O.T. #80 "It's the Pits"
July 9, 2013
Genesis 37-Part 5
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. Genesis 37:20
LET IT GLOW
When I was a child, we had a couple of cherry trees in our yard. I preferred eating those canned
ones you buy at the store instead of the fresh ones, though. Mom and I would pick them off the trees, them take the pits out of each one. She would make a cobbler out of them. It was all right, but you know which one I preferred.
Life isn't always a bowl full of cherries. Often we reap what we've sown or what others have sown.
Sometimes we can't do any more and give up and let God take over. Isn't that the way it is supposed to be? There are pits in those beautiful cherries, you know. Can't life be the pits?
Although Joseph had been put into a pit by his brothers and was plotted to be killed, he was not.
At that time a caravan of merchants were coming by and they sold Joseph to them as a slave.
So he got to live. Wasn't it enough to have his brothers mean to him as he grew up?
Although he was absent at the time of the sale, Reuben would be held responsible for the treachery, and so joined in the cover-up (verses 30-35). His grief manifested how much he had actually
wanted to rescue Joseph (42:22). (MacArthur)
When Reuben got back, maybe from tending the sheep and goats, Joseph was not in the pit. Judah talked the others into selling Joseph instead of killing him.
I wonder what the guys did with the money? Did they go into Schechem to party?
LET IT GROW
Joseph is on his way to Egypt as a slave. The brothers are left holding the bag, I mean coat. The scheme continues. They dip the coat into goat's blood and deceived their father into thinking a
wild beast killed and devoured Joseph. How mean is that?
Jacob knew it was Joseph's coat. He drew the conclusions that his sons wanted.
Years before, Jacob had slain a kid to deceive his father (27:9), and now his sons deceived him the same way. We reap what we sow. Jacob spent the next 22 years in sorrow, thinking that Joseph
was dead. He thought that everything was working against him (42:36), but in reality everything was working for him (Rom. 8:28). God had sent Joseph ahead to prepare the way for Israel's
preservation as a nation. (Wiersbe)
Do we ever feel that way, everyone is against us? Life is dealing you a bad hand? Are you in a
pit? God is still in control, friend. Trust Him. I am in that pit. There is nothing else that I can do. I have turned the situation over to God for Him to handle.
Romans 8:28 in NIV says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who had been called according to His purpose.
LET IT GO
I pray for the people involved in the situation and God's mercy as He works things out.
Trusting Jesus, even when things go wrong in my eyes.
Love Jesus, love others.
Let Jesus be in the pit with me.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Schemes
O.T. #79 "Schemes"
July 8, 2013
Genesis 37-Part 4
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired
against him to slay him. Genesis 37:18
LET IT GLOW
Something good will come out of this bad situation. Haven't we heard that before? Often those
words are easier to say than apply. Trusting God to handle things that we can't is sometimes hard. No, it is hard. Believing that good will come of this on down the road is our assurance. I have a situation in my life that I am going to get resolved concerning a fellow believer. I sure don't want hatred to fester up in my heart from such a little thing. That's what today's lesson has taught me.
I noticed that Joseph was hated by his brothers, which is mentioned three times in this chapter.
Verse 4 says they hated him after their father gave Joseph his coat of many colors; verse 5 says
they hated him yet the more after Joseph shared his dream; then in verse 8 they not only hated
him the more but also for his words; verse 11 says they envied him, which occurred after they
heard about the second dream.. This hated had been simmering on the stove of their hearts
and it was about to boil over.
The Hebrew word for hated is sane (saw-nay') which means to hate (personally): enemy, foe; to
be hateful, a hater, odious, found in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.
Envied means to make jealous or provoke to jealous (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance); envy is a feeling of mortification or discontent excited by seeing the superiority or prosperity of another person; a desire for the possessions or advantages of another, found in Webster's Dictionary.
No words were spared when it came to describing the attitude of Joseph's brothers toward him.
Scripture doesn't say that their father Jacob called the guys to a family meeting and worked through this strong hatred. If it had, perhaps things would have worked out differently. After all, the
dreams that Joseph had were from God. He was working His plan for this special family. He was going to turn this bad situation into something good on down the road. It would take some time
to change Joseph, though. God had to get him away from his brothers and their bad influence. Joseph's brothers did one day bow down to him.
So where's the good in this situation? It teaches us how not to act toward our brothers and sisters.
Do we have feelings of jealousy, envy, or even hatred that needs to be dealt with? Take it to our Heavenly Father, then to the one that it involves. Get things worked out before it blows up out of proportion and messes up relationships.
LET IT GROW
Another scheme to do evil is planned.
Here's a summary of what happened to Joseph according to Warren Wiersbe:
With murder in their hearts, the brothers could not plead righteous indignation this time. They
could only conceal it with a cruel lie. Judah's plan "unwittingly thwarted Reuben's, but did save Joseph from death." (Falwell)
Joseph's brothers conspired to kill him because of their hatred for him. Jesus equated hatred with murder! The oldest brother, Reuben, intervened and suggested they put him in a pit instead. His
plan was to get joseph out later. then, while most of the brothers were eating, a caravan of
Ishmaelites came along on their way to Egypt. The brothers, without Reuben present, decided to
sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites, who in turn sold him for a profit in Egypt. Slavery was a common
part of the culture at that time. Joseph went from being a favored son to a slave in one day.
(Dick Kelsey in the success Puzzle)
So for 20 pieces of silver Joseph was sold into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
I am reminded that Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, so the Jews could kill Him.
Do I betray Jesus for nothing in return?(Not even money is involved.) Do I forsake His teachings and ways to go my own way. am I harboring ill feelings toward others that need to be forgiven?
Yes, the Lord has been working on me to get the log out of my own eye before I point out the
splinter in someone else's eye.
1 Corinthians 16:14 says Let all you do be done in love.
LET IT GO
Don't harbor ill feelings toward others; get it worked out.
Have a forgiving heart and seek the forgiveness of others.
Put walk to my talk.
Love like Jesus-unconditionally.
July 8, 2013
Genesis 37-Part 4
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired
against him to slay him. Genesis 37:18
LET IT GLOW
Something good will come out of this bad situation. Haven't we heard that before? Often those
words are easier to say than apply. Trusting God to handle things that we can't is sometimes hard. No, it is hard. Believing that good will come of this on down the road is our assurance. I have a situation in my life that I am going to get resolved concerning a fellow believer. I sure don't want hatred to fester up in my heart from such a little thing. That's what today's lesson has taught me.
I noticed that Joseph was hated by his brothers, which is mentioned three times in this chapter.
Verse 4 says they hated him after their father gave Joseph his coat of many colors; verse 5 says
they hated him yet the more after Joseph shared his dream; then in verse 8 they not only hated
him the more but also for his words; verse 11 says they envied him, which occurred after they
heard about the second dream.. This hated had been simmering on the stove of their hearts
and it was about to boil over.
The Hebrew word for hated is sane (saw-nay') which means to hate (personally): enemy, foe; to
be hateful, a hater, odious, found in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.
Envied means to make jealous or provoke to jealous (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance); envy is a feeling of mortification or discontent excited by seeing the superiority or prosperity of another person; a desire for the possessions or advantages of another, found in Webster's Dictionary.
No words were spared when it came to describing the attitude of Joseph's brothers toward him.
Scripture doesn't say that their father Jacob called the guys to a family meeting and worked through this strong hatred. If it had, perhaps things would have worked out differently. After all, the
dreams that Joseph had were from God. He was working His plan for this special family. He was going to turn this bad situation into something good on down the road. It would take some time
to change Joseph, though. God had to get him away from his brothers and their bad influence. Joseph's brothers did one day bow down to him.
So where's the good in this situation? It teaches us how not to act toward our brothers and sisters.
Do we have feelings of jealousy, envy, or even hatred that needs to be dealt with? Take it to our Heavenly Father, then to the one that it involves. Get things worked out before it blows up out of proportion and messes up relationships.
LET IT GROW
Another scheme to do evil is planned.
Here's a summary of what happened to Joseph according to Warren Wiersbe:
We aren't told which of the brothers first suggested doing away with Joseph. Possibly it was Simeon, who resented Joseph's intrusion on the rights of the firstborn(which would finally be taken away from Reuben, 49:3-4). We know from chapter 34 that Simeon was crafty and cruel, and in 42:24, Joseph was rather harsh on Simeon. At any rate, the brothers were back in the region of Shechem (where they had gotten into trouble before, chapter 34), and they plotted to slay Joseph. It is to Reuben's credit that he tried to spare Joseph's life, although he used the wrong method to accomplish a noble deed. God overruled the hatred of the men, and Joseph was sold into slavery instead of slain in cold blood.
With murder in their hearts, the brothers could not plead righteous indignation this time. They
could only conceal it with a cruel lie. Judah's plan "unwittingly thwarted Reuben's, but did save Joseph from death." (Falwell)
Joseph's brothers conspired to kill him because of their hatred for him. Jesus equated hatred with murder! The oldest brother, Reuben, intervened and suggested they put him in a pit instead. His
plan was to get joseph out later. then, while most of the brothers were eating, a caravan of
Ishmaelites came along on their way to Egypt. The brothers, without Reuben present, decided to
sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites, who in turn sold him for a profit in Egypt. Slavery was a common
part of the culture at that time. Joseph went from being a favored son to a slave in one day.
(Dick Kelsey in the success Puzzle)
So for 20 pieces of silver Joseph was sold into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
I am reminded that Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, so the Jews could kill Him.
Do I betray Jesus for nothing in return?(Not even money is involved.) Do I forsake His teachings and ways to go my own way. am I harboring ill feelings toward others that need to be forgiven?
Yes, the Lord has been working on me to get the log out of my own eye before I point out the
splinter in someone else's eye.
1 Corinthians 16:14 says Let all you do be done in love.
LET IT GO
Don't harbor ill feelings toward others; get it worked out.
Have a forgiving heart and seek the forgiveness of others.
Put walk to my talk.
Love like Jesus-unconditionally.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Dreams
O.T. #78 "Dreams"
July 5, 2013
Genesis 37-Part 3
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
Genesis 37:5
LET IT GLOW
Here's the favored son, Joseph, only a teenager, wearing that coat of may colors. It set him apart as someone special. His brothers resented his relationship with their father and the Word says they
hated him. I can't imagine what it was like when all of Joseph's brothers, except Benjamin, ganged
up on him, teased him, hated him. What a family life! (Maybe it was a blessing to be separated from them.)
Joseph had two dreams mentioned in this chapter. At that time, dreams had a special significance.
Joseph's father, Jacob, had a dream back in chapter 28. We refer to the dream as Jacob's ladder as
the time and place when the Lord spoke and reassured him of his special place in God's plan for His chosen people.
Joseph's first dream involved sheaves, stalks of grain in the field. All the sheaves stood up, then
his brothers' sheaves bowed down to his sheaf. The brothers asked if he would indeed reign over them and would he have dominion over them.
Joseph's second dream involved the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. Joseph told his brothers and father about the dream. This time Jacob questioned and rebuked Joseph. Jacob asked,
Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you? (verse 10)
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament states:
down to King Jesus. Scripture says that all will bow down to Jesus.
Philippians 2:10-11 says, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue would confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Have you bowed down to Jesus yet? Have you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior? You can
do it today, friend. One day we all will bow down to Him and declare that Jesus is Lord.
Are we practicing it here, now, before we get to heaven? Does He see us on our knees before
the Son of God, our Savior, praying?
LET IT GROW
How did Joseph's brothers and father react whenever Joseph told them of the two dreams?
It didn't go over too well. His brothers hated him all the more. There is no emotion more harmful than hatred. It caused the downfall of many people. It will rob you of your happiness and joy and even destroy your health. Joseph's brothers were tormented for many years by their hatred of their
brother. (The success Puzzle, by Dick Kelsey)
Jacob responded to Joseph's dream by rebuking him. He didn't want to see the turmoil that was
taking place in his family, although he knew dreams often meant something. Now Joseph became known as the dreamer and his brothers called him that. Will the teasing ever quit?
We know that Joseph had two dreams, in which his parents and brothers bowed down to him.
Since we have the advantage over them and know what happens later in their lives, we know that these two dreams came true. When the famine came in their country, his brothers bowed down to
the one in charge of the grain, seeking to purchase some for their family to eat. Then, when the whole family moved into Egypt, they bowed to Joseph, who was the second in command in Egypt, and the grain supervisor.
Our nation had some dreamers in its early history. Our forefathers dreamed of a free, independent, and prosperous country where they could worship God as they saw fit.
What do we dream of for our children?
Joseph's dream instilled within him that God had a special purpose for his life. He knew that he was here for a reason. Do we have a sense of God's purpose for their life? Do we dream of what God can do through us?
Does Jesus reign over us? How often do we bow down to pray?
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 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.
Psalm 37:4 states: Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Did you notice, the Lord will place His desires in our hearts.
LET IT GO
Allow Jesus to direct the dreams and desires of my heart.
Daily bow down to King Jesus.
Listen as others proclaim His Word.
July 5, 2013
Genesis 37-Part 3
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
Genesis 37:5
LET IT GLOW
Here's the favored son, Joseph, only a teenager, wearing that coat of may colors. It set him apart as someone special. His brothers resented his relationship with their father and the Word says they
hated him. I can't imagine what it was like when all of Joseph's brothers, except Benjamin, ganged
up on him, teased him, hated him. What a family life! (Maybe it was a blessing to be separated from them.)
Joseph had two dreams mentioned in this chapter. At that time, dreams had a special significance.
Joseph's father, Jacob, had a dream back in chapter 28. We refer to the dream as Jacob's ladder as
the time and place when the Lord spoke and reassured him of his special place in God's plan for His chosen people.
Joseph's first dream involved sheaves, stalks of grain in the field. All the sheaves stood up, then
his brothers' sheaves bowed down to his sheaf. The brothers asked if he would indeed reign over them and would he have dominion over them.
Joseph's second dream involved the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. Joseph told his brothers and father about the dream. This time Jacob questioned and rebuked Joseph. Jacob asked,
Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you? (verse 10)
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament states:
That these dreams came from God, there is no question; and certainly the assurance that one day he would rule helped to keep Joseph faithful during those many years of testing in Egypt. Note that the first dream had an earthly setting, while the second dream was set in heaven. This suggests Abraham's earthly children (the Jews) and his heavenly seed (the church). Joseph's brothers did one day bow down to him! (42:6, 43:26, 44:14)Since Joseph represents Jesus, we can be assured that one day the Jews and the church will bow
down to King Jesus. Scripture says that all will bow down to Jesus.
Philippians 2:10-11 says, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue would confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Have you bowed down to Jesus yet? Have you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior? You can
do it today, friend. One day we all will bow down to Him and declare that Jesus is Lord.
Are we practicing it here, now, before we get to heaven? Does He see us on our knees before
the Son of God, our Savior, praying?
LET IT GROW
How did Joseph's brothers and father react whenever Joseph told them of the two dreams?
It didn't go over too well. His brothers hated him all the more. There is no emotion more harmful than hatred. It caused the downfall of many people. It will rob you of your happiness and joy and even destroy your health. Joseph's brothers were tormented for many years by their hatred of their
brother. (The success Puzzle, by Dick Kelsey)
Jacob responded to Joseph's dream by rebuking him. He didn't want to see the turmoil that was
taking place in his family, although he knew dreams often meant something. Now Joseph became known as the dreamer and his brothers called him that. Will the teasing ever quit?
We know that Joseph had two dreams, in which his parents and brothers bowed down to him.
Since we have the advantage over them and know what happens later in their lives, we know that these two dreams came true. When the famine came in their country, his brothers bowed down to
the one in charge of the grain, seeking to purchase some for their family to eat. Then, when the whole family moved into Egypt, they bowed to Joseph, who was the second in command in Egypt, and the grain supervisor.
Our nation had some dreamers in its early history. Our forefathers dreamed of a free, independent, and prosperous country where they could worship God as they saw fit.
What do we dream of for our children?
Joseph's dream instilled within him that God had a special purpose for his life. He knew that he was here for a reason. Do we have a sense of God's purpose for their life? Do we dream of what God can do through us?
Does Jesus reign over us? How often do we bow down to pray?
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 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.
Psalm 37:4 states: Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Did you notice, the Lord will place His desires in our hearts.
LET IT GO
Allow Jesus to direct the dreams and desires of my heart.
Daily bow down to King Jesus.
Listen as others proclaim His Word.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Independence Day
July 4, 2013
John 8:36 says, So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Thank You Jesus for setting us free from sin; for Your sacrifice.
Thank You for America where we are free to worship; for the sacrifice of so many lives.
Help me to sacrifice my time, energy, money, and self to share Your free salvation with others.
Have you been set free from the burden of sin?
No matter our circumstances, it's never too late to be free. Joseph found true spiritual freedom from self-pity, anger, and retaliation. (Karen Ehman)
Only Jesus can set us free. Let's turn to Him.
Have a safe holiday, dear friends. I am spending it with my family. I picked fresh blackberries the other day, cooked the juice, and now am going to make a cobbler. I will enjoy it, except for the chigger bites and poison ivy itching me. Small price to pay for pleasure.
See you tomorrow.
Linda
John 8:36 says, So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Thank You Jesus for setting us free from sin; for Your sacrifice.
Thank You for America where we are free to worship; for the sacrifice of so many lives.
Help me to sacrifice my time, energy, money, and self to share Your free salvation with others.
Have you been set free from the burden of sin?
No matter our circumstances, it's never too late to be free. Joseph found true spiritual freedom from self-pity, anger, and retaliation. (Karen Ehman)
Only Jesus can set us free. Let's turn to Him.
Have a safe holiday, dear friends. I am spending it with my family. I picked fresh blackberries the other day, cooked the juice, and now am going to make a cobbler. I will enjoy it, except for the chigger bites and poison ivy itching me. Small price to pay for pleasure.
See you tomorrow.
Linda
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Dad's Favorite
O.T. #77 "Dad's Favorite"
Genesis 37-Part 2
July 3, 2013
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 colors. Genesis 37:3
LET IT GLOW
I'll admit it-I was very spoiled growing up. I was born 7 years after my brother, when my parents were 32 years old. I used to think that I was an accident, but now I don't believe in accidentally
being born. It was the providence of God, to which I am grateful to be alive. Yes, I was Daddy's
little girl. He took care of me on the farm while Mom worked outside the home. I was always in
the truck when he drove over the 40 acres looking at the cattle or fixing fences. And when he took
a nap in the afternoon after a hard morning of work, I was right there on his lap, napping, too.
When he had to go to town to get a tire repaired, I went too. Sometimes Dad would buy me a
Grapette soda and a Butterfinger candy bar. Wasn't I loved and spoiled? Yes, I was. Dare I say
that I was his favorite child? I can't answer that. so you see, I can relate to Joseph's situation. However, I never felt that my brother and sister were jealous of me, as his.
We jump ahead in time. Joseph is 17 years old. Eleven years passed since he had entered the land
of Canaan with his family (30:22-24). Joseph was born 6 years before they left Haran.
(MacArthur)
Rachael, Jacob's favored wife, was Joseph and Benjamin's mother. Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob, renamed Israel by God.
Now, Joseph was loved by his father. His father, Jacob, loved Joseph more than all his children because he was the son of his old age. In fact, Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colors.
Why is that significant?
The word in Hebrew for coat refers to a garment or robe, a skirt, and means to cover, according to
Thayer's Lexicon; it's a tunic, a long coat, by Young's Concordance; a long-sleeved robe or an ornamented tunic is how The MacArthur Bible Commentary describes it.
David Guzik said that the coat was a tunic extending all the way down to the wrists and ankles; it wasn't what a working man wore; it was a garment of privilege and status.
It was a garment like those worn later by the daughters of kings in 2 Samuel 13:18.
It marked the owner as the one whom the father intended to be the future leader of the household,
an honor normally given to the firstborn son. (MacArthur)
I think we understand the situation.
LET IT GROW
Joseph helped with the feeding of the flock with his brothers. (verse 2) One day, Joseph tattled on his brothers to their father. We don't know what they did out in the field, but it was something so wrong that Joseph reported it to Jacob. Maybe it was no big deal and Joseph blew it out of proportion.
Anyway, Joseph's brothers hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
Full fledged jealousy becomes hatred, and turns into bitterness and evil deeds. This is the case of
Joseph's brothers. The results are coming up.
Is there any in our life that we need to deal with?
LET IT GO
Watch out that I don't show favoritism.
Love others instead of being jealous of them.
Genesis 37-Part 2
July 3, 2013
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 colors. Genesis 37:3
LET IT GLOW
I'll admit it-I was very spoiled growing up. I was born 7 years after my brother, when my parents were 32 years old. I used to think that I was an accident, but now I don't believe in accidentally
being born. It was the providence of God, to which I am grateful to be alive. Yes, I was Daddy's
little girl. He took care of me on the farm while Mom worked outside the home. I was always in
the truck when he drove over the 40 acres looking at the cattle or fixing fences. And when he took
a nap in the afternoon after a hard morning of work, I was right there on his lap, napping, too.
When he had to go to town to get a tire repaired, I went too. Sometimes Dad would buy me a
Grapette soda and a Butterfinger candy bar. Wasn't I loved and spoiled? Yes, I was. Dare I say
that I was his favorite child? I can't answer that. so you see, I can relate to Joseph's situation. However, I never felt that my brother and sister were jealous of me, as his.
We jump ahead in time. Joseph is 17 years old. Eleven years passed since he had entered the land
of Canaan with his family (30:22-24). Joseph was born 6 years before they left Haran.
(MacArthur)
Rachael, Jacob's favored wife, was Joseph and Benjamin's mother. Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob, renamed Israel by God.
Now, Joseph was loved by his father. His father, Jacob, loved Joseph more than all his children because he was the son of his old age. In fact, Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colors.
Why is that significant?
The word in Hebrew for coat refers to a garment or robe, a skirt, and means to cover, according to
Thayer's Lexicon; it's a tunic, a long coat, by Young's Concordance; a long-sleeved robe or an ornamented tunic is how The MacArthur Bible Commentary describes it.
David Guzik said that the coat was a tunic extending all the way down to the wrists and ankles; it wasn't what a working man wore; it was a garment of privilege and status.
It was a garment like those worn later by the daughters of kings in 2 Samuel 13:18.
It marked the owner as the one whom the father intended to be the future leader of the household,
an honor normally given to the firstborn son. (MacArthur)
I think we understand the situation.
LET IT GROW
Joseph helped with the feeding of the flock with his brothers. (verse 2) One day, Joseph tattled on his brothers to their father. We don't know what they did out in the field, but it was something so wrong that Joseph reported it to Jacob. Maybe it was no big deal and Joseph blew it out of proportion.
Anyway, Joseph's brothers hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
Full fledged jealousy becomes hatred, and turns into bitterness and evil deeds. This is the case of
Joseph's brothers. The results are coming up.
Is there any in our life that we need to deal with?
LET IT GO
Watch out that I don't show favoritism.
Love others instead of being jealous of them.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Tattletale-Good or Bad
O.T. #76 "Tattletale-Good or Bad"
July 2, 2013
Genesis 37-Part 1
Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Genesis 37:2c
LET IT GLOW
Now we get back to Joseph. In fact, we will be studying about him for some time. His is one of the most exciting biographies in the Bible, according to Warren Wiersbe. The entire story illustrates
the sovereignty of God and God's providential care of His people. Although Joseph had his faults,
he still stands out as a spiritual giant in his own family. So being a giant can be a good thing, if
you're a spiritual one, that is. Keep in mind that Joseph pictures Jesus, our Savior.
First, we will see Joseph as the favored son, of all the 11 sons of Jacob (Benjamin wasn't born yet).
Second, we will see Joseph as the faithful steward. Third, Joseph as the forgotten servant. Shall we zoom in a little closer on this chosen family?
Joseph is introduced as a specially chosen member of his family. The fact of divine election is one of the themes of Genesis. (Falwell)
Referring to Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaac and Rebekah, Romans 9:11-13 NIV says, Yet, before the
twins were born or had done anything good or bad-in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls-she was told, "The older will serve the younger." Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
In verse 15, God goes on to say, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
Our salvation and blessings don't depend on our desire or effort, but on God's mercy. (verse 16)
Can I hear some amens? Thank You Jesus for electing me and my family and my friends to be
Your children, a part of Your family. There is no good in me to result in being saved. It's all Jesus'
doings.
Are you a part of God's family? If you are one of the elect, he will bring you in, sooner or later, friend. so you might as well surrender now and enjoy life with Jesus now.
LET IT GROW
We pick up the story, which actually happened, of Joseph when he was 17 years old. He was feeding the flock with his brothers, those whose mother was Bilhah and Zilpah, the handmaidens. He was with his 10 brothers, but 4 are focused on here. They ranked the lowest in the family. this could explain their jealousy and hatred toward Joseph.
What did little brother do to upset his brothers? Verse 14c says Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
The report was evil in the sense that their actions were evil and Joseph reported this to their father.
It is hard to know whether he did this as a tattletale or because his father required him to do it(Lev.5:1). (Falwell)
Since Rachael was Jacob's favorite wife, and they waited many years for Joseph to be born, it is
easy to see why Jacob (Joseph's father) favored him in his old age.
At any rate, it is common knowledge that siblings do not want a tattletale in the family.
Sometimes it's best to let them work out their problems among themselves and not inform the
parents. I recall one knockdown and drag out between my older brother and sister. They were
actually fist fighting, so I ran outside and told our father. I can't remember what happened, but there is still tension between them today. (Not toward me, though for tattling.)
So tattling can be good or bad. In Joseph's case, it was not a good thing for him to do. He was already looked down on, apparently, before this happened. Now he really stirred up things.
LET IT GO
Thank the Lord for electing me to be His child.
Choose our battles when tattling.
Be grateful for God's mercy.
July 2, 2013
Genesis 37-Part 1
Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Genesis 37:2c
LET IT GLOW
Now we get back to Joseph. In fact, we will be studying about him for some time. His is one of the most exciting biographies in the Bible, according to Warren Wiersbe. The entire story illustrates
the sovereignty of God and God's providential care of His people. Although Joseph had his faults,
he still stands out as a spiritual giant in his own family. So being a giant can be a good thing, if
you're a spiritual one, that is. Keep in mind that Joseph pictures Jesus, our Savior.
First, we will see Joseph as the favored son, of all the 11 sons of Jacob (Benjamin wasn't born yet).
Second, we will see Joseph as the faithful steward. Third, Joseph as the forgotten servant. Shall we zoom in a little closer on this chosen family?
Joseph is introduced as a specially chosen member of his family. The fact of divine election is one of the themes of Genesis. (Falwell)
Referring to Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaac and Rebekah, Romans 9:11-13 NIV says, Yet, before the
twins were born or had done anything good or bad-in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls-she was told, "The older will serve the younger." Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
In verse 15, God goes on to say, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
Our salvation and blessings don't depend on our desire or effort, but on God's mercy. (verse 16)
Can I hear some amens? Thank You Jesus for electing me and my family and my friends to be
Your children, a part of Your family. There is no good in me to result in being saved. It's all Jesus'
doings.
Are you a part of God's family? If you are one of the elect, he will bring you in, sooner or later, friend. so you might as well surrender now and enjoy life with Jesus now.
LET IT GROW
We pick up the story, which actually happened, of Joseph when he was 17 years old. He was feeding the flock with his brothers, those whose mother was Bilhah and Zilpah, the handmaidens. He was with his 10 brothers, but 4 are focused on here. They ranked the lowest in the family. this could explain their jealousy and hatred toward Joseph.
What did little brother do to upset his brothers? Verse 14c says Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
The report was evil in the sense that their actions were evil and Joseph reported this to their father.
It is hard to know whether he did this as a tattletale or because his father required him to do it(Lev.5:1). (Falwell)
Since Rachael was Jacob's favorite wife, and they waited many years for Joseph to be born, it is
easy to see why Jacob (Joseph's father) favored him in his old age.
At any rate, it is common knowledge that siblings do not want a tattletale in the family.
Sometimes it's best to let them work out their problems among themselves and not inform the
parents. I recall one knockdown and drag out between my older brother and sister. They were
actually fist fighting, so I ran outside and told our father. I can't remember what happened, but there is still tension between them today. (Not toward me, though for tattling.)
So tattling can be good or bad. In Joseph's case, it was not a good thing for him to do. He was already looked down on, apparently, before this happened. Now he really stirred up things.
LET IT GO
Thank the Lord for electing me to be His child.
Choose our battles when tattling.
Be grateful for God's mercy.
Monday, July 1, 2013
A Child of the King
O.T. #75 "A Child of the King"
July 1, 2013
Genesis 36-Part 1
And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel. Genesis 36:31
LET IT GLOW
Research has uncovered kings of England are in my family background. I'm not so sure how
accurate this is, but it really doesn't matter to me. The only king I am happy to be related to is
King Jesus. I am a child of the King. He adopted me into His family. Because my name is in the Book, I will inherit all He owns, which is everything. I am going to live in His kingdom of heaven when I die. How about you?
Even though Esau had sold his birthright to his twin brother Jacob, God still blessed him. Between the two brothers, they had so many cattle, flocks and herds, that the land could not feed them all.
Esau moved his clan to Mount Seir. His immediate family is listed here.
This as Esau's place that was divinely assigned. Crowded grazing and living conditions finally clinched the decision by Esau to move permanently to Edom, where he had already established a home (32:3). (MacArthur)
They intermarried with the inhabitants of Edom. Dukes refers to a ruler of a thousand. Kings of
their tribe are listed in verses 40-43.
Esau and Jacobs descendants become bitter enemies engaged
with each other in war. And so it begins; and so it continues today, Arabs and Jews. God had promised to make Esau a great nation, and He did.
LET IT GROW
David Guzik says, "Esau was rejected being chosen for a critical role in God's plan of redemption."
Another thing I noted was that Esau's grandson that was born to a concubine, Tinna, and son Eliphaz was named Amalek. He became the Amalekites, which was the group of people talked
about in Exodus 17:8-16.
The Amalekites, without provocation came and attacked the rear of Israelites as they were
journeying through the wilderness, but were defeated by Joshua at Rephidim. In consequence of
this assault, a perpetual was was declared against them by Jehovah. You can read about it in
Numbers 13 and 14. (Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible)
Thought I'd throw that tidbit in for future reference. Now, getting back to Esau.
Material blessings are the root of envy, jealousy, and bitterness in families and among friends.
(Falwell)
How tragic when family members allow jealousy to place a wedge between them. Sometimes
leaving money to the children is not such a good idea. People have a tendency to love the money
and forget their God, so money becomes their god.
Can we identify the love of our life? Is it God or money? Upon which do we depend for our needs to be met?
Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, No man can served two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and
mammon.
Mammon refers to what is trusted in.
Luke 16:13 says the same words. NIV uses the word money in place of mammon.
NLT says You will be devoted to one and despise the other.
To which am I devoted?
This chapter gives the history of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, and Isaac's son. God made him a
mighty nation, the Edomites. Unfortunately, the Edomites were the enemies of God's people for centuries.
The brotherhood of Jacob and Esau, which lived on in the nations of Israel and Edom, is a theme
that runs through the whole Old Testament. This chapter gives witness to this kinship, which will later be evident in different contexts, such as diplomacy, law, and national feeling (Numbers 20:14; Deut. 23:7).
Are we serving our King?
Do we treat other believers as though they are children of the King (Jesus)?
LET IT GO
Love God more than money, more than anything.
Don't let money separate me and my family or friends.
Have a giving heart.
Live like a child of the King.
July 1, 2013
Genesis 36-Part 1
And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel. Genesis 36:31
LET IT GLOW
Research has uncovered kings of England are in my family background. I'm not so sure how
accurate this is, but it really doesn't matter to me. The only king I am happy to be related to is
King Jesus. I am a child of the King. He adopted me into His family. Because my name is in the Book, I will inherit all He owns, which is everything. I am going to live in His kingdom of heaven when I die. How about you?
Even though Esau had sold his birthright to his twin brother Jacob, God still blessed him. Between the two brothers, they had so many cattle, flocks and herds, that the land could not feed them all.
Esau moved his clan to Mount Seir. His immediate family is listed here.
This as Esau's place that was divinely assigned. Crowded grazing and living conditions finally clinched the decision by Esau to move permanently to Edom, where he had already established a home (32:3). (MacArthur)
They intermarried with the inhabitants of Edom. Dukes refers to a ruler of a thousand. Kings of
their tribe are listed in verses 40-43.
Esau and Jacobs descendants become bitter enemies engaged
with each other in war. And so it begins; and so it continues today, Arabs and Jews. God had promised to make Esau a great nation, and He did.
LET IT GROW
David Guzik says, "Esau was rejected being chosen for a critical role in God's plan of redemption."
Another thing I noted was that Esau's grandson that was born to a concubine, Tinna, and son Eliphaz was named Amalek. He became the Amalekites, which was the group of people talked
about in Exodus 17:8-16.
The Amalekites, without provocation came and attacked the rear of Israelites as they were
journeying through the wilderness, but were defeated by Joshua at Rephidim. In consequence of
this assault, a perpetual was was declared against them by Jehovah. You can read about it in
Numbers 13 and 14. (Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible)
Thought I'd throw that tidbit in for future reference. Now, getting back to Esau.
Material blessings are the root of envy, jealousy, and bitterness in families and among friends.
(Falwell)
How tragic when family members allow jealousy to place a wedge between them. Sometimes
leaving money to the children is not such a good idea. People have a tendency to love the money
and forget their God, so money becomes their god.
Can we identify the love of our life? Is it God or money? Upon which do we depend for our needs to be met?
Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, No man can served two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and
mammon.
Mammon refers to what is trusted in.
Luke 16:13 says the same words. NIV uses the word money in place of mammon.
NLT says You will be devoted to one and despise the other.
To which am I devoted?
This chapter gives the history of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, and Isaac's son. God made him a
mighty nation, the Edomites. Unfortunately, the Edomites were the enemies of God's people for centuries.
The brotherhood of Jacob and Esau, which lived on in the nations of Israel and Edom, is a theme
that runs through the whole Old Testament. This chapter gives witness to this kinship, which will later be evident in different contexts, such as diplomacy, law, and national feeling (Numbers 20:14; Deut. 23:7).
Are we serving our King?
Do we treat other believers as though they are children of the King (Jesus)?
LET IT GO
Love God more than money, more than anything.
Don't let money separate me and my family or friends.
Have a giving heart.
Live like a child of the King.
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