Bible Study: Jan 31, 2007
Hello My Friend,
Happy Wednesday!
We are half way through the week and it's that last day of the month already. How did you do for the first month of the year?
In today's lesson we will read rom the book of Exodus Chapter 40
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=2&chapter=40&version=9
In this chapter we will learn of the Tabernacle"s completion, the consecration(blessing)of Aaron and his sons, and the glory of the Lord fills the Tabernacle.
On Mount Sinai, God instructed Moses: Make Me a Sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, shall ye make it (Exodus 25:8-9).
After nine months, the building of the Tabernacle was completed (39:32; compare 19:1; 40:2). Moses did according to all that the LORD commanded him (40:16).
This phrase emphasizes that Moses understood the supreme importance of obedience to the will of God (40:16-32). Moses' obedience was complete in every detail of making about 40 different items, including the tent, altars, vessels, Laver of Brass, garments, pins, sockets, loops, posts, and furniture (25:40; 26:30; 39:42-43). Nothing was left to either Moses' or the worshipers' opinions.
The first thing to be placed within the Tabernacle was the Ark of the Testimony which contained the Ten Commandments of God.
The LORD spake unto Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the Tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. And thou shalt put therein the Ark of the Testimony (Covenant, Commandments).
He took and put the Testimony (tables of the Law) into the Ark, And he brought the Ark into the Tabernacle, as the LORD commanded (40:1-3,20-21).
After the Tabernacle was constructed and the cloud of the Lord's Presence filled it, the cloud (40:34-35; compare 13:21) and the Tabernacle were inseparable throughout the rest of the Israelites' journeys.
If the cloud lifted and moved forward, the people then followed, carrying the Tabernacle; if the cloud stopped, the people remained until it moved again (40:36-37).
God's Word and His Holy Spirit provide all of the wisdom, spiritual guidance, and strength necessary to live obediently and victoriously for Him. God has revealed: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (I Corinthians 3:16-17; compare 6:18-19).
God never rewards partial obedience. It is vital that we read all of His Word in order to understand all of what He has commanded.
Soon, the glorious Presence of God will again be seen on earth, as the Apostle John revealed while imprisoned on the Island of Patmos when he wrote: I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, And I heard a great voice, saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people (Revelation 21:2-3,22).
Father God,
Thank you Lord for blessing me with this day,
Thank you for giving me another day to start fresh and make things right.
I ask you for the strength and courage to let go of all my burdens and hand them over to you.
I know that you will get me through all things in my life as long as I follow you, listen, and obey.
Bless my family, friends, and all that I have come to know with good health, comfort, finaces, and love.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name I pray....Amen.
Have a great day and God Bless.
Bible Study: Jan 30, 2007
Good Day My Friends:
Happy Tuesday! Hope you are having a wonderfully blessed day. At least I remembered to send this off this morning so that is a blessing.
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Chapters 38-39
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2038-39&version=9
In today's scriptures we will learn of the Brasen Altar for burnt offering, the Tabernacle courtyard, and of the priest's garments.
At Mount Sinai, the Tabernacle was completed according to all the instructions the Lord commanded Moses: Thus was all the work of the Tabernacle, finished, and all his (its) furniture, The Ark of the Testimony, and the Mercy Seat (Exodus 39:32-35).
The Ark of the Testimony (25:22) is also called the Ark of the Covenant (Numbers 10:33). It contained the Ten Commandments, and later Moses wrote this Law and delivered it to the preists, which bare the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 31:9,26).
This was the Covenant between God and His people Israel. The Ark was a wooden chest overlaid with gold, both inside and out. The Ark was a type of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, who alone can atone for sin. The wood represented His human nature, as foretold by Isaiah: He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground (Isaiah 53:2).
The gold represented His divine nature, for He is both fully God and fully man. The Ark was made from the wood of the acacia tree which grew in the deserts, symbols of the barren world system.
The "lid" of the Ark was made of pure gold and was called the Mercy Seat. It covered the Law that had been placed in the Ark.
Everyone is a sinner; but Christ, the perfect, sinless Son of God, became our High Priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14). His perfect atonement for our sins provided us with the mercy and salvation represented by the Mercy Seat.
The Ark was behind the veil inside the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). Without the presence of the Lord above the Ark, all the services of the Tabernacle would have been meaningless.
On the Day of Atonement, the high priest sprinkled the blood of an innocent goat on the Mercy Seat, then in front of it seven times (Leviticus 16:14-15).
The number seven is symbolic of the perfect salvation and forgiveness of sins which would later be made possible through Jesus Christ.
As you prayerfully read the Word of God daily and worship the Lord, His indwelling presence will bring meaning to your life.
The Law provides the "knowledge" of sin, but it cannot provide the "forgiveness" of sin (Galatians 2:16; 3:11).
The Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Jesus is the One in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14).
Through the Golden Altar and its incense - representing prayers going up to heaven (Exodus 39:38; also Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4). Christ prayed for us. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word (John 17:20).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day,
Though rain, snow, ice or cold may surround me I know that you are making the world a better place for me.
Thank you Lord for the many blessings you give me and the hidden ones I have yet to find through the trials of life.
Forgive me for trying to take on all the burdens on my own.
It is you alone who can get me through.
I put my trust in you and give you all my worry and sorrow.
With you leading me I know that you will guide me to to wonderful and prosperous life.
Bless my family, friends, and those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name I pray....Amen
Have a great day! Be strong, trust in the Lord and he will get you through.
Until tomorrow,
God Bless
Bible Study: Jan 29, 2007
Hello Everyone,
Happy Monday! I am determined to make this a better week. So, I pray that all of you have a great week as well. I am sorry that I am sending this off late, I got tied up and completely forgot about sending it off to my blogs. I am fine, thank you to those that were concerned.
In today's lesson we will read fro the book ox Exodus Chapters 35-37
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2035-37&version=9
In this lesson we will learn of the freewill offerings for the Tabernacle, construction of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Testimony (Covenant, the Mercy Seat, a Table of Shewbread, a Candlestick and an Altar of Incense.
The Altar of Incense was made of acacia (a flowering tree) wood and a crown (moulding) of gold round about. And he (Bezaleel) made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense (Exodus 35:15; 37:25-26,29).
Moses was also directed to put it before the vail that is by the Ark of the Testimony (Covenant), before the Mercy Seat that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with thee.
Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations (Exodus 30:6-8).
The priests were permitted in the Holy Place, but only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
In front of the veil was the golden Altar of Incense which was much smaller than the Brasen Altar.
Each morning, Aaron the high priest would fill the lamps with pure olive oil and burn incense upon the altar. He would take a coal of fire from the Brasen Altar and place it on the Altar of Incense and then place the incense on it for a sweet fragrance that ascended toward heaven day and night. God alone was the source of fire on both of the altars (Leviticus 9:24).
The Altar of Incense was also symbolic of Christ our High Priest, who is constantly interceding for us not only when we pray but also by His constant watchcare (John 17:1-26; Hebrews 7:25).
Only Jesus Christ can make it possible for us to approach the Heavenly Father in prayer. My little children, if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (I John 2:1).
It is (the sinless) Christ that died (in our place and for our sins), yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Romans 8:34).
In Hebrews, we read: He is able also to save them, that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever (forever) liveth to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day,
Thank you for shining your light so that I may see the glorious blessings among the chaos.
I ask you this day for strength and wisdom to get through all obstacles.
Guide me away from the things that tempt me and lead me to victory.
Bless my family,friends, and those that I have come to know.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
I Jesus name, I pray...Amen
Christ is The Light of the world (John 1:6-9).
Have a great day!
God Bless
Bible Study: Jan 28, 2007
Happy Sunday! Many blessings on this beautiful day. Whether it is beautiful outside or not, it is God's creations that will turn it beautiful, eventually.
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Chapter 32-34.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2032-34&version=9
Today we will learn of how Moses became delayed on Mount Sinai, Aaron's golden calf, its destruction and the death of 3,000 Israelites. A Law is renewed, God's Covenant and of three feasts.
Moses was on Mount Sinai when God gave him the two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God (Exodus 31:18).
At the same time, something tragic was taking place at the base of the mountain. When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mountain, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot (know) not what is become of him (32:1).
It didn't take Aaron long to submit to their sinful demands and to make a golden calf, and he built an altar before it. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings (32:2-6).
A true Burnt Offering was a delight to the Lord since it symbolized full surrender to Him; but these idolatrous sacrifices were an abomination. The people were attempting to combine worship of the True God with the worship of idols.
Returning to the camp, Moses saw how quickly the Israelites had corrupted themselves (become a traitor) (32:7).
Did they think that a golden calf, which they could see, was a better object of worship than the invisible, yet ever-present God? Had they turned to Apis, an Egyptian god in the form of a bull?
Only six weeks earlier, the whole congregation had sworn submission and obedience to God as their king, saying: All that the LORD hath spoken we will do (19:8).
The worship of false gods leads to irresponsible, immoral conduct. Let us compare the Israelites' sins with our own behavior.
Most Christians would reject man-made idols. But, think about how easily money, possessions, talents, hobbies, and success become idols for many.
Centuries later, the Apostle Paul spoke of those who, although they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but (their worship) became vain (foolish, worthless) in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened (Romans 1:21).
The golden calf stands as a symbol of human intellect which devises its own system of worship apart from, or added to, the Word of God.
Sadly, the world admires the independent, self-sufficient person who is determined to behave the way he wishes instead of God's way.
Don't be like the world or the Israelites, who rejoiced in the works of their own hands (Acts 7:41-43).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with another day,
I know that each day I awake you have given me another opportunity to be the best that I can be.
I ask you for the strength and courage I need to follow you as you guide me through any challenges I face.
Bless my family, friends, and those I have come to know in person and online with good health, finances, and relationships.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray....Amen.
Have a wonderful day!
As the One who is ever-present. My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest (peace) (Exodus 33:14). He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5; compare Matthew 11:28; John 14:27).
Bible Study: Jan 27, 2007
Happy Saturday! I hope your weekend is off to a good start.
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Chapters 29-31.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2029-31&version=9
Today we will learn of the rules and sacrifices for the priests, continual burned offering, an Altar of Incense, the ransom of souls, the holy anointing oil, Sabbath day regulations, and Moses receives two tables of stone
The priests who ministered in the Tabernacle had to be cleansed before entering. The LORD spake unto Moses make a Laver(Basin)of Brass, and his(its)foot(base)also of brass put it between the Tabernacle, and the Altar, and put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat (Exodus 30:17-19).
After a priest had washed his hands and feet at the Laver, cleansing himself from the activities of life, he then was qualified to enter the Tabernacle through a heavy linen veil which was the only entrance into the Holy Place.
On the right side of the Holy Place was the Table of Shewbread with its 12 loaves of unleavened bread sprinkled with incense.
The name Shewbread suggests more than just bodily nourishment. It provides spiritual insight that is not obtainable anywhere else.
The Shewbread is symbolic of Christ, who said: I am that Bread of Life, the Living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever (John 6:48,51; 6:29-38; 12:24).
Just as physical food provides nourishment to sustain our physical bodies, so too, as we continue to "read" the Word of God which is the Bread of Life, the Holy Spirit uses His Word to enlighten and then transform our lives.
Laying aside all malice, and all guile (deceit), and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere (unadulterated, pure) milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Peter 2:1-2).
On the left was the seven-branched Candlestick made of solid beaten gold. Its seven lamps burned continually with pure olive oil and provided the only source of light in the Holy Place (Leviticus 24: 2-4) and that light fell on the Shewbread.
The other item in the Holy Place was the Altar of Incense. There were no windows for outside light from the world.
God has provided just one book, the Holy Bible as the source of light for understanding His will.
It is written: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Psalm 119:105,130; also Proverbs 6:23).
Christ declared: I am The Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have The Light of Life (John 8:12).
Through the Laver, Christ is revealed as both the container and the dispenser of Living Water (Exodus 30:18; John 4:10). Jesus, cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink, ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 7:37, 15:3; compare I Corinthians 10:4).
Today's Prayer:
Father god,
Thank you for blessing me with this day.
Thank you for all these people that encourage me and inspire me each day.
Thank you for the many blessings that I receive each day despite the strubbles I have been going through.
Please bless me with the strength and courage to go about my day and not give into any temptations that I do not need.
Please bless my family, friends, and those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray...Amen
Have a great day, relax and enjoy your weekend.
Bible Study: Jan 26, 2007
Good Day My Friends,
Happy Friday! TGIF! A very long and awaiting day, on Monday I was wishing for this day :o)
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Chapters 26-28.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2026-28&version=9
Today we will learn of the directions given for constructing the Tabernacle (place to worship), court, furniture, and enclosure, the plans for an Altar, Aaron's priestly garments and ephod(an apron)
Just inside the courtyard which surrounded the Tabernacle stood the Brasen Altar (Exodus 27:1-8; 38:30), also called the Altar of Burnt Offering (30:28).
God had said to Moses: Thou shalt make an Altar of (a flowering tree) wood. . . . and thou shalt overlay it with brass (27:1-2).
Throughout the Bible, brass is a symbol of the judgment of God upon sin. Sacrifices were offered on the Brasen Altar (compare Numbers 21:6-9; John 3:14-16). Its fire was kindled by an act of God and was never to be allowed to go out (Leviticus 6:13).
This was a daily demonstration of the mercy of God. As the fire of judgment consumed the sacrificed animal, God accepted the sacrifice as a substitute for the guilty sinner.
In sacrificing an unblemished animal, as required by the holiness of God, the Israelite understood that the animal's life was being forfeited in his place because of sins he had committed.
He knew that it was only through the sinless animal being slain on his behalf that he could be restored to a right relationship with our holy God.
The worshiper entered the one door into the outer court and approached the Brasen Altar. Then he placed his hands upon his sacrifice to signify his guilt being transferred to the innocent animal and then he killed it (4:1-35).
Between the Altar and the Tabernacle was the large Brass Laver(basin). It was made from many brass mirrors which the women of the camp had provided (Exodus 38:8).
Each day after the priest had offered a sacrifice, he approached the Laver of Brass (30:17-21) and washed his hands and feet before ministering in the Holy Place.
The mirrors and water symbolized the Word of God which both reveals our sin and is the cleansing power to remove that sin from our lives.
Jesus revealed: Ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3; Titus 3:5; James 1:23-25).
Since there is no longer a need for animal sacrifices, God used the Romans to destroy Herod's Temple with its Brasen Altar, Laver of Brass, Candlestick of pure gold, Table of Showbread, and Altar of Incense.
The Ark of the Lord's Covenant (Also known as the Tabernacle), with its Mercy Seat, had been missing since the Babylonian captivity. All of these symbolized Christ, who fulfilled their functions (Hebrews 9:1 - 10:22; 13:10-12).
Since the crucifixion (execution), bodily resurrection (rising from the dead), and ascension(acending from earth to heaven) of Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have only one God-appointed means of cleansing from sin - through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Christ gave Himself for the Church that He might sanctify (free from sin) and cleanse (make clean and purify) it with the washing of water by the Word (Ephesians 5:26).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day,
Thank you for the sacrifices that you made for me so that I can be fresh and new.
Forgive me of all my sins and bless me Lord with the strength and wisdom to endure all things.
Lead me away from temptaion and deliver me from the forces of evil.
Bless those less fotunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray....Amen
Have a great Friday, be blessed.
Bible Study: Jan 25, 2007
Happy Thursday! Hope you day is going well.
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Chapters 23-25.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2023-25&version=9
I this lesson we will learn of the Laws started, the three feasts which must be kept, the Angel of the Lord promised for a guide and the instructions for Tabernacle furnishings
The Israelites were commanded: Serve the LORD your God (Exodus 23:25). This was followed by 14 blessings which God promised them for their obedience.
Included was the assurance: I will deliver the inhabitants(population)of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out (23:31).
Then came a warning concerning the Canaanites: Thou shalt make no covenant (agreement) with them, nor with their gods (23:32). All of the people responded, saying: All the words which the LORD hath said will we do (24:3).
God alone determines what is acceptable conduct as well as acceptable worship to Him. Therefore, He gave Moses detailed instructions for building and furnishing the Tabernacle (a tent used as a church) where He would accept the worship of His people.
The Tabernacle provided a way for the Israelites to maintain the right relationship with God and a place for them to worship Him. Most importantly, it was a place for the invisible presence of God to dwell among His people.
In outward appearance, covered with rams' skins (26:14), the exterior of the Tabernacle was unattractive, like Jesus, of whom Isaiah prophesied: He hath no form nor comeliness (beauty); and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him (Isaiah 53:2).
The court of the Tabernacle was a rectangular enclosure with only one entrance through which mankind could approach God (Exodus 26:36; 27:16-18). This illustrates what our Lord Jesus declared: I am The Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved (John 10:9).
Its white linen wall of separation was symbolic of the holiness of God and excluded all Gentiles (those without a covenant relationship with God).
Consequently, they could not so much as look over the curtain fence to observe what was going on inside the courtyard or even come near it, or they would be put to death (Numbers 1:51). This linen curtain illustrates that sin has separated the natural man from the Holy Presence of God.
The Bible says: The Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:17,29).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with another day on earth,
Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and blessing me with eternal life.
Father, I ask you today for the strength and wisdom I need to endure all obstalces and to turn away from temptation.
Bless me with good health, finaces, and relationships.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray...Amen
Have a wonderful day.
God Bless
Bible Study: Jan 24, 2007
Hello Everyone,
Happy Wednesday! sorry, I am a little late with this if you are an early bird. I could not get on the board to post it this morning.
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Chapters 20-22.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2020-22&version=9
In this lesson we will learn of the Ten Commandments and other laws and regulations given from God.
The Ten Commandments are of utmost importance since they were given to us by our Creator. And it is no surprise that those who hate and reject God also hate to see them displayed.
However, they are essential, basic principles for the spiritual and moral conduct of mankind. Without them we have uncontrolled chaos.
Eight are expressed negatively: Thou shalt not. Six present requirements for our relationship with others. Four reveal the perfection of the Holy, One True God, who alone is to be worshiped.
God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God.
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing in heaven above, or the earth, for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, shewing mercy unto them that love Me, and keep My Commandments. (20:3-4)
3. Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain. (20:7)
4. Remember the Sabbath (Rest) day, to keep it holy.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery
8. Thou shalt not steal
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour
10 Thou shalt not covet(desire) thy neighbor's house.(20:10-17)
We are warned that it is wrong to steal - whether it is done by shoplifting, cheating on income tax, or failing to give an employer a full day's work.
It is wrong to bear false witness (to lie, or to wrongly accuse) against a neighbor, and it is wrong to commit adultery.
God warns us of the inevitable consequences for those who fail to heed His commands.
The unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8; Ephesians 5:5-8).
We are also warned against the practices of witchcraft, sorcery, bestiality, and sacrificing unto any god, save unto the LORD only (Exodus 22:18-20).
All who were guilty of these sins were to be put to death immediately. Obedience to His Word should come from the heart. If I love my neighbor, I will not steal his property, commit adultery with his wife, or commit fornication with his daughter. I will protect and respect his loved ones because they belong to God.
The perfection of Christ is revealed through the Ten Commandments, for He kept all of them (Exodus 20:1-17). He was perfect and without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
He also gave us a new Commandment, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34).
We know that through Christ that we can be freed from all these sins and enjoy eternal life. (Romans 6:23)
First we must confess our sins.
Then we must accept that Jesus died for our sins.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Confessing sin and accepting the Lord is not enough. We must learn through our mistakes and as we do that we find it much harder to sin. We will honor the Lord by doing our best to obey those commadment.
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you Lord for blessing me with this day,
Thank you for dying for me so that I may enjoy ever lasting life with you.
Bless me Lord with the strength and wisdom I need to follow you and not be tempted to sin.
Bless those less fortunate than me and guide me to those that are in need of your blessings.
In Jesus, name I pray....Amen
Have a wonderfull blessed Wednesday!
The Rewards of Waiting
It 's Wednesday morning and I just realized that I had not written a message at all, other than my bible study messages, this week. I apologize to you and want to thank you all for coming by and reading my messages even if I tend to go a week without saying a word. It always makes me feel better when I know that I am helping someone out there, yet I often let my frustrations or bad days control me as to where I am lost for words.
What a week I am having, it has been one thing after another and it seems the more I try to fix things the worse they get. Sometimes I think it is best to just take a deep breath and just wait it out. In fact I know that is what I should do, yet I often just do what I want to do instead, which by my own fault only moves me back two steps instead of moving forward.
You know, we can all learn a thing or two about waiting, what sweet rewards await us, if we would just relax and go with the flow. I know we all have to work a little bit. By being obedient and faithful to our plans and goals we succeed in all things. However, pushing ourselves way over the limit or trying to get there unsafely only causes us to fall off the track rather than reach the goal line.
There are so many Rewards Waiting For Us, we just have to learn how to recieve them and to understand that they will come to us when the time is right. If there is, but one thing that I have learned in my walk with God is that though him all things are possible. Now, if I would just learn to wait.
In God's kingdom, waiting is defined as an "active stillness." We should be active because we are continuing in our present situation, and still because we are focusing our attention on Him for guidance.
Practicing a lifestyle of active stillness requires a purposeful and expectant attitude, a patient and determined frame of mind, and a prayerful and obedient heart. Doing this gives is the energy and strength we need to endure all things and to wait for the rewards on the other side.
At times, when responsibilities overburden us, we might be tempted to get out of step with God. Even though we know He is calling us to keep a steady pace, we may lag behind. At other times, our schedules leave us little time to think. So we make quick decisions, pushing ahead of Him. In either case, we risk becoming weary and emotionally spent because we are operating in our own strength and not His.
Patiently waiting on God brings us the physical energy and emotional reserves we need to keep going. Waiting on God also enables us to discover His will, which is always for our good (Romans 8:28). We also gain spiritual victory in the midst of our trials and disappointments.
As we submit to Him we begin to learn not only patience, but strength and wisdom as well. Trust in the Lord, slow down, and let Him lead you in all things. We may have to go a little slower, but at least we know that it will be done right and we will receive many blessings in return.
Have a blessed and relaxed day.
Bible Study: Jan 23, 2007
Good Day My Friend,
Happy Tuesday!
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Chapters 17-19
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2017-19&version=9
We will learn of the Isrealites murmuring against Moses, water from the rock, Amalek defeated; Jethro's advice, and God speaks at Mount Sinai
As they continued their journey toward the promised land, the Israelites faced another test of their dependence upon God.
All the congregation journeyed according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched (camped) in Rephidim.
There was no water for the people to drink, the people thirsted there for water, and murmured (grumbled) against Moses, and said, Wherefore (Why) is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us with thirst?
And he called the name of the place Massah (Tempting God), and Meribah (Contention, Complaint), because of the chiding (faultfinding) of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? (Exodus 17:1,3,7).
The Lord knew that there was no water there and yet He had directed the Israelites to that very place for a purpose.
The testings during their wilderness journey again and again exposed the Israelites' refusal to trust the Lord.
God has warned us: Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (rebellion), in the day of temptation (testing) in the wilderness.
When your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err (disobey) in their heart (Hebrews 3:8-10).
Israel's release from Egyptian bondage and their wilderness journey illustrate the Christian's pilgrimage through life.
We should learn from their experiences to trust God even when anticipated resources are not available.
Just as the Israelites blamed Moses, we often are tempted to blame others for our problems and failures.
Frustration on the job, emotional stress, discontent, finding fault with uncomfortable situations, hatred, jealousy, and fits of anger.
These are all evidence of the self-centered life demanding its own way and are allowed by God in order to develop our patience and mature us spiritually.
Even more serious, these are expressions of unbelief in the wisdom, competence, and goodness of God. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (mature), wanting (lacking) nothing (James 1:4).
The Christian's faith is not based on favorable circumstances but on our all-wise Creator (Malachi 3:6). The key to peace of mind and overcoming all of life's problems is confidence in God and in His Word.
The Christian is admonish (advised)to express faith when ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (various testings).
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:6-7).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day,
Today I will trust in you that all my trials will come to pass.
I know that you are with me, making me stronger and wiser each day.
Bless me Lord with the strength and courage to keep on going and not give up.
Bless me with good health and finaces and relationships.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray....Amen
Enjoy your day and God Bless.
Bible Study: Jan 22, 2007
Good Day My Friend,
Happy Monday to you. It sure is a Monday for me, I apologize to the early birds. I try to get this out by 8am, but was running late this morning and forgot to post it to the boards. (And I got up 10 mins early today) Go figure?
In today's lesson we will read from th book of Exodus Chapters 14-16.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2014-16&version=9
We will learn of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, the song of Moses, the bittee waters of Marah, and the many murmurings, manna and quail.
Freed from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were on their way to the promised land. But, they had traveled only a short distance when they saw all the chariots of Pharaoh's army rushing toward them in a desperate effort to recover his (Pharaoh's) slaves.
The Egyptians pursued after them and overtook them. The children of Israel were sore (very) afraid: and cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? (Exodus 14:9-11).
When the Israelites cried out unto the LORD, it was not in faith but in fear, as well as in hostility and criticism against Moses.
The Israelites had seen the mighty miracles in Egypt that had caused Pharaoh to set them free; yet, they now chose not to trust God and His ability to provide for them again.
Although Moses could not see how the Lord would save them, he confidently declared: Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation (deliverance) of the LORD (14:13).
In a spectacular display of His power, the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots and all the host of Pharaoh (14:27-28).
Although God faithfully and miraculously met that need, just three days later He led the Israelites to Marah, where they could not drink the water because it was bitter.
And the people murmured (complained) against Moses (15:24). So the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet (15:25).
The children of Israel's lack of trust in God was again evident when their food supply was exhausted. The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
And said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in Egypt for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Then said the LORD unto Moses I will rain bread from heaven that I may prove (test) them, whether they will walk in My Law, or no. And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna they gathered it every morning (16:2-4,15,31,21).
Let us learn from the grumbling Israelites that regardless of circumstances we must trust the wisdom and love of God in all of life's difficulties. It is those difficulties that bring us closer to Him and show us the many blessings that awaits us.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you Lord for blessing me with another day.
Thank you for the many blessings that you give me each day.
I know there are times when I worry and complain. I let my emotions and flesh keep me from trusting that you can get me through all obstacles.
Today, I will learn to trust you in every area of my life.
Guide me Lord and give me the strength and wisdom I need to keep going, knowing that you will lead me to great things.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray....Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
Bible Study: Jan 21, 2007
In today's lesson we will read the from the book of Exodus Chapters 11-13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2011-13&version=9
In this lesson we will learn of the death of the firstborn, the Lord's Passover, the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire.
With each miraculous plague, God proved that Egypt's gods were false deities and that He is the Only True God. The final plague of judgment was death.
God spoke to Moses: About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the firstborn shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh even unto the firstborn of the maidservant (Exodus 11:4-5).
However, God lovingly provided a way for all of the Israelites who were obedient to Him to save their firstborn from death.
The sentence of death would not fall on them. It would fall instead upon a lamb without blemish (defect) (12:5). They were told to take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post (lintel) of the houses.
They shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened (yeast-free) bread, and with bitter herbs they shall eat it with your loins girded(prepare yourself for a challenge), your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand, and ye shall eat it in haste (hurry): this is the LORD'S Passover (12:7-11).
Later instruction regarding sacrifices states: They shall eat those things wherewith the atonement(making of amends) was made to sanctify them (29:33).
The Hebrew word translated atonement carries the idea of covering something, thereby removing it from God's sight and assuring God's forgiveness, but sin was not fully eradicated(completely gone) until the death of Jesus, the True Lamb of God.
This points out that an innocent lamb made only a temporary atonement, sin was not fully eradicated.
Even though there were numerous daily, weekly, and monthly sin offerings, the Israelites were still required to observe a full Day of Atonement annually.
In the New Testament, it is revealed: We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (Romans 5:11). The Greek word for atonement here means: We have now obtained our reconciliation with God.
The Sin Offering, the Trespass Offering, and the Day of Atonement, as the supreme act of national repentance for sins, were offered regularly.
However, they all were only substitute offerings until Jesus became the One True Sacrifice and died for the sins of the world. We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
Since God is holy, He cannot fellowship with man in his sinful state. So God provided His sinless Son, Jesus, as the perfect and complete substitute to die for our sins (John 3:16).
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot (defect) to God purge (cleanse, purify) your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14).
Knowing that Jesus died for our sins and accepting him as our way to heaven gives us eternal life.
What a great and awesome God we have that took his own life to make us pure and new so that we may join him up in heaven and not be thrown into a firey pit.
Praise the Lord!
Today's Prayer,
Father God,
Thank you Lord for giving me this day.
Thank you for the sacrifice you made so that I may be fresh and pure from sin.
Forgive me Lord of the sins that I have made and give me the strength and wisdom I need to endure all obtacles that cross my path without sin.
Help me to listen and to understand all things that you bring to me.
Bless me with good health, finances, relationships, and through any grief I may be suffering with.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
I Jesus name I pray....Amen.
Have a wonderfully blessed and relaxing day
Bible Study: Jan 20, 2007
Good Day My Friend,
Well, it is Saturday and a well needed one. I am rested and relaxed and ready to do some Tae Bo in a couple of hours. Hope you are rested and relaxed today.
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Chapters 8-10.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%208-10&version=9
Today we will learn of many plagues, frogs, lice, flies, death of cattle, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness.
While God was in the process of delivering the Israelites, the Egyptians suffered through each of the ten plagues. But, amazingly, the Hebrews were unaffected by them.
Even Pharaoh's magicians recognized who was in control of the plagues. They said to Pharaoh: This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them (Exodus 8:19).
Following the hail that destroyed all that was in the field, both man and beast Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned, the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked (9:25,27).
Pharaoh assured Moses that the Israelites could go free the moment the hail ceased. However, once again Pharaoh changed his mind and hardened his heart against the will of God.
Without a doubt, Pharaoh's heart was hardened a little more each time he decided to reject the Word of God (7:13-14,22; 8:15,19,32; 9:7). But, the time came when the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh (9:12).
Eventually, Pharaoh agreed to Moses' request, saying: Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are they that shall go? And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD (10:8-9) - meaning that everyone from the youngest child to the most elderly person must worship the Lord.
However, Pharaoh insisted that the Israelite slaves must worship on his terms. His own advisers withstood him, saying: Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed? (10:7). Pharaoh disregarded his advisers, and Moses and Aaron were driven out from Pharaoh's presence (10:8-11).
A person is deceived if he, like Pharaoh, believes he can worship the Lord on his own terms.
Others are equally mistaken when they say they will live for Jesus later in life and refuse to give up control of their present way of living.
But there will come a day when the time for repentance will be past. God alone decides how long He will be insulted (Jeremiah 7:16).
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day,
Thank you for dying for me and saving me from all of my sins.
I will show you how thankful I am by changing my ways and doing things on your terms and not my own.
Bless me Lord with the strength, wisdom, and motivation I need to follow the path that you have chosen for me.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray...Amen
Have a blessed and wonderful Saturday!
Bible Study: Jan 19, 2007
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Exodus Cahpters 5-7.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%205-7&version=9
We will learn of the demands Moses made to Pharaoh, why Aaron speaks for Moses, how Moses's rod turned into a serpent and of a plague of blood.
God commanded Moses to face the Pharaoh of Egypt, who referred to himself as a god, and say: Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let My people go, that they may hold (celebrate) a feast unto Me in the wilderness. Moses had a speech problem and asked Aaron (Moses brother) to speak these words for him.
And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go (Exodus 5:1-2).
Moses' immediate reaction was to blame God, saying: Wherefore hast Thou so evil entreated (brought harm to)this people? Why is it that Thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy Name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast Thou delivered Thy people at all (5:22-23).
How often in life our questions far outnumber our answers: Why have I been diagnosed with cancer? Why did my husband divorce me? Why did my child become a drug addict? Why was my child born with handicaps? Why did I lose my job? Why me?
God didn't answer Moses' questions, and seldom does He answers us in the way we expect.
When Moses cried out: Why, Lord?, God first reminded him of who He was. And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD (6:2) meaning: I am the only Self-Existent God and the One who knows what is best. I am altogether sufficient to meet your needs.
What is important for us to know is that God is the unchangeable, loving, Almighty, all-wise God of truth. He promised Moses: I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage. I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you, your God (6:6-8).
Everyone is important to God. He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). After His seventh I will, He repeated for emphasis: I am the LORD (Exodus 6:8). God has never once failed to keep His Word when our life is in harmony with His Word. But, seldom are His promises fulfilled as soon as we expect, and almost never in the way we think best.
Pharaoh persisted in keeping the Israelites under his cruel authority. However, as had been foretold, the judgment of God was poured forth on each false Egyptian deity, and, eventually, on Pharaoh himself and on his armies.
Today hear His voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (provoking Me), in the day of temptation (testing) in the wilderness. I was grieved with that generation (Hebrews 3:7-8,10).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day.
Things have come into my life that I do not understand.
I will put my trust in you that all things will come to pass.
Help me to hear your words and not have a hardened heart towards them.
I know that you time everything just right and know what is best for me.
Help me to see the blessings in all things and teach me the patience to let things happen on your time and not mine.
Give me the strength and wisdom I need as you guide me along this path.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray...Amen.
Have a great and blessed Friday!
Bible Study: Jan 18, 2007
Happy Thursday! We are almost there, we can do it.
In todays' less we will read from the book of Exodus Chapters 2-4
http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/?action=getVersionInfo&vid=9
I this lesson we will learn of the early life of Moses, his flight into Midian, the burning bush, his commission to free the nation of Israel, and his return to Egypt.
Moses, the son of Israelite slaves, enjoyed the luxury of the Egyptian palace and received all the privileges and opportunities of administrative training. As the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter, it appears that he could have been the next Pharaoh of Egypt.
Moses was 40 years old when he executed the cruel Egyptian who was smiting (striking, beating) an Hebrew, one of his brethren (Exodus 2:11-12).
This probably was Moses' legal right since he was of the royal household and possibly second only to Pharaoh in administering justice. Moses was in the prime of his life and, from a natural point of view, it would seem to be the ideal time for God to use him to set His people free from their suffering.
Instead it was the will of God that Moses flee Egypt. This was followed by 40 years of loneliness as a shepherd in a desert wilderness.
It must have seemed to Moses a waste of 40 of his best years to do nothing of importance. But, with the Lord, such time is never wasted.
It was in the desert that the Lord appeared to him and said: Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground (3:5).
Moses probably would never have learned humility or been able to come closer to God in an Egyptian palace. He was too busy and too important.
However, both experiences - growing up in the palace and being humbled by God in the desert - were vital in preparing him to be the person God could use to lead His people out of Egypt, through the desert, and on to the border of the promised land.
No matter how much wisdom of the world we might accumulate, it alone cannot qualify us to make right decisions in life. We must be taught and led by God's Holy Spirit through reading His Word and being obedient to its truth.
It is the Holy Spirit's blessing on what we do and say that makes our lives truly worthwhile. Like Moses, our most basic need is to recognize the danger of self-sufficiency. It was spiritually necessary for Moses to tend sheep on the backside of the desert in order for him to develop greater dependence on God (3:1).
Regardless of the outcome, by faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day,
I ask you today to teach me to listen and follow the path that you have set out for me.
Bless me with the strength and wisdom to understand and endure any ostacle that tries to knock me off that path.
Lead me not into temptation and protect me from the evil things that try to pull me down.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name I pray... Amen
Enjoy your day the blessing in your life.
Bible Study: Jan 17, 2007
Happy Wednesday to you, the week is halfway through already. I have to admit it has been a rough one already, but I will not let it stay that way.
I have to apologize for any confusion on the chapters, the link that I get the bible reading off off somehow jumped ahead 2 chapters so today's lesson reflects on Genesis 49, 50 and Exodus 1
I have a new link that will allow you to access any chapter.
http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/?action=getVersionInfo&vid=9
In today's lesson we will read from the books of Genesis 49-50 and Exodus 1
Today we will learn of Jacob's prophecies, the deaths of Jacob and Joseph, and the Hebrews become oppressed in Egypt.
After Joseph's death, the prestige the Israelites had enjoyed in Egypt gradually declined and then disappeared.
There arose up a new king over Egypt who felt no obligation to the descendants of Joseph (Exodus 1:8).
Instead, he was fearful of the Israelites' growing numbers and said to his administrators: Behold, the people of Israel are more and mightier than we let us deal wisely with them; lest they join our enemies, and fight against us.
Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel (1:9-12).
Desperate for an answer to his dilemma, Pharaoh demanded of the Hebrew midwives that if born a son, then ye shall kill him (1:15-16).
Sometime after this horrible edict was issued, a man of the house of Levi took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman bare a son: she hid him three months (2:1-2). But then, fearful of being discovered, she prepared an ark of bulrushes . . . and put the child therein and laid it in the flags (reeds) by the river's brink (edge) (2:3).
If it had not been for Pharaoh's cruel edict, Moses would never have been rescued by Pharaoh's daughter and given all the advantages of the world's greatest empire of that time. God was preparing Moses to lead the Israelites to the promised land.
We may be forced to endure suffering under the control of a situation where we may be as powerless as the baby Moses in a homemade ark floating in the Nile River.
It could be that death has left us without a parent or spouse. Some may feel defeated following a divorce. Others may have received a diagnosis of terminal illness from a doctor. Throughout life, all of us will face unforeseen and unavoidable sorrows.
In spite of all life's difficulties, every Christian, regardless of circumstances, can say with the Apostle Paul: I am persuaded (convinced), that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day.
I ask you today for courage and guidance as I walk this path you have chosen for me.
I may be facing obstacles that I do not understand.
But I do know that with you I can learn and survive all grief and pain.
Walk with me Lord and protect me as I embark on this day.
Lead me not into temptation and deliver me from the evil one who tries to put chaos into my day.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name I pray....Amen
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Setting Goals and Acheiving Them
Well it is Tuesday and I realized that it has been a few days since I sent out a message so I thought that I better get something out to you all. The last couple of days has been a bit hectic for me, my nephew was home from school for the holiday and his birthday is tomorrow so I was getting things together so that I could bake him the cake he wants.
This week seems to be giving me thoughts of the many goals that I set for myself and have yet to accomplish. It is so easy to let life get in the way and all of a sudden another year has passed and no goals achieved and worse yet we have all these projects started.
However, God has a purpose for our lives and goals for us to accomplish. To fulfill His plans, we need to relax, forget about the past and set goals that are consistent with what He has in mind for us. Once we know the direction God wants us to take, we can begin taking steps toward fulfilling His purpose.
First, we must have a clear picture of the goal. The more defined and well thought-out our mission is, the more sensitive we'll be to the opportunities God places in our paths.
Second, we need to be confident that we can succeed through Christ. We should look to the future in light of God's presence within us, His infinite resources, and His unwavering promises.
Third, we should have a consuming desire to accomplish God's plan. This is based on the value that we place on accomplishing our goals and focusing on the One who has set those goals.
Fourth, set a course of action. Break a large goal into smaller, achievable tasks and cover each step with prayer that seeks instruction from God.
Finally, establish a timetable. Deadlines help to keep us moving forward. But it is okay to adjust them as circumstances change.
What is the Lord's purpose for this season of your life? Are you moving ahead step-by-step to achieve it? Think about it. Take a look at the goals you have set, are they something that you desire or merely something you really have no desire to meet.
Many times we come up with these crazy ideas, believe me I have been there and done some crazy things, thinking that it was what I needed to do. Only to find out that I was way off base.
Take the time to re-evaulate what you are trying to do and set new realistic goals. Remember start out small and in the end you will achieve them all. Accomplishing small goals first will give you the motivation and encouragement to keep on going.
Be blessed and let the Lord lead you and he will guide you to achieving all of your goals, that is as long as it does not cause harm to you or others.
God Bless.
Bible Study: Jan 16, 2007
Hello My Friend,
A good and blessed Tuesday to you,
In today's lesson we will learn from the book of Genesis Chapters 47-50
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+47-50
We will learn of Jacob's vision at Beersheba, the journey to Egypt, Joseph and the famine, the best land given to Jacob, and Joseph's sons are blessed.
Jacob knew that God had planned for his people to live in Canaan, not in Egypt, so he did not rush to Egypt for a grand reunion with his precious son Joseph.
Since the will of God was uppermost in Jacob's heart, he sought assurance from God concerning his journey to Egypt, so Jacob left Hebron, journeyed about 25 miles to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And He said fear not to go down into Egypt, for I will there make of thee a great nation, I will also surely bring thee up again (Genesis 46:1-4).
The Lord assured Jacob that their sojourn in Egypt was not to be a permanent one, but that it would be a time of preparing his family to become a great nation.
Earthly life is a time of preparation for eternity (Luke 12:20-21). What gets priority, and how we live, is an important part of our preparation.
Our eyes should not be set on worldly securities, pleasures, or achievements but should be foremost on becoming the person God wants us to be in order to accomplish the purpose for which He created us.
The life of Jacob gives the believer insight into the sovereignty of God, who assists, strengthens, and sustains all who are faithful to Him.
As the years in Egypt passed, Jacob came to see how God had been directing, protecting, and providing for him all of his life.
This remarkable man of God received much abuse throughout his life, but the Lord conferred more blessings on Jacob than any other man in Old Testament history.
The name of Abraham, the father of the faithful (Romans 4:11), appears over 300 times in the Scriptures. The name Isaac appears only 131 times, often only in conjunction with Abraham and Jacob.
Jacob, however, is mentioned over 370 times. His new name Israel, referring to both himself and his descendants, appears over 2500 times.
It is a serious thing to criticize one whom God has chosen to esteem, as Issac clearly said: Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (Romans 9:13; Malachi 1:2-3).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessing me with this day,
Guide me as you lead me on that path that you have chosen for me.
I ask you for the strength, wisdom, and motivation to stay on that path, to follow you and not listen to others that try to stop me.
Help me to understand your ways and to trust in you with all things in my life.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessing to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray....Amen
Enjoy your day.
Bible Study: Jan 15, 2007
Hello Everyone,
Well, here we are another Monday, hope it brings you many blessings.
In today's lesson we will read from the book of Genesis Chapters 43-46
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43-46
In this leasson we will learn of Jacob's sons returning to Egypt for food, Judah offers to take the place of Benjamin, and Joseph makes himself known to his brothers.
Because of a great famine, Jacob was forced to send his sons to Egypt to buy food. As the second most powerful ruler of Egypt spoke to them through an interpreter, they were unaware that he was their brother Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery about 20 years earlier.
After questioning them about their family to test them, Joseph had his brothers imprisoned for three days (Genesis 42:14-20). During their stay in prison, they recalled how their younger brother Joseph had pleaded with them not to sell him as a slave to the Ishmaelite traders on their way to Egypt.
Now, in an Egyptian prison, they humbly confessed among themselves what a terrible act of cruelty they had committed. And they said one to another, We are verily (truly) guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us (42:21).
After three days, Joseph released them, but kept Simeon as a hostage in Egypt until their youngest brother Benjamin should be brought to Egypt (42:24).
When Joseph's brothers returned home without Simeon, Jacob heard of the ruler's demand to bring his youngest son to Egypt before they could buy any more food.
He was deeply distressed, and said: My son shall not go down with you (42:38). However, as the famine intensified and their food ran low, Jacob had no choice but to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt.
Joseph demanded that his brothers come to his home. Imagine their shock when he said, in their own Hebrew language: I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt (45:4). To their amazement, he lovingly added: Be not angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life (45:5).
For years, Joseph's brothers had deceived their father and had escaped all accountability for their cruel sin against Joseph.
Now they were forced to face their brother in shame. Joseph explained to them that even though ye sold me God did send me.
Although God used their wickedness to fulfill His will, this did not lessen their guilt. Let Joseph be our example for, regardless of how cruel someone has been, if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15).
Today's Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for blessings me with this day,
Bless me Lord with the strength to forgive those that hurt me.
For I know that by forgiving them you have forgiven me of my sins.
I trust in you that all things are possible through you.
I ask you for guidance and wisdom to get through this day.
Bless those less fortunate than me and use me to be a blessings to others today.
In Jesus name, I pray...Amen.
Have a great day!
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