Don't Quarrel Along the Way

Yearly Reading: Genesis 44-48

Then he sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Do not quarrel along the way." Genesis 45: 24 NRSV

Today's reading for the year was rather lengthy and there were several themes: God's provision, reconciliation, and making amends for past wrongs to name a few. However, this is the verse that spoke to me today: Do not quarrel along the way.

My bible has a translation note that the word quarrel can also mean "be agitated." It is as if Joseph doesn't want his brothers to play the blame game or to be afraid of what Joseph is going to say to their father- perhaps even worry over what they are going to tell their father. They did sell their father's favorite son into slavery after all!

They must own up to what they have done but at the same time, they need to accept Joseph's (and God's) forgiveness.

Admitting you have done the wrong thing is hard enough. Accepting someone's forgiveness without fear or trepidation is even harder.

God, you want us to admit our faults and be reconciled with you and with others. Help us to do so without being agitated or quarreling. May we be graceful in accepting your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Remembering Our Faults

Yearly Reading: Genesis 40-43

Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, "I remember my faults today." Genesis 41:9 NRSV

Take a moment today to remember your faults. I don't mean your weaknesses but those things that you have done wrong in the past, even the distant past. Did you mean at the time to make up with God or others? Was there someone from whom you needed to beg forgiveness? Has the passage of time made you put your original good intentions aside? It is never to late to make amends!

The cupbearer had angered Pharaoh and was put in prison. Joseph was also in prison and was serving as a servant to the captain of the guard. When the cupbearer had a dream which God favorably interpreted through Joseph, Jospeh asked that he be remembered to Pharaoh. However, the cupbearer went back to serving Pharaoh and forgot about his promise for two whole years.

Now the cupbearer, on hearing of Pharaoh's own disturbing dreams, remembers Joseph and his own promise. The actions of the cupbearer, though late, actually fit nicely with God's plan.

Take time today to make amends. You may never know how your actions fit with God's plan.

God, help us to recall and admit our faults today. May we have the courage to do something about them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Assuming the Worst

Yearly Reading: Genesis 36-39

They had the long robe with sleeves taken to their father, and they said, "This we have found; see now whether it is your son's robe or not." He recognized it and said, "It is my son's robe! A wild animal has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces." Genesis 37: 32-33 NRSV

Jacob immediately jumps to a false conclusion saving his other sons from telling a complete lie. They lie by saying that they just found the robe. All they ask is confirmation that the robe belongs to Joseph. It is their father who assumes he is dead.

We all know that the story will turn out fine in the end. In fact, we know that this was part of God's purpose all along. But the scripture reminds us not to assume the worst on face value.

I know I am very good at jumping to conclusions. I am an expert in assuming the worst - the worst of myself or of others. I assume my sermon was the worst I have ever preached. I assume someone is going to get mad or bent out of shape because of something I have done or failed to do. I assume nothing is going to go right.

Then, my assumptions are proven incorrect. After the service, several folks express to me what God revealed to them thanks to my message. No one is mad or bent out of shape; various folks happily step up and do their part. Things continue to go surprisingly right.

No matter what you are facing this day, I invite you to suspend assuming the worst. You never know what blessings God may really have in store for you!

God, we lift up this day to you. Help us to suspend judgment or assumptions. Let us wait for your blessing. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Seeing God's Face

Yearly Reading: Genesis 32-35

Jacob said, "No, please; if I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand; for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God - since you have received me with such favor." Genesis 33:10 NRSV

God's face is the face of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Yet, how many times have we refused to give forgiveness or to be reconciled?

For Jacob, this meeting was something that he dreaded and he prepared for Esau's anger. Yet, it ended up as a blessing because Esau was happy to see him. We don't know if Esau was influenced by his family or by God. But he obviously had matured since his brother's trickery and departure. Instead of an army, he greats his brother by running, hugging, kissing and weeping.

All of Jacob's worries still are with him but he recognizes God's provision in making peace with his brother. 

God's face is the face of forgiveness and reconciliation. 

God, your face is available to us when we are willing to accept forgiveness and reconciliation with other people. Thank you. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

The Tithe

Yearly Reading: Genesis 28-31

"... And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house; and all of that you gave me I will surely give one-tenth to you."  Genesis 28:22

Do you tithe? That is, do you give one-tenth of all you earn back to God?

I find that many people talk about tithing but I don't know for sure how many actually do tithe. My husband and I have tried to tithe over the years. We finally discovered that we were best off if we wrote the tithe check first before paying any other bills. Otherwise, the money would be spent on other things.

Some months it is a struggle. I always imagine what else I could do with the money or in what areas an increased cash flow would take away our financial worries.

I am always brought up short when I remember that everything we own belongs to God. All we have is a gift from God. Jacob promises to give his tithe if God will provide God's presence and guidance as well as food, clothing and a peaceful return home. God does that and much more.

Has God not done that for you?

God, we pledge to give one-tenth of all you give us this year back to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Help Us to See

Yearly reading: Genesis 24-27

He said, "Are you really my son Esau?" He answered, "I am." Genesis 27:24 NRSV

Isaac really doesn't believe this is Esau. First he asks who it is. Then he wonders aloud how he got the food to him so quickly. Then he wants to feel him to see if it is really Esau. He even admits to himself his confusion: this sounds like Jacob but feels like Esau. He again asks if this is Esau. Finally, when the food is brought to him, he smells him and decides this really is Esau.

Isaac is really and truly blind. He does not see physically. But he also is blind to the faults of his oldest son, Esau. This is the son who sold his birthright because he was hungry. This is the son who marries two local women who drive both his parents crazy.  And we know that he has a temper.

In the story of the blessing, his physical blindness is actually a good thing in the end.

Makes me wonder where in my life do I suffer from blindness. Am I blind when it comes to my family? My job? My neighborhood? My church?

In what areas of your life do you suffer from blindness?

God, it may be painful but help us to see. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

God Provides

Yearly Reading: Genesis 20-23

So Abraham called that place "The Lord will provide; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided." Genesis 22:14 NRSV

Abraham obeys God and carries through with the sacrifice of his son up until the very final moment when God stays his hand and provides the true sacrifice. During the trip to the mountain, he had told Isaac that God would provide the animal to be sacrificed. And, because Abraham was obedient, God did provide.

I am fully confident that God provides as God has provided again and again in my life. However, this story reminds me of the cost of such provision: full obedience.

Am I being truly obedient to what God is asking of me or am I more than willing to just do it my own way? In other words, do I see God's provision as a safety net that I have become dependent on without doing my own part?

How about you - do you see God providing in your own life? Are you being obedient?

Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Falling At God's Feet

Yearly Reading: Genesis 16-19

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." Then Abram fell on his face; Genesis 17:1-3a NRSV

I am struck by the image of this ninety-nine year-old man falling straight down to the ground. He gave the only response possible to the God who called him to a covenant relationship. There was no bowing or genuflecting but straight-forward humility. Abram had absolute recognition of something greater than Abram. Abram succombed to the awesomeness of the deity. Abram was able to participate in complete worship of God.

I suppose many of us could imagine a time in our own lives where we have fallen on our face. But I doubt many of us could claim that it was at the feet of God. Embarrasment rather than absolute worship would probably be the image for most of us.

However, Abram falls at God's feet after God has appeared to him, told him who God was, instructed Abram to walk before God and be blameless or righteous and promised an agreement that would be applied to Abram and future generations - which God promises will be numerous. Abram doesn't just fall God's feet when God appears. Abram falls at God's feet when he hears of God's desire to be in a relationship with Abram.

I think we need to be willing to respond to God in such a wholehearted way. We need more falling at God's feet. After all, God desires a relationship with all of us.

God, we fall face down at your feet. We worship you, we honor you, and we bless your holy name. We recognize the holy relationship to which you call each of us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Keeping the Peace

Yearly Reading: Genesis 12-15

Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herders and my herders for we are kindred. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."
Genesis 13:8-9 NRSV

Abram knows how to keep the peace.

Abram's staff and Lot's staff were not getting along. There were too many bodies in too little space.

But Abram is the elder, the uncle. He could have told Lot where to go or demanded some sort of agreement from him in order to preserve order. The land is really big and there is plenty of room for both of them. The two households could easily spread out. Abram had every right to tell Lot to move somewhere else or to move his own household to the choicest land.

Instead, Abram sees an opportunity to truly keep the peace. He does not choose the best of the land for himself. He lets Lot do the choosing. Rather than see only one possibility and selecting the best in a highly selfish manoeuver, Abram allows Lot to be part of the decision. He gives Lot free will. He lets Lot make the choice.

Lot, of course, chooses a prime piece of property. Abram abides with the decision. And it is Abram who ends up the winner in the entire deal. Abram's own peace-keeping style has far-reaching benefits.

How are your peace-keeping efforts? Are you willing to give someone else the right to choose and to abide by their decision?

God, you call us to be peace-keepers but it is a really hard thing to do! We would rather look out for ourselves and choose the best for us. You would rather we hand over the decisions to someone else and abide with the results. We cannot see the blessings you would give us if we do. Help us to be peace-keepers, Lord. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Just A Big Misunderstanding

Yearly reading: Genesis 9-11

And the Lord said, "Look, they are one people and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another's speech. Genesis 11: 6-7 NRSV

I used to think this was the Biblical explanation for the many spoken languages on earth. But this morning, I have come to realize this is about misunderstanding.

My husband and I speak the same language. However, it is rare for us to actually hear what the other is saying. One of our marriage-building exercises is to repeat what we hear the other person saying. Many times we can get it correct but only with a great deal of effort. In other words, it works when we do the exercise but not when we speak to one another on a daily basis.

I also speak the same language as my parents. But often I can sense that many times they just don't get what I am saying. It really isn't a matter of understanding per se but a matter of seeing the world in a similar way. I have spent time in a regular basis to try to explain myself to my mother; I have given up on my father - he is only going to see things from his own perspective.

Then there is my son. He is only eight but I can begin to see what he is going to be like as a teenager. He has already learned how to tune me out.

And this is just in my own family! Forget working together in order to accomplish the impossible. If we can't communicate with one another, how can we hope to communicate with others?

We shall all have to depend upon God to accomplish the impossible.

Perhaps that is the meaning of today's scripture.

God, with you nothing is impossible. We place ourselves in your hands. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Looking Like Your Parent

Reading for Bible in a year: Genesis 5-8

This is the list of the descendants of Adam. When God created humankind, he made them in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them "Humankind" when they were created. When Adam had lived one hundred thirty years, he became the father of a son in his likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. Genesis 5: 1-3 NRSV

As an adopted child, I have always been curious about what my blood parents must look like. In looking at my son, I am always intrigued with how much he looks like both of his own parents but especially when he looks just like me. Then, just yesterday, I found out that I look remarkably like my birth mother.

I find it interesting that Adam has a son "in his likeness, according to his image." To me that says that Seth looked just like Adam. After yesterday's discovery, I can really relate!

But what is even more intriguing is how the Bible says that God made all of humankind "in the likeness of God."

We are all made in God's image. This includes both males and females! Perhaps it is sometimes hard to see the resemblance. If we really try, I think we can see God in others as well in ourselves.

Looking like our parents is nice.

Looking like God is even better.

God, you created us in your own likeness. Sometimes we don't look like you and we ask for your forgiveness. Help us to live in such a way that we are without a doubt recognized as your children. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Through the Bible in 2010

And God said, "Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years. Genesis 1:14 NRSV

One year through the Bible reading: Genesis 1-4

Happy New Year!

This year in One Minute Devotional, I continue to offer a one minute devotional each day. I am also adding an additional component for anyone who is interested: reading through the Bible in 2010. This reading should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. This would greatly expand my one minute parameter but will be entirely optional. The daily Bible reading will be a verse or two from that day's reading. For your convenience, I will post the current month's daily readings in a sidebar.

Today's reading reminds us of God's creation of time. Certainly the first day of the New Year is when we often think about time. Many of us see this is a chance to begin anew by making resolutions and new plans. Hence my own goal of reading through the Bible while creating each day's devotional. However, I must admit that my thoughts are more of a selfish nature rather than highly spiritual. It is so much easier to write when I have planned ahead on what scripture I am focusing on!

But beyond my devotional plans, I also find myself focusing on dates and time. I am paying more attention to the dates on food and spices in the pantry and freezer. Have we really kept that bag of pasta in the freezer for an entire year? Is this maple syrup still good when the date reads May of 2008? I am looking at the entire year ahead rather than just the upcoming week. When can I plan a retreat? What will we focus on during Lent? Where will we go for our vacation this summer?

I find that God does not seem to enter my plans when it comes to dates and time. Why is that? Genesis 1:14 clearly attributes our concepts of time - days, seasons, years - to God. Genesis begins with God creating light and dark which became the first day of creation. Time, it seems, is something God-given. As I begin this new time of 2010, perhaps I should include God in my plans for how I will spend my time.

God, we ask that you bless this New Year. We see how you are creator of time and seasons and years and we give you the praise and the glory. May we all follow in your Way during 2010. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims