Exodus 2:1-4 (Moments of Moses)

Puah and Shiprah, the Hebrew midwives, were in a difficult place. They sought out how to honor God through their actions, but also how to respect the king. They remained nonviolent, but stood firm by their convictions. They respected the king, but they honored the greater King--the Lord, God Almighty. Honoring God instead of man does not mean becoming violent or argumentative with others even when it is hard to do. It is important to display the ability to "be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Mt 10:16). They were entrusting themselves to the Father's care! Their obedience led to God using one man for His mighty purposes!

Read Exodus 2:1-4
 

Moses' parents (Amram and Jochebed) were both were from the tribe of Levi. Levi was a significant tribe of Israel. The Levites become the priestly tribe, because of God's grace and their loyalty to God... Jochebed knew she could not hide Moses for long. She was able to hide Moses for three months. But the time came to walk by faith, trusting God to protect her son was her only option. She hid Moses in the reed's where the pharaoh's daughter would find him. Hebrew 11:23 reminds us that Moses' parents were not afraid of the king. They saw that Moses was not an ordinary child. They saw that something was very different in him. The text says that Moses was a beautiful child (Ex 2:1-4). I wonder what they saw that would be different than a parent's joy. What did God show them during this time?

While Jochebed is planning and preparing for leaving Moses in a basket along the Nile, his sister, Miriam, is watching the entire thing. She is sent to keep an eye on her baby brother, Moses, when he is put in the river bank to see what would happen. She witnessed her parents' faith, and how God would provide for them. Miriam must of felt very terrified, not knowing what would happen to her brother. Wonder how she felt years later when he would lead them out of Egypt? I wonder if she just saw her brother or a godly leader?

"Every parent believes his or her child is beautiful--but there was something supernatural about Moses." Hebrews 11 says faith was Moses' parents' motivation. Not just their love for Moses, but FAITH. Faith calls us to action, answering the call, and obeying God rather than man!

Lesson for us: God can do incredible things when we replace our fears with faith in Him. We need to ask ourselves what we are afraid of... Giving it to God is essential, and God can turn that fear into an opportunity for faith!

Exodus 1:15-22 (Moments of Moses)

"These are times that the law of God must supersede the law of men." (Taking a look at Ex. 1:15-22 and Acts 4 today!)

In Exodus 1:15-22, two Hebrew midwives would be interrogated and face questioning for refusing to obey the pharaoh's orders to kill all Hebrew baby boys (vs 15-16). They honored God--obeying Him instead of man, and the nation was tremendously blessed as a result! (vs 17, 20-21)

Man's law is important, but God's law is much more important! Two things grabbed my attention:

1. Reaching out to others (See Luke 6:32;35-36). I do not want to be like the pharaoh~ treating people different.. Things can stop us from reaching out to others, particularly fear. What if we placed our fear of God at the top of our list, devoting ourselves to being obedient to Him instead? He is greater than anything else! He deserves to be put first! Fearing others is not greater than fearing God. For the midwives, they refused to give into the king's command, because they feared God. They chose to honor God! They were blessed and HE took care of them.

2. We must obey God rather than human beings! There is NO substitution for obedience!

There is nothing more important than obeying God. We need to stand by our convictions, devoting ourselves to following Him wholly! The pharaoh wanted to eliminate all the Hebrews. Many wanting to shut up the Christians. (See Acts 4) There is no substitution for obedience! I began thinking about it and pharaoh may have offered the midwives money or to lessen the burden of their husband's work (big thing!). Anything to stop the Israelites from growing. These women knew well that there was no substitute for obedience. 

There is nothing more important than obeying God and sharing the Gospel of Christ! In today's world, we are forced with the same sort of decisions to make as the Hebrew midwives and the apostles (see Acts 4). We need to take a stand! We need to choose to obey God, not man! It was not just the midwives who have had to make a choice whether to be obedient to God or man. The apostles (See Acts 4) have had to make this choice. Countless followers of Christ have had to make this choice! We must choose whom we will serve... If we are His, let's act like it. Loving others compassionately and sharing the Gospel of Christ. Taking a stand for Christ, devoting ourselves to total obedience!

God will protect us. He will guide us. He will give us the words to speak. It is about glorifying God in everything we do! We follow the laws of the government to honor Him. It is when those laws or government violate God's commandments and teachings that we continue to follow Him in His ways! God will protect us. It is more important to fear God and follow Him! He is God! We see through the Hebrew Midwives and the apostles that their goal is to honor God. They fear God, knowing He is greater!! Honoring Him is more important than what others think or may do to us. He is always there, protecting for us just as He did for the apostles and the Hebrew midwives.

Exodus 1:8-14 (Moments of Moses)

God can rescue! From Noah to the raging pharaoh, God has shown that He can rescue His people! In the study, we do not yet see how God will deliver His people from the raging Pharaoh, but we know He will deliver His people! He is our MIGHTY deliverer!!

Israel's going to Egypt moved them. It completely altered their lives, but God would use it to bless them, multiplying them, and all of it would be used for His glory. God promised they would be blessed, and they were.

Today's Scripture was Exodus 1:8-14.  The study brought up different things that we could apply to our own lives.

^{8 "}A new king, who had not known Joseph, came to power in Egypt. ⁹ He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and powerful than we are. ¹⁰ Let us deal shrewdly with them; otherwise they will multiply further, and if war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” ¹¹ So the Egyptians assigned taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. They built Pithom and Rameses as supply cities for Pharaoh. ¹² But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. ¹³ They worked the Israelites ruthlessly ¹⁴ and made their lives bitter with difficult labor in brick and mortar and in all kinds of fieldwork. They ruthlessly imposed all this work on them."

Slavery and Fear is what we see. Pharaoh is afraid. The Israelites are trapped in slavery. Both aspects we experience today. We are stuck in slavery to sin!

Slavery: What kind of things do we obey? Do we obey the flesh and go ahead and eat out of emotional needs? If so, we are making food our master and slave. Lots of things can enslave us. The truth: "Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" (Rom 6:16)

Fear: "Fear caused the Egyptians to treat their neighbors with cruelty…" How do we treat those that are different from us. How do we show the love of God to strangers? What could we do to show His love?

Finally, I am reminded of these scriptures: They reveal ways I can experience HIM. For me, I have experienced Him the most through Him constantly being there with me. It does not matter what I am facing, because HE is with me! The verses shared on fear:

Gen. 21:7~ Notice how God is there and heard their cry. God hears us. We do not have to fear, for He hears us! What a wonderful truth!

Isa. 41:10 says: "Fear not, for I am with you!"

Isa 41:13 says: "Fear not, I will help you!"

Isa 43:1 says: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you."

Joel 2:21 says: "Do not be afraid...be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things!"

One tip the study gives for today is to journal a prayer, thinking about ways we have become fearful. Knowing where we experience fear is so important. We need to confess our fears to Him! He promises to help us. We can trust Him. He will help us to overcome our fears. Fear is such a stumbling block, and steals so much from us!

Exodus 1:1-7 (Moments of Moses)

God's ways are unsearchable. (Rom. 11:33)

God's purposes remain and will be carried out. (Isaiah 14:27)

The life of Joseph is what connects the books Genesis and Exodus. Here's the quick version: Joseph's brothers hated him, slave traded their bro, famine came, bros went to get food in another land, and Joe was in charge... Joe chose to love, not repay his bros back. Now, to the good stuff =)

Joe invited Jacob to move back: The 11 sons of Jacob moved with Jacob to Egypt. Because Jacob's household was so large, they were able to grow to become so fruitful. They would become as numerous as the stars in the heavens! The move involved 70 people to go from Canaan to Egypt. It was a mighty move. On one website, it said it was about an eleven day journey. On another, it was 250 miles to travel. Either way you look at it, it is quite an extensive move for seventy people including children and women. Jacob was very fruitful, so there was much included in moving his livestock, servants, sons, wives, grandchildren, and all else he had with him. It would take planning, diligent planning. The planning would fall on his sons since Jacob was older now.

But before the move, Joseph and his brothers would face each other again after all those years. It is through all this that God's promises really shone through. God promised Abraham that He would provide. He told Abraham what his ancestors would experience: great hardship (1st few chapters of Exodus). Israel would be fruitful, increasing abundantly, multiplying, and growing exceedingly mighty. It was not just growing in number. They were fruitful. They were growing in leaps and bounds. There was no limit to how God would bless His people! Growing in numbers probably would be difficult for Egypt, possibly a reason to work them to the bone. They were jealous. They were fearful. They knew that Israel would continue to be a powerful group of people! Probably Israel got the profits and things that would otherwise go to the king of Egypt.

Famine led the people here. A place of distress led them to a place of abundance. The study points out that a famine is not merely food. It could involve family, finances, fellowship with God, friends, feelings, food, and/or freedom. Famine: "being without" and "struggling" could involve many different areas of our lives. This is an important point, and we need to bring it before God asking Him to deliver us from the famines we've known and pray for fruitfulness, favor, and to be filled like the children of Israel instead!

"Please Father, deliver me from these famines. Deliver me. Make me instead to be fruitful, growing greatly. Let me experience Your great spiritual harvest. Help me to enjoy sweet fellowship with you, my Lord!"

The study asked me the question of whose fault it was for Joseph's situation of being sent to Egypt. There is much blame to go around. The brothers, for not forgiving and allowing hatred to steal their hearts. (See Genesis 4:6-7) Jacob allowed himself to be passive for the majority of the time and play favorites. He was passive with the other children, but with Joseph he showed affection.That played a big part of the situation also. Even though others do things, we ARE responsible for our actions. The bros' of Joe were responsible for what they did. Check out Gen. 4:6-7!

The brothers harbored much anger. Joseph's life hanged in the balance of where their anger would lead them: to kill or sell him. Joseph's life would reflect their choice to sell him. The better option would of been to have self-control. God used what they intended for bad, and used it for good! It was an opportunity for God to work in their lives, but also Joseph learned to trust God. His faith is seen through the book of Genesis!

Exodus 5-6.27

Exodus 5-6:27

After talking with the elders of Israel, Aaron and Moses go and speak to the Pharaoh. This is the first time that God is referred to as the God of Israel. Israel is God's people! God instructs Aaron and Moses to go speak His command to Pharaoh~ "Let my people go that they may go and worship me." Pharaoh's response is much like many today: "Who is God that I should listen?" "Who is God that I should change what I am doing and change my ways?" God is going to show Pharaoh exactly the answer to this question through the plagues that would be sent to Egypt!

The Pharaoh was stubborn, and refused to let go of God's people. Instead of obeying God, he forces even harder labor on God's people (Israel). Pharaoh probably thought he was big and bad, but God is greater. God's ways are always better! Love what it says in 1 Corinthians 1:27: God uses the weak to shame the wise. Pharaoh may have thought he was tough, but he wasn't. Pharaoh may have thought he was bigger, but he isn't. A mere human (or group of humans) are no match for God. Nations are viewed as "less than nothing" in compare to God (See Isaiah 40:17). Nations, which are filled with millions of people. They are less than nothing in comparison to God. God is GREATER, STRONGER, and worthy of our praise! Also God can use anyone, and He chose to use Moses and Aaron!

Moses faced two struggles in following God in His plan for Israel. These struggles may have gave Moses' questions, but it did not void God's plan to deliver His chosen people. Moses' two struggles were Pharaoh and the people of Israel.

Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) had a distorted view of the Israelites. He saw them crying out as a sign that they were lazy. He failed to see that God is real. He chose to believe lies himself, but stated that they were the ones believing lies (Ex 5:6-9). Even when the Israelite overseers went to Pharaoh, the Pharaoh blamed the Israelites, calling them lazy.

 The people of Israel (God's chosen people) were severely afflicted. When things got worse, their focus was not on God or what He may have been doing, but their pain: their harsh treatment by the Egyptians. They blamed Moses and Aaron for adding to their pain. They refused to listen when God spoke through Moses and Aaron. They refused to listen, making it more difficult to led a nation out of slavery and oppression.

God chose to work greatly through these two brothers! When criticism comes upon Moses, he returns to God (meeting with Him) to ask Him for His guidance. It can be frustrating when we seek to follow the Lord and things look different than we expect. We need to keep seeking His guidance, just as Moses did!

God spoke to Moses in the midst of his discouragement. He was facing criticism from the Israelites. He knew what God had spoken to him before regarding speaking to Pharaoh. He knew the encounter he had with God. God had given Moses something to do. God was working through Moses and Aaron to bring deliverance to the entire nation of Israel. Even when it was hard and Moses faced discouragement, he knew that God had a plan. Even when he is questioning and asking God for guidance, he knew God had a plan: one mightier than any could expect. God spent this time alone with Moses: speaking the truth to him. God was revealing to Moses who He really is. God was showing Moses what to do and say. He would be speaking to the Israelites. We need to be obedient to do what God is asking us to do: immediately following Him, and doing it. "If we have an obedience problem, we have a love problem." (From Experiencing God) Moses was obedient to God. He went and spoke the words God told him to Israel, but Israel was discouraged from their harsh treatment so they did not listen. Still even when they did not listen, Moses did what God told him to do. He spoke God's Word to His people. We cannot rely on our perception of things, but trusting God in all things! We know He has a greater plan for us! He will guide and direct us!

Our important task is to follow God wholeheartedly. Others may not listen to us, but we need to diligently follow the Lord and speaking the words He gives us. We cannot let our mindset, become like Moses' when he said to our Lord and Creator:"If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?” (Exodus 6:12)

Luke 12:12 says: "For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." In Matthew 10:19, it says it a bit different. It reminds us not to worry what to say or deliberate beforehand, because God will give us the right words at the right time! Just as He gave Moses the words to speak, He will do the same for us. Giving us His words to speak at just the right time, allowing us to be His instruments and His witnesses.

Exodus 3-4

Exodus 3-4

This would set the stage for much of Moses' journey. While Moses led his flock, God appeared to him through a burning bush. During this time, the burning bush and fire represented God's presence. God would go before the Israelites into the land of Canaan. God would protect Israel! God would save Israel from the hand of the Egyptians! The place of the burning bush  was not an ordinary place. "Horeb" is just another name for Mount Sinai and mountain of God. God would tell Moses something that would forever change his view of this place. It was not just the place where he worked leading flocks. It was an ordinary place, but God's presence was there! God told Moses: “Don’t come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet. You’re standing on holy ground. (3:5)” Moses was coming to know that this place was holy ground, because of God's presence there. It was a place he went to plenty of times (and would continue to go), but something was changing! God's presence was there; God would be using it to meet with and speak to Moses. "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." (Exodus 33:11)

God chose to share with Moses about how He will deliverer Israel and give them their own land. God is very specific about what land he is giving them. Then, God says those few little words: "I am sending you to bring my people out of Egypt!" Moses' responds with a question: Who am I? Who are we to go and do what the Lord calls us to do? It is not us, but HE who works in us! Love the way my study Bible words it: "When the OT says that God is "with" someone, it stresses God's power enables the person to carry out the call." Bold, true statement!

God gave Moses even more insight into what will happen as he follows God wholeheartedly (Exodus 3:16-22). Many powerful signs and wonders will be done as God frees his people. He could instantly free his people, but he chooses a different way. It is through all of this that the Egyptians and many more come to know and follow the Lord. We know that it is through all these things taking place that Rehab came to follow our Lord! (Joshua 2)

When Moses asked God's name (what he should be called), God tells Moses 'I am what I am'. God has no limits! He is ALL powerful! He is worthy of being praised! Moses knew God was all powerful, yet he was still fearful. God knew Moses was scared. God provided him with signs (4: 3-9). The signs would be used for others, but I think they were to reassure Moses that God's got this! Moses needed to trust not in himself, but in God- the holy One!

Moses tried to reject the call God had placed on his life (4:10-16). God's anger was kindled. This was not just dealing with fear. This is Moses continuing to give into the fear, placing it higher than how God wanted to work in his life and the lives of the Israelites. Moses was continuing to make excuses, and even scorning how he was made~ GOD made Moses! He knows all Moses is, and God still desired to use him (4:11-12).

Exodus 4:31: The people believed, and when they heard that the Lord had paid attention to them and that He had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. "Not only has the Lord remembered his covenant promises (2:24), but his people are also called to remember the covenant."

Exodus 1-2

Exodus 1-2

 

A new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph (1.8). Thinking about the concept of forgetting something who has died is intriguing me. After so many years, we are forgotten. Others cease to know anything about us. They do not know of our troubles or fruitfulness. This was true in this case: the Pharaoh did not know Joseph! It is a mighty statement! Not only did he not know Joseph, he would not understand why the Israelites came to Egypt or how they became so numerous and fruitful. He would not know of their fear of God or what they believed. All he saw was that they were too numerous and the fear that they would break out in war against the people of Egypt. We see people having fear over God's chosen people time and time again. (See Genesis 26:12-16) Genesis 26:16 and Exodus 1:9 parallel very close: "too mighty for us." While Abimelech sent them away, the Egyptian pharaoh oppressed them! If the Israelites were to leave Egypt instead of becoming slaves, there would be a great loss in Egypt, for the Israelites were highly blessed and worked for the pharaoh.

They were incredibly fruitful. This is one of the reasons why they were afflicted with heavy burdens (Genesis 1.11). The pharaoh placed "taskmasters" over them to afflict them. Genesis 15:13 is an important passage to consider when wanting to understand what it involved. The Lord told Abraham ahead of time the trouble that Israel would face. Genesis 15:13 states: "Then the LORD said to him, "Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there." This helps me to understand that the taskmasters were not only there to enforce the labor. Most likely, they were there to beat or harm the Israelites so that they would not stop working regardless of how they felt or their physical condition….. Even though they were severely oppressed, they continued to multiply. The Egyptians were in fear of the Israelites. So to act by their fear, they made the people of Israel their slaves~ to work, make store cities, bricks, and work in the field. But, it was not enough…..

The Pharaoh sought to kill all the men newborns. This pharaoh's fear was not much different than King Herod's, is it? A fear of someone coming in and taking over? (See Matthew 2:16-18) The midwives would not carry out the Pharaoh's hopes. They chose to honor God rather than carry out the sinful desires of those in leadership. So, the pharaoh would give the command to all the people in Egypt to kill the newborn baby boys by casting them in the river…

Despite all the pharaoh's plans to bring down Israel, there would be someone who acted and became someone God chose to use: Moses! Moses would be born, protected, cared for, and given a chance to not become a slave. Instead, he would be viewed as an Egyptian, but was a Hebrew. He identified with the Hebrews as well. He would lead the Israelites out of Egypt in due time.

The people of Israel groaned, and God heard their cry. He saw their oppression. My study Bible shares these words about 2:23-25: "The verses... [give a] reminder that the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will not be defined by their years of slavery, but by their covenant relationship with the GOD who has heard their cries (and who saw and knew their affliction) and remembered his promises." The same is true for us. I am still God's child. Affliction and problems do not change that. I am still His. Jesus Christ has died on the cross for my sins, so that I can have a RIGHT relationship with my Father! I am His, and He is mine! Affliction... Problems... They do not alter my relationship with God. They can only strengthen my walk with Him!

Genesis 49-50

Genesis 49-50 

Jacob calls for his sons. This is the point where the blessings or curses would be bestowed upon them, based on their lives. The men were to be gathered, so they would come to know what would be happening for the future. This would impact the tribes greatly. It would show the men what will their descendents be like… Jacob is going to tell them what they will encounter!

They are called to "come" and "listen"~ Then again the text reads: "listen to Israel your father". This begins to show the great importance that will come from this time with their father. 

Reuben: (49:3-4)      Typically a "first born" during this time would bring great significance and honor, not for Reuben. Even today, there is something special about the first born to a parent. They are their first child. There is great strength, dignity, and power in that. We are given much of ourselves there…. But, Reuben lost all rights to the joy of being the first born. Reuben defiled his father, by sleeping with one of his father's concubines (See Genesis 35:22-23). He lost his blessing. Reuben did not have self control. He is compared as water, because of his lack of self control. Reuben would no longer excel or have a good reputation. He would not enjoy success, because of what he had done. Much was lost when he chose to have sex with his father's servant wife. His sin left a permanent mark on the family. It possibly would leave a bigger mark than what happened to Dinah. 

Levi and Simeon: (49:5-7)     Jacob says they are brothers. He did not say it to state the obvious, but to show his displeasure in how they acted. They chose to think ahead and do great acts of violence to the men of Shechem in response to the treatment of Dinah (See Genesis 34). Jacob sought to distance himself from them, because of the great evil they had done in their anger (verse 6). Their willingness to give into their anger would cost not only them, but their descendents. They were cursed, because of their anger. They were divided, and their tribes would not dominant the other tribes. 

Judah: (49:8-12)     Judah would be a greater blessing than the rest. From him would come the line of David and the Christ! Judah would be victorious over his enemies (we see this particular w/ David). The other tribes would bow down to Judah; Judah would rule over the other tribes. From Judah comes royalty. Judah holds royalty status even, and it will not depart from Judah until the appointed time. "To him shall be the obedience of the peoples"~ this again points to leadership, but also kingship! 

Zebulun: (49:13) (Younger than Issachar)     God would provide. It was a place of major trading routes from the coast that ran through Zebulum. It provided an outlet to sea. It provided a way for the Zebulunites to be able to export and import. 

Issachar: (49:14-15)     Issachar would be strong. Strong, yet hard workers. They were seen as warriors, valiant men. (Judges 5:15; 1 Chronicles 7: 1-5) In Clarke's commentary of the Bible, it states: "laborious, hardy, valiant tribe, patient in labor and invincible in war; bearing both these burdens with great constancy whenever it was necessary. When Tola of this tribe judged Israel, the land had rest twenty-three years." 

Dan: (49:16-18)     Dan has good and bad qualities. They judge. While they judge, their snake-like behavior brings them to hunt and destroy others (Judges 18, Assault on Laish). Jacob knows they need a deliverer. 

Gad: (49:19)     Jacob is aware that Gad will be attacked by raiders, but also remarks about their strength. Gad's descendents would become skillful warriors, and able to "fight back" which would keep invaders away from overcoming them. 

Asher: (49:20)     Asher's descendents would prosper greatly..their food shall be rich; yielding royal delicacies. 

Naphtali: (49:21)     They will flourish, nourished by natural resources. 

Joseph: (49:22-26)     Jacob is reminded of Joseph's traumatic experience. He was tossed away and sold by his brothers and experienced great hurdles in Egypt, but he remained trusting in the Lord. God enabled Joseph to come through those things with great strength. Jacob proclaims blessing upon blessing for Joseph's descendents asking for more blessings than his fathers experienced. Joseph was set apart from his brothers! 

Benjamin: (49:27)     Aggressive Warriors (1 Chron. 8:40; 12:2)

Our lives… Our decisions… They do not just affect us. It is in this picture we see that they affect much more than just us. They affect our children and so much more! What are really passing down to future generation? We need to cultivate a life fixed on Christ! Waiting for Him! Trusting His Word!

1. Jacob's last wish: to be buried with his people in Canaan.
2. Joseph had Egyptian physicians embalm his father. (not a hebrew custom, but Jacob desired to be buried in Canaan.)
3. Joseph's high statute is shown (50:3,7,9): Many of Pharaoh's household went with Joseph.
4. Joseph's brothers feared that he would repay them for selling him into the hands of Egyptian slave owners, but Joseph held none of it against them. He forgave them, for God used it all for His own good!

Genesis 47-48

Genesis 47-48 

Joseph was a leader. Probably it would normally be the oldest brother to take over for caring for the family since Jacob was much older.... But, it was Joseph... He led his brothers in how to talk to Pharaoh, taking them to talk with Pharaoh, and providing for the people of the land..

Joseph presents his family to the Pharaoh. First, 5 of his brothers are presented to the Pharaoh where they are given the opportunity to live in Goshen and are able to shepherd the Pharaoh's livestock. Then, Jacob was presented before the Pharaoh…

In this conversation between Pharaoh and Jacob, Jacob reflected that his life did not measure up to the life of his forefathers (Isaac; Abraham). When Pharaoh asked about Jacob's age, a blessing is what he is getting around to. He was seeking a blessing, or wanting to know how blessed this man was, to see if Jacob had divine favor. While Jacob experienced favor from God, his life was much different than those of his father. In his life, he experienced much evil from how he treated Esau to the evil of his children. (47:7-10) Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

Joseph provided a land for his father and brothers. His brothers were given work. They were given the best. Even in a time of great famine, God provided for them!

Joseph was a leader, whether it is for his family, that of his father's house, to Pharaoh, or to the people of Egypt. God used Joseph greatly by making Joseph a leader. Only God can give us the ability to lead. God called Joseph to lead. 

He gave Joseph the direction he needed to lead the people. When all the money had been spent in the land, all the Egyptians came to Joseph. They still needed food. Even with no money, they still needed a way to be fed. Joseph sought God's discernment. It shows through how he led. In verse 16, Joseph tells the people: “Give your livestock, and I will give you food in exchange for your livestock, if your money is gone (47:16).” For some time, this is how the Egyptians were able to get food during the time of famine. When all the livestock belonged to Pharaoh, Joseph would purchase the land of Egypt for Pharaoh. Did Pharaoh need the land? No he had plenty, but this would give the Egyptians a way to have food to eat for their families. The people were also able to sell themselves to purchase food.

The way Joseph led was not harsh, but loving. He was able to find a way (through God's guidance) to provide for the land of Egypt. In a time of severe famine, God greatly blessed Joseph and he led the people. Israel, as a whole, settled there and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. Israel never ran out of work as shepherds, because the livestock were bought by Pharaoh: giving Israel more livestock to take care of. God continually provided for His chosen people!
 

1. Jacob counts Joseph's two sons as full sons.
2. Joseph is counted as the first born instead of Reuben.
3. Ephraim (younger son of Joseph) would be a greater tribe than Manasseh (older). Ephraim would become a multitude of nations.
4. As Jacob is dying, he is reminding them that God will be with them and bring them to the promised land!

Genesis 45-46

Genesis 45-46

Joseph broke down. He could not hide who he was anymore. He sent others out, and cried to his brothers: "I am Joseph". He reminded them of how they sold him, but God used it for His good. God used it to preserve life. God will use things in our lives in the most unlikely ways, just as He did for Joseph. Because Joseph was sent to Egypt, his brothers' lives would be saved along with his father and their entire clan. Joseph was able to provide for his brothers, so they could live in a place where they had enough versus struggling to survive. Joseph had to show others his true identity~ so he could be used by God. I can imagine it could have a struggle for him to be able to reveal himself to his brothers...but it is because Joseph revealed his identity, the entire family of Jacob was saved. They were given the best piece of land. They were beyond blessed. The blessing only could of came when Joseph revealed who he really was. As word travels about Joseph's brothers, Pharaoh begins to bless the brothers too.

Great abundance was poured out to Jacob's sons as they traveled home to get their father and families. Even when Joseph could curse them, he does not. Instead, he chose to bless them! The blessing could of only came through Joseph revealing his true identity.

Some things stand out about revealing identities. Sometimes, we may want to hide who we are. But it is when we share that we are able to shine for Him and bless others! God uses us as we show ourselves to others. I think about how hard it is to relate to others who may not struggle with an illness. Often we can get tempted to "not reveal ourselves", but we cannot forget about the blessings that could be in store as we do share and get to encourage someone else that God does work in these situations. Our sharing could draw others closer to Him!

My points noted about Joseph revealing himself:

There is a purpose behind disclosing his identity: Other than severe longing, many things came from telling his brothers who he was. He did not reveal who he was in chapter 43. There was a specific time and purpose. It was not until the 46 chapter that Joseph revealed himself.

Blessing to others: 46:9-13

In being a blessing to others, he is also confronted with his own emotions that could not be escaped. Recognizing and sharing who we are with others can be quite an emotional journey. IE) sharing who I am in the midst of Fibromyalgia attacking my body. It brings on great emotions. It makes it really difficult to share at times. It is only when all that is being experienced (overcoming feelings and willing to share) that I can be a blessing to others. Without sharing those areas of my life, I would be missing big blessings and openness with others. God uses my willingness and He is honored as I am willing to share, just as God was honored by how Joseph revealed who he was to his brothers. I want to give Him all of me! Part of it is being willing to share with others about my struggles, knowing it will help others come to know and experience Him!

Encouragement to his brothers: 45:24

It is when we share ourselves and our struggles that we can be used by God greatly. Joseph was used by God greatly, but he had to share his struggles. In sharing his struggles of what he went through, he was able to offer encouragement: "Do not quarrel along the way." He could anticipated the kind of quarreling that may be ready to take place. When he was sharing who he was, he made sure to tell them that he was not angry at them. Before he really began sharing who he was, he made sure to let them know that he was not angry at them. So much time elapsed, and the emotions would be too. Sharing our stories and who we are can offer SO MUCH encouragement to others!

We can experience trials and can help others, because we have been there. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 states:
³ "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too."

We can comfort others, because of the comfort Christ has shown us. Christ comforts us in our trials and we get the privilege to share the same kind of comfort with others as we comfort them as they go through different things..
 

Giving them advice: 46:31-34

It is because of Joseph's own experiences that he was able to give advice to his brothers to help them be accepted and not scorned by the Egyptians. Joseph had come to know the rules of the people in Egypt, so he could help the brothers avoid culture clash. His experiences would help his brothers... This is the way it is in our lives: by sharing our true selves and not being silent, we can help others. Even if it is just talking about what we have experienced, we can bless others greatly and help others avoid mistakes we might of made or seen others make.

Basically for me, it reminds me that only in sharing who I am and where God has been working in my life is how I can be a blessing to others and be used by Him. Trials can be used for God. Blessings can flow out of the wounds of trials. It is just about being obedient to Him!

Genesis 43-44

Genesis 43-44

Joseph had a chance to do things many long to do, but rarely get the chance. He got the privilege to change the way his family would look at him and treat him. Rarely do we get that chance… We are seen the same way most of our lives probably.

Through the passages of Joseph loving them, it points an important thing: he was harsh on them too. He made sure to ensure that nobody would overstep their boundaries. He was governor, and they would not be mooching off of him. He was able to show them that he is not the helpless young man that he once was when they chose to sell him into slavery.

The brothers had held onto their lies for so long. Joseph knew the truth. He could not forget what happened all those years ago.. It impacted the man he became, but he chose to let God use it for His glory.

Joseph chose to carry himself in a way where he would be respected greatly. If he let them know who he was when they first arrive (without Benjamin), would they have respected him? No way. I have a feeling that they would get all they could from him. Families are not that different from Joseph's day. Families tend to be like that. We fight. We lack respect for one another. We get angry. Sometimes even, people are taken advantage of. We neglect to see how valuable one another are! Even for Jesus, the Son of God, Jesus' family could not respect him or see the bigger picture. That does not seem to change today.

Our job: to be who God created us to be! Seeking who He is calling us to be. How is He calling us to live? We need to be spending time being in God's holy Word. 

Daily living with Christ, experiencing the Living Waters. 

We need to make God our first priority. 

God changed Joseph over the course of these 20 years! He was not afraid to deal harshly with his brothers or to test them to see where their hearts were. It is through all these things that he was able to gain their respect. Often times, we are expected to allow others to "take, take, take" or just do nothing when we are viewed so lowly. We have to take a stand, just like Joseph did. We need to have our boundaries and when people cross it, we respond to it in a way that Jesus would.

Boundaries seems to be one of those things that the Lord is bringing up with me. Boundaries protect us, but it also protects others. It can be difficult to set boundaries in relationships whether it is our children, siblings, friends, etc. Boundaries should be in place. We can honor God by setting boundaries. God has created us in His image. He has made clear boundaries for us. Why? Because it is ESSENTIAL! Because He loves us! The boundaries protect us also. Boundaries are so needed. When we do not have boundaries, problems arise....

Two articles I am currently reading on about boundaries are:
Setting Boundaries Reflect God's Character and Christian Boundaries

Just thinking about me, I know I am lacking serious boundaries. Often times, I can do repeatedly and only hurt myself in the end. People can suck me dry when I am in "people pleasing" mode and do not say the two BIG lettered word: "No". So instead of being sucked dry or isolating, I need boundaries. This may be deciding to not agree to something, because I know I will overwhelm myself. It may be choosing to decline when someone wants my phone number... Boundaries can only be set with God's guidance, and I need to seek God's guidance! I need to firmly know what my boundaries are. I can do this by jotting down notes as a new boundary arises. Boundaries are often seen in the dating arena, but it is much bigger than that. It is needed in how we live our daily lives, seeking to glorify Him in everything. Without boundaries, we are making ourselves and our relationships severely ill. Boundaries are essential for taking care of ourselves and building healthy relationships!

Boundaries are very important. If "boundaries" was the first subject spoken to Adam by God, you know boundaries are important. Take time soaking in the articles, and I will do the same!

Genesis 41-42

Genesis 41-42

Fearing God is what I am learning through today's lesson. "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of true knowledge. (Prov 1:7)" Not only is fearing Him deep reverence, it is also obedience to the Lord. We should be seeking to be obey Him in everything! Our lives should resemble more like Joseph's than that of his brothers or Pharaoh's unbelief or unwilling to act in a way pleasing to God.

Joseph remained obedient. He stayed faithful to God through his trials (and when everything was good). It was not instant forgiveness, but the Lord enabled him to "forget" what happened with his brothers and used him greatly. Two years after he interpreted the prisoners' dreams, things were beginning to change. He would soon interpret dreams for the Pharaoh. None could understand the meaning of the dreams, but God knew! God used Joseph to interpret. The Pharaoh first turned to magicians, then to the "wise" men of Egypt. Finally, then, Joseph was called. He was brought out of prison and made presentable to the Pharaoh: shaved and clothes changed~ the beginning of from rags to riches.

  

Joseph was honest when he openly declared it was not him who interpreted, but God. God used Joseph to interpret the dreams. God was revealing to Pharaoh what he was about to do in the land of Egypt. There would be a 7 year famine! Joseph would be put in charge of taking care of Egypt during the famine! God is working greatly, as Joseph will encounter his brothers during this time also. The famine hit hard, and many from all over the world would come to buy grain, including Joseph's family~ his brothers.

Much of the time, the godly are forgotten or stashed away until they are needed. God often isn't sought after by society unless something goes wrong, then many say: "Where is God?" God should be our first priority! Choosing to rely on Him daily, and choose to seek Him. Letting our lives declare the One who we gladly serve! The Pharaoh showed he did not know God. Godly advice was his last choice, not his first! Who did he turn to first after the dream? The magicians. The "wise" men of Egypt. Only then when none knew the meaning of the dreams did he call for Joseph, the one who chose to follow God and honor him in his life. Only then is Joseph taken out of the prison. to interpret the Pharaoh's dreams. Pharaoh asked those with him if they could find a man with the spirit of God that could be the overseer in caring for the land during the famine, but there was only Joseph! Joseph becomes Governor!

Joseph saw his brothers, but treated them like strangers and was harsh to them. It was the way he would see his brother, Benjamin. He would show kindness to them, giving them the grain for free. One brother (Simeon) remained in custody while the others took food back to their families and to get Benjamin.. While in Egypt, the brothers continue with their life long lie that Joseph, their other brother, had died. With the way that Joseph spoke to the brothers, they greatly feared Joseph for they did not know it was Joseph~ all they saw was the governor of the land who would decide if they were allowed to trade and purchase food for their starving households. What if the brothers feared God as much as they did the governor of Egypt? They would not of done wrong to Joseph. They would of dealt kindly with him. Maybe even, seek out the meaning of his dreams God gave him when he was 17.

Genesis 39-40

Genesis 39-40

Joseph is taken to Egypt as a slave. I picture him as being in a line-up while possibly slave owners come to examine him and others choosing which one would be suitable to buy. Potiphar: one of Pharaoh's officials chose Joseph. Out of all of them, they chose Joseph. This would become a great blessing for Joseph! God would bless Joseph. He would bless the owner's house, because of Joseph. The owner makes Joseph his overseer for the house, so he did not worry about anything but eating. The owner's wife continued to try to make a play to get Joseph to sleep with her. When he continually refused, she claimed he attempted to rape her so he was sent to prison. He did no wrong.. God remained with Joseph, no matter where he went. And, Joseph continued to honor the Lord.

Even when Joseph was in prison, God still used him greatly. Joseph is put in charge of those in the prison. Imagine it: a foreigner is put in charge of the Pharaoh's prison. God is doing something here! He is using Joseph in each stage of his journey. It definitely was not pleasant situations he was put in, but he continued to follow God wholly and God blessed him! Each place was a step in where God was calling Joseph next.

Joseph interpreted the dreams of two of Pharaoh's officials, because God gave him the words to speak and interpret. God placed Joseph there for a reason. While Joseph is interpreting the dreams of these men, he is telling them "Don't forget me. Mention me to the king and show me kindness. I did nothing wrong to be here!"

While trials are never ideal for anyone, they are steps and part of where God is calling us next. For Joseph, he had to be betrayed by his brothers to be sold as a slave. He had to be bought by Potiphar to be accused of doing wrong, because he refused to have sex with a woman who was NOT his wife!! They sent him to prison, but that allowed God to speak through him about these two dreams. This is a key point in the next part of Joseph's life!

For me, it involved illness to bring me where He has called me for now. The steps are part of where God is calling us next. Steps are sometimes incredibly difficult to climb... Focus on the fact God desires to use you exactly where you are. Seek Him and to be obedient to Him! He can be glorified through it all. Focus on Him, not the trial!

We have not arrived at our destination. We cannot skip point A to get to point D. The trials come with the good. God uses the blessings in our lives, just as much as he uses the trials. For Joseph, he is enormously blessed by his trials. He stayed steadfast, focusing on God and His Will. He could of given into the woman's desire for sex, but he refused. He chose to honor God instead. We can impact others during our trials, just as he did. He impacted lives. He did not give into the world's ways, but he stayed faithful to God and living right! We do not have to give into temptation. We make a choice. It's hard to get to where God wants us if we are giving into the temptations and seeking to fill our own sinful desires or whatever is "comfortable".

Make a determination to "cast off every weight that hinders". So much hinders our walk with Christ. What are we going to do about? We should use the trials and things life brings to us to be closer to Jesus!!

Genesis 37.2-38.30

Genesis 37.2-38.30

Ahhh YES, my favorite part of the book of Genesis. We are reaching the life of Joseph, folks! I love being able to read about Joseph. The discord with his brothers. His trials. Seeing how God works all things out!

Joseph lived out his time in this passage with faithfulness, which is a high quality he possessed throughout his life. He is faithful. He is firmly devoted to the Lord. Are we faithful? Are we firmly devoted to God? Or, do we only give Him a small part of us? Are we faithful to our daily quiet time? Questions to ponder!

Joseph took a bad report about his brothers (Gad, Asher, Dan, and Naphtali) to his father. It wasn't out of hatred, but love. We want the best for our siblings. It's like when we rebuke someone. It is out of love, not hate~ We want the best for them! It's easy to love when things are good. What about when things get hard? Faithfulness is a characteristic of Joseph that we see through his life! His brothers did not appreciate him. They knew he was treated differently by their father. It was a very special relationship between Joseph and his father. He was the favorite. The text says that it was because he was the son of Jacob's old age. There is one hint that adds to why Joseph was the favorite: he is the son of Rachel. He is also much more faithful than his brothers.

His brothers experienced much hatred and envy against Joseph that only grew higher as time went on. It grew when his father gave a very special, decorated coat to Joseph. It grew much more when Joseph shared his dreams with them. His brothers wouldn't speak a peaceful word to their brother, Joseph.

I understand the brothers frustrations: It's hard when our relationship with someone isn't idle. We look at others' relationship with that person, instead of our own. Faithfulness is fully part of this process. Seeking to give God our all! He strengthens those relationships. Our focus is on HIM, not what we do not have. These brothers were envious of Joseph: They hated him and would not speak a kind word to him. It was fused up anger that would soon explode… They looked at what Joseph had versus what they had. They were in no way lacking. Jacob would of fully taken care of each of his children.

Obediently following his father's orders, Joseph traveled to find his brothers to make sure all is well. While they see him coming, they conspire to kill him. Instead they sell him and come up with a story to tell their father.  Their problem wasn't with Joseph. It was with themselves: sin was crouching at their door, and they refused to do right. Gen 4:6-7 says it like this: 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” We can choose to rule over sin. We do not need to give into it! We choose! They chose to let the anger dominate. They chose to carry out their evil deeds: hating, conspiring, selling Joseph, bloodying the coat, and telling Jacob a lie that devastated him.

Their faithlessness is so evident. Later in chapter 38, Judah makes known his unfaithfulness. If only they would do what was right in the Lord's sight, they would have been corrected and not giving into sin. If they welcomed correction, they would not of allowed anger to be crouching at their door like it did with Cain. Judah promised a widow his son, but does not deliver him to her. Instead, she posed as a prostitute in attempt to bear children. Just when she is about to be burned to death for what she did, he sees it was him who slept with her. She is seen as more righteous than he was. Faithfulness is what we need to be. Faithful! If only we would give ourselves to correction, Truth, and pursue righteousness. This is what I am reminded of today: faithfulness. Where is our faith in how we are living?

Jacob: pondered the dreams Joseph shared with him.

Reuben: planned to deliver Joseph from the pit, but got there too late.

Genesis 34-37.1

Genesis 34-37.1

The rape of Dinah is a very difficult passage to read and write about. Dinah is raped. Her brothers deceive and kill the young man and many more. Steal their stuff, wives, and children (including false gods). Jacob is grieved. It is a mess. There is so much heartache, and it all added onto each other. None of it erased any of the heartache: not even those murders. Then, Esau's life looks much like Ishmael's (foreign wives; fathers of Arab and Islamic nations; rebelling against God). Meanwhile, Jacob models the life of his father Issac. God reminds Jacob of His promise! He promises stand strong no matter what our circumstances may say.

What I am being reminded of today?

 

I am reminded of the importance of trusting Him. Trusting He will act on my behalf.

I need to ensure nothing comes between me and God. I need to make sure nothing gets in the way of my daily "quiet time" with the Lord each morning. Often times things can, then it is easy to get out of habit. Hobbies can get in the way; TV can get in the way of developing a deeper walk with Christ.
 

I need to stay close to the Lord and those He has given me to be involved in my life and walk with Christ: to counsel and encourage me and for accountability. I am reminded to stay in His Word, and seek His guidance. It's easy to get 'off track' or go through the motions. God wants my heart.

It is better to be with the Lord than to do something that will discourage us in our walk with Him. We need to surround ourselves with things that are of Him, not of this world. The eternal, not the temporary. We need to be careful what we spend our time doing. Which is more profitable: Mindlessly watching tv or spending time in prayer and the Word?

We need to evaluate what kind of relationship we have with Jesus. Are we giving Him all we are? Is there something standing in the way of our relationship? It is incredibly important to guard ourselves spiritually! It is so important to stay close to Him. Staying in the Word and prayer. Keeping a close eye on our walk with Him, how we spend our time, and the decisions we make with prayer. Seeking Him. It's so easy to be detoured in our walk from the Lord~ *anything* can take our focus off Him. Instead of talking about how great we think we're doing, we need to start evaluating how we are really doing in our walk with Christ and humble ourselves before Him. Praying as we evaluate to see how we can give all of ourselves to the Lord!

What kind of legacy do we want to live?

If we live our lives the way God is calling us to, our godly heritage will remain…a heritage of vibrant faith passed from generation to generation. -Donna Partow

Our legacy will live on and on.. By choosing to be diligent in walking by faith in Jesus Christ and seeking His will daily, we are leaving a lasting legacy to our children, great grandchildren, and it will be carried from generation to generation. Many following Christ, because we were faithful and obedient to Him! Choose to live a lasting legacy of faith rooted in Jesus Christ, living for Him and Him alone! God wants to use us mightily! Let us choose to put our quiet time with Him above all else! It MATTERS! It counts! Choosing to love others like Jesus would! Others will see and be greatly impacted by our personal relationship with Jesus that everyone sees through our actions!

Genesis 32-33

Genesis 32-33

Jacob and Esau see each other for the first time in 20 years! Ohhh, the excitement I am feeling. I know what happens, but being able to experience this passage again is so exciting. God can do anything! He can restore relationships! He can change hearts! God can work ALL kinds of miracles! It shows me how prayer is precious, powerful thing!

Jacob prepares to meet Esau. He prepares to go back home. The angels of God meet Jacob! The angels would protect Jacob as he went to meet Esau. As Jacob continued his journey, he sent messengers ahead of himself to let Esau know that he was on his way. Esau decided to come and meet up with Jacob instead of idly waiting. No doubt, he probably was going to come to harm him. And accompanying him? 400 men. Jacob became very fearful, so he divided those with him. This way, others would escape in case Esau kills the first group of people. While fearful and has a plan, he prays for deliverance and safety.  In the morning, he set out to set aside a large "gift" for Esau. So, they would arrive ahead of Jacob with the gifts. His frame of mind with the gifts and at least 3 groups went ahead of him is this: (20)

Prayer should be the key thing we do. It should be the number one priority in our lives no matter what we may face. Seeking God first! Trusting God to act! Jacob hoped to bribe Esau with the large gift. Something happened that would forever changed Esau and Jacob...

Before meeting Esau, God wrestled with Jacob while he was left alone. Jacob had been manipulative (Laban, Esau 20 years ago, and still during that time). He had relied on his own strength. He gave into the sinful desires, and as a result he is physically wresting with God. Often times, we spiritually wrestle with God and His will. What we need to be doing is wrestling our fleshly nature. We need to be winning the struggle against sin! We need to be persistent in praying. Esau probably had every intent of going to meet Jacob to kill him, but that night something happened. Jacob relied not on his own strength, but learned to rely on God's strength. He had a personal encounter where he realized God is greater! He learned he was not enough and he needed God.

"In the end, Jacob does what we all must do. He confronts his failures, his weaknesses, his sins, all the things that are hurting him . . . and faces God. Jacob wrestled with God all night. It was an exhausting struggle that left him crippled. It was only after he came to grips with God and ceased his struggling, realizing that he could not go on without Him, that he received God’s blessing (Genesis 32:29)." -quote taken from Got Questions

I do not want to struggle with God. I want to wrestle and win the battle against my flesh (sinful nature). I want to be able to not give and do what I hate to do.. Reminded of Paul's words: 15 "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." (Romans 7:15-20)

When was the last time we prayed all night for something?

When was the last time we fasted and poured out our hearts to God?
What is the condition of our prayer life?!?

Prayer changes everything!

Esau graciously accepts Jacob as he is.

He has plenty and is not greedy to keep the gifts Jacob gave.

He offers to leave men behind to journey with Jacob.

God had changed Esau's heart, totally!

Only God can do such a mighty work!

Jacob reconstructs an altar, which shows his commitment to worship the Lord!
That night with the Lord changed everything for Jacob, his family, and Esau. It was a life changing experience, and he was forever changed.

Psalm 20

Psalm 20
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
    May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings
    and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah
4 May he grant you your heart's desire
    and fulfill all your plans!
5 May we shout for joy over your salvation,
    and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!
6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
    he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with the saving might of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
    but we rise and stand upright.
9 O Lord, save the king!
    May he answer us when we call.


What I like about this passage is it reassures me. On the days of trouble, we can experience God in a greater way. The days of trouble teach me to rely on Him, knowing His strength is sufficient while mine is not. When we turn to Him, we are calling on Him and accepting His help.  It is choosing not to turn to the  world, but turn to Him first to seek lasting help. Turning to the world, in itself, will not work! The world is just as empty in its strength and limited resources as we are. We need God. We need to just say his name: "Jesus". The precious name of our Lord! We need His guidance and strength! He will direct our path!


When we turn to Him, many things happen as a result:


1. We have God's protection!


2. He will send us help and support from the sanctuary of Zion. In my Bible's study notes, it says: "this is the place where God especially makes himself present among his people." We know this is when He is made known. When He is helping us, His presence is definitely made known! We experience Him greater as we turn to Him in times of trouble. We need to be seeking Him!
   
3. 'May God recall your' worship experiences. For the Israelites, they came to know God, received assurance of God's love, and devoted themselves to Him through burnt offerings and sacrifice. This was how they worshiped. They did not have the Bible... For us, we are able to get the same kind of assurance of His love and experience Him as we worship Him through reading God's Word (the Bible), spend time in prayer, praise Him through song as we learn more about His character as we sing these songs. Worship deepens our faith and helps us to experience Him more.
   
4. This is where point A and B connect: Worship and fulfillment of our desires. As we spend quality time with Jesus, we are changed. We become transformed! Ahh, yes transformed. Speaking of transformed. Romans 12:2 reminds us: "Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
   
   Our desires are fulfilled, because our desires become in line with what God wants for our lives… It is that it is in line with God's will. God ultimately knows what is best, which is why His will is so important.
   
5. Deepening our relationship with God during the times of trouble can bring joy. Yes, even joy! We can be joyful as we go through troubled times. Not because of us, but because the Lord is our strength. With God on our side, we can make it through anything!
   
6. Prayer is greater than we could ever imagine. God can do anything! Turning to Him can bring radically changes to our lives and circumstances! Scripture reminds us:
   ⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)
   
   
7. Trusting in Him is essential! Love this verse, which says it all:


Psalm 20:7-8
English Standard Version (ESV)
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
    but we rise and stand upright.


Even in troubled times, we are able to get right back up. It is not because of our own strength. Many can stand in their own strength and still are without hope. The hope comes through God and His son Jesus. Choosing to trust in Him is what will give us the strength to "rise and stand upright". He is the One who can make us joyous during trials and difficult times. Deepening our relationship with Him is the best thing we could do with our time and energy: seeking Him.

Genesis 29-31

Genesis 29-31

Jacob had success. He made it to Laban's place. He saw Rachel. She had such servitude. Jacob also wanted to serve her, helping her water her sheep (as she was a shepherdess). When he saw Laban, he was lovingly embraced and welcomed (29:11-13). It is such a difference compared to how he left his family where his brother had nothing but hatred for him. Only God can bring us to a place where we experience love from others, not hate. Even when we suffer from others, God will give us strength! Look at the change for Jacob: from Esau to Laban's initial reaction. We know Laban is somewhat manipulative, and this time spent here will be interesting indeed. Jacob will have to keep his eyes open!

The time comes after one month where Laban sets up the wages of Jacob. He would serve him for 7 years in exchange for Rachel (Laban's younger daughter). While the week long marriage ceremony is going on, Laban decided to manipulate Jacob. He would give Leah to Jacob instead, only Jacob would not find out until the morning and and after the ceremony would begin. Laban deceived Jacob. Jacob had great love for Rachel. He would serve an additional 7 years as a bride price for Rachel- the one whom he loves. Leah was the one giving off offspring to Jacob. Rachel's womb was barren, while Leah sought to bear Jacob's children in hopes that Jacob would come to love her. Leah gave Jacob 7 children and still hoped he would love her more than Rachel. Finally, Rachel is able to give Jacob a child: Joseph!

Jacob's Desire to Leave

Jacob goes to Laban to discuss their departing from him. Jacob makes a deal with Laban, but Laban goes around removing all the animals he agreed to give Jacob, sending them off with his sons (30:33-35). The deceitfulness of this man! Why is he not able to deal fairly, and do what he says he will do?!? His hurting Jacob would also hurt her daughters, which would hurt him in the long run.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

30:25-43 The fourteen years being gone, Jacob was willing to depart without any provision, except God's promise. But he had in many ways a just claim on Laban's substance, and it was the will of God that he should be provided for from it. He referred his cause to God, rather than agree for stated wages with Laban, whose selfishness was very great. And it would appear that he acted honestly, when none but those of the colours fixed upon should be found among his cattle. Laban selfishly thought that his cattle would produce few different in colour from their own. Jacob's course after this agreement has been considered an instance of his policy and management. But it was done by intimation from God, and as a token of his power. The Lord will one way or another plead the cause of the oppressed, and honour those who simply trust his providence. Neither could Laban complain of Jacob, for he had nothing more than was freely agreed that he should have; nor was he injured, but greatly benefitted by Jacob's services. May all our mercies be received with thanksgiving and prayer, that coming from his bounty, they may lead to his praise.

Jacob's flock would be stronger than Laban's!

Laban didn't view Jacob with favor anymore; it was time for Jacob and his family to go. God promises to be with Jacob as he makes this journey. Notice there was a command with a promise. (31:3) Whatever God tells us to do, we need to do. God will provide for us! We just need to stay obedient to Him!

Genesis 31:42 says: "If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you."

God sees it all! God saw all Jacob had done and how he was treated, and chose to bless Jacob!
Obedience.

Obedience.
God worked it all out for His ultimate good. Jacob is abundantly blessed. Even though there was great manipulation from Laban, God worked it all out for his good. God chose to bless Jacob, his children, and wives as they followed Him!