Margarita & Stace Crews – Page 90

September 25, 2026

WHO HAS BEEN MY SHEPHERD ALL BY LIFE / GENESIS 48:15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 48:15

And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

The Ultimate Legacy: A Shepherd for All My Life

What kind of legacy will you leave behind? When we think of a legacy, we often think of wealth, property, or family traditions. But as we look at the final days of the patriarch Jacob in Genesis, we see a completely different kind of inheritance.

In Genesis 48:15, Jacob looks back over his long, turbulent journey and delivers a profound testimony, blessing his grandsons with these words:

“God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day…”

Jacob did not leave his children a story of his own cleverness or success. Instead, he left them with an example of persistent faith and a stunning testimony of how God had guided, guarded, and cared for him through every high and low.

The Evidence of Sincere Faith

Jacob’s life was far from perfect. He wrestled with fear, faced deep family conflicts, survived years of exile, and grieved the supposed loss of his son Joseph. Yet, at the end of it all, he didn’t focus on his hardships. He focused on the faithfulness of his Shepherd.

The New Testament highlights this exact moment as the pinnacle of his life. The book of Hebrews refers to Jacob’s blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh as the ultimate proof of his sincere faith:

“By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.” (Hebrews 11:21)

Leaning on the staff that had carried him through a lifetime of wandering, Jacob worshiped. His persistent faith allowed him to see that every twist and turn was under the careful watch of the Great Shepherd.

The Greatest Gift We Can Give

There is no greater legacy that a parent, leader, or friend can pass on to the next generation than a strong faith in and commitment to God. Earthly wealth can disappear, but a testimony of God’s unchanging faithfulness is an anchor for the soul.

When we openly share how God has provided for us, protected us, and shepherd-led us through our dark valleys, we build a highway of faith for those who follow. We give them a living proof that the God who was faithful to us will be just as faithful to them.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day. When I look back at my journey, I see Your hand guiding me through the valleys and sustaining me through the storms. Forgive me for the times I doubted Your leading.

I ask that You grant me a persistent, unwavering faith like Jacob. Help me to live a life that points others directly to Your goodness. May the greatest legacy I leave behind be a burning testimony of Your faithfulness, so that the next generation will know, trust, and follow You as their Shepherd too.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 25, 2026

WILL BE RECKONED AS MINE / GENESIS 48:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 48:5

And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

Reckoned as His: The Beautiful Grace of Spiritual Adoption

In the ancient world, inheritance was everything. It determined your future, your security, and your standing in society. It was a right passed down strictly from father to son. Yet, in Genesis 48:5, we witness a stunning disruption of tradition that reveals a profound truth about the heart of God.

Jacob, nearing the end of his life, looks at his son Joseph and makes a radical declaration regarding his grandsons: “Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.”

With those words—will be reckoned as mine—the trajectory of Ephraim and Manasseh’s lives changed forever. They were elevated from grandsons to full sons. They were pulled from the periphery and placed directly into the center of the family line, receiving the same rights, status, and inheritance as Jacob’s oldest children. Because of this act of grace, Joseph received a double portion, and his two sons each became a full tribe in the nation of Israel.

Chosen and Elevated

Ephraim and Manasseh did nothing to earn this status. They were born in Egypt, distant from the land of promise, yet Jacob purposefully claimed them. He looked past their generational placement and said, “They belong to me.”

This Old Testament moment serves as a beautiful shadow of the New Testament reality available to each of us. Through Jesus Christ, God looks at us and makes the exact same declaration: You will be reckoned as mine.

We were once strangers, separated from the family of God by our sin and wandering in a spiritual wilderness. We had no right to the family inheritance. But through the cross, God chose to adopt us. He did not bring us into His kingdom as second-class citizens or distant relatives. He elevated us to the status of full sons and daughters, making us co-heirs with Christ.

The Promise of the Double Portion

When Jacob adopted Joseph’s sons, he guaranteed them a future secure in the promise of God. When God adopts us, He guarantees us an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. We receive His peace, His presence, His authority, and His eternal kingdom.

If you have ever felt like an outsider, or if you worry that your past or your background disqualifies you from God’s best, remember Genesis 48:5. Your standing with the Father is not based on what you have earned, but on who has claimed you. You have been chosen, redeemed, and fully integrated into the family of God. You are reckoned as His.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the breathtaking grace of adoption. Thank You that when I was a stranger, You looked at me with love and declared that I would be reckoned as Yours. I praise You that my identity and my future are secure in Your family, and that You have granted me a full inheritance that the world can never take away.

Help me to walk confidently today in my identity as Your child. Remove any lingering feelings of rejection, unworthiness, or doubt, and remind me that I belong to the King of Kings. May my life reflect the love and grace of the family I have been brought into.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 25, 2026

CARRY ME OUT OF EGYPT / GENESIS 47:29-30

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 47:29-30

And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: ³⁰But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.

Carry Me Out of Egypt: Faith for the Final Journey

We all want to know that our lives matter, but have we ever stopped to consider what our final wishes say about our faith?

In Genesis 47:29-30, we witness a deeply intimate and prophetic moment between an aging patriarch and his son. Jacob is drawing near to the end of his earthly life. He calls for Joseph and makes a request that might seem unusual to modern readers, but carries profound spiritual weight:

“When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.'”

At this point in history, Jacob’s family was comfortable in Egypt. They had prime land in Goshen, Joseph was second-in-command of the entire empire, and they were protected from the famine. Egypt represented safety, provision, and prosperity.

Yet, Jacob’s final directive was simple: Carry me out of Egypt.

A Faith That Looks Forward

Jacob’s request wasn’t just about homesickness or sentimentality. It was a massive statement of forward-looking faith.

Decades earlier, God had promised Jacob’s grandfather Abraham, his father Isaac, and Jacob himself that the land of Canaan would be their everlasting possession. God had even explicitly told Jacob in Genesis 46:3, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.”

Jacob knew that Egypt was only a temporary pitstop, not the final destination. Even as his physical eyes grew dim and his body failed, his spiritual eyes were fixed firmly on the promises of God. As the New Testament reminds us in Hebrews 11:22, it was by faith that Jacob made mention of his burial, trusting that God would eventually lead his descendants back to the Promised Land.

Leaving the Comfort of Egypt

It is easy to get comfortable in our own version of “Egypt.” We settle into the routines, the worldly securities, and the temporary comforts that surround us. We begin to live as though this world is our permanent home.

But Jacob reminds us that we are just passing through.

By demanding to be buried in Canaan, Jacob was teaching his children and grandchildren a vital lesson before he closed his eyes: Do not unpack your bags here. This empire is not your home. Keep your hearts anchored to the promise of God.

When we face transitions, trials, or even the end of our own journeys, we can hold onto the exact same assurance. The circumstances around us might look shifting and uncertain, but the covenant promises of God stand secure. Our ultimate home is not defined by our current surroundings, but by the faithfulness of the One who called us.

Where is your heart anchored today? Are you settling for the temporary comforts of Egypt, or are you living with a faith that looks forward to God’s ultimate promises? Like Jacob, let us be a people who refuse to be buried by the distractions of this world, keeping our eyes fixed on our true eternal home.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You that You are a God who keeps His promises across generations. Lord, it is so easy for us to get comfortable in the “Egypts” of this world—to rely on temporary security, worldly wealth, and immediate comforts. Forgive us for the times we have anchored our hearts to things that are passing away.

Give us the forward-looking faith of Jacob. Help us to live with eternity in mind, trusting Your Word even when we cannot see the final outcome with our physical eyes. Remind us daily that we are just travelers here, and that our true home is found in You.

We pray for the grace to pass this legacy of faith down to those who come after us. Secure our hope in Your unshakable covenant, and carry us through every season of life until we rest fully in Your presence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 25, 2026

MY PILGRIMAGE / GENESIS 47:9

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 47:9

And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

The Pilgrim’s Perspective: Walking by Faith When the Promise is Far Off

In Genesis 47:9, when Jacob stands before Pharaoh, he looks back on his life and makes a profound statement: “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.”

Jacob did not look at his life merely as a series of geographical moves, family struggles, or years on a calendar. He saw it for what it truly was: a pilgrimage.

Living as Strangers in the Land

A pilgrim is someone on a journey to a sacred place. They are passing through, not settling down permanently. For Jacob, Abraham, and Isaac, this was a literal and spiritual reality. They lived in tents, moving across lands that had been promised to them, yet they never owned more than a few plots of burial ground while they lived.

Jacob lived as a stranger, relying completely on God’s timing to eventually bring his descendants back to the Promised Land. This required a deep, enduring faith. Jacob, like his forefathers, closed his eyes in death without seeing the physical fulfillment of those massive ancestral promises.

Yet, their faith never wavered. Why? Because they understood that the earthly Canaan was only a shadow. As Hebrews 11:16 reminds us, “they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” Their ultimate gaze was fixed on a heavenly city with eternal foundations, designed and built by God Himself.

Our Shared Journey

If you are a believer today, you are a pilgrim too.

It is easy to get comfortable here, to treat this world as our final destination. We anchor our hearts to our careers, our homes, our comforts, and our material security. But the Bible gently reminds us that we are just passing through. We are citizens of a completely different kingdom.

Living as a spiritual pilgrim means:

Embracing the “Few and Difficult” Days: Jacob didn’t sugarcoat his life. It was hard. Our journeys will have seasons of grief, waiting, and displacement. But a pilgrim knows that a bad day at a temporary campsite doesn’t change the beauty of the final home.
Operating by Faith, Not Sight: Like Jacob, we might not see the complete resolution of every prayer or the full realization of every promise in our lifetime. We plant seeds we may never sit under the shade of, trusting that God is faithful to finish what He started.
Keeping Our Eyes Upward: When the world around us feels shaky, unstable, and fractured, we can take heart. Our foundations aren’t built on earthly soil. They are anchored in eternity.

Take comfort today in knowing that your restlessness, your trials, and your longings are simply reminders that you aren’t home yet. Keep walking, keep trusting, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The Architect is preparing your arrival.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You that You do not leave us to wander aimlessly, but that You call us Your own and guide our steps on this earthly journey. Like Jacob, we confess that our days can feel few, difficult, and full of transitions. Forgive us for the times we try to build permanent roots in a temporary world.

Strengthen our faith today. When the promises feel far off and our eyes grow weary, remind our hearts of the heavenly country You have prepared for us. Help us to live boldly as pilgrims and strangers—holding tightly to Your truth and loosely to the things of this earth. May our lives reflect the hope of the eternal city whose architect and builder is You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 25, 2026

SHEPHERDS ARE DETESTABLE /GENESIS 46:33-34

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 46:33-34

And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation? ³⁴That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

The Protection of Rejection: Finding God’s Purpose in Goshen (Genesis 46:33-34)

When Jacob’s family packed up their lives to migrate to Egypt during a catastrophic famine, they weren’t just entering a new country—they were entering a spiritual minefield. Egypt was a global superpower overflowing with wealth, architectural marvels, and advanced education. It was also a land deeply rooted in pagan idolatry and ungodly philosophies. For a small family chosen by God to bear His covenant, the risk of cultural assimilation was incredibly high. It would have been easy for them to blend in, adopt Egyptian customs, and slowly forget the God of Abraham.

But God had a brilliant, unconventional strategy to keep them pure, and He used the world’s prejudice to pull it off.

In Genesis 46:33-34, Joseph prepares his family for their official audience with the ruler of Egypt:

“When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

Human wisdom would tell us to hide our flaws, polish our resumes, and rebrand our history to fit into high society. Joseph was the prime minister; he easily could have given his brothers high-ranking government jobs or military positions. Instead, he explicitly tells them to highlight a profession that the Egyptians despised.

Why? Because Joseph understood that the Egyptians’ disdain was actually the Israelites’ divine fortress.

Because shepherds were viewed as low-class and detestable, Pharaoh didn’t want them living in the capital city. Instead, he segregated them to the fertile, isolated region of Goshen. This social distancing was a severe mercy from God. By keeping the Israelites physically separated from mainstream Egyptian culture, God protected them from the ungodly influences, idols, and lifestyles that could have corrupted their faith. What felt like a social rejection was actually a supernatural shield.

As believers today, we often face a very similar tension. When we choose to live according to biblical truth, prioritize holiness, and speak the language of faith, the modern culture will often view us with a similar kind of disdain. We might be labeled as outdated, peculiar, or narrow-minded. The pressure to compromise our convictions just to get a seat at the world’s table can be overwhelming.

However, Genesis 46:33-34 reminds us that the world’s rejection is often God’s protection.

When the culture distances itself from you because of your devotion to Christ, do not despair. God is simply keeping you in Goshen. He uses that boundary to preserve your spiritual identity, keep your lineage pure, and anchor your heart to His promises. We do not need the world’s validation when we already possess God’s assignment. Let us embrace being set apart, knowing that the boundaries God sets for us are always for our ultimate good.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sovereign protection that guards us even through the rejection of the world. Forgive us for the times we have craved the approval of society more than Your truth, or when we have tried to camouflage our faith just to fit in. Grant us the courage to boldly walk in the identity You have given us. When we experience isolation or disdain for following You, remind us that You are preserving us for a greater purpose. Help us to thrive in the “Goshen” places of our lives, keeping ourselves unstained by worldly influences. We rest in Your wisdom, trusting that Your boundaries are our safety. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 25, 2026

SIXTY-SIX PERSONS / GENESIS 46:26

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 46:26

And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

The Math of Grace: Unpacking the Numbers in Genesis 46:26

Have you ever stumbled across a passage in scripture where the numbers don’t seem to add up at first glance? If you are a student of the Bible, you might have noticed a classic example when tracking the journey of Jacob’s family as they packed up their lives to escape a severe famine and relocate to Egypt.

In Genesis 46:26, the text states:

“All the descendants who went to Egypt with Jacob—those who were his direct offspring, not counting his sons’ wives—numbered sixty-six persons.”

Yet, right in the very next verse (Genesis 46:27), the total shifts: “With the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seventy in all.” To complicate matters further, when Stephen gives his powerful speech in the New Testament (Acts 7:14), he declares that Joseph sent for Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all.

Is this a contradiction? Not at all. It is a beautiful example of how scripture looks at the exact same historical moment through different lenses to tell a complete story. Let’s break down the math of grace.

Understanding the Perspectives

The variance in these numbers comes down to a simple question: Who is being counted in the room?

Scripture Passage	Total Count	Who Is Included?
Genesis 46:26	66 persons	The direct biological descendants who made the physical trek from Canaan to Egypt with Jacob. This excludes Jacob himself, Joseph, Joseph’s two sons (who were already in Egypt), and the wives of Jacob’s sons.
Genesis 46:27	70 persons	The complete “house of Jacob”. This takes the traveling 66, adds Jacob himself, Joseph, and Joseph’s two sons (Ephraim and Manasseh) to symbolize a complete, unified family unit in Egypt.
Acts 7:14	75 persons	Stephen’s calculation, which relies on the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament. The Septuagint version includes five additional descendants—specifically grandsons and great-grandsons of Joseph through Ephraim and Manasseh.

The Deeper Spiritual Lesson

When we read these tracking numbers, it can be easy to see them as mere ancient census data. But God preserves these details for a reason.

When Jacob’s family went down to Egypt, they were a tiny fraction of a nation—just a handful of souls seeking refuge from starvation. They entered Egypt as a small, vulnerable family, but they left generations later as a mighty nation numbering in the millions.

The precision of these numbers reminds us that God counts what matters to Him. He didn’t just see a crowd; He saw sixty-six individual faces making a frightening journey across the desert. He saw Joseph’s specific children born in a foreign land. He saw every generation that would follow.

If God keeps such meticulous details of Jacob’s household, how much more does He care about the details of your life today? You are never just a number to Him. He knows your going out and your coming in, and He has a master plan to multiply your faith, even in the middle of a famine.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You that You are a God of details, order, and immense grace. Just as You knew every soul that traveled with Jacob into Egypt, we thank You that You know our names, our struggles, and our journeys today. When we feel small, vulnerable, or overwhelmed by the famines of this life, remind us of Your covenant faithfulness.

Thank You for the assurance that You see us, You count us as Your own, and You are always working behind the scenes to preserve and multiply us. May we trust Your master plan, knowing that what begins as a small step of obedience can turn into a legacy of Your power. Guide our steps today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 25, 2026

I AM GOD … DO NOT BE AFRAID / GENESIS 46:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 46:3

And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

Moving Into the Unknown: “I Am God—Do Not Be Afraid”

We all face moments in life where the path forward feels like a drop into the deep unknown. Whether it is an unexpected career change, a sudden medical diagnosis, a difficult relationship transition, or a move to a completely unfamiliar environment, change can breed intense anxiety.

When the ground shifts beneath our feet, our first instinct is often to worry. But thousands of years ago, God gave a weary patriarch a timeless assurance that still echoes for us today.

In Genesis 46:3, God speaks to Jacob (Israel) during a major, nerve-wracking transition in his life:

“He said, ‘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.'”

Understanding Jacob’s Fear

To understand the weight of this moment, we have to look at Jacob’s situation. He was an old man, well-established in the land of Canaan—the very land God had promised to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. Leaving Canaan felt like stepping away from the promise. Furthermore, Egypt was historically a place of famine, temptation, and danger for his family.

Yet, God was calling him to move. Jacob stopped at Beersheba to offer sacrifices, seeking confirmation. God did not ignore his hesitation. He met Jacob in the quiet of the night to provide exactly what his anxious heart needed: His name, His presence, and His plan.

The Threefold Reassurance for Our Transitions

From time to time, we all need to be reassured of God’s love, care, and presence as we face the difficulties and decisions that are part of life in a sinful world. When you face your own “Egypt”—an intimidating or unfamiliar destination—remember how God answered Jacob:

“I am God” – He establishes His authority first. He reminds us that He is the Sovereign Creator who stands above our circumstances. He isn’t caught off guard by the changes in our lives.
“Do not be afraid” – God addresses our emotional reality. He doesn’t shame Jacob for being afraid; instead, He offers a gentle command backed by a comforting promise.
“I will go down with you” – As God expands on His promise in Genesis 46:4, He reassures Jacob that he will not travel alone. God’s presence isn’t localized to our past comforts; He walks with us directly into our future unknowns.

Finding Comfort in Unexpected Places

Sometimes God fulfills His greatest promises in unexpected ways and places. Egypt looked like exile to Jacob, but it was actually the greenhouse where God would multiply his family into a massive nation. What looks to us like a setback, a detour, or a trial can be the exact environment God chooses to grow our faith and mature our character.

If you sincerely are trying to follow the Lord and develop a deeper relationship with Him, God will respond to your sincere request for mercy and guidance. Through Jesus Christ, we have received the ultimate assurance of this relationship. As John 1:12-13 reminds us, those who receive Him are given the right to become children of God—born not of human will, but of God.

As His children, we can step out in bold confidence, knowing that the same God who led Jacob into Egypt is leading us through our lives today.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your constant, guiding presence in our lives. You are the unchanging God who holds our changing world in Your hands. Lord, we confess that the unknown often terrifies us. We get comfortable in our own versions of “Canaan,” and we shrink back when You call us into unfamiliar territory.

When fear grips our hearts, whisper Your truth to our souls: “I am God—do not be afraid.” Help us to trust that You are already in our tomorrows. Give us the patience to wait on You, the discernment to see Your hand at work, and the courage to follow wherever You lead.

Thank You for the mercy, grace, and guidance You so freely give to Your children. May our faith always be bigger than our fears as we rest securely in Your love.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 25, 2026

SO ISRAEL SET OUT / GENESIS 46:1

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 46:1

And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.

Faith in the Transition: Walking Into God’s Greater Purpose

Life often pushes us into transitions we didn’t plan. We face seasons of scarcity, unexpected shifts, and moments where the familiar ground beneath us begins to give way. In those moments, it is easy to feel like we are simply reacting to circumstances. However, scripture reminds us that what feels like a forced detour is often the precise path of God’s providence.

In Genesis 46:1, we read a short but monumental phrase: “So Israel set out…”

Jacob (Israel) packed up everything he owned and began a journey to Egypt. On the surface, this move was a desperate reaction to survival. A severe famine had gripped the land, making relocation a necessity (Genesis 47:13). Yet, looking beneath the surface of their physical reality reveals the beautiful, intricate orchestration of God’s sovereign plan.

The Sovereign Setup

Long before the famine ever reached Canaan, God had already engineered the blueprint. Centuries earlier, He foretold this exact season to Abraham, promising that his descendants would live in a foreign land but ultimately come out with great possessions (Genesis 15:13-14).

God used the famine not to destroy His people, but to position them. Egypt was never meant to be their permanent home, but it was designed to be their incubator. In His infinite wisdom, God led events so that Israel was forced to consider the move. It was there, under the shadow of Egypt, that this small family would multiply into a great nation before finally returning to the Promised Land (Genesis 50:24).

Isolated for Growth

When Israel and his family arrived, they didn’t merge into Egyptian culture. Because the Egyptians refused to associate with Hebrews, viewing shepherds as detestable, Jacob’s family settled in the isolated region of Goshen (Genesis 43:32; 46:34).

What looked like rejection and isolation from the world was actually God’s protection. Goshen was a place of separation. God wanted a distinct people set apart for His special purpose. By keeping them isolated, He preserved their identity, their faith, and their lineage.

Trusting Your Own “Goshen”

Are you currently in a season of transition or forced isolation? It can be uncomfortable to leave the “Canaan” you know, even if that Canaan is currently experiencing a famine. But take heart:

Your transitions are not random. God uses circumstances to move you where you need to be.
Your isolation is not abandonment. God sets you apart to grow you, protect you, and prepare you for what is next.
Your current stop is not your final destination. Just as Israel looked forward to returning to Canaan, we live with the hope of God’s ultimate promises.

God is always playing the long game. He separates us, grows us, and builds us up so that we can ultimately fulfill our role in His grand plan—to reveal His heart and invite people of all nations into a relationship with Him. When God says it’s time to move, we can confidently pack up and set out, knowing He has already walked the path ahead of us.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your infinite wisdom and perfect foresight. Forgive us for the times we look at the famines and transitions of our lives with fear instead of faith. We acknowledge that nothing catches You by surprise, and that You use even the hardest circumstances to position us for Your purpose.

Give us the courage of Israel to set out when You call us to move. If we find ourselves in a season of isolation or waiting, remind us that You are growing us, protecting us, and keeping us distinct for Your glory. Anchor our hearts in the promise that our current struggles are not our final destination. Use our lives to reveal Your love and faithfulness to the world around us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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September 25, 2026

THE REGION OF GOSHEN / GENESIS 45:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 45:10

And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:

The Purpose in Separation: Finding Provision and Protection in Your Goshen

In the narrative of Genesis, few moments carry as much emotional and theological weight as Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers. After years of betrayal, enslavement, and wrongful imprisonment, Joseph does not seek revenge. Instead, he reveals a perspective shaped by divine purpose. In Genesis 45:10, Joseph extends an invitation that would change the trajectory of his family’s future:

“You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have.”

While this verse marks a joyous family reunion, it also introduces a highly strategic geographic location: The Region of Goshen. Located in the Nile River Delta approximately forty miles from present-day Cairo (close to where the river met the Great Sea), Goshen sat on the eastern edge of Egypt.

This specific geography reveals how God uses physical and situational separation to fulfill His promises.

1. The Blessing of Separation

Goshen was situated away from the main cultural and political centers of Egyptian life. This isolation was intentional. In Egyptian society, shepherds and livestock keepers were viewed with intense cultural aversion. By placing the sons of Jacob in Goshen, Joseph ensured they were far enough away to avoid disrupting Egyptian daily affairs, yet close enough to remain under royal protection.

Sometimes, God places us in a season or environment of isolation. We might interpret this as loneliness or rejection, but it is often divine insulation. In Goshen, the Israelites were protected from assimilating into Egyptian idolatry and culture. This isolation allowed them to grow from a single family into a distinct, unified nation.

2. Abundance in the Midst of Drought

Famine gripped the ancient world, leaving communities desperate and starving. Yet, Pharaoh called Goshen “the best part of the land”. It was highly fertile lowland, perfectly suited for sustaining livestock even when surrounding regions dried up.

While the rest of the world experienced scarcity, Joseph’s family found sustained nourishment. This serves as a reminder that your provision is never tied to the global economy or physical circumstances; it is tied to God’s sovereignty. When He guides you to a specific place or assignment, He is fully responsible for providing for you there.

3. A Citadel of Protection

The strategic value of Goshen became even more evident generations later during the Exodus plagues. When judgment fell upon Egypt, God consistently set Goshen apart. Swarms of flies, destructive hail, and thick darkness blanketed Egypt—yet Goshen remained entirely untouched.

The geographic buffer zone Joseph established centuries earlier became a literal shield of supernatural protection for his descendants.

Embracing Your Season of Preservation

If you find yourself in a season that feels isolated, distinct, or separated from the fast-paced centers of the world around you, consider the strategy of Goshen. God may have hidden you away not to punish you, but to protect your identity, multiply your strength, and nourish your soul in a place close to His heart.

Trust the placement. The same God who mapped out the fertile delta of Goshen for Jacob’s family is perfectly coordinating the details of your life today.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God of strategic provision and intentional placement. When the seasons of life feel isolating or unfamiliar, help us remember that You often use separation to protect our identity and grow our faith. We thank You that even when the world around us experiences drought or uncertainty, You are capable of establishing a Goshen—a place of spiritual abundance, safety, and deep nourishment.

Give us the patience to stay where You have planted us and the vision to see Your hand at work in the quiet, hidden seasons. Keep us close to Your presence, and let our lives bear fruit that honors You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 24, 2026

TO PRESERVE FOR YOU A REMNANT / GENESIS 45:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DIALY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 45:7

And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

To Preserve for You a Remnant: How God Used Joseph to Save the Lineage of Christ

When we read the story of Joseph, it is easy to view it simply as an inspiring tale of family reconciliation, shifting from the depths of a pit to the heights of an Egyptian palace. However, a closer look at a pivotal moment in Genesis reveals a profound reality about God’s sovereign orchestration of history.

In Genesis 45:7, Joseph stands before the very brothers who betrayed him and declares: “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”

At this moment, Joseph lifts his eyes above his personal suffering to see the grand tapestry of God’s covenant. God was not merely rescuing a single family from famine; He was safeguarding the future of humanity.

The Unbroken Thread of Promise

The mechanics of how God chose to preserve His people carry deep theological significance. Scripture establishes that Jesus Christ would physically descend from the line of Judah, not Joseph. It was Judah who received the royal blessing that the scepter would not depart from his line (Genesis 49:10).

Yet, without Joseph’s agonizing journey through betrayal, false accusation, and imprisonment, the entire family of Jacob—including Judah—would have perished in the severe famine. God strategically positioned Joseph in Egypt to keep the ancestors of Christ alive.

Through this lens, Joseph functions as Christ’s spiritual ancestor. This spiritual connection reflects the principle outlined in Romans 4:12-16, which emphasizes that a legacy of faith and alignment with God’s redemptive plan holds far greater eternal weight than a biological lineage. Joseph’s life mirrored the ultimate mission of Jesus: both were rejected by their own, sold for the price of a slave, and ultimately exalted to bring life and deliverance to many.

Trusting the Unseen Plan

Joseph’s declaration reminds us that God does not improvise. Long before the famine struck, the Lord had already sent the solution ahead. When you endure seasons of isolation, betrayal, or confusion, remember that your current struggle might be the very ground God is using to position you for a purpose larger than yourself.

Our daily challenges are never meaningless when surrendered to the Creator. Just as God used Joseph to preserve a remnant, He is constantly working behind the scenes of your life to bring about a great deliverance.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We marvel at Your sovereign wisdom and the precise detail with which You weave together human history. Thank You for the reminder through the life of Joseph that You are always working ahead of us, even in our darkest moments of suffering and betrayal.

Give us the spiritual vision to see past our immediate circumstances. Help us trust that You are preserving us, guiding us, and using our lives to fulfill Your greater kingdom purposes. We thank You for the ultimate deliverance we have in Jesus Christ, the true Remnant and Savior of the world.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace