Hugh Stephenson

GM Elyse! Thanks for a great devo and good questions. Q1. In my “old life” I told white lies and other lies of more colors than Joseph’s coat. A few have gone undiscovered. Or forgotten by me. The other ones all came back to hurt me in one way or another. Many have been dealt with via my re:gen amends in Step 9. A few are still out there in unanswered letters and emails. I wish could have 100% of them back. Q2. Speaking of 100%…. Every time I stood up and told the truth I experienced the opposite of Q1. Q3. Oh boy. Not enough words left for this one. I’ll say this- God’s will and love is like a current that is so strong that even if I swim against it for awhile, sooner or later it takes me right back to where He wants me to be.

Hugh Stephenson

Q4. Like I swallowed rat poison. Q5. Like I never swallowed it. --------------------- This is another amazing passage with all kinds of contrasts: prior deeds v currents deeds, pagan behaviors v believer behaviors, Pharaoh v Abimelech, marital purity v impurity etc. Most importantly, my choice versus God’s sovereignty. Guess who wins. What I think God wants me to see is that He will be faithful to His promises regardless of the lack of faith by Abraham, me, or anyone else.

Hugh Stephenson

Constable edifies- “This incident shows and contrasts God's faithfulness to Abraham and Abraham's unfaithfulness to God (cf. 2 Timothy 2:13). God's chosen ones cannot destroy His ultimate plans for them by failing. Abraham learned that Yahweh will maintain His covenant and fulfill His promises, in spite of the opposition and interference of influential and powerful individuals.” “Abraham stopped asking 'What is right?' and began asking 'What is safe?' and this led to his downfall." This is very good news. It comes under the heading, “Hugh can’t screw up Gods plan for him or for his children.” Regardless of my faithfulness or lack thereof God’s plan and purpose will prevail. Even so, I embrace all His 7,487 promises for me. I pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit I can be faithful in all circumstances.

Chris Landry

Thanks for the Devo, Elyse! Abraham twists the truth again. But why? Hugh’s reference to Constable’s notes is 💰! “Abraham stopped asking 'What is right?' and began asking 'What is safe?' and this led to his downfall." When we begin to self protect instead of follow Jesus we can get in a big ol’ mess. I strongly believe that my closest relationships will see the best and worst of me. They will see me self-protect and conflict will be borne out of that. Conversely, they’ll see me come around - Lord willing - and ask for forgiveness for putting my needs first. It’s not God’s design that I look for safety while sacrificing righteousness. It’s just that I am broken and a definite work-in-progress (Philippians 1:6). What I suggest that we are really on the hunt for isn’t safety, but the embrace of a God that knows us, loves us, and accepts us. Matthew 11:28 speaks of a “rest” we so desperately crave. From that place of embrace and rest, all types of abundant life can be borne. So I’ll try to feel His embrace and rest today as I lean away from self-protecting (root sin: pride) at the expense others. PS: from Genesis 20:6, it’s also very comforting and restful to know that I can’t thwart God’s ultimate plan. He’s still sovereign. Always. Then and Now and Tomorrow.

Michael Scaman

We sometimes see God call a person suffering or waiting for something to pray for someone else In the deepest part of his suffering, God's suffering servant Job was told to pray for his friends then God raised him up. After almost 25 years of waiting for the promised child, Abraham prays for the wives of a Philistine ruler Abimelech (My father is King) and then God will provide the promised child Isaac.

Michael Scaman

Abraham was wrong about a few things. In addition to the half truth which his child Isaac will also do the same in the future with his wife and a future Abimelech, but Abraham said there is no fear of God in this place' There was more than he realized. God was restraining even the king "Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her."

Michael Scaman

God promised a child and a legacy and the seed to bless all families on earth. In the normal course of events these stories remind us if it wasn't for God, Sarah would be taken from Abraham, Esau would probably harm Jacob, Jacobs wives would have strife leading to generational strife. God still was faithful to His promises.

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Elyse. I’ve read for years that Abraham claimed twice that Sarah was his sister, but today was the first time I noticed that this second incident follows the Lord’s promise that within a year, the seriously post-menopausal Sarah would bear a miracle baby. Looks like the Lord allowed Abraham (and Sarah) to circle back to the same point of an earlier failure to trust Him, for a divine do-over. Aaaaaaaaand they failed again. They both lied. (But the Lord was gracious in His promise-keeping, as we’ll see in the next chapter.) In walking with the Lord almost 50 years, I have discovered that He also gives ME opportunities for divine do-overs, where I find myself at the same point where I got off track before (and, like Abraham, it comes down to trusting Him or not. Or how much.) Lord, open our eyes to see your divine do-overs!

Amy Lowther

1. No. Nothing comes to mind at this time. 2. In high school, I was scared to get my driver’s license. I thought I would fail. I lived with the wrong parents so they didn’t care. Nearly college graduation, coworkers decided to help me learn how to drive. I graduated with a degree and a driver’s license. It helped me have opportunities to meet my birth parents with whom I coexist today. 3. I have seen God’s provisions present when I greeted multiple kids walking with their parents as one family cooperatively and peacefully into Watermark to their activities. 4. When I don’t give complete information, I feel bad. 5. Good