv. 6&7) If you had only read this verse and not the rest of the story, you would expect that Joseph would give in. In every TV show or movie that you might be watching, that would be the normal course of events. A flirting woman that is trying to seduce a man leads to fornication. That’s what the Bible calls it. We are not talking just about an affair; we are talking about sin. Sexual sin is not just an issue between two consenting adults, it is an act of disobedience against God. Joseph knew that. He kept his relationship with God in the forefront of his decisions. Wanting to please God more than anyone else led Joseph to say, “No.” Do you want God’s approval more than anything else? Is he the one that you aim to please above all? Why or why not? Be honest with yourself. Give specific reasons why you believe you want to obey God the most.

January 23: Genesis 40:1-23 – “Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.” (vv. 20-22) It happened just like Joseph had predicted. Joseph was led by God to interpret the dream. But even though he was empowered by God to do something supernatural, the cupbearer did not remember him. Joseph’s faith would again be tested as he would continue to be confined to prison. Did you know that Joseph was in Egypt from age 17 until age 30, and most of those years were in prison? What do you appreciate about Joseph so far? What does this story say about our main character?

January 24: Genesis 41:1-40 – “The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials.” (verse 37) Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was a man “in whom is the spirit of God.” How did Pharaoh recognize that Joseph was a man of God? What other characteristics do you notice in Joseph that would point to the fact that he was a man that had a relationship with the living God? God’s favor caused Joseph to rise up to positions of authority and responsibility. The thirteen years of service and being a prisoner helped train Joseph to be ready to serve God and others with humility. How do people see God in you? In what ways does the Lord shine through your life? How could you become a clearer reflection of the presence of God in your life?

We are entering our last week of January already and we will be completing the Book of Genesis. Obviously we didn’t read every chapter of Genesis, but you received a clear picture on God’s work among his people, beginning with creation, meeting a man named Abraham, and now ending with the life of Joseph. Joseph is an amazing character and he exemplifies the life of an overcomer. We will not be reading Genesis 50:20, but I wanted to include it as a marvelous, timeless truth: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” You can trust God, because as Joseph learned, God can overrule people’s evil intentions to bring about his intended results. I know you will enjoy the reading this week as we highlight a man named Joseph.

January 25:   Genesis 41:37-57 – This is the transition of Joseph’s life where the favor of God is definitely making something great happen out of what had been very difficult. “Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt.” (verse 46) Joseph was still a young man, but at age 17 he had been sold into slavery by his brothers. He spent 13 years as an Egyptian slave and most of those were in prison. God can turn around a situation “overnight,” as the saying goes. God can intervene in a moment’s time. Most often he works slowly but surely for your good and his glory. But don’t forget the marvelous, surprising miracles of God that are seen clearly in Joseph’s life. What does Joseph’s promotion mean to you? How did Joseph trust God? What do you learn from this miracle?

January 26: Genesis 42:1-38 – “Reuben replied, ‘Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.’ They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.” (vv. 22 & 23) This is such an fascinating statement from Reuben. He is admitting guilt for how they treated Joseph. Guilt is hard to overcome. Selling Joseph into slavery amounted to death in their minds. They made a choice that they would continue to live with. Is there anything in your life that continues to surface guilt? Why is guilt something that can keep us bound up? What has Jesus done for our guilt?

January 27: Genesis 43:1-34 – We are reading the whole story of Joseph at this point. The main point of the story during these chapters is about Joseph’s interaction with his brothers. Joseph is wisely approaching his brothers in a way that would bring out some deeper issues in their lives. “And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” (verse 14) What secrets are a part of this story? Why do secrets tend to own us? How is God using Joseph to unveil these secrets? Why is it so important that the brothers feel their guilt and pain? What is the next step for their healing?

January 28: Genesis 44:1-34 – “Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come upon my father.” (vv. 33 & 34) Judah is the main character of this chapter. He steps forward with courage, willing to do whatever it takes to protect his brother. Joseph no doubt saw some positive changes in Judah’s life through how he responds. How is God using this interaction in the life of Joseph’s brothers? What changes do you notice? Why are these changes important?

January 29: Genesis 45:1-28 – “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.” ( verse 8 ) This principle is clearly expressed in Genesis 50:20 as I already have mentioned. God used their evil actions to fulfill his ultimate plan. He sent Joseph ahead to preserve their lives, save Egypt and prepare the way for the beginning of the nation Israel. God is sovereign. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” How does this story fit this principle from 8:28? How does this story help you?

January 30: Genesis 49:1-33 – Jacob blesses his sons in this chapter. It portrays the importance of passing on the blessing to one’s children. I have mentioned this previously with Isaac blessing Jacob. Now Jacob blesses his sons and predicts a hopeful future. “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.” (vv. 22-24) Jacob celebrates God’s plans in Joseph’s life and trusts that God will do the same into the future. Joseph was a man of great faith. He is our main character this week and this blessing fits his life journey. What do you take away from our reading this week about Joseph? How can his life help you?

January 31: Exodus 1:8-2:10 – This is transition time as we begin a new book for the first time in 2010. We will study the life of Moses next month. “When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, ‘I drew him out of the water.’” (2:10) The name Moses is one for the ages. The life of Moses was saved by the hand of God. In turn, God would use Moses to save thousands of lives. The uplifting part of this story is that Moses’ mother actually has the opportunity to nurture and nurse her son. God used Moses’ mother’s courageous act of saving and hiding her baby to begin his plan to rescue his people from Egypt. This is another clear illustration of how God takes care of the future, even when the present seems paralyzing. What do you like about the beginning of our story on Moses? What kind of world was he born into? How does that fit our world today? Why?