Study With Us

Focal Passage: Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” Exodus 3:13-14a  ESV

Devotional Spotlight 

Focus: God Is What He Must Be to Fulfill His Promise

As we begin the book of Exodus, we encounter God revealing Himself not merely by a title, but by His nature: “I AM WHO I AM.” This declaration does not describe what God does—it reveals who He eternally is. He is self-existent, unchanging, and fully sufficient. He is not shaped by circumstances; rather, circumstances submit to Him.

Psalm 18 presents a striking contrast. David speaks confidently of God delivering him because of his righteousness and obedience. The psalm emphasizes God’s faithful response to a servant who walked in covenant loyalty. In Exodus, however, Israel is not described as righteous. They are enslaved, fearful, and largely silent—but God moves anyway. Why? Because His grace is anchored in His promise, not their performance.

This contrast does not present two different Gods, but one consistent God acting in different covenantal moments. In Psalm 18, God rewards covenant faithfulness. In Exodus, God demonstrates covenant faithfulness. In both cases, God is acting in perfect alignment with His character and His word.

Combined Teachings of Today’s Passages:

Psalm 18 reveals God as a mighty deliverer who responds to obedience, faith, and trust. David portrays the Lord as a fortress, shield, and rescuer—personal and powerful. God is near to the one who calls upon Him in truth.

Exodus 1–3 reveals God as the faithful promise-keeper who intervenes on behalf of a helpless people. He hears their groaning, remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and acts decisively in history. God does not wait for Israel to become righteous; He redeems them so that they might learn righteousness.

Proverbs 18 brings these truths into daily life. Words have power, wisdom brings security, and verse 24 reminds us that “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Whether delivering a faithful king or rescuing an enslaved nation, God is consistently near, dependable, and personally involved.

Together, these passages teach us that God is not reactive—He is purposeful. He is whatever He must be to accomplish His will: Deliverer, Protector, Judge, Redeemer, Friend.

Application 

As we begin Exodus, we are reminded that God acts before His people ever respond. Israel does not cry out in faith or obedience—yet God moves because He remembers His covenant. Redemption comes first; obedience will follow. Grace is the starting point, not the reward.

In Psalm 18, however, we see the other side of covenant life. David walks in obedience, and God affirms and strengthens him. Faithful living matters, and God delights in responding to it. Obedience does not earn God’s faithfulness, but it does experience His favor more fully.

Proverbs 18 assures us that in both seasons—when obedience is strong and when weakness is evident—God remains near, faithful, and trustworthy. Our hope does not rest in our consistency, but in God’s unchanging character. Obedience matters, but it is never the foundation of God’s faithfulness—His promises are.

Questions to Ponder

1. Am I more aware of God when He rewards obedience or when He rescues me by grace?

2. How does God’s name “I AM” challenge my tendency to define Him by my circumstances?

3. In what ways have I experienced God as a “friend who sticks closer than a brother”?

4. Does my trust rest more in my faithfulness—or in God’s?

Summary

Psalm 18 shows God responding to a faithful servant. Exodus shows God rescuing an undeserving people. Proverbs reminds us that in both situations, God remains near. He is not limited by human weakness or enhanced by human strength. He simply is. The same “I AM” who thundered in David’s deliverance also whispered hope from a burning bush.

Reflective Prayer:

Lord God who delivers, I recognize You as the great “I AM,” unchanging and sufficient in every season. When I am obedient, keep me humble. When I am weak, remind me that Your promises do not fail. Teach me to trust You not for what You give, but for who You are. Thank You for being near—closer than a brother, faithful beyond measure. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Focal Passage:  But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.” Exodus 6:1, ESV

Devotional Spotlight 

Focus: From “I AM” to “I Will Do”

Yesterday, God revealed His name to Moses: “I AM.” Today, He reveals what that name means in action: “Now you shall see what I will do.” The unchanging God moves from self-revelation to decisive intervention.

Exodus 4–6 records a sobering reality—obedience does not always produce immediate relief. Moses obeys, speaks God’s word, and Pharaoh responds with harsher oppression. Israel’s hope falters, Moses’ confidence collapses, and discouragement sets in. From a human perspective, the mission appears to have failed.

But God is neither surprised nor deterred. He does not rebuke Moses for weakness; instead, He redirects Moses’ attention away from circumstances and back to divine power. The burden doesn’t rest on Moses’ ability to persuade Pharaoh, but on God’s ability to act. “Now you shall see what I will do.”

This moment marks a shift—not in God’s plan, but in Moses’ understanding. The God who IS will now show Himself as the God who ACTS. His promises are not threatened by resistance; they are fulfilled through it.

Combined Teachings of Today’s Passages:

Exodus 4–6 shows that God’s work often advances through human reluctance and apparent setbacks. Moses doubts, Pharaoh resists, and Israel grows weary—but God presses forward. Divine power is not delayed by human weakness; it is displayed through it.

Psalm 19 reminds us that God’s glory and authority are unmistakable. The same God who speaks through creation and His Word is the God who intervenes in history. His voice is clear, His power certain, and His purposes unstoppable.

Proverbs 19 grounds these truths in wisdom for daily living. Verse 21 declares, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” Human intentions may falter, but God’s purposes never do.

Together, these passages teach us that God does not merely reveal who He is—He proves it. What He declares, He performs.

Application 

There are seasons when obedience seems to make circumstances worse rather than better. Like Moses, we may step forward in faith only to encounter resistance, discouragement, or delay. In those moments, God does not call us to greater confidence in ourselves, but to deeper trust in Him.

God’s promises are not dependent on our strength, clarity, or success. He moves according to His power and His timing. When we cannot see how things will change, God assures us, “Now you shall see what I will do.”

Our responsibility is faithfulness; God’s responsibility is fulfillment. Trusting Him means believing that even resistance is not a setback, but part of His unfolding plan.

Questions to Ponder

1. How do I respond when obedience seems to lead to greater difficulty?

2. Am I more focused on what I must do—or on what God has promised to do?

3. Where might God be asking me to trust His timing rather than demand immediate results?

4. How does remembering God’s power steady my faith in seasons of discouragement?

Summary

Exodus 6:1 assures us that God’s work is never stalled by human weakness or opposition. The God who revealed Himself as “I AM” now declares, “You will see what I will do.” Psalm 19 affirms His glory, Proverbs 19 reminds us of His unshakable purposes, and Exodus shows His power unfolding in history. God’s promises are not threatened by resistance—they are fulfilled through His mighty hand.

Reflective Prayer:

Almighty and Faithful God, You ARE the great “I AM,” and You ARE the God who acts. When obedience feels costly and progress seems slow, help me trust what You are doing beyond what I can see. Teach me to rest not in my strength, but in Your power and promises. I believe that what You have declared, You will accomplish. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. Psalm 14:7 ESV

Devotional Spotlight 

Focus: Restoration Is from the Lord

Psalm 14 opens with a sobering assessment of the human condition. Humanity’s problem is not merely moral failure, but a heart that lives as though God is absent. Corruption flows from this rejection of divine authority. Yet the psalm does not end with condemnation—it ends with hope. The psalmist looks forward to a day when the Lord Himself restores His people.

This hope is not rooted in human reform or wisdom, but in God’s saving work. Restoration doesn’t originate with people finding their way back to God; it begins with God reaching down to restore what sin has broken.

Combined Teachings of Today’s Passages:

Psalm 14 — The Promise of Divine Restoration

Psalm 14 identifies humanity’s spiritual failure while simultaneously pointing to God’s redemptive initiative. The longing expressed in verse 7 anticipates a future act of salvation that only the Lord can accomplish. Joy and gladness flow from God’s intervention, not human achievement.

Proverbs 14 — Living in Light of God’s Authority

Proverbs 14 applies this truth to everyday life. Wisdom acknowledges that restoration and stability come from aligning life with God’s truth. Many paths may appear right, but only those shaped by reverence for the Lord lead to lasting life. Restoration in daily living begins when God’s perspective governs our choices.

Genesis 40–42 — God Restoring Life Before Zion

Genesis 40–42 shows restoration unfolding quietly through God’s providence. Joseph remains faithful amid suffering, injustice, and forgotten promises. Meanwhile, God uses dreams, delays, and even famine to position Joseph for the preservation of many lives.

At this point in the biblical story, Zion has not yet entered the narrative, and Israel exists not as a nation, but as a family. Yet “salvation for Israel” is already taking place. Though Jacob is perplexed and distressed, God is providing life-sustaining provision through Joseph. The salvation described here does not come from Zion as a place, but from the God who will one day be identified with Zion. Long before Israel understands what God is doing, He is already at work preserving His people.

What appears to be setback is preparation; what seems forgotten is remembered by God at the proper time. The narrative demonstrates that restoration is God’s work, carried out according to His perfect timing.

Application

These passages speak into our lives in at least three ways. First, we should always trust God’s ability to restore, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. Second, we should strive to remain faithful, even in times of obscurity, knowing that God’s purposes are never hindered by delay. And last, We should always align our daily decisions with God’s wisdom, believing that true restoration flows from obedience to Him.

Questions to Ponder

1. Where do you need to trust God’s restoring work rather than your own efforts?

2. How does Joseph’s story shape your understanding of God’s timing?

3. In what ways can acknowledging God’s authority bring restoration to daily life?

Summary

Human failure reveals the need for divine restoration. Psalm 14 declares the hope, Proverbs 14 applies the principle to daily living, and Genesis 40–42 illustrates God’s restoring work through providence. In every passage, restoration originates with the Lord, unfolds in His time, and results in rejoicing among His people.

Reflective Prayer:

Lord, God Almighty, remind me that restoration is Your work, not mine. Help me to trust You when Your work is not immediately evident. Teach me to live wisely, acknowledging You in every decision. When circumstances confuse me, remind me that you are still in control, still faithful, and still bringing about Your purposes. In Jesus name, Amen

Focal Passage: “So it was not you who sent me here, but God.” Genesis 45:8 ESV

Devotional Spotlight 

Focus:  God’s Purposes Accomplished Through Willing Servants

Genesis 45 marks a turning point in Joseph’s story. When Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, he does not speak with bitterness or blame. Instead, he repeatedly points beyond human actions to divine purpose. What others meant for evil, Joseph now understands as part of God’s saving plan.

Joseph’s words do not minimize his brothers’ sin, but they place it within the larger framework of God’s sovereignty. He sees that God was at work long before the famine began, positioning him in Egypt to preserve life. Joseph’s faith allows him to interpret suffering not merely as hardship endured, but as purpose fulfilled.

Combined Teachings of Today’s Passages:

Psalm 15 — A Life That Walks with God

Psalm 15 asks a defining question: Who may dwell in the presence of the Lord? The answer describes a person of integrity—one whose words, actions, and motives reflect faithfulness. Joseph’s response to his brothers reflects this kind of upright heart. His life demonstrates what it looks like to walk blamelessly before God, even when wronged.

Proverbs 15 — God Weighs the Heart

Proverbs 15 reminds us that the Lord is not impressed merely by outward actions; He evaluates the heart. Gentle speech, humility, and reverence for God characterize wisdom. Joseph’s gracious response reveals a heart shaped by God’s discipline, while Judah’s willingness to offer himself shows repentance that goes beyond words.

Genesis 43–45 — God’s Plan Revealed Through Joseph and Judah

Genesis 43–45 reveals two powerful responses to God’s unfolding plan.

Joseph acknowledges God’s sovereignty over his entire journey. Multiple times he affirms that it was God who sent him ahead to preserve life. His perspective transforms past pain into present purpose.

At the same time, Judah steps forward in a moment of costly obedience. He offers himself in place of Benjamin, unwilling to return to his father without the boy. Judah’s words reflect a changed heart—one willing to bear loss so that another might go free. While not the focus of the passage, this act quietly points forward to a greater substitution yet to come, reminding us that God often prepares His redemptive work long before it is fully revealed. So also, He (Jesus), as Judah, was not willing to return to His Father without fulfilling His promises.

Together, Joseph’s testimony and Judah’s sacrifice show that God’s purposes are accomplished through servants who trust Him and act in obedience.

Application

While difficult, we must learn to view past suffering through the lens of God’s sovereignty rather than personal resentment. When we begin turning to anger, we must instead be willing to repent and forgive. Then we must allow repentance to express itself not merely in words, but in sacrificial obedience. We must go on to trust that God is working through both our circumstances and our choices to accomplish His purposes.

Questions to Ponder

1. How does Joseph’s understanding of God’s sovereignty reshape the way you view past hardships?

2. What does Judah’s willingness to substitute himself reveal about genuine repentance?

3. Where might God be calling you to trust His purposes or act obediently, even at personal cost?

Summary

Psalm 15 describes the character of one who walks with God, Proverbs 15 reveals the heart God examines, and Genesis 43–45 shows those truths lived out in real people. Joseph trusts God’s sovereignty over his suffering, and Judah demonstrates repentance through sacrifice. Together, they remind us that God faithfully accomplishes His purposes through willing servants.

Reflective Prayer:

Omniscient Lord, help me to trust Your purposes even when I do not understand my circumstances. Renew my heart to allow me the desire to walk uprightly before You and the willingness to obey, even when obedience is costly. May my life reflect confidence in Your sovereign and gracious plan. Amen.

Focal Passage: …“I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again….” Genesis 46:3-4 ESV

Devotional Spotlight 

Focus: God Goes with His People

Genesis 46 marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s story. Jacob is leaving the land of promise and heading into Egypt—a place that will later become a place of bondage. Humanly speaking, the move seems daunting and uncertain. But notice that before Jacob ever takes that first step, he pauses to worship, and God meets him with reassurance.

God meets us where we are when we pause to worship Him. He doesn’t promise ease or clarity; He promises His presence. “I myself will go down with you.” The assurance that God accompanies His people transforms fear into trust. Jacob moves forward not because he understands the future, but because he knows the God who controls it.

Combined Teachings of Today’s Passages:

Psalm 16 — Confidence in God’s Presence

Psalm 16 is a declaration of trust rooted in God’s nearness. David speaks of the Lord as his refuge, guide, and portion. Joy and security are found not in circumstances, but in the presence of God. This psalm echoes the promise given to Jacob that where God is present, fear loses its power.

Proverbs 16 — God Directs the Way

Proverbs 16 reminds us that while humans make plans, it is the Lord who establishes their steps. Pride gives way to humility when we recognize God’s sovereign direction. Jacob’s journey to Egypt is not driven by impulse or desperation alone, but by divine guidance. God’s purposes move forward even when His path leads through unfamiliar territory.

Genesis 46–48 — God Faithful Through Transition and Blessing

Genesis 46–48 shows God’s faithfulness unfolding through major transitions. God brings Jacob safely into Egypt, reunites him with Joseph, and allows him to see God’s promises beginning to take shape. Jacob’s blessings over Ephraim and Manasseh reveal a lifetime shaped by God’s guidance, even when that guidance often came through hardship.

God’s promise to go with Jacob is not symbolic; it is active and personal. The same God who led him from Beersheba into Egypt remains faithful to the end of his life. These chapters remind us that God’s presence sustains His people from beginning to end.

Application

• We should always trust God’s presence when He leads us into unfamiliar or uncomfortable places. It is in these situations that we learn to move forward in faith, even when the path ahead is unclear. This becomes easier as we remember that God’s promises extend beyond immediate circumstances and unfold across a lifetime. He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Questions to Ponder

1. Where might God be asking you to move forward despite fear or uncertainty?

2. How does the promise of God’s presence reshape your response to change?

3. In what ways can remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthen your trust today?

Summary

Psalm 16 celebrates the joy and security found in God’s presence, Proverbs 16 reminds us that the Lord directs every step, and Genesis 46–48 illustrates these truths through Jacob’s journey. God assures His people that He goes with them, sustains them through transition, and remains faithful to His promises from beginning to end.

Reflective Prayer:

Lord God who walks with me, thank You for the assurance of Your presence. When You lead me into places that feel uncertain or unfamiliar, help me to trust that You go with me. Direct my steps, quiet my fears, and remind me that Your promises are sure. May my life rest confidently in Your faithful care. In Jesus name, Amen.

Focal Passage: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” Genesis 49:10 ESV

Devotional Spotlight 

Focus: God’s Promises Extend Beyond a Lifetime

Genesis closes with Jacob on his deathbed, blessing his sons and speaking words that reach far beyond his own life. These blessings are not mere parental wishes; they’re prophetic declarations shaped by God’s covenant purposes. Among them, Judah’s blessing stands apart. It points forward to enduring leadership and a future obedience that will extend beyond Israel.

This promise ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The scepter does not merely remain with Judah’s line; it culminates in Christ’s kingship. Scripture affirms that He reigns not only over Israel, but over all nations, and that a day is coming when every people will bow before Him in willing obedience (Philippians 2:9–11).

Genesis reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not limited to one person or one lifetime. His promises unfold across history, reaching their fulfillment in Christ.

Combined Teachings of Today’s Passages:

Psalm 17 — Trusting God with the Future

Psalm 17 is a prayer of confidence in God’s righteous protection. David entrusts his cause, his safety, and his future into the Lord’s hands. He looks beyond present circumstances toward the assurance that God will ultimately set things right. This posture mirrors Jacob’s final days—resting in God’s promises even as life draws to a close.

Proverbs 17 — Wisdom Shaped by Endurance

Proverbs 17 emphasizes wisdom refined through trials, restraint, and integrity. God values hearts tested by difficulty and shaped by faithfulness. Joseph’s life reflects this wisdom well. He endured betrayal, injustice, and loss, yet remained faithful to God’s purposes. His character demonstrates that God often prepares His servants through suffering for roles that extend beyond their own lives.

Genesis 49–50 — God’s Redemptive Plan Continues

Genesis 49–50 reveals the long view of God’s redemptive work. Jacob blesses his sons, pointing to future realities he will never see. Judah’s blessing looks ahead to a King whose rule will not fade and whose authority will extend to the nations.

Joseph’s final words echo the same confidence. Though he dies in Egypt, he looks forward to God’s future deliverance and requests that his bones be carried back to the promised land. Genesis ends not with resolution, but with expectation—anticipating both Israel’s deliverance and the greater redemption that will come through Christ.

Application

As we pray for family members who may not have a relationship with Christ, or step out by faith in areas of ministry, we must remember that these efforts may not bear fruit that we are able to see. We must trust God’s promises even when their fulfillment extends beyond our lifetime. We must continue living faithfully today, knowing our obedience may bear fruit long after we are gone. Whatever the result of our efforts, we must submit daily to Christ’s kingship, anticipating the day when all nations will bow before Him.

Questions to Ponder

1. How does Genesis 49:10 deepen your understanding of Christ’s kingship?

2. What does Joseph’s confidence at the end of his life teach about trusting God’s future work?

3. How should living under Christ’s rule shape the way you live today?

Summary

Psalm 17 calls us to trust God with what lies ahead, Proverbs 17 reminds us that wisdom is forged through faithfulness, and Genesis 49–50 closes the book by pointing forward to promises yet to be fulfilled. Judah’s blessing anticipates the reign of Jesus Christ, whose authority will one day be acknowledged by all nations. Though Genesis ends, God’s redemptive plan continues—certain, sovereign, and centered in Christ.

Reflective Prayer:

Sovereign Lord, thank You for Your promises that reach beyond generations and find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Help me to live faithfully under His kingship, trusting Your purposes even when I cannot see the outcome. Fix my hope on Your eternal plan and shape my life for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.