Author Archives: magenhshavel

Immanuel: (Genesis 39-41, Matthew 25:14-30) The word Immanuel means “God is with us.” The phrase “The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2-3, 21, 23,) is mentioned many times while Joseph suffered through some very trying times in his life. How frustrating and tragic life was for him, but we can see through it all: GodContinue reading “Immanuel”

The Highway of God: (Exodus 14:10-14; Mark 4:13-20; Luke 6:46-49) In the early 1990’s, an archaeological discovery was uncovered in Egypt: the world’s oldest paved highway (4,600 years old) of about 8 miles long. This would place that highway almost 500-1000 years old already at the time of the Exodus. Egyptians ruled in power andContinue reading “The Highway of God”

Recognizing vs. Not Recognizing: (Genesis, Matthew 23-24) In summary of Genesis, there is a theme throughout of recognizing what was before mankind’s eyes. Eve didn’t recognize the trickery of the devil, Cain didn’t  recognize what kind of gift God wanted from him, mankind (except for Noah and family) didn’t recognize the warnings of the Lord,Continue reading “Recognizing vs. Not Recognizing”

Comparisons between Cain & Abel, vs. Jacob & Esau, vs. Parable of the Wedding Feast: Cain & Abel (Genesis 4) Jacob & Esau (Genesis 27, 33) Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14) Cain born first, then Abel Born twins, fighting at birth, Esau comes first First invited guests to the wedding feast Cain becameContinue reading “Cain & Abel – Jacob & Esau – Parable of the Wedding Feast”

Reconciliation and Forgiveness: (Genesis 32-33 and Matthew 18:15-22) Jacob was fearful to see Esau. But God was working both sides! There are times when we forget that the ‘other side of the argument’ is also being worked for God’s purposes too. We often are offended when someone is angry with us, we become fearful ofContinue reading “Reconciliation and Forgiveness”

1st “LOVE”: (Genesis 22:2, John 3:16, Matthew 3:17, and Matthew 22:34-40) The first time the word “LOVE” is used in the Bible is in Genesis 22:2. Its similarities to John 3:16 “For God so loved the word, that he gave his only Son…” This first word “love” is to describe a love between a veryContinue reading “1st “Love””

God hears: (Genesis 21:17, Matthew 18:3-4, and Matthew 19:13-15) God heard the voice of the boy, this boy was Ishmael a 14-17 years old entering puberty (Genesis 16:16 and Genesis 21:5). God heard Hagar years ago when she was pregnant with him (Genesis 16) and running away from her masters. She was promised by GodContinue reading “God Hears”

I AM The Door, The Light, and The Truth: (Genesis 19:8-11/ Matthew 9:27-31/ Matthew 11:4-6 outside of plan reading John 9:39-41, John 10:9, John 14:6) The two angels who visit Sodom and guests in Lot’s house are threatened by a mob of evil men. Lot tries to offer his own solution to the evil mobContinue reading “I AM The Door, The Light, and The Truth”

The Cost of Following God: (Genesis 16/ Matthew 8:18-22/ Matthew 13:53-58/ Matthew 16:24-28) Hagar is underplayed in our Bible stories. How hard that would be to hear the voice of God directing you back from where you ran away? Would any woman today go back to her master who was physically and/or mentally abusive? IContinue reading “The Cost of Following God”

The Fruit: (Genesis 1:11-12/Matthew 7:15-20/ Matthew 12:33-37) In the Genesis creation story, the vegetation was good, the trees were good. Take an extra look at how and why they were “good” in Genesis 1:11-12: “God said, “Let the earth produce plants—vegetation that produces seed, and trees that bear fruit with its seed in it—each accordingContinue reading “The Fruit”