Monday, 03 December 2007 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Judah

Then Leah gave birth to another son. She named him Judah, because she said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” Genesis 29:35

Judah’s name sounds like the Hebrew for ‘praise’. He was named in a burst of spontaneous thanksgiving!

I wonder how much joy you have brought to those who love you?

Just think how much greater delight God takes in your life, your person and your potential.

Tuesday, 04 December 2007 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Judah

Then Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and hide his death? Let’s sell him to these Ishmaelites…” Genesis 37:26-27

Judah’s home was full of jealousy, hatred and distrust. Then out of the blue comes a chance to get rid of the most annoying brother and make a bit of cash as well. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but the things we do shape the kind of people we become.

What seeds are you sowing in your life today?

Wednesday, 05 December 2007 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Judah

All of Jacob’s sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he could not be comforted. Genesis 37:35

Judah put his arm around his dad but didn‘t know what to say. His lies would be little comfort; the truth too hard to admit.

The consequences of our sins are often much greater than we imagine. They grow and grow until, finally, they imprison us.

Why not bite the bullet, and break free today?

Thursday, 06 December 2007 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Judah

Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Go live as a widow in your father’s house until my young son Shelah grows up.” For Judah was afraid that Shelah also would die like his brothers. Genesis 38:11

Years later, Judah discovers what it was like for his dad. He loses not one, but two sons, and fears for his third. But God isn’t punishing him. He’s persevering with him!

Even if it takes a whole lifetime, Judah will eventually get the message. God may not transform you overnight, but watch out - change is coming!

Friday, 07 December 2007 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Judah

Judah said, “Tamar is more in the right than I. She did this because I did not give her to my son Shelah as I promised.” Genesis 38:26

Finally Judah looks his mistakes straight in the eye, and admits they’re his. Sometimes it takes the goodness in another person to make us realise how wrong we’ve been.

Looking at God is even scarier! But we’re only ready to go forward with Him when we’ve faced the truth of where we are today.

Saturday, 08 December 2007 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Judah

“I cannot go back to my father if the boy is not with me.” Judah tells Joseph (who he does not recognise), “I couldn‘t stand to see my father that sad.” Genesis 44:34

We don’t always get the chance to make amends. Judah is fortunate. Finally he’s thinking about how someone else feels.

A lesson learned properly changes the way we think and the way we live. That’s what growing in faith is all about.

Is it time for the changes in your life to become real?

Sunday, 09 December 2007 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Judah

Jacob prophesied over Judah, saying, “Kings will come from Judah‘s family; someone from Judah will always be on the throne.” Genesis 49:10

Judah’s descendants included King David and Jesus of Nazareth. From unpromising material God can produce amazing results. His love and mercy are greater than our failures.

His promises to you are just as exciting as this one, so fasten your seatbelt and prepare for the journey that is your lifetime.