Genesis 38-39 ; Psalm 11 ; Matthew 13:36-58 "Meramec Spring" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Watercolor on Paper All of today’s readings are profound and worthy of comment.  Yesterday, we briefly mentioned Joseph’s dreams and his “richly ornamented robe,” but we want to address them a little more today.  Jacob’s love for Joseph was expressed materially and visibly by the robe he made for Joseph.  However, this robe represented God’s favor, His blessing, and His anointing

Genesis 36-37 ; Psalm 10:12-18 ; Matthew 13:18-35 "Ozark Scene, I" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Pen & Ink Sketch on Paper Today, we come to Genesis 36, which gives us the account of Esau’s family and descendants. Although we are not particularly attracted to or excited about reading a long chapter that presents a genealogical record – especially about Esau – nevertheless it is important for us to recognize that God promised blessings to all  of Abraham’s descendants. 

Genesis 34-35 ; Psalm 10:1-11 ; Matthew 12:46–13:17 "Little Bird With Flowers" © by Terri L. Stricker - Pen & Ink Sketch on Notebook Paper Our readings for today contain much truth for us to ponder and consider.  Yesterday, Proverbs 2 reminded us [1]  to seek wisdom by searching for it like we might search for silver or for hidden treasure, and [2]  to recognize that the LORD is the source of wisdom. Today, Jesus warns us not to allow our hearts to become calloused – lest w

Genesis 32-33 ; Proverbs 2:1-11 ; Matthew 12:22-45 "With All That I Am ..." © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Pen & Ink on Paper In today’s readings, we see that an impressive transformation has taken place now in Jacob’s life.  Earlier, he left home as a great deceiver, but now, upon his return, he seems to have recognized the foolishness and futility of his own deceptions, and subsequently, to have learned and repented from them – at least to some degree.  These are intan

Genesis 31 ; Psalm 9:13-20 ; Matthew 12:1-21 "Homeward Bound" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Ink & Watercolor on Paper Today, our Scripture readings address three great challenges for our consideration.  First , Jacob and Rachel’s beautiful love story that began back in Genesis 29 has quickly deteriorated into an acerbic family relationship contaminated by anger, bitterness, selfishness, jealousy, and greed.  We read that “Jacob heard that Laban’s sons” were talking abou

Genesis 29-30 ; Psalm 9:7-12 ; Matthew 11:16-30 "Hot Flashcube" © by Eric C. Stricker - Original Oil on Canvas Our readings today reveal how prone we are – as human beings – to take matters into our own hands and then attempt to manipulate or to shape the outcomes to our own selfish advantage.  This situation is especially true when things don’t go our way.  As Genesis 29 opens, things seem to be going Jacob’s way, but not for long.  In chapter 28, at the stairway to heaven

Genesis 27-28 ; Psalm 9:1-6 ; Matthew 10:32–11:15 "Maria-Enzersdorf Roses" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Colored Pencil on Paper Today in Genesis 27, we read about Jacob’s deception of Esau.  Sin lies at the heart of all deception,  and because we are all sinners, therefore we are all either the subject or the object of some form of deception.  Deception has a sinister partner – lying.  Back in the Garden of Eden, sin entered into the world through lies and deception wh