King James Daily Bible Study: Do Not Be Afraid
Date: Saturday January 15, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 43-45
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-15
Details of Today's Reading: Joseph's brothers return with Benjamin, unknowingly they enjoy a feast with him, Joseph send them away, but has them captured, confession is made by the brothers, Joseph reveals himself to them, Jacob is finally told the truth and that Joseph is alive.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
No matter how strong our faith in God is we all get scared from time to time, but we have to be careful not to let our fears over take us so much that it keeps us from doing what we are supposed to be doing. There is a saying we all have heard, “there is nothing to fear, but fear itself.” Fear can destroy us, literally kill us, but fear can also save us, the fear of God that is. The Bible says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13,14. To fear God does not mean to be afraid of Him, it means to respect Him and acknowledge Him, not be afraid of Him. Maybe some of us should be afraid of Him, but if we are living our lives for God than we do not have to be afraid.
When Joseph's brothers returned to Canaan and told their father, Jacob, that Simeon was in prison and in order for him to be released they had to bring Benjamin Jacob refused. The only thing left closest to Joseph, whom he thought was dead was Benjamin, to lose him would kill him. Now, after some time had passed and food was getting scarce they knew they needed to go to Egypt and take Benjamin with them, but Jacob was afraid.
“And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food: But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother? And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?.. And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:” - Genesis 43:3-7,11.
God will test our faith by asking us to give up the thing we love the most. When Abraham was finally given a son, God tested him. When Job was stripped of everything he had, God tested him. God even tested the faith of His own Son. He had flesh just like the rest of us and could have sinned as the rest of us, but He remained sinless and gave up His own life to preserve life. When a rich young man asked Jesus how he could get to the Kingdom of God, He said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” - Matthew 19:21,22. If we want God's blessings we have to give up the thing we love the most.
If we want God's blessings we also need to repent, although God knows all that we do, unless we confess it to Him we will never be at peace, the guilt and shame alone will haunt you. So, here are Joseph's brothers heading back to Egypt with Benjamin, each one probably wondering what was going to happen to them once they get there. Do you know the best way to get a person back? Be nice to them. Joseph invites them to lunch, they get to his house and their fears overwhelm them.
“And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house. And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,..And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth...And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread...And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of their's. And they drank, and were merry with him.” - Genesis 43:17-19,26,29-31,34.
Their cares and fears were now over, and they ate their bread with joy, concluding they were now upon good terms with the man, the lord of the land. If God accept our works, our present, we have reason to be cheerful, but little did they know that Joseph had devised a plan to bring about their full confession.
“And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses. And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?..And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground...Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.” - Genesis 44:1-4,14,18.
God has strange ways of getting us to repent, but when we do it takes a huge weight off our shoulders. The word repent means to feel remorse for and to ask for forgiveness. The longer we take to repent the more guilt ridden we become the more afraid we are of what can come of it. Fear from guilt has caused many people to destroy themselves. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” - Proverbs 16:18,19.
After Joseph heard Judah's confession he revealed to them who he was, “Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren...And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”- Genesis 45:1,4-8.
Can you imagine the look on their faces and what fear they had after realizing that he was telling the truth? Yet, Joseph was not angry, he did not tell them I told you so, he simply told them to forgive themselves, assuring them that it was God's plan all along. Although his brothers were cruel, God used their wickedness to fulfill His will for Joseph and blessed him abundantly for it. There is truly nothing to fear, but fear itself. God is always in control, He is all knowing, forgiving, and blesses all who fear Him. Do not be afraid to go forward, just put your trust in God and He will take care of the rest, regardless of your past. “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” -Psalm 112:1
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus is revealed through Joseph's dealings with his brothers. Christ deals with us in such a way as to bring about our confession of sin and a recognition of His forgiving love. “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.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, January 15, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Why So Sad?
King James Daily Bible Study: Why So Sad?
Date: Friday January 14, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 40-42
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-14
Details of Today's Reading: Through God Joseph interprets dreams, the interpretations come true, two years later Pharaoh has a dream, the butler remembers Joseph and Pharaoh sends for him to interpret the dream, Joseph is made second in command, a seven year famine begins, Joseph's brothers unknowingly bow before him, he has them arrested and Joseph sends for his brother Benjamin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
At times it seems as though we face one trial after another and when that happens we can become discouraged, depressed, and wondering where God is and why He is not helping. One of my favorite poems is, Footprints in The Sand (1963), The ending says, LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me. The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior He is always with you and will never leave you. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, 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.
If anyone had a right to be discouraged and depressed it was Joseph, he faced one trial after another and now he is sitting in prison for a crime he did not commit. However, he remained optimistic that he would one day get out of there. The chance had come, Joseph met two men, the chief butler and the chief baker who were thrown in prison with him, they both had dreams and through God Joseph interpreted the dreams for them.
“And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you...But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon...And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:..Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.” - Genesis 40:6-8,15,15,20-23.
I do not know how many times I expected someone or something to come through and not show up. It's so disappointing, but you shrug it off and find alternatives. After a while of the alternatives you just wish someone would acknowledge you and that something would go right for a change. However, the Bible says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” - I Peter 4:12-14. God will allows trials in our lives, but nothing we do goes unnoticed in His eyes, He always shows up when we least expect it and blesses us too. Praise God!
God showed up for Joseph when he did not expect it, two years later, the butler remembered Joseph after Pharaoh had dreams and looked for someone to interpret them. Now, here is Joseph standing before Pharaoh himself to tell him what his dreams meant, he was not ashamed to say that God was the one who will give him peace. After he interprets the dream something amazing happens, Pharaoh is so impressed, he had never seen anyone know God the way he did, so impressed that he not only released him from prison, but made him second in command to him.
“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” - Genesis 41:38-41.
Nothing we do goes unnoticed with God, whether it is righteous or not, so, we need to be careful that we do not get caught up in something that will haunt us years later. Remember when Joseph's brothers put him down in that pit? Well, their past was about to catch up to them. There was a famine in the land just as Joseph revealed to Pharaoh from his dreams, it had spread abroad and was now in the land of Canaan. Jacob sent his sons, except Benjamin, to Egypt to get food and when Joseph saw them he confronted him, but not revealing himself as their brother.
“And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. And they said one to another, We are verily 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. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.” - Genesis 42:18-23.
Joseph's brothers probably never got over the fact that they deceived their brother as well as their father, but now realized that the trouble they were facing was the result of what they had done thirteen years ago. This is a reminder that everything we do comes back to us whether it be for good or bad, no matter how long it takes. If you are facing trials don't be sad, first, think about what is going on. Is Christ your Savior? Have you gotten away from God? Have you been faithful to God? Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus will give you rest, you just have to go to Him. You will find rest in Jesus, trust in Him and He will carry you, all your trials come to pass and you will be blessed through them.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus is revealed through the wisdom of Joseph, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” - Colossians 2:2,3.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Date: Friday January 14, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 40-42
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-14
Details of Today's Reading: Through God Joseph interprets dreams, the interpretations come true, two years later Pharaoh has a dream, the butler remembers Joseph and Pharaoh sends for him to interpret the dream, Joseph is made second in command, a seven year famine begins, Joseph's brothers unknowingly bow before him, he has them arrested and Joseph sends for his brother Benjamin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
At times it seems as though we face one trial after another and when that happens we can become discouraged, depressed, and wondering where God is and why He is not helping. One of my favorite poems is, Footprints in The Sand (1963), The ending says, LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me. The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior He is always with you and will never leave you. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, 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.
If anyone had a right to be discouraged and depressed it was Joseph, he faced one trial after another and now he is sitting in prison for a crime he did not commit. However, he remained optimistic that he would one day get out of there. The chance had come, Joseph met two men, the chief butler and the chief baker who were thrown in prison with him, they both had dreams and through God Joseph interpreted the dreams for them.
“And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you...But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon...And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:..Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.” - Genesis 40:6-8,15,15,20-23.
I do not know how many times I expected someone or something to come through and not show up. It's so disappointing, but you shrug it off and find alternatives. After a while of the alternatives you just wish someone would acknowledge you and that something would go right for a change. However, the Bible says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” - I Peter 4:12-14. God will allows trials in our lives, but nothing we do goes unnoticed in His eyes, He always shows up when we least expect it and blesses us too. Praise God!
God showed up for Joseph when he did not expect it, two years later, the butler remembered Joseph after Pharaoh had dreams and looked for someone to interpret them. Now, here is Joseph standing before Pharaoh himself to tell him what his dreams meant, he was not ashamed to say that God was the one who will give him peace. After he interprets the dream something amazing happens, Pharaoh is so impressed, he had never seen anyone know God the way he did, so impressed that he not only released him from prison, but made him second in command to him.
“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” - Genesis 41:38-41.
Nothing we do goes unnoticed with God, whether it is righteous or not, so, we need to be careful that we do not get caught up in something that will haunt us years later. Remember when Joseph's brothers put him down in that pit? Well, their past was about to catch up to them. There was a famine in the land just as Joseph revealed to Pharaoh from his dreams, it had spread abroad and was now in the land of Canaan. Jacob sent his sons, except Benjamin, to Egypt to get food and when Joseph saw them he confronted him, but not revealing himself as their brother.
“And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. And they said one to another, We are verily 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. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.” - Genesis 42:18-23.
Joseph's brothers probably never got over the fact that they deceived their brother as well as their father, but now realized that the trouble they were facing was the result of what they had done thirteen years ago. This is a reminder that everything we do comes back to us whether it be for good or bad, no matter how long it takes. If you are facing trials don't be sad, first, think about what is going on. Is Christ your Savior? Have you gotten away from God? Have you been faithful to God? Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus will give you rest, you just have to go to Him. You will find rest in Jesus, trust in Him and He will carry you, all your trials come to pass and you will be blessed through them.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus is revealed through the wisdom of Joseph, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” - Colossians 2:2,3.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Thursday, January 13, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: God Dreams Big For You
King James Daily Bible Study: God Dreams Big For You
Date: Thursday January 13, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 37-39
Click Hereto Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-13
Details of Today's Reading: Joseph's dreams, his brothers envy of him, Jacob's love for him, Joseph's brothers plot to kill him, but sell him instead, Judah's sons and daughter-in-law, Joseph is brought to Egypt and works for Potiphar, Potiphar's wife traps Joseph and she has him out in prison, and Joseph finds favor from God.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word dream is defined as a vision, images, thoughts, or emotions passing through the mind during sleep. Some people also day dream in which they see these visions, thoughts, or emotions while they are awake. The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” - Proverbs 29:18. God wants us to dream, in fact, He wants us to dream big, but He wants us to make sure that we dream big in His Word. The amazing thing about God that much of the world will never understand and even a lot of Christians as well is that He wants to see us prosper and enjoy everything that He created for us. The reason why so many people do not is because their dreams do not match up with God's Word. When we allow His law to guide us He will never stop providing for us. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3.
Joseph was Jacob's first son with his beloved Rachael, unlike his half-brothers he was godly and well mannered. Jacob favored him more than the others and it was for that reason that they were envious of Joseph. On top of that Joseph had dreams, big dreams that he would tell them, which made things even worse. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.” - Genesis 37:3-8.
Joseph's dream was a vision that his brothers would one day bow down to him as they would a king, now, you can imagine why they were angry. They must have truly believed that his dreams were, in fact, prophetic though since they did not disregard them and youthful nonsense. When God gives you a vision, it is usually one that others can not imagine, but if they have been around you for a while and know that you live your life for God they will not disregard them as nonsense, but will mock you. However, you can be sure that God is with you and it will come to pass, no matter how many obstacles you face in the process. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1,2.
Their hatred and jealousy over Joseph caused them to plot and evil scheme to get rid of him. “Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again...And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.” - Genesis 37:20-28.
Now, you can imagine what Joseph must have been going through, wondering how his brothers could have done such at thing, perhaps relieved that he was sold rather than killed, wondering where his life was heading. Maybe he talked to God along the way, asking Him why this was happening to him. When people hurt us, especially family, I imagine we all question why God allows it to happen. However, God has a plan and purpose for all that we go through, every obstacle prepares us for that dream coming true. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
When Joseph arrived in Egypt he was regarded as just a slave, but soon found favor from Potiphar, the captain of the guard. “And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.” - Genesis 39:1-4.
Joseph was blessed, wonderfully blessed, even in the house where he was a slave. God's presence with us, makes all we do prosperous. Godly men are the blessings of the place where they live, the prosperity of the wicked is, one way or other, for the sake of the godly. Here was a wicked family blessed for the sake of one good servant who was in the grace of God and Potiphar new it. When we choose to follow God we may become separated from our friends and family, but we will never be separated from our God. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, 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.
Often, because we choose to follow God we are going to attract the wicked, Potiphar's wife has been watching Joseph, probably for quite some time, she became infatuated with him and was determined to get him in bed with her. “And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” - Genesis 3:7-10.
Joseph knew that even the mere thought of being with this woman would be making him sin against God, notice he did not say his God, but God. God is God of all and those who choose to follow Him through Christ find His grace. Of course, we will fall out of His grace from time to time, but we will never fall out of His love for us. He will always guide us back into His grace. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” - II Corinthians 9:8. You know Potiphar's wife had Joseph cast into prison because he refused her and God even blessed him in prison? “And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.” - Genesis 39:20-22.
God has big dreams for us, we can choose to see our circumstances as opportunities to make those dreams come true or we can choose to be depressed and do noting in hopes that something will get better., but God is amazing, under the most unique circumstances He will make us prosper through them. Perhaps the most shocking news to people, especially family and friends, is that we will or will not do something because God. You will not get a good response, even Christians will tell you that you are crazy. Let me tell you that you will know who your true friends are when you refuse to do something because it is against what God would want. “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:8-10. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus Christ is revealed through Joseph who was rejected by his own brothers and sold for 20 pieces of silver, Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver, imprisoned, crucified, and became our Savior and soon will return to rule the world. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.” - Matthew 26:14,15.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Date: Thursday January 13, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 37-39
Click Hereto Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-13
Details of Today's Reading: Joseph's dreams, his brothers envy of him, Jacob's love for him, Joseph's brothers plot to kill him, but sell him instead, Judah's sons and daughter-in-law, Joseph is brought to Egypt and works for Potiphar, Potiphar's wife traps Joseph and she has him out in prison, and Joseph finds favor from God.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word dream is defined as a vision, images, thoughts, or emotions passing through the mind during sleep. Some people also day dream in which they see these visions, thoughts, or emotions while they are awake. The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” - Proverbs 29:18. God wants us to dream, in fact, He wants us to dream big, but He wants us to make sure that we dream big in His Word. The amazing thing about God that much of the world will never understand and even a lot of Christians as well is that He wants to see us prosper and enjoy everything that He created for us. The reason why so many people do not is because their dreams do not match up with God's Word. When we allow His law to guide us He will never stop providing for us. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3.
Joseph was Jacob's first son with his beloved Rachael, unlike his half-brothers he was godly and well mannered. Jacob favored him more than the others and it was for that reason that they were envious of Joseph. On top of that Joseph had dreams, big dreams that he would tell them, which made things even worse. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.” - Genesis 37:3-8.
Joseph's dream was a vision that his brothers would one day bow down to him as they would a king, now, you can imagine why they were angry. They must have truly believed that his dreams were, in fact, prophetic though since they did not disregard them and youthful nonsense. When God gives you a vision, it is usually one that others can not imagine, but if they have been around you for a while and know that you live your life for God they will not disregard them as nonsense, but will mock you. However, you can be sure that God is with you and it will come to pass, no matter how many obstacles you face in the process. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1,2.
Their hatred and jealousy over Joseph caused them to plot and evil scheme to get rid of him. “Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again...And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.” - Genesis 37:20-28.
Now, you can imagine what Joseph must have been going through, wondering how his brothers could have done such at thing, perhaps relieved that he was sold rather than killed, wondering where his life was heading. Maybe he talked to God along the way, asking Him why this was happening to him. When people hurt us, especially family, I imagine we all question why God allows it to happen. However, God has a plan and purpose for all that we go through, every obstacle prepares us for that dream coming true. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
When Joseph arrived in Egypt he was regarded as just a slave, but soon found favor from Potiphar, the captain of the guard. “And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.” - Genesis 39:1-4.
Joseph was blessed, wonderfully blessed, even in the house where he was a slave. God's presence with us, makes all we do prosperous. Godly men are the blessings of the place where they live, the prosperity of the wicked is, one way or other, for the sake of the godly. Here was a wicked family blessed for the sake of one good servant who was in the grace of God and Potiphar new it. When we choose to follow God we may become separated from our friends and family, but we will never be separated from our God. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, 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.
Often, because we choose to follow God we are going to attract the wicked, Potiphar's wife has been watching Joseph, probably for quite some time, she became infatuated with him and was determined to get him in bed with her. “And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” - Genesis 3:7-10.
Joseph knew that even the mere thought of being with this woman would be making him sin against God, notice he did not say his God, but God. God is God of all and those who choose to follow Him through Christ find His grace. Of course, we will fall out of His grace from time to time, but we will never fall out of His love for us. He will always guide us back into His grace. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” - II Corinthians 9:8. You know Potiphar's wife had Joseph cast into prison because he refused her and God even blessed him in prison? “And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.” - Genesis 39:20-22.
God has big dreams for us, we can choose to see our circumstances as opportunities to make those dreams come true or we can choose to be depressed and do noting in hopes that something will get better., but God is amazing, under the most unique circumstances He will make us prosper through them. Perhaps the most shocking news to people, especially family and friends, is that we will or will not do something because God. You will not get a good response, even Christians will tell you that you are crazy. Let me tell you that you will know who your true friends are when you refuse to do something because it is against what God would want. “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:8-10. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus Christ is revealed through Joseph who was rejected by his own brothers and sold for 20 pieces of silver, Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver, imprisoned, crucified, and became our Savior and soon will return to rule the world. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.” - Matthew 26:14,15.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Crooked Paths
King James Daily Bible Study: Crooked Paths
Date: 01.12.11
Chapters: Genesis 34-36
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-12
Details of Today's Reading: Jacob and Leah's daughter Dinah is defiled by Shechem, the Shechemites murdered by Simeon and Levi, God sends Jacob to Bethel where He blesses him, the death of Rachael, Rueben's crime, the death of Isaac, the generations of Jacob, and the generations of Esau.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Bible says, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: ” - Hebrews 12:11-14. A path is a direction, a route, course, or track along which something moves. Did you ever think you were going in the right direction only to find out that you made a wrong turn somewhere? Did you ever notice that most paths are not straight at all, they are kind of windy and crooked? Well, life is full of wrong turns and crooked paths and we can really get us lost on them, but when we allow God to direct our paths He will find us and make our straight paths for us.
God gave Jacob a command before he left Padanaram, go to Bethel, but when he got to Shechem he decided to stay there instead. The family began to mix in with the people there, who were into the worldly things, it did not take long before Jacob's daughter Dinah got herself into some trouble. “And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come. And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him. And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter: which thing ought not to be done.” - Genesis 34:1-7.
The first mistake was that God had directed Jacob to Bethel, but he settled in Shechem, the second mistake was Dinah becoming friends with these worldly girls. There is an old saying, “You are who you get around.” No matter how godly you are if you get around corruption it will take hold of you and cause you to walk into it. We can not avoid the world completely, but we can be separated from it. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17.
When we follow God's path we get where we need to be a lot quicker, but if we stop or get directed in another direction it always leads to problems, not only for ourselves, but others as well. It took Dinah's sin to cause her brothers to sin. “And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males...And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? ” - Genesis 34:25,30,31.
When Dinah's brothers heard that Shechem defiled their sister they wanted revenge, but they did not stop to think about the consequences of it. First, while it was sinful for Shechem to defile their sister, she had a part in it also. Second, they took it upon themselves to cause judgment upon not only Shechem, but everyone in that town, creating even more problems. We are no judge to the sinner, for we all are sinners. Christ is the judge of all will deal with us accordingly. “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” - Romans 14:10,11.
Now, Jacob was pretty fearful of God after all that had happened, I imagine he was wondering what God would do to them. After all, He had not heard from Him is quite some time, but now God speaks. “And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem...And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;” - Genesis 35:1-4,9-11.
God will allow us to take that wrong path, He will even allow us to stay in it a while, He waits until we have gone so far before He says, “Okay, listen to me now!” There is no perfect communion with God until all the idols are put away, we come into His presence, and allow Him to direct our paths. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” - Proverbs 3:5-7.
Chapter 36 is an account to the descendants of Esau, “Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom...And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob. For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.” - Genesis 36:1,6,7.
While Esau was not the blessed son who would become the father of God's nations it was important that God address them as later on we will see what part they played in the Israelites lives centuries later. The word Edom means, red pottage, it was in remembrance of the foolish bargain that Esau made with Jacob and sold his birth right over a bowl of red pottage. We can thank God that even if we took some crooked paths, He will never forget is promise to those who put their trust in His Son, even if we have made some foolish bargains that made those paths crooked. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” - Hebrews 12:28. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus is revealed as God Almighty. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” -Revelation 1:8.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: 01.12.11
Chapters: Genesis 34-36
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-12
Details of Today's Reading: Jacob and Leah's daughter Dinah is defiled by Shechem, the Shechemites murdered by Simeon and Levi, God sends Jacob to Bethel where He blesses him, the death of Rachael, Rueben's crime, the death of Isaac, the generations of Jacob, and the generations of Esau.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Bible says, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: ” - Hebrews 12:11-14. A path is a direction, a route, course, or track along which something moves. Did you ever think you were going in the right direction only to find out that you made a wrong turn somewhere? Did you ever notice that most paths are not straight at all, they are kind of windy and crooked? Well, life is full of wrong turns and crooked paths and we can really get us lost on them, but when we allow God to direct our paths He will find us and make our straight paths for us.
God gave Jacob a command before he left Padanaram, go to Bethel, but when he got to Shechem he decided to stay there instead. The family began to mix in with the people there, who were into the worldly things, it did not take long before Jacob's daughter Dinah got herself into some trouble. “And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come. And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him. And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter: which thing ought not to be done.” - Genesis 34:1-7.
The first mistake was that God had directed Jacob to Bethel, but he settled in Shechem, the second mistake was Dinah becoming friends with these worldly girls. There is an old saying, “You are who you get around.” No matter how godly you are if you get around corruption it will take hold of you and cause you to walk into it. We can not avoid the world completely, but we can be separated from it. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17.
When we follow God's path we get where we need to be a lot quicker, but if we stop or get directed in another direction it always leads to problems, not only for ourselves, but others as well. It took Dinah's sin to cause her brothers to sin. “And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males...And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? ” - Genesis 34:25,30,31.
When Dinah's brothers heard that Shechem defiled their sister they wanted revenge, but they did not stop to think about the consequences of it. First, while it was sinful for Shechem to defile their sister, she had a part in it also. Second, they took it upon themselves to cause judgment upon not only Shechem, but everyone in that town, creating even more problems. We are no judge to the sinner, for we all are sinners. Christ is the judge of all will deal with us accordingly. “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” - Romans 14:10,11.
Now, Jacob was pretty fearful of God after all that had happened, I imagine he was wondering what God would do to them. After all, He had not heard from Him is quite some time, but now God speaks. “And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem...And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;” - Genesis 35:1-4,9-11.
God will allow us to take that wrong path, He will even allow us to stay in it a while, He waits until we have gone so far before He says, “Okay, listen to me now!” There is no perfect communion with God until all the idols are put away, we come into His presence, and allow Him to direct our paths. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” - Proverbs 3:5-7.
Chapter 36 is an account to the descendants of Esau, “Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom...And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob. For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.” - Genesis 36:1,6,7.
While Esau was not the blessed son who would become the father of God's nations it was important that God address them as later on we will see what part they played in the Israelites lives centuries later. The word Edom means, red pottage, it was in remembrance of the foolish bargain that Esau made with Jacob and sold his birth right over a bowl of red pottage. We can thank God that even if we took some crooked paths, He will never forget is promise to those who put their trust in His Son, even if we have made some foolish bargains that made those paths crooked. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” - Hebrews 12:28. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus is revealed as God Almighty. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” -Revelation 1:8.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Tuesday, January 11, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Wrestle With God
King James Daily Bible Study: Wrestle With God
Date: Tuesday January 11, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 31-33
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-11
Details of Today's Reading: Jacob and his family leave Laban's and head for Canaan, Laban finds out and goes after them, Jacob wants to make amends with Esau, but fears his life when he finds out that Esau is coming to see him, Jacob wrestles with an angel, and Jacob and Esau make amends.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
God is a forgiving God, He does not want to stay angry with us or even make us suffer for our past sins. When He says we are forgiven, He means we are forgiven. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9. So, why don't we feel any better about ourselves after we repent? We need closure, something that makes amends to the wrongs that we have done. Sometimes, the only way to get that closure is to wrestle with God, what I mean is confront Him face to face. Tell Him how you feel and let Him show you how to make amends not only between God and yourself, but with anyone or thing that keeps haunting you.
Jacob did not always do things the way God wanted him to, although God blessed him with what He promised, at times he did seem to connive his way into getting them. Not only did he have the guilt of deceiving Esau in the back of his head he also had the guilt of deceiving Laban, although he did not really deceive him. Laban and his sons eventually became hostile and envious of Jacob's prosperity, they assumed that Jacob had employed unfair manipulation to gain their father's riches. So, by God's command, Jacob, his wives, children, arose up in the night, took all they had and headed for Canaan without telling Laban.“Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.” - Genesis 31:17-21.
The safety of believers under trying circumstances is much due to the hold God has on the consciences of wicked men. In the path of obedience, we may count on God’s care. We do not need to wrestle or fight with those who deceive us. While the believer may resent injuries, he is not to avenge them, but remember that God is the avenger. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord...Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” - Romans 12:19,20.
On their way back to the land of Canaan, Jacob discovered that his brother, Esau, was coming to meet up with him with 400 men. Fearing the worst, (seeing no visible hope of survival for himself and his family) he began praying to God. “And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.” - Genesis 32:9-11.
Sometimes we just have to beg and plead with God, confront Him with what He has promised. You can talk to God without disrespecting Him, He knows your frustration and even that you question His way of doing things from time to time. He likes you to remind Him of His promises, which tells Him that you reading and studying His Word. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” - Hebrews 10:35-37.
Still a little fearful, Jacob hastily divided his wives, children, and flocks into two groups, reasoning that if Esau should come upon one camp and destroy it, the remaining camp would escape in the opposite direction. Later that night, Jacob literally wrestled with God. “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” - Genesis 32:24-28.
Jacob in a sense confronted and wrestled with his fears, he was not about to give up the fight. He did not let go until God blessed him. When God realized that Jacob was not giving up on Him and would not stop until He blessed him He, in fact, blessed him, also changing his name to Israel, which means "Prince with God". Jacob is an example of just how often we have set our heart to do God's will only to discover how weak and insufficient we are to do it without Him. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:5,6.
The time had come for Jacob to meet Esau face to face, “And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant...So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.” - Genesis 33:3-5,16-18.
Jacob and Esau found peace and forgiveness with each other, Jacob no longer had to wrestle with his conscience, and he is at peace with Esau and with God. Either we lean on God or on our own plans. The arrangements of unbelief and impatience prevent God from blessing us, He must bring us to the end of our own strength before He strengthens us through Christ, who will bring the blessings. To be alone with Christ is the only way to arrive at a knowledge of ourselves and our ways. Jacob wrestled with himself and it was not until he confronted God face to face that God has respect for him. It is not God that you are actually wrestling with, it's guilt, shame, or anger, it's actually the devil who wants you to dwell on the things of the past, not God. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:12,13.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus Christ is revealed through the angel of God, Jesus is the mediator between you and God. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” - Hebrews 8:6.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Tuesday January 11, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 31-33
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-11
Details of Today's Reading: Jacob and his family leave Laban's and head for Canaan, Laban finds out and goes after them, Jacob wants to make amends with Esau, but fears his life when he finds out that Esau is coming to see him, Jacob wrestles with an angel, and Jacob and Esau make amends.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
God is a forgiving God, He does not want to stay angry with us or even make us suffer for our past sins. When He says we are forgiven, He means we are forgiven. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9. So, why don't we feel any better about ourselves after we repent? We need closure, something that makes amends to the wrongs that we have done. Sometimes, the only way to get that closure is to wrestle with God, what I mean is confront Him face to face. Tell Him how you feel and let Him show you how to make amends not only between God and yourself, but with anyone or thing that keeps haunting you.
Jacob did not always do things the way God wanted him to, although God blessed him with what He promised, at times he did seem to connive his way into getting them. Not only did he have the guilt of deceiving Esau in the back of his head he also had the guilt of deceiving Laban, although he did not really deceive him. Laban and his sons eventually became hostile and envious of Jacob's prosperity, they assumed that Jacob had employed unfair manipulation to gain their father's riches. So, by God's command, Jacob, his wives, children, arose up in the night, took all they had and headed for Canaan without telling Laban.“Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.” - Genesis 31:17-21.
The safety of believers under trying circumstances is much due to the hold God has on the consciences of wicked men. In the path of obedience, we may count on God’s care. We do not need to wrestle or fight with those who deceive us. While the believer may resent injuries, he is not to avenge them, but remember that God is the avenger. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord...Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” - Romans 12:19,20.
On their way back to the land of Canaan, Jacob discovered that his brother, Esau, was coming to meet up with him with 400 men. Fearing the worst, (seeing no visible hope of survival for himself and his family) he began praying to God. “And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.” - Genesis 32:9-11.
Sometimes we just have to beg and plead with God, confront Him with what He has promised. You can talk to God without disrespecting Him, He knows your frustration and even that you question His way of doing things from time to time. He likes you to remind Him of His promises, which tells Him that you reading and studying His Word. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” - Hebrews 10:35-37.
Still a little fearful, Jacob hastily divided his wives, children, and flocks into two groups, reasoning that if Esau should come upon one camp and destroy it, the remaining camp would escape in the opposite direction. Later that night, Jacob literally wrestled with God. “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” - Genesis 32:24-28.
Jacob in a sense confronted and wrestled with his fears, he was not about to give up the fight. He did not let go until God blessed him. When God realized that Jacob was not giving up on Him and would not stop until He blessed him He, in fact, blessed him, also changing his name to Israel, which means "Prince with God". Jacob is an example of just how often we have set our heart to do God's will only to discover how weak and insufficient we are to do it without Him. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:5,6.
The time had come for Jacob to meet Esau face to face, “And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant...So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.” - Genesis 33:3-5,16-18.
Jacob and Esau found peace and forgiveness with each other, Jacob no longer had to wrestle with his conscience, and he is at peace with Esau and with God. Either we lean on God or on our own plans. The arrangements of unbelief and impatience prevent God from blessing us, He must bring us to the end of our own strength before He strengthens us through Christ, who will bring the blessings. To be alone with Christ is the only way to arrive at a knowledge of ourselves and our ways. Jacob wrestled with himself and it was not until he confronted God face to face that God has respect for him. It is not God that you are actually wrestling with, it's guilt, shame, or anger, it's actually the devil who wants you to dwell on the things of the past, not God. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:12,13.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus Christ is revealed through the angel of God, Jesus is the mediator between you and God. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” - Hebrews 8:6.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Monday, January 10, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Godly Profit
King James Daily Bible Study: Godly Profit
Date: Monday 01.10.11
Chapters: Genesis 28-30
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-10
Details of Today's Reading: Isaac sends Jacob to Padanaram to find a wife, Jacob meets Rachel and works for Laban to be his wife, Laban gives him Leah instead, seven years later Rachel too becomes his wife, the children bared to Jacob from four wives, and Jacob's agreement with Laban.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is amazing when you see God bless the faithful servant, what is even more amazing is that while the servant is being blessed most people around them are blessed as well, even if they have no interest in God. The sad thing is that most of the time they are too proud to admit that God did have a hand in their success. Sooner or later God will take His servant elsewhere to be used leaving the unbeliever envious and even stooping to deceive the person. The Bible says, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - I Timothy 4:8-10.
Laban was Rebekah's brother, after all the issues between Isaac and Jacob came to pass, Isaac blessed Jacob as he rightfully should have and sent him to Laban's to find a wife. “Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.” - Genesis 28:1-4.
It is important that we choose a spouse that is godly, nothing good comes out of the marriage unless somehow you can convert the unbelieving spouse, but it is better to choose wisely instead of what looks good on the eyes. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?.. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17,18.
As Jacob was heading toward Padanaram he had no idea where he was headed, unlike Abraham and Isaac they had God guiding them, but Jacob knew he was leaving because he deceived his brother and now feared for his life. However, he did not realize was that God was, in fact, guiding him. “And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.” - Genesis 28:11-16.
Jacob had blessings promised both as to this world and that which is to come, yet goes out to a hard service. This corrected him for the fraud committed on his father and brother. We can all get out of the will of God from time to time, but that does not mean that God has walked away from us. He might let us suffer a bit, but He is always watching over us and when the time is right He will, show Himself. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” -Hebrews 13:5,6.
Jacob arrives in Padanaram and soon after he sees Rachel, Laban's youngest daughter. He agrees to serve him seven years in order to wed his daughter. After the seven years Jacob seeks his wife only to be deceived by Laban. “And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter...And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. ” - Genesis 29:16-18,24-27.
Jacob faithfully agreed to serve Laban another seven years, wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. Having no worldly goods with which to endow her, he promises seven more years of service, love makes long and hard services short and easy. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:10. Laban was blessed tremendously when Jacob was serving him, now the time had come for him to leave, but Laban still pressured him to stay, he knew that the blessings he received were due to God blessing Jacob. “And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?” - Genesis 30:27-30.
Worldly men, who choose their portion in this life, are often blessed with an abundance of this world's goods. Godly men are blessings to the places where they live, even God often blesses ungodly men with outward mercies for the sake of their godly relations. The toiling and scheming of men is the result of ignorance of God’s Grace, and inability to put confidence in God’s promises. However, those who remain faithful in what is another man's shall be entrusted with something of his own, even more abundantly. “The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” - Proverbs 11:23-25.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus Christ is revealed through Joseph, who was born to save and preserve his people. “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - II Timothy 4:18.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Monday 01.10.11
Chapters: Genesis 28-30
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-10
Details of Today's Reading: Isaac sends Jacob to Padanaram to find a wife, Jacob meets Rachel and works for Laban to be his wife, Laban gives him Leah instead, seven years later Rachel too becomes his wife, the children bared to Jacob from four wives, and Jacob's agreement with Laban.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is amazing when you see God bless the faithful servant, what is even more amazing is that while the servant is being blessed most people around them are blessed as well, even if they have no interest in God. The sad thing is that most of the time they are too proud to admit that God did have a hand in their success. Sooner or later God will take His servant elsewhere to be used leaving the unbeliever envious and even stooping to deceive the person. The Bible says, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - I Timothy 4:8-10.
Laban was Rebekah's brother, after all the issues between Isaac and Jacob came to pass, Isaac blessed Jacob as he rightfully should have and sent him to Laban's to find a wife. “Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.” - Genesis 28:1-4.
It is important that we choose a spouse that is godly, nothing good comes out of the marriage unless somehow you can convert the unbelieving spouse, but it is better to choose wisely instead of what looks good on the eyes. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?.. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17,18.
As Jacob was heading toward Padanaram he had no idea where he was headed, unlike Abraham and Isaac they had God guiding them, but Jacob knew he was leaving because he deceived his brother and now feared for his life. However, he did not realize was that God was, in fact, guiding him. “And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.” - Genesis 28:11-16.
Jacob had blessings promised both as to this world and that which is to come, yet goes out to a hard service. This corrected him for the fraud committed on his father and brother. We can all get out of the will of God from time to time, but that does not mean that God has walked away from us. He might let us suffer a bit, but He is always watching over us and when the time is right He will, show Himself. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” -Hebrews 13:5,6.
Jacob arrives in Padanaram and soon after he sees Rachel, Laban's youngest daughter. He agrees to serve him seven years in order to wed his daughter. After the seven years Jacob seeks his wife only to be deceived by Laban. “And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter...And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. ” - Genesis 29:16-18,24-27.
Jacob faithfully agreed to serve Laban another seven years, wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. Having no worldly goods with which to endow her, he promises seven more years of service, love makes long and hard services short and easy. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:10. Laban was blessed tremendously when Jacob was serving him, now the time had come for him to leave, but Laban still pressured him to stay, he knew that the blessings he received were due to God blessing Jacob. “And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?” - Genesis 30:27-30.
Worldly men, who choose their portion in this life, are often blessed with an abundance of this world's goods. Godly men are blessings to the places where they live, even God often blesses ungodly men with outward mercies for the sake of their godly relations. The toiling and scheming of men is the result of ignorance of God’s Grace, and inability to put confidence in God’s promises. However, those who remain faithful in what is another man's shall be entrusted with something of his own, even more abundantly. “The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” - Proverbs 11:23-25.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus Christ is revealed through Joseph, who was born to save and preserve his people. “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - II Timothy 4:18.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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King James Daily Bible Study: Human Reasoning
King James Daily Bible Study: Human Reasoning
Date: Sunday January 09, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 25-27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-9
Details of Today's Reading: The sons of Abraham after Isaac, the sons of Ishmael, Abraham dies, Isaac and Rebekah have twins Esau and Jacob, Esau sells his birthright, a famine sends them to Gerar, Abimelech makes a covenant with Isaac, Isaac tends to bless Esau, Rebekah teaches Jacob to obtain the blessing instead, and Esau threatens Jacob's life.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
When God makes a promise to us He keeps it, we do not have to help Him out, all we have to do is be faithful, do what He asks, and wait patiently for Him. Yet many obtain God's promises or even try to change them by their own human reasoning. The Bible says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” - Romans 8:6-9. The word carnal means to be characterized by the flesh or the body, not spiritual, and worldly. If we are honest with ourselves we all have to admit that we have a little bit of a carnal mind from time to time. That carnal mind is what can get us into trouble, even if we do it for good reasons.
Isaac, the promised seed of Abraham was promised to be the seed of many nations, when he was forty years old he and Rebekah were still childless. Isaac begged God for a child as He promised and twenty years later He did answer by giving them not one, but two children. “And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.” - Genesis 25:21-26.
God told Rebekah that the first born would be weaker and serve his younger brother. He mentioned two nations, meaning that they would both be rulers of a nation and that younger child's nation who be stronger and rule over the older child's. Now, as the children grew, Isaac favored Esau, since Esau was the first born, he had birthrights to the family, which included, among other things, being heir to the covenant that God had made with Abraham. This birthright was the link in the line of descendants through which the Promised Messiah was to come. However, Esau had no desire to even fight for his birthright and gave it up for food. “And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.” - Genesis 25:29-34.
Esau is a type of the man of the earth, in many respects a nobler man than Jacob, yet the fact that he was destitute of faith caused him to despise his birthright, easily giving it up for a mere bowl of soup. God’s choice of His children does not depend on their character, or even what family they have come from, but their faith. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” -Galatians 3:26.
We do not hear much about Isaac's life beyond being the seed that God promised He would establish His covenant with. Much of this is due to the fact that he tried to alter God's will by blessing Esau with what should have been Jacob's. Since Rebekah never forgot what God told her she came up with a scheme to get Isaac to bless Jacob instead. “And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee...And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son? And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy first born; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me...And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.” - Genesis 27:6-8,17-19,22,23.
The carnal mind is prone to scheme to bring about what God would do without any scheming at all. He does not need our cunning or deceit to accomplish His purpose. Seek spiritual blessings in the right way or get with them years of sorrow afterward. The more pressing the temptation to take things out of His hands, the richer will be the blessing of remaining in His hands and waiting for them in His time. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12. It did not take long before Esau returned and threatened to kill Jacob, this would be only the start of the suffering he had to endure because he chose to obtain God's promise in a deceitful way. “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran; And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;” - Genesis 27:41-44.
One only needs to read the history of Jacob to learn that it does not pay to take things into ones own hands. However, it is peculiarly comforting to see that God has ever been dealing with men of like passions as we are and patiently bearing with the same failures. When the believer falls, God is still with him. One cannot always judge of a believer’s spiritual condition by their circumstances, but God has a purpose in all His dealings. “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” - Ephesians 1:9-12.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus is revealed as the spiritual Seed that would bless all nations. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” - Galatians 3:16
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Sunday January 09, 2011
Chapters: Genesis 25-27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-january-9
Details of Today's Reading: The sons of Abraham after Isaac, the sons of Ishmael, Abraham dies, Isaac and Rebekah have twins Esau and Jacob, Esau sells his birthright, a famine sends them to Gerar, Abimelech makes a covenant with Isaac, Isaac tends to bless Esau, Rebekah teaches Jacob to obtain the blessing instead, and Esau threatens Jacob's life.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
When God makes a promise to us He keeps it, we do not have to help Him out, all we have to do is be faithful, do what He asks, and wait patiently for Him. Yet many obtain God's promises or even try to change them by their own human reasoning. The Bible says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” - Romans 8:6-9. The word carnal means to be characterized by the flesh or the body, not spiritual, and worldly. If we are honest with ourselves we all have to admit that we have a little bit of a carnal mind from time to time. That carnal mind is what can get us into trouble, even if we do it for good reasons.
Isaac, the promised seed of Abraham was promised to be the seed of many nations, when he was forty years old he and Rebekah were still childless. Isaac begged God for a child as He promised and twenty years later He did answer by giving them not one, but two children. “And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.” - Genesis 25:21-26.
God told Rebekah that the first born would be weaker and serve his younger brother. He mentioned two nations, meaning that they would both be rulers of a nation and that younger child's nation who be stronger and rule over the older child's. Now, as the children grew, Isaac favored Esau, since Esau was the first born, he had birthrights to the family, which included, among other things, being heir to the covenant that God had made with Abraham. This birthright was the link in the line of descendants through which the Promised Messiah was to come. However, Esau had no desire to even fight for his birthright and gave it up for food. “And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.” - Genesis 25:29-34.
Esau is a type of the man of the earth, in many respects a nobler man than Jacob, yet the fact that he was destitute of faith caused him to despise his birthright, easily giving it up for a mere bowl of soup. God’s choice of His children does not depend on their character, or even what family they have come from, but their faith. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” -Galatians 3:26.
We do not hear much about Isaac's life beyond being the seed that God promised He would establish His covenant with. Much of this is due to the fact that he tried to alter God's will by blessing Esau with what should have been Jacob's. Since Rebekah never forgot what God told her she came up with a scheme to get Isaac to bless Jacob instead. “And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee...And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son? And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy first born; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me...And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.” - Genesis 27:6-8,17-19,22,23.
The carnal mind is prone to scheme to bring about what God would do without any scheming at all. He does not need our cunning or deceit to accomplish His purpose. Seek spiritual blessings in the right way or get with them years of sorrow afterward. The more pressing the temptation to take things out of His hands, the richer will be the blessing of remaining in His hands and waiting for them in His time. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12. It did not take long before Esau returned and threatened to kill Jacob, this would be only the start of the suffering he had to endure because he chose to obtain God's promise in a deceitful way. “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran; And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;” - Genesis 27:41-44.
One only needs to read the history of Jacob to learn that it does not pay to take things into ones own hands. However, it is peculiarly comforting to see that God has ever been dealing with men of like passions as we are and patiently bearing with the same failures. When the believer falls, God is still with him. One cannot always judge of a believer’s spiritual condition by their circumstances, but God has a purpose in all His dealings. “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” - Ephesians 1:9-12.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Jesus is revealed as the spiritual Seed that would bless all nations. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” - Galatians 3:16
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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