Unity of the Brethren

As we begin a new year, I pray we work together in unity. Jesus left us with a command.
Matthew 28:19,20 Go ye therefore and teach all nations ....
Mark 16:16 Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel ...
To accomplish this we must work together. Work is a key factor.

Monday Readings: John 6.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (vs.15)

The Jews wanted a Messiah who would overthrow the Roman government. They wanted a government that would fix their problems without fixing their lives.

Today we say we want leaders who will fix our healthcare, unemployment, educational system, etc., etc., etc. but for the most part, we don't want our personal lives affected. We don't want to take responsibility for those changes. For our nation to be changed, we first must be willing to change our hearts to follow the truth.

Father, help us seek Your will in our personal lives, that we might make a true difference in the world in which we live. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Readings: John 18
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight,.... (vs36).

Jesus stood before Pilate but did not fight against the Romans. It was for this purpose that He came into the world, to give His life for the world.

Jesus desires unity among the brethren. He wants us to understand that we are to make a difference, not through fighting with the world but through unity of preaching the gospel.

Father, teach us to love one another so we might make a difference in bringing the gospel to the world Jesus died for. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday Readings: Matthew 6
Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (vs.10)

Jesus' kingdom is a spiritual kingdom that He taught His disciples to pray for. Daniel spoke of this kingdom in Chapter 2 when he told Nebuchadnezzar of the little stone that grew into a mountain that filled the whole earth. The only way to reach the world with the gospel is through unity of the brethren in the truth of God's Word.

Father, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday Readings: Matthew 16
... upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (vs18).

Jesus was explaining the church to his disciples. Do we get it? A gate is a defensive object. If you walk down the street, a gate will not jump out and get you. It is there to prevent you from coming in. But, if you see a child drowning in a pool or the house on fire, won't you jump the gate or tear it down to get to the people in danger? The gate will not prevent you from rescuing those inside if you are determined to be of help. The world is drowning and on fire. It is our job to present them with the gospel so they have the opportunity to escape. Rescue the perishing. Hell cannot prevent it.

Father, help us to be united in presenting the gospel so a lost world can see the way of escape. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Readings: John 17
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also maybe one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (vs.21)

Jesus prayed for us to be one in Him as He is one with the Father. That is unity. He desires that unity that the world might believe. If the world sees discord in the church and inconsistency in our lives, they see no reason to believe the gospel.

Father, help us to seek to be one in the Son as You desire us to be, that souls might be saved. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Readings: Mark 9
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. (vs.38-41)

The disciples had the same problems we see in the church today. If others didn't do exactly as they did, then they weren't true Christ followers. Disunity. Today we quibble over dress codes, styles of music, number of services, versions of the Bible, and whether the service is in person, on TV, radio, or satellite. All this disunity causes the world to be confused as to the truth. If people are coming to Christ, as seems to be the case in this chapter, is that not the point? Christians unite. The world needs to hear a unified voice proclaiming repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

If it were not possible, Jesus would not have taught us to pray for it.

Blessing for the New Year.

Gail

The Tree of Christmas

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isaiah 11:1

There is a little bug in many of the classrooms today. It’s called an EETCHY worm. It’s made of colored beads and it helps kids organize their thoughts to tell a story. I want to use an EETCHY worm today to help us tell about a Christmas tree.

• The first bead of the worm is green to remind us what group we are talking about.

Our group is Christmas Tree

• The second bead is blue to ask us what does it do. A Christmas Tree represents the various meanings associated with Christmas.
• The second bead is yellow with an eye on it. This asks us what does it look like.

A Christmas Tree looks like a tree covered with red, gold, blue and white balls, stars, angels, ribbons, and bells.

• The next bead is brown to ask what is it made of. A Christmas tree is made of wood.
• The next bead is pink to ask what are its parts. A Christmas tree has a trunk, branches, and evergreen needles.
• Then there is a white bead to ask where is it? A Christmas tree is placed inside or outside of a home where everyone can see its beauty.
• The last bead is orange and asks what else do you know. By now most of us have a pretty good picture of a Christmas tree in our minds and our answer to the question what else do you know may be, “That’s all.” Or that there are presents under the tree. But that’s not all!

Let’s go back and examine what we said about the tree. The blue said is represents the various meanings associated with Christmas. What meanings? In the yellow we answered red balls; red is the color of blood. Christ shed His blood on a cross made of wood. The tree is made of wood. We also said gold balls. The wisemen brought Jesus gold and frankincense and myrrh. Blue balls are the color of royalty. Jesus is King of Kings. White balls are the color of purity. Jesus was without sin. Wisemen followed a star. Angels announced His birth. Ribbons held the breastplate to ephod on the robe of the high priest. Bells were sown around the hem of his robe so all could here him as he preformed his priestly duties. Jesus is our High Priest.  The evergreen needles tell us that Jesus gives us eternal life. The trunk and the branches lead us back to our scripture: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

We display our Christmas trees where all can see their beauty. So should Jesus be displayed in our lives that all can see His beauty. We want to come to the tree and receive the gifts. May all the world come to Jesus this Christmas and receive His gift of salvation. May there be Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

What else? Won’t you tell us the what else that God is doing in your life?

Blessings

The War on Christmas

Yes, if you haven't noticed someone is always fussing and fuming over Christmas. Some call it a war on Christmas. I think we may gain some insight this week by looking to the book of Daniel and noticing how the Babylonians dealt with the Jews and how the Jews took their stand for God.

Monday Reading:
        Daniel 1:3,4 One of the first things Nebuchadnezzar did was to search out the leaders of the Jews, those of the King's seed, those of the lineage to Christ. Satan, as usual, was on the prowl to destroy God's plan to send his Son to die for our sins. To accomplish this Nebuchadnezzar wanted these leaders trained in the way of the Babylonians, but first he needed to find those that were usable and trainable. Satan still uses the same tactics to thwart the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Let's make some comparisons.

                                Babylon                                                                  America

1. Without blemish.                                                               Concerned with our looks/makeup
2. Well favored .                                                                    Idolize movie stars and athletes
3. Skillful in wisdom                                                              Professors use education for gain
4. Cunning in knowledge .                                                     News media manipulate people
5. Understood science                                                            Scientist push evolution
6. Ability to stand in the kings palace.                                   Politicians-confident, well-mannered
7. Teach learning and language                                             Teach secular ways and secular-speak

Babylon was looking for leaders that the Jews would respect and would look to for leadership. The plan was to train these people to lead the people to be Babylonians. They wanted them to turn from their God and serve Babylon. Doesn't that sound familiar? We are free to worship just don't do it at work or in school or in any public place. Leave your religion at home. Learn the ways of the secular world if you want to get ahead.

Father, help us to never leave our religion at home but have a relationship with God that is evident in all we do. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Reading
        Daniel 1:8 But Daniel ..... He also influenced his friends to take a stand, vs 11.
Daniel 1:17-21 God gave the four of them all the things the king wanted but from God's point of view. These four, out of many Jewish prisoners, were used of God to influence their country of captivity for good as long as Nebuchadnezzar reigned. Not everything went smoothly, but God is still in control. Are there ways we can be Daniels in our country under our circumstances?

Father, help us be wise as serpents but harmless as doves as we influence our nation for You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday Reading:
          Daniel 2:44 Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. He looked to his magicians and astrologers first. When they couldn't give results, he was ready to lop off the heads of all the wise men. When Daniel got word, he answered with counsel and wisdom. Daniel went in and calmed the king by giving God the credit for knowing the dream and the interpretation. Daniel gave the interpretation of the kingdoms of Babylon(gold), Media-Persian (silver). Greece (brass) and Rome (iron and clay). In the dream God was also showing the time line to the Messiah. The Jews looked for an earthly kingdom that would overthrow the other kingdoms that ruled over them. Jesus was the stone that filled the whole earth . Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world. He taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10. He told us the gates of hell would not prevail against his church. Matthew 16:18. He said "Fear not little flock, it is his pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32.

God's people will prevail when we take a stand for God.

Father, help us be ever mindful that we are not soldiers of this world but soldiers of the cross. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Reading:
        Daniel 3:4-6 Two weapons yet used by Satan today - the consent of the multitude and the cruelty of the punishment. It was not used to change their hearts but little by little to make them forget their God. Peer pressure is a common weapon used for good and bad. It moves multitudes. The media uses it all the time with advertisements and news to sway us, to change our habits. We are told we may not pray in Jesus name. e may not display our religion in any way. We may no solicit others in His name. It is to cause us to forget God and it works well. The little children I teach do not know Christmas except as Santa and presents. They do not know Easter except a bunny and candy. We shake our heads that people are in prison and tortured in other countries because of their stand for the gospel. The three Hebrew children faced death and Nebuchadnezzar saw a forth man in he fire like unto he Son of God. Stand up! God will go with us through the fire as well.

O God, forgive us and help us make a public stand for You. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Reading:
      Daniel 4:34-37 At the end of chapter 3 Nebuchadnezzar seems to be a changed man, vs.29. We see by his actions that it was only lip-service. He really had no relationship with the true God. He thought he was in control of his destiny and that of the rest of the world. It's not until he loses all that he lifts his eyes to heaven and blesses the most High. Then he got the real deal - real salvation.

So many people say they are saved but their lives lack evidence. Do you have the real deal?

Father, help us all check up and make our salvation sure. May we be filled with life service and not just lip service because of our love for the One who died for us. In Jesus name. Amen.

Philippines 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.(KJV). The doing through Christ gives us strength to do a little more. Be doers of the word and not hearers only. Christmas is a good time to start.
 

Wise Men Still Do

Monday Reading:
        Luke 2:1-7 No room in the inn. I stayed in the Country Inn and Suites this fall. Lots of places were displaying a No Vacancy sign. Thankfully, we had reservations. It makes me think what was an inn in Bethlehem and how many were there? Probably only one in that small town just a few miles outside of Jerusalem. An inn in that day may have only had one large room where straw was scattered on the floor for visitors to lay their bedding. Hmm. Just wondering if the innkeeper really didn't have room or noticing Mary's condition, he thought it better not to subject his other guests to the possibilities and probability that the night would bring. Who knows if he actually offered them the stable? What would the stable have been like? A town full of visitors, lots of animals filling a common stable in what was probably a damp cave opening. Did I say lots of animals? When was the last time the stable was cleaned? Was there fresh hay? A damp cave with lots of animals -pewwww!

Jesus came into a filthy stable and into a filthy world. Isaiah 64:6 says all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. But Isaiah 1:18 says though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. It always amazes me how the snow makes the ground look level. All the ditches and potholes are even with the ground. Our sin makes us all filthy but the blood of Jesus cleanses us white as snow and we are all on the same level.

Father, we thank you that you are not a respecter of persons but we are all equal before you. We are all as filthy rags until Your Son cleanses us, Then we are all white as snow and every sin is covered.
Blessed be Your name Lord Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday Reading:
         Luke 2:8-20 The shepherds were considered the lowest of the low in society's eyes. They lived out among their flocks, unkempt and unclean. Just working the third shift, talking, dozing, keeping watch over the sheep when unexpectedly the Angel of the Lord appears with the news of the Messiah. Then a host of heavenly angels appears and sings. Wow, what a night!

When my husband worked third shift, it was hard, dirty work, often in bad weather.  One Christmas it occurred to us that the shepherds were third shift workers. It made us aware that things can happen in the strangest circumstances. God knows our stiuati9ons. He's looking, watching, caring about us. He cared that lowly shepherds knew about the birth of His Son.

Lord, how amazing that You see us in all our circumstances and You care. You want to encourage us and show us great and mighty things if our hearts are right. Make us ever aware that You are here. In Jesus name. Amen

Wednesday Reading:
        Luke 2: 21-40 The circumcision was in eight days but the days of purification was longer depending on if a boy or girl was born. Mary was following God's laws from the beginning of Jesus birth.

Proverbs tell us to train up a child in the way he should go. A child needs a Godly home before it is born. Just because a baby enters the family is no reason to use it as an excuse to stop going to church or doing what God has commanded. This would be the time to ramp it up, to train the child. Verse 40 should be the story of every child in a Christian home.

Dear Lord, we pray for families everywhere that they train their children in the Lord. In Jesus name. Amen

Thursday Reading:
          Matthew 2:1-10 The wise men from the East  followed the star, but it seems to have gone away. They ended up in the natural place, Jerusalem. Herod had no knowledge of where the baby was to be born. There was no baby at his house. When he called the priests and scribes, they informed him of Bethlehem, but they didn't care enough to go. The wise men were still willing to seek Him.

Are we wise? Are we seeking Him or are we allowing people to influence our decisions?

Father, help us that we are only influenced by Your word. In Jesus name . Amen.

Friday Reading:
        Matthew 2:11-23 The political leader of the day was afraid for his job. The religious leaders didn't care about God's Son so long as their coffers were full. The babies died for the security of their politics. Sound familiar?

IN the name of unity and fairness prayer has been disallowed in schools since the 1960's. Abortion followed . Now millions of our babies are dead. The terrorism of 9/11 brought scripture from our politicians but Isaiah 9:10 is a scripture of defiance, not of repentance. Now the religious leaders of our nation; have allowed a Muslim prayer service in our National Cathedral. II Chronicles 7:14 If my people....

Father, show us how to repent. I'm not sure we even know where to start. In Jesus name. Amen.

Mary, Did You Know?

His name shall be called Wonderful, Counseler, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6b

Every Jewish family probably knew the passage and longed for the coming of the Messiah to restore their land, but who had any idea it would happen the way it did? Do we have any idea how it happened? In the next few days let's explore the reality of the miracle of our Savior's birth. Remember your comments are always welcome.

Monday's Readings:  Remember to read the entire passage and let the Lord show you the verse(s) that will be significant in your life. The verse(s) I comment on is the verse the Lord had for me. That's why comments and sharing are significant, so we all may benefit.

      Luke 1:1-25 (vs. 6,7) Both Zecharias and Elizabeth were faithful to God. They kept His commandments, but it seems they were being judged by the community because Elizabeth was barren. She had no children. The people took it as a sign that Zecharias and Elizabeth were out of favor with God. Not true. God was waiting for the right time to use them both to demonstrate His power and to reveal His message.

It's hard to wait when we are discouraged and ridiculed, when people don't understand. But... we must understand God has a plan. Whether the issue is children, husband, wife, weight, beauty, money, whatever, God is in control and He has a plan for each of us.

Father, help me not to rush into things, but live by faith knowing, You are in control and You have the best plan for me. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Readings: Luke1: 26-38 (vs 38) Mary believed the angel and wanted to follow God's plan. But does she have any idea the hardships it will bring? I would think the first thing she might do would have been to tell her mom. Have you ever wondered how Mary's parents figured in the story?

Growing up in the '50's and 60's we sometimes saw teenage girls "disappear". You know, Aunt Sue or Cousin Jane,  who lives in Somewhere was sick and needed the girl to help out a little while. Six to eight months later the girl reappears. Did you ever wonder why the angel mentioned Cousin Elizabeth to Mary? Could it be that Mary's mom and dad sent her to the distant hill country because they couldn't believe Mary's story? I'm sure they didn't want their daughter to be the talk of the community. Why did Elizabeth hide herself? Could it be that if she had told she was expecting in her old age the people would have deemed her the crazy old lady?

Father , help me to be as Mary, willing to follow You no matter the hardships that come. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday Reading:
      Luke 1: 39-56 (vs49).  Mary saw how great a thing God had done for her - her salvation, allowing her to be the mother of the Savior, the Messiah, and providing a friend in Elisabeth who understood.

When things seem overwhelming, and I'm sure Mary was feeling overwhelmed as she traveled to Elisabeth's, look for the great things God is doing in your life. Remember He has a plan for you just as He had one for Mary and Elisabeth.

Father, thank you for all you are doing in my life. Help me to cultivate the good things and not destroy the joy with doubts and complaining. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Reading:
      Luke 1:57-80 (vs 74,75) At the birth of John the Baptist,  Zecharias called to remembrance the promise God had made to Abraham, the promise that God would deliver Israel from the hands of the enemy and they would serve God without fear in holiness and righteousness.

We who are Abraham's children by virtue of the new birth in Christ have the same promises. He will always be with us and we should serve Him without fear, trusting that He is in control and knows all we face. Isaiah 41:10

Thank you Lord, for being in control. Thank you that we can trust You to handle every matter. Help me remember "No Fear" in Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Reading:
      Matthew 1:18-25 (vs19,24)   Joseph thought to put her away privately. In a day when an engagement was almost as binding as a wedding, Joseph wanted to break the engagement without causing her shame or endanger her life. Mary had gone to Elisabeth's. All this seemed a good way to solve a "problem" but God had other plans.

God sometimes interrupts our lives to bring about the best plan. Though Joseph and Mary and Jesus were going to face ridicule all their lives, it was the best plan for the entire world. God loved Mary and Joseph but He loves us too. We needed Mary and Joseph to carry out God's plan. We  need to rise from our sleep and let God use us in this our day - for such a time  as this  (Esther 4:14).

Father, help me to know how to humble myself so You can use me to further Your kingdom. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Your plan. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

Blessings,

Gail

     

God Has a Plan

Monday Readings:
      Ruth 1:5 In the face of terrible circumstances, Ruth follows God. Naomi and her husband and her two sons have come from Bethlehem to Moab in a time of famine. Her sons marry Moabite women, then all the men die, leaving Naomi and her two daughter - in - laws. Naomi feels it is now time to return home, so she encourages her daughter - in - laws to return to their families. Moabites were idol worshippers, descendants of Lot and his daughter(Genesis 19:27-38; Exodus 20:5,6). Ruth makes her conversion known in verse 16 and refuses to return to her old way of life. She is willing to go to a country where she is considered the enemy because of her love for God and her love for Naomi is greater than her fear.

This is the great providence of God to bring Christ into the world, though Ruth and Naomi have no idea. God is in control and He uses situations both good and bad to bring great things to pass.

Father, great and wonderful are all Your plans. Help me to have faith that You are bringing to pass Your plans in all that happens to us. In Christ name pray. Amen.

Tuesday Readings:
      Ruth 2:10 Ruth humbled herself and declared her unworthiness as well as her association with another people who were enemies of God's people. Boaz is her physical savior, showing undeserved kindness.

To receive salvation from Jesus should we not fall at His feet and declare ourselves enemies of God in need of His mercy and forgiveness?

Thank you Lord Jesus, that You took note of me, showing me undeserved forgiveness and mercy and salvation. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Wednesday Readings:
       Ruth 3:9 Ruth asked Boaz to spread the wings of his garment over her (Geneva). She wants him to preform the duty of the near kinsman and take her as his wife.

Do we not need Jesus to be our near kinsman redeemer? It is His covering of our sin that is our only hope of salvation. (Malachi 4:2)

Lord Jesus, thank you for shedding Your precious blood to cover our sin. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Thursday Readings:
      Ruth 4: 11,12 The people pronounce a blessing that was really a prophecy they didn't know or understand fully. Rachel and Leah are the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel and Tamar the mother of the tribe of Judah. It seemed the family of Naomi and the family of Boaz were coming to an end before this match.  Be famous in Bethlehem, they said. That's almost hilarious. Read the last to verses. Who is Ruth's famous great grandson?!!

Friday's Readings:
     Matthew 1: 1:3-6 Genealogies - I heard you groan, but notice the women; Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Two of the four are Gentile women. Examine their lives - Tamar who played the harlot Genesis 38, Rehab the harlot Joshua 2; 6:25, Ruth the Moabite Ruth 4, Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah II Samuel 11. Women of Jewish and Gentile descent were used to bring the world together in Christ.

Father, help me not to reject anyone but know that everyone is part of Your plan - loved by You. For you have commanded us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel Matthew 28:19,20.

May your week be filled with Thanksgiving to God for all His mercies,

Gail



If My People... That's a Big If

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

Monday Reading:
      Exodus 36:5,6 The people were so excited about the work of the Tabernacle that they brought more than was needed. Moses had to give a command to stop bringing things for the Tabernacle.

What a wonderful situation to find ourselves in. When has the offering ever been too much? When has a congregation been so excited about God's work that they had to be told their gifts were enough?

Father, at this season of Thanksgiving, may our thankfulness for all you have done be demonstrated in the enthusiasm we show in working for Your kingdom. May Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Reading
       Exodus 37:1, 10, 25, 29 These verses demonstrate the responsibilities of Bezaleel. God chose him to do a mighty work but he is actually an unknown figure. His faithfulness to his calling has affected the understanding and worship of God for millions of people for thousands of years.

Can others look at my work and see faithfulness to my calling? Is my faithfulness or lack thereof affecting others? Surely all we do affects others.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a work to do. Help me to be faithful to Your calling regardless of how much or how little credit I receive. You must increase and I must decrease. Be glorified, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday Reading:
      Exodus 38:8 The women brought their brass mirrors for the making of the brass laver, a place for the priest to wash their hands. Have you ever noticed women when they pass a mirror, even in a store? We have to stop and check ourselves.  Beautiful hair, clothes, and make-up can all be a mess if a woman doesn't have a mirror to check herself. The women of Israel gave their most prized possession. They humbled themselves before God putting aside their vanity for the building of the place of  worship.

Father, please open my eyes to the things I put before worship, before praise, before witnessing. Help me to humble myself for Your work. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Reading:
       Exodus 39: 18. The names of the tribes of Israel covered the priest's heart and his shoulders bore the weight.

Are God's people on my heart? Are the lost on my heart? Do I have a burden for people or do I just complain about the situation?

Father help me carry a burden for repentance among Your people and a burden to see the lost saved. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Reading:
      Exodus 40:34. The people had followed God's directions. They had set up the tabernacle in God's order and He had descended on it. He guided their way day and night.

When our lives are clean God abides and directs our way. When we allow sin to enter in the Spirit departs until our lives are clean-forgiven. I John 1:9. We cannot do a work for God if we harbor sin .

Father, direct my path that I might walk in Your way. May my life be pleasing unto You. In  Jesus  name. Amen.

Thank you for journeying through Exodus with us. Please join us next week for a new adventure.

Blessings,

Gail

Investing

Monday Reading
      Exodus 31:2; Matthew 25:14-30 God called Bezaleel by name. He knew him and paired him with others to do a special work, craftsmanship. He wasn't a priest, a pastor, a Sunday School teacher. Bezaleel was a man who worked with his hands. A man to whom God had given talents and Bezaleel used them and honed them to do the best work he could.

God knows us and calls us and gives us special talents. He pairs us with others for help and encouragement. Our job is to practice those talents and sharpen them so we can be used by God for the furtherance of His kingdom. There is no talent too small or too insignificant that God can't use it because. . . He gave the talent.

Father, help me use the talents You have given to glorify Your name. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Readings
      Exodus 32:31,32; Deuteronomy 6:3-15 Moses was gone up on the mountains a long time and the people thought he wouldn't return. They were returning to the ways of Egypt. They gave Aaron their gold to make a molten calf. How could they? Moses had to pray for God's forgiveness. Moses was willing to give up his place in God's book if God would not forgive.

Before we judge the Israelites, let us examine our own selves. Have we worshipped the "gold" - materialism and sacrificed the families God has given us saying it is so our children have more? What do they need more of? Is it not parents who are commanded to train up their children and teach them?

Father, forgive us. Help us, Your people, to repent and return and bring up our sons and our daughters in our homes, telling them when we walk and when we sit, that we might ever keep You and Your word before their innocent eyes. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday Readings
      Exodus 33:17 Moses asked God's favor to go with them and care for them. God's response was that He would go with them and give rest. He declares that He knows Moses by name.

Does God know you by name? Only those who have repented of their sins and asked God's forgiveness and salvation are known in the same intimate way that is referred to in this passage. Yes God knows everyone but not everyone has a relationship that God wants. Every saved person who is attempting to live for God is known and cared for. God's presence is with them.

Thank you Lord, for going with me, for hearing me, for giving me rest in a world of strife. Thank you that I am known of You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Readings
      Exodus 34:6,7 God is merciful and gracious. His desire is to forgive and save, but those who are not willing to turn from sin not only harm themselves but also their own children to the third and fourth generation.

How often have we heard statistics of alcoholics and abusers whose own parents acted in the same way? How many times have we witnessed to those in false religions to see them turn back to the lies of Satan and continue on their path to destruction?

Father, We are a rebellious and stiff-necked people. Thank You for your mercy and grace. Forgive us and save our children we pray. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Readings
      Exodus 35:29-31 We've come full circle from rebellion to forgiveness to willingness to give for the building of the tabernacle. Every man and woman had something invested in the work.

When we invest time and "money" into something we have a vested interest in the work. We are more concerned to see it prosper than if we simply stood by and watched. Let us be participants in God's work!!

Lord Jesus, help me always invest myself and my goods in Your work that the talents You have given are not wasted and that I might have concern to see Your work prosper. In Your name I pray. Amen.

As an encouragement, won't you share how God is using the talents He has given you to invest in His work?

Blessings,

Gail

Preparing to Worship

Monday Readings:
      Exodus 26:14 The Israelites were receiving instructions as to how to put the tabernacle together. The covering for the tabernacle were to be a linen covering, a goat skin and then a covering of a ram skin dyed red and lastly a badger skin. Hmm. The goat skin to remind them of the scape goat who took their sins into the wilderness (Jesus took our sins as far as the east is from the west) and the ram skin died red. The blood sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary. The Hebrews couldn't miss seeing God's love and sacrifice in the tabernacle at every turn but often they did ignore and forget God's love.

Are we paying attention to the things Jesus wants us to see in our daily lives? Why not begin a list in your journal of the ways God is demonstrating Himself to you?

Father, thank you for placing things in our lives that demonstrate Your love and care for us every day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Readings
     Exodus 27:20 The command was to bring pure olive oil, the first press, to burn in the lamp to cause it to burn always.
Jesus, the Light of the World will shine always. May we bring our best, be our best so others see Christ in us.

Father, may we always let our light shine before men that they may see our good work and glorify our Father in heaven. In Christ name. Amen.

Wednesday Readings
     Exodus 28:9-12, 15-21. The two onyx stones upon Aaron's shoulders bearing the names of the tribes if Israel and the stones on the breastplate, one for each tribe show us the burden Aaron was to carry for the Hebrews. God gave Israel visually for their understanding and for our understanding.

What burdens are you carrying on your heart? Why not write down the names of friends and love ones God is laying on your heart. Place it in a place you will see and remember to pray for them - on a mirror, or dresser, in your Bible, in a pocket, on a journal page, etc.

Father give us burdens for people that Your kingdom may come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Christ name. Amen.

Thursday Readings
      Exodus 29:13 The fat around the liver and kidneys were to be burned on the alter.

Animal fat has been rendered for centuries to use in soap making and candle making. This fat around the kidneys and liver contains the least meat. It is very white when rendered and also makes the best fats for cooking. It won't have a meaty smell. God requires purity. These fats burned on the alter melted down into the ashes. When the priests emptied the ashes, they then needed to wash off the ash. Soap at the time had not been invented but God was washing them in a way we can now see as lye soap. The lye from the ash, the fat from the alter and the water work together to create soap. God was purifying the priests without even their understanding. We really don't know how God purifies us when He forgives us and cleanses us from all sin. We just know He does.

Father, thank you for Your forgiveness and cleansing. I John 1:9. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Readings:
      Exodus 30:23-25 God gives directions for the anointing oil -myrrh, cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil.

Mmmmm! It's that time of year when we love the comforting smell of cinnamon and spices in apple pies and pumpkin pies and all the other good autumn cooking. Just think how wonderful the tabernacle must have smelled. Oh how wonderful to come into His presence to worship and relax and forget about the world outside with all the wonderful smells within.

Father help us to be reminded of Your sweet and loving care when we smell the wonderful baking this season and may we come into Your presence with Thanksgiving. In Christ name. Amen.

Let us in on your family worship during this most thankful season by leaving a comment.

Blessings,

Gail

Loving Others

Monday Readings:
      Exodus 21:22-25  God honors life. These verses indicate that if the mother or the child dies the punishment is life for life - capital punishment. The following verses show just how important people are to God. Even the loosing of a tooth was punishable. We are created in His image and He expects us to respect people. Even the very hairs of our head are numbered.

Dear Lord, Thank you for caring about me. Help me to care about others even as You do. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Readings:
      Exodus 22:21 The Israelites knew what it was like to be persecuted and enslaved. God commanded them to be kind to strangers, to treat others as you would want to be treated.

The Thanksgiving season is upon us. We think of all the reasons we have to be thankful. Why did we come here? Was it not because of religious persecution? Others came to escape burdensome taxes. Others for freedom to live and work as they saw fit. We were strangers in a strange land. Should we not show love and grace to others who come to us if they abide by our laws?

Father, help us be a merciful people, but for the grace of God we would be in their same condition. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday Readings:
      Exodus 23:4,5; Matthew 5:44 God commands us to have pity on our enemy and his animals. Animals were money in Biblical times. We are to help in their time of trouble. Be a good neighbor.

      If we are kind to others, even our enemies, we may win them to the Lord. We may make peace. We will know we have done right, which is really all that matters.

Father, help me treat others like You treat me - with loving-kindness and forgiveness. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Readings:
      Exodus 24:8 Moses sprinkled the blood of the sacrifices over the people. The Israelites  and all people have broken God's laws. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. ( Hebrews 9:22. ) This was the symbol of the blood of Christ upon their hearts. The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.

I wonder how the people felt when they were sprinkled with animal blood? Today we would see this as nasty. But, a bleeding wound cleanses the wound so it can heal without infection. The blood of Christ cleanses us so our lives can be healed of the corruption of sin.

Dear Father, thank you for the sacrifice of Your Son to cleanse us from all sin. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Friday Readings:
    Exodus 25:2 God asked Moses to speak to the people to give a freewill offering, an offering of love, not grudgingly nor of necessity. An offering of things needed to build the tabernacle.

What things are needed to build up the kingdom of God, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, love? Can we as Christians give these things

willingly? Is the increase of the Kingdom of God at the foremost of our daily lives?

Father help us willingly give our, time, money, and efforts to the upbuildment of Your kingdom.

Want you offer suggestions of ways to show the mercy of God to our neighbors and our enemies? May you be blessed for your work for God's kingdom.



Love in Jesus name,

Gail

Trust and Obey

Monday Reading:
     Exodus 16:23-26; Philippians 4:19
God wanted the Israelites to trust Him to supply all their needs. He wanted to give them a day of rest, but it was also important that they understand God would supply all their needs.

What does God want me to trust Him with? This week I had a scare. The doctors could not find any reason for my sudden black out other than mild dehydration. That should be enough to be thankful and move on, but there is that nagging feeling that it might happen again. Am I really putting my trust in God? Or am I depending on doctors or others to tell me why without believing God always has a plan to use me for His honor and glory.

Lord Jesus, help me rest in You that you are working all things for my good. Help me to obey in all things and believe You in all things. In Christ name. Amen.

Tuesday Reading:
     Exodus 17:7; Hebrews 13:5
When things didn't go perfectly for the Israelites, they doubted whether God was with them. Their doubts actually were a way of making God a liar and His Word of non effect.

How often do I doubt if God is with me when things don't go like I think they should? How can I doubt that the God who created the universe would fail to watch over me. He promises never to leave me  or forsake me.

Father, help me trust Your goodness and Your wisdom in all things. In Christ Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday Reading
      Exodus 18:21; Joshua 1:7-9
Moses was suppose to choose men of courage to judge the people's causes. Men who would fear God and not be afraid to render justly without covetousness.

"Men of courage, where are you?" I can clearly hear Alex Kendrick call to the audience in the movie Courageous. Where are the people who will stand for righteousness and morality, unafraid of public opinion. Men and women of courage, God calls us now.

Father, help us to be men and women of courage, who stand for righteousness in a sin-filled world. Help us to not be afraid of what people will say or do to us, but rather fear what will be the  results if we keep quiet in such a time as this. In Jesus name. Amen

Thursday Reading
      Exodus 19:4
God reminds the people how He carried them out of Egypt with love and care and bare them on eagles' wings.

An eagle carries food and materials for her nest in her talons. The eagle carries her nestlings on her wings. It is with love she drops below and teaches them to fly, catching them on her wings. She never grips them in her talons. God bears us gently through life, allowing scary times to help us learn and grow but always ready to swoop beneath and lift us up, ever caring for us as He does for Israel.

Father, help me remember that Your plan is to help me grow, not harm me. Help me trust You as an eaglet trusts the loving wings of its mother. In Christ Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Reading
      Exodus 20:25; Titus 3:5
God wanted an alter built with unhewn stone. God made the stone and the animal that was to be offered. It was not the Israelites hard work of hewing stone that was going to impress God, but a heart of obedience.

I see a picture that our deeds do not make us righteous - only the righteousness of Jesus given in our stead. God can do all kinds of things. He doesn't need our help or our work for our salvation. He has already given His Son. His only requirement is our repentant heart for our sin that caused Jesus' death on the cross.

Father, help me remember all things were made by You and are in Your control. Help me remember my job is to obey Your word. Thank you, in Jesus name. Amen.

Blessing

Gail

Won't you leave a comment to help us know how God is teaching you to trust and obey?

Visuals from God

God uses pictures and the five senses to help the Israelites and the Egyptians see what God was doing. The plagues, the Red Sea and the Twelve Wells of Water were all "visuals" God used to make His plan understandable for all the people. Take a few minutes each day to read the Exodus chapter and see the "visuals" God used for the Hebrews, then watch what He puts in your life to help you understand His plan.

Monday
     Reading: Exodus 11:10

Pharaoh would not listen to the warnings and plagues. He refused to let the Israelites go. The leadership of the land was bringing woe upon the Egyptian people. The children of Israel were discouraged by all they saw happening around them. They thought Moses and Aaron were bringing more problems on them. Moses and Aaron were standing for the Word of God.

Are we standing with Christian leaders who are trying to speak out? Do we know the truth of God's Word? Are we so busied by work and pleasure we can't really appreciate those who are trying to influence our leaders to stop unrighteous laws? Are we standing for the unborn, for marriage, for families? Where are we people of God?
         
Father, help us examine ourselves and see how we can make a stand for You and Your Word. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday
      Reading: Exodus 12:14; John 13:1-30.

Moses instructs the children of Israel in preparing for the Passover. He tells them this will be an ordinance for ever.

The Jews still celebrate the Passover but they do not understand the symbolism. They are in part blinded. But do we not also celebrate the Passover as an ordinance? When we celebrate the Lord's Supper we are still celebrating the Passover. Christ gave us this example as He celebrated Passover with His disciples in the upper room. We have the complete understanding that Jesus is our Passover Lamb. His blood was upon the cross and it is His blood that covers our sin. It was His body that was broken for us.      

Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Sacrifice for our sin. Amen.

Wednesday
       Reading: Exodus 13:8,9

Moses instructed the people to teach their children why they would celebrate the Passover every year. They would have the food in their hands and the knowledge in their minds through the seeing of the things they were doing. The food gave the taste and the smell. The recitation gave the hearing. All five senses were incorporated into the meal to solidify the meaning of the celebration. The generation that actually experienced the first Passover would soon pass. It was important to pass down the meaning to the next generation.

As we celebrate the Lord's Supper we have the bread and the cup in our hands. It is before our eyes to implant in our minds. It is in our mouths and the reciting is in our ears. The cup gives its sweet odor. We use all five senses to solidify the meaning of Christ sacrifice from generation to generation.

Farther, as we try to impart the meaning of the sacrifice of Your Son to our children, help us see the importance of making the telling part of all of our senses, that our children might have the fullest of understanding. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday
     Reading: Exodus 14:27; Romans 6:23

When Moses stretched his staff over the Red Sea it parted for the people to cross. When he stretched it out again it closed upon the Egyptians. The water that saved the Israelites destroyed the Egyptians.

We have the option of allowing Jesus, the Water of Life to give us salvation or rejecting Him and allowing His wrath to destroy us in the darkness of hell. If you are still weighing your options don't wait too long.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your free gift of salvation to all who will receive You. Amen.

Friday
     Reading: Exodus 15:27; Romans 1:20; I Cor. 3:6,7

The children of Israel journeyed to Elim where they camped by twelve wells of water that fed seventy palm trees. The Old Testament is filled with symbolism. Here were the twelve tribes camped out. They needed the water for their own thirst but God was also showing them that they had the spiritual water that the seventy nations of the world needed. Those seventy palm trees were feeding off the twelve wells. All the world needs the Water of Life that came through the Israelites.

Does God still use symbolism to teach us of Himself and the work He has for us to do? Romans tells us that all of creation tells His story so that everyone is without excuse. But we, who are Christians actually carry the water to give the rest of the world.  Look around and see how many things tell us of the Trinity. Egg shell, white, yolk. Sun ball, light, heat. Roots, stem, leaves. The list could go on and on.
 Search the night sky for the Big Dipper. That constellation used to be named the Ploughman. A farmer sowing and plowing. Remember how one plants another waters and God gives the increase?

Father, help us see You in all the world around us and remind us to plant and water and watch for You to give the increase of souls. In Jesus name. Amen.

Remember to read each complete chapter of Exodus every day. You may see something different than what God has shown me. Please leave a comment. We'd love to know how God is working in your life.

Blessings,

Gail

 

Light verses Darkness

Readings: Exodus 6:30; Phillipians 4:13
     In this chapter, God made seven promises to Moses (vs. 6-8, I will). Then in verse 30 Moses can't see how Pharaoh is going to listen to him. He thinks he's just a nobody.

     Often times God asks us to do things we can't do. Moses knew Pharaoh wouldn't listen to him, but he forgot that God was in charge. God was working out His plan by using Moses. If Moses thought he could make Pharaoh listen, then God would not have gotten the credit, the glory as we say in the church. Same with us. If God asks us to do something too hard, then He will get the glory, the credit, when His will is accomplished.
    The modern versions of Phillipians says "who strengths me". Christ does give us strength to do His will, but the KJV and Geneva say "which strengtheneth me". We gain confidence to trust Christ to work through us when we allow Him to begin to use us. Christ strengthens us, and the doing strengthens us, just as healthy food gives us strength and running or lifting weights strengthens our muscles to do more. Do what God asks even when you know you can't.

Readings: Exodus 7:12,21,22; I John 4:1
     Moses and Aaron begin to perform miracles before Pharaoh, but Pharaoh's magicians can do the same thing. Pharaoh's heart is hardened because he is deceived. Satan can seemingly work miracles. He can make his way look just as good as God's to the unsuspecting world.
     I John 4:1 tell us to try the spirits to see if they are of God because there are so many false prophets out there in the world. So how do we try the spirits? By the Word of God. We must make a habit of reading and memorizing so when we see things; movies, preachers, books, etc., we will know if it lines up with the Word or is it just one of Satan's tricks.

Readings: Exodus 8:28; Acts 4:19
     Pharaoh decided to let the people go and worship but they couldn't go very far, just a little way. Doesn't that sound like the government today? When our nation was first founded, we had freedom to worship. The founding fathers encouraged the people to read the scriptures and pray. Now they tell us we can be religious but we have to leave our religion at the door when it comes to school and work. It needs to be private worship. When the children of Israel first went to Egypt, Joseph was second only to Pharaoh and the Hebrews were given the best land for cattle. Over time they became slaves and now are told don't go too far.
     Peter and John faced hard choices as well. They were taken before the council for preaching Jesus and healing a man. They had to make the choice to continue to preach or obey the law. What choices are we making? Are we being shut down?

Readings: Exodus 9:27-28
      Pharaoh in his time of crisis calls for Moses to pray for him saying "the Lord is righteous". Yes, when things look bad or troubles come everyone calls for the preacher and the deacons. The government calls on everyone to pray. But what happens as soon as the trouble is passed? 911 is a good example of how people were called to God and to prayer but in a few weeks when the trouble settled down.....  

Readings: Exodus 10:22,23; Matthew 22:13
     The plague of darkness was upon the Egyptians. For three days they didn't move. Imagine how scary, a darkness so thick it can be felt, the cries of children who cannot be comforted from the fear of the dark. The adults feared as well. Horror, a tiny taste of outer darkness. A separation from the Light, from God. God's people were comforted in the Light.
    Jesus says when the wicked are cast into outer darkness there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
     Jesus, I thank You that You are my Light. That with You there is no separation. Thank You that there is no fear in Christ Jesus. Amen.

What things is God showing you from His Word this week? Please leave your comments that we all might grow, speaking the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)

Blessings,

Gail



Journeying

 

 

As we begin a journey through Exodus, please read the chapter and then find the verse that God wants to use to speak to you. It may not be the verses God has shown me. If we all share things, we will all grow. Thanks so much for taking time to visit and please leave a comment.
                                            Blessings on your studies. Gail


Reading: Exodus 1:17; Matthew 10:28,29
      Because the midwives had more fear of God than of Pharaoh, they let the male children live. They still had a fear of Pharaoh or they would not have lied to him, but God forgave them and blessed them for sparing the lives of the Hebrew children.
       Most of the people reading this were probably born after the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion in the US. Though abortion is a choice many young women fear that for them there is no choice. There has been 56 million abortions in this country since that decision was handed down by the supreme court. Read that number again - 56 million babies have died.  Thankfully places like Carolina Pregnancy are there to show these women that their babies can be spared. There is help and there is hope. We all need to be there for these women to show them the better choice and to offer them hope and forgiveness if they are in a post abortion situation. God blessed the Hebrew midwives for saving lives.
     Father, May we also fear God and care about people enough to save little lives. In Jesus name we ask. Amen.

Reading Exodus 2:11,12 ; Philippines 4:13
      Moses knew his upbringing that he was destined to be a man to help his people. He wanted to deliver his people. But God's timing is not our timing. Moses was trying to do God's will through his own strength. It is never through our strength that God's will is accomplished. We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us to do more but it must always be in God's timing. I am weak but He is strong.
      Lord Jesus, give us wisdom to wait upon you. Amen.

Reading Exodus 3:7-10; II Peter 3:9
      God saw and God knew what was happening to his people. Finally after 40 years the timing was right. The Hebrews were there for a reason, for a witness and the task was not always easy.
      Today many Christians around the world face imprisonment, torture and even death but God is allowing this for a reason, for a witness because He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
      Lord Jesus ,when I face adversity, help me see Your will in it that I might be an effective witness for you. Amen.

Reading Exodus 4:24-26; Ephesians 5:20-33
      Moses failed to lead his family in the ways of God. God was ready to kill him until his wife relented. God expects husbands, fathers, Christians which includes wives and mothers, to follow His guidelines. He expects fathers to instruct families.
     Lord Jesus, awaken the Christian fathers to their responsibilities to lead their families. Help the mothers to be subject to their Godly leadership. Amen.

Reading: Exodus 5:22,23; Matthew 11:29,30
      Moses and Aaron make their request before Pharaoh which caused Pharaoh to put more work on the people. The people became disgruntled with Moses and Aaron. Moses couldn't understand what went wrong, but, note,  Moses was praying about the matter.
     God sometimes allows things to get worse before they get better. Shouldn't we do like Moses? Wait patiently and  pray about it.
     Lord Jesus, help us to take your yoke and bear the burdens, staying faithful in prayer, knowing You are the great deliverer. Amen.

Good Things from Bad Experiences

A war torn nation has left many of her people in desperate circumstances but they are hearing the Word and receiving it with joy. To quote one man," Son, that (your teaching) was better than a week's worth of beans and rice."

Reading: Genesis 46
     Verse 27 Seventy souls came into Egypt. This seventy seems to be an important number. We first saw it in Genesis 10:32 when God divided the nations. Now the house of Israel is going down into Egypt, seventy souls, and their lives will be a witness to the world. They will be in the world but not of the world.
Reading Genesis 48
     Verses 13,14 Though Jacob is partially blind physically, he had spiritual vision. He blessed the boys according to God's will, not tradition.
      We cannot make our children into our image but we must allow God to form them as He knows their hearts.

Reading: Genesis 49
     Verses 1,2 God gave Jacob understanding of the future of his sons. Some of the things he had to say probably hurt. We all have dreams we would like to see our children fulfill. But our children are only gifts to be raised in the Lord. We have to leave their futures to God's knowledge and plan. I have found that to be the hardest thing about turning loose.

Reading Genesis 50
     Verse 20 God had a purpose in sending Joseph into Egypt. At the time his brothers meant it for evil. Here was a boy who trusted God but faced tragedy at every turn. Yes, bad things do happen to good people. But... God always has a reason and a purpose whether we see it or not.

Christians are facing persecution every day. They always have. We, here in the US have been spared from persecution so far. Others have given their lives in the middle ages. Persecution is what brought the Pilgrims here. The communist in the USSR and China have and are persecuting Christians. The Muslim world is at the top of the headlines with persecution of Christians. But millions of people are brought to Christ through the faith they see in Christians who stand fast.
Joseph was a witness to the Egyptians and to his family. His family living in Egypt for another 400 years would be a witness. Our time has not come yet to take a stand. We need to be preparing.
Luke 2:52 tells us even Jesus prepared himself as a child for what He knew was to come.
  
Father, help us to allow You to direct our children and their families, so that all might rejoice in the work You are doing even when it means bad things happening to us, whether sickness, death or persecution help us understand that our lives are to bring glory to You, our God and our Creator.

Thank you for journeying through Genesis with us. I pray it has been helpful. Won't you leave a comment about your experiences and/or your ideas for future journeys in God's Word?

Blessings,  Gail

Family Feud

Genesis 37-44

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness: but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. II Peter 3:9

Genesis 37:32
The Hatfields and the McCoy or a crazy game show. Those are the first things that come to mind when someone says family feud, but there's probably been a little feuding in all our families. We are just not willing to admit it.  Jacob's family was no different. A teenager trying to find his place in the pecking order said a little too much or maybe just in the wrong prideful way. This was not the beginning of the jealousy. It began with clothes that only the special brother had. Or maybe it began before that with Rachel, the loved wife. Or maybe it began even before that in a garden where trust was broken because Eve was deceived, thinking God was keeping something from her. Cain inherited the same jealousy.
Yes, family feuds begin because of the sin of jealousy. Sin, when it is finished brings forth death. It was suppose to bring Joseph's death, but God spared him and sent him to Egypt. Joseph was dead to the family. It wasn't the neighbors that were feuding. Though we all hate to admit it, most feuds are within the family. No one wanted to admit to their father that there was trouble. The brothers sent Joseph's coat back to dad. Maybe it was servants that brought the coat to Jacob. The brothers didn't want to face their dad and have to answer questions. They didn't see their dad's grief.

Genesis 38:26
Sin always brings grief to all involved. Like Adam and Eve the brothers wanted to hide from their sin.

Genesis 39:9
Joseph however, did his best to honor God whatever the circumstances. Notice in chapter 39 verse 9 how Joseph answers Potipher's wife. He doesn't want to do wrong and sin against God! It wasn't just about Potipher or his position, it was about sinning against God. However doing the right thing doesn't always keep us out of trouble.

Genesis 40:8
It would look like God was against Joseph. He'd been sold by his brothers, made a slave in Potipher's house and now through into prison. But he never wavered in serving God and when the opportunity arose he faithfully witnessed for God.

Genesis 41:16,38
It took years to get Joseph out of the pit but God was with him. God is not slack in any of his promises. He will never leave us or forsake us. His plan will always work out for the best. Joseph was in a position to lead a country and save not only the country but his family as well. Who would have thought?

Genesis 42 :18
Though Joseph tried to hide his identity by dressing, talking and even swearing like an Egyptian, he still had to admit that he feared God. His actions depended on God, not man. I think he might have felt a little twinge of guilt in swearing like an Egyptian and had to back up and correct himself. He was just as human as we are. And that's the point!

We are all just like the people in the Bible. God had men write about these stories so that we might see ourselves in them, our family swabbles, our temptations, our strength through God, our sin and God's forgiveness.

What things has God revealed to you through your studies of His Word this week?

Father, please help us to see our weaknesses and live as Joseph did totally dependent on you, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Blessings

New Beginnings

Fear Thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Yes, it's that time again, back to school. Whether back to public school, private school or home school, this is the season for new beginnings. Everyone is anxious as to what the year will bring.
Jacob was anxious about returning home. He got especially fearful when he learned his brother Esau was approaching with four hundred men! But Jacob did a wise thing. He talked to God.

Genesis 32: 9-12 is Jacob's prayer. A lot of the prayer seems to be reminding God what He promised to Jacob and his forefathers. I think he was really reminding himself of all God promised to do for him. Verse 12 says, And Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.
I want to laugh at Jacob because he knew exactly what God said but he really needed to remind himself that God was going to work everything out for good. But are we not just like Jacob. We run into a rough spot and we get all bent out of shape and wonder if God is going to keep His promises. I often find myself quoting scripture, not to remind God of his promises but to remind myself that God's got me and there is nothing man can do to me that trumps God.

Going into the new school year my have us a little bent out of shape, but remember God's got you and there is nothing that is going to come up that He can't handle.

The rest of the week's readings from chapter 32-36 helps us see the kinds of troubles we may face in our families, but Jacob knew where to turn and how to repent to restore the fellowship with God. Esau knew how to become great in a land but did not give his family the promises and peace that comes from God.

Thank you Lord, for knowing just how to handle our fears and problems. Help us to remember that our help comes from You and Your desire is to only do us good, even if it seems grievous at the time. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Blessing for the new school year,

Gail

Returning to God

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Observations:                                                                                                                   

Genesis 28:18

I remember as a child, my grandmother showed us how to make a Jacob’s ladder with string. It gave us a visual for the story. God gives Jacob a visual in the form of dream so Jacob knows that God is with him and is watching over him. Jacob also created a visual for himself, a standing stone. Anytime he or his family passed that way, the story could be remembered and retold, just as it is to you today. Although we cannot see the stone, the story is being retold thousands upon thousands of times because Jacob raised up a stone of remembrance.

Genesis 29:35

Leah seeks to please Jacob, to be his lover as well as his wife. When she saw that he would not love her, she took consolation in how good God was to her in giving her sons. She praised the Lord. God is not a respecter of persons but he will give help and comfort to the downtrodden. Leah saw that rejection by man, even one she loved, was not rejection by God. God blessed her and she finally recognized it.

Genesis 30:17,22,34

Rachel blamed Jacob for her barrenness. Leah blamed Rachel for taking her husband. Jacob blamed Laban for changing his wages. All three used their own means to try to get what they wanted. It was all very unethical. They were not blessed because of what they did. They were all blessed because they cried out to God and He moved in each of their situations because of faith, certainly not because of their efforts to fix things themselves.

Genesis 31: 42,53

Jacob leaves without Laban’s knowledge. Rachel takes her father’s idols and hides them unbeknownst to Jacob. When Laban catches them, Jacob allows Laban to search their stuff for his idols. Laban fails to search the trunk Rachel is sitting on. Jacob chastises Laban and says that had it not been for God Laban would have sent him away empty handed. Laban wants to pretend that he serves the same God.

Application:

What about us? We say - we worship God; we are a Christian nation founded on Christian principles…. But do we not live as Laban? We are concerned about money and other things we idolize – cars, clothes, sports, houses, etc., etc. Who are we kidding? Certainly not God.

Prayer:

Father, help us recognize when we are idolatrous. Help us not to try to fix things our own way, but learn to lean upon You, crying out for Your help. Help us to humble ourselves before you and seek to be true worshipers and witnesses to our families first and also to world.  In Jesus name. Amen

Blessings,