Genesis 45 is amazing.
Joseph has the power to put his brothers to death but, because of who he puts his trust, of whom he surrendered his life to, because of how he believes shapes events to fulfill his greater purpose Joseph tells his brothers that God used his being sold in to slavery to for a greater good.
Joseph also gives God the credit for the success in his life.
We also learn that some things never change; the youngest child gets spoiled rotten. (editor's note: Sounds like Merv has some baggage from his childhood?)
Genesis 46
It’s interesting to me that early man was doing sacrifices. This is before God’s instructions to Moses for doing sacrifices which means (to me at least) that, to early man, sacrifices were a way of getting God’s attention… a kind of smoke signal if you will. Job did sacrifices as did Cane and Able.
Maybe it’s random but I find it interesting that they brought all of their possessions (no garage sale) even though Joseph said “Don’t worry about your personal belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.” Maybe Joseph wanted his family to look and live more like the Egyptians so they would fit in better. This is fascinating history and it teaches us how God worked with man 3,700 years ago.
Psalm 23
This psalm was written by David. But it could have been written by Joseph if he was a poet. Both Joseph and David had an understanding of a God who walked with them and guided them. It’s challenged me to ask myself do I seek a continual guidance of God or do I try to do too much on my own power?
Proverbs 23
5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
for it will sprout wings
and fly away like an eagle.
The writer of this proverb has looked at my IRA statement.
And how about this one?
34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea,clinging to a swaying mast.
Is this where term “drunk as a sailor” came from?
I’m thankful for the wisdom of the Proverbs. What do you think about the “spanking” verse?
Acts 2
God gives the Holy Spirit to His people. This is why our body is now called a temple. God exists in it in the form of His Spirit.
Peter was convinced that they were in the last days. From our perspective of time he was wrong but hey… some believe the earth could be around 4.5 billion years old. If that’s true then, relatively speaking, Peter was right we are living in the final chapter of man’s life on the earth as we know it.
Editor's Comment: Or another way of looking at "last days" is rather than looking at the last days as the the end of something (such as the last pages of a book or the final drops of mlk in the carton) it could be the next era of God's activity. This is the "last days" chapter of God. Is there another chapter? Absolutely! That's the good news. The Last Days is the period of time between Jesus' resurection and his Return! When the Return comes we enter a brand new era...
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Week 22 - June 21
Well this is the first week we've missed the blog. Vacations and that sort of thing.
Keep reading... and if you have a comment about this week's readings, be sure to post it here!
Thanks, - doug
Keep reading... and if you have a comment about this week's readings, be sure to post it here!
Thanks, - doug
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Week 21 - June 14 - Taylor Hays
Genesis 41-42
I grew up in “Little Egypt” (if you are curious look it up on Wikipedia)… an area of far southern Illinois that apparently got this nickname because of similarities to the story in Genesis 41. But this passage in Genesis is much more than a story of resourcefulness by Joseph during a time of famine. It really is a story about God’s plan and how Romans 8:28 gets played out in real life. (“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”). Joseph was in a horrible position… languishing in prison after having been put there unjustly. But because he was in prison he met Pharaoh’s chief food tester (“cup-bearer”); and because the cup-bearer had forgotten all about Joseph he was still in prison and immediately available to meet with Pharaoh to interpret his dream. As you see, these circumstances did “work together for the good” of Joseph. And beyond Joseph, God was working on a far greater plan that Joseph could never have imagined.
Most of the time, being “in God’s will” simply is being ready to shine when the time is right… just like Joseph. Stay ready.
The story takes an even greater twist in chapter 42. It is interesting how Joseph dealt with his brothers who had sold him to slave traders many years before. I am convinced that his life experience (the Romans 8:28 principle again) had taken away all desire for revenge. Joseph seems to be ad lib-ing through this drama but he had only one interest… to be reunited with his whole family. This strange reunion begins the foundation of over 400 years of Jewish history in Egypt. Again, Joseph was a part of a far greater plan, just like we are. We simply do not know how our part of the story ends.
Psalm 21
None of us have been kings but all of us can identify with the idea that true strength comes from God. The gist of the message here is that everything that is valuable, honorable and powerful in our lives is from God… even for kings.
Proverbs 21
There is a lot in these verses; many of them speak about the value of wisdom and the poverty that comes from lack of it. But let’s focus on a few others:
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
The acts of sin we commit have their start in our minds and emotions. Guard your thoughts and feelings.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
This reminded me of the “Genu +1” series we just finished. We cannot ignore the needs of others.
9 It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
I think I could get in deep trouble by making comments about this verse!
John 21
This is the concluding chapter of the gospel of John and relays a simple story about one of the many post-resurrection meetings the disciples had with Jesus. The focus is on a brief conversation Jesus has with Peter. Why did Jesus keep asking—3 times he asked, “Peter do you love me?” In Jewish thought the repetition of something emphasizes its importance… 3 times means this is very important. For Peter it also held special meaning. For each time Peter had denied Jesus, he had a chance now to reaffirm his love and devotion to Jesus. It hurt Peter that Jesus kept asking, but Jesus was making a point.
Is he asking me this question? For sure! And he wants me (us) to respond in the same way he asked Peter to respond. Feed (literally and spiritually) and care for all of the “lambs” and “sheep” in the flock with us. The care we show each other in the community of believers is the true mark of being Christian. (John 13:35 “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.").
I grew up in “Little Egypt” (if you are curious look it up on Wikipedia)… an area of far southern Illinois that apparently got this nickname because of similarities to the story in Genesis 41. But this passage in Genesis is much more than a story of resourcefulness by Joseph during a time of famine. It really is a story about God’s plan and how Romans 8:28 gets played out in real life. (“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”). Joseph was in a horrible position… languishing in prison after having been put there unjustly. But because he was in prison he met Pharaoh’s chief food tester (“cup-bearer”); and because the cup-bearer had forgotten all about Joseph he was still in prison and immediately available to meet with Pharaoh to interpret his dream. As you see, these circumstances did “work together for the good” of Joseph. And beyond Joseph, God was working on a far greater plan that Joseph could never have imagined.
Most of the time, being “in God’s will” simply is being ready to shine when the time is right… just like Joseph. Stay ready.
The story takes an even greater twist in chapter 42. It is interesting how Joseph dealt with his brothers who had sold him to slave traders many years before. I am convinced that his life experience (the Romans 8:28 principle again) had taken away all desire for revenge. Joseph seems to be ad lib-ing through this drama but he had only one interest… to be reunited with his whole family. This strange reunion begins the foundation of over 400 years of Jewish history in Egypt. Again, Joseph was a part of a far greater plan, just like we are. We simply do not know how our part of the story ends.
Psalm 21
None of us have been kings but all of us can identify with the idea that true strength comes from God. The gist of the message here is that everything that is valuable, honorable and powerful in our lives is from God… even for kings.
Proverbs 21
There is a lot in these verses; many of them speak about the value of wisdom and the poverty that comes from lack of it. But let’s focus on a few others:
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
The acts of sin we commit have their start in our minds and emotions. Guard your thoughts and feelings.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
This reminded me of the “Genu +1” series we just finished. We cannot ignore the needs of others.
9 It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
I think I could get in deep trouble by making comments about this verse!
John 21
This is the concluding chapter of the gospel of John and relays a simple story about one of the many post-resurrection meetings the disciples had with Jesus. The focus is on a brief conversation Jesus has with Peter. Why did Jesus keep asking—3 times he asked, “Peter do you love me?” In Jewish thought the repetition of something emphasizes its importance… 3 times means this is very important. For Peter it also held special meaning. For each time Peter had denied Jesus, he had a chance now to reaffirm his love and devotion to Jesus. It hurt Peter that Jesus kept asking, but Jesus was making a point.
Is he asking me this question? For sure! And he wants me (us) to respond in the same way he asked Peter to respond. Feed (literally and spiritually) and care for all of the “lambs” and “sheep” in the flock with us. The care we show each other in the community of believers is the true mark of being Christian. (John 13:35 “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.").
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 7 - Week 19 - Doug Wiencouff
Genesis 39
I have often wondered about the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. It is a story about character and yet the person who shows character is the one that gets punished. Joseph did all the right things. He stayed away from her. He told her that it would be a sin and a betrayal to her husband. I’ve wondered if there was anything he could have done that would have prevented the outcome except giving in to Potiphar’s wife. Sometimes we can do all the right things and still have problems or bad consequences. They are not the result of our sin. It can be the result of other peoples choices. What matters most is the attitude we have when things go wrong. I am amazed that after Joseph is tossed in prison he keeps a good attitude and even wins over the prison warden. It makes me ask the question, “What is my attitude when things go wrong?” Do I honor God and hang on to my faith or do I give up?
Genesis 40
Joseph interpreting the dreams of the baker and cupbearer is a continuation in the picture of Joseph’s character and faith. As he interprets the dreams he is truthful. He gave truthful good news to the cupbearer and he gave truthful bad news to the baker. I think it would have been very tempting to not tell the baker the bad news and just let the three days pass or to tell him a lie.
I tend to not like confrontation. I don’t like giving bad news. I want everyone to be happy. It means I can be tempted to not have hard conversations to keep peace or to keep people happy. This story reminds me that I have to speak truth even when the person receiving it will not like it or will respond badly to it. Do you tend to avoid tough conversations or do you wisely go into them praying and hoping for the best?
Psalm 20
This psalm is a prayer of David on behalf of another person. As you read this psalm picture a person in your life that would benefit from you praying like this for them. Take some time each day this week to pray for that person.
Proverbs 20
This proverb focuses on character. More importantly it focuses on the lack of character and how God despises it. Consider prayerfully your own character. Are you able to choose the right thing even when it is the harder thing? Ask God to help you become a person with the character of Jesus. Extra Credit: Ask two people this week to evaluate your character. Is it a work in progress or are you taking short cuts hoping no one will notice?
John 20
The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle of God. When I try to put myself in the shoes of either Mary or Peter or any of the disciples I am overwhelmed. It is easy for us to put all the pieces together from Jesus’ teaching to expect the resurrection as the obvious next step after his death. For the disciples it was way to much to expect for them to understand it. They don’t get to see the whole picture. They only had pieces of the puzzle. I think that is how most of us live our faith walk with God. We have pieces of the puzzle but can’t see the whole picture. Events occur in our lives and we don’t see what God is doing until time has passed and sometimes we don’t even see it then. It sure makes me feel better that the disciples had to grow in their faith and understanding just like me.
I have often wondered about the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. It is a story about character and yet the person who shows character is the one that gets punished. Joseph did all the right things. He stayed away from her. He told her that it would be a sin and a betrayal to her husband. I’ve wondered if there was anything he could have done that would have prevented the outcome except giving in to Potiphar’s wife. Sometimes we can do all the right things and still have problems or bad consequences. They are not the result of our sin. It can be the result of other peoples choices. What matters most is the attitude we have when things go wrong. I am amazed that after Joseph is tossed in prison he keeps a good attitude and even wins over the prison warden. It makes me ask the question, “What is my attitude when things go wrong?” Do I honor God and hang on to my faith or do I give up?
Genesis 40
Joseph interpreting the dreams of the baker and cupbearer is a continuation in the picture of Joseph’s character and faith. As he interprets the dreams he is truthful. He gave truthful good news to the cupbearer and he gave truthful bad news to the baker. I think it would have been very tempting to not tell the baker the bad news and just let the three days pass or to tell him a lie.
I tend to not like confrontation. I don’t like giving bad news. I want everyone to be happy. It means I can be tempted to not have hard conversations to keep peace or to keep people happy. This story reminds me that I have to speak truth even when the person receiving it will not like it or will respond badly to it. Do you tend to avoid tough conversations or do you wisely go into them praying and hoping for the best?
Psalm 20
This psalm is a prayer of David on behalf of another person. As you read this psalm picture a person in your life that would benefit from you praying like this for them. Take some time each day this week to pray for that person.
Proverbs 20
This proverb focuses on character. More importantly it focuses on the lack of character and how God despises it. Consider prayerfully your own character. Are you able to choose the right thing even when it is the harder thing? Ask God to help you become a person with the character of Jesus. Extra Credit: Ask two people this week to evaluate your character. Is it a work in progress or are you taking short cuts hoping no one will notice?
John 20
The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle of God. When I try to put myself in the shoes of either Mary or Peter or any of the disciples I am overwhelmed. It is easy for us to put all the pieces together from Jesus’ teaching to expect the resurrection as the obvious next step after his death. For the disciples it was way to much to expect for them to understand it. They don’t get to see the whole picture. They only had pieces of the puzzle. I think that is how most of us live our faith walk with God. We have pieces of the puzzle but can’t see the whole picture. Events occur in our lives and we don’t see what God is doing until time has passed and sometimes we don’t even see it then. It sure makes me feel better that the disciples had to grow in their faith and understanding just like me.
Monday, June 1, 2009
May 31 - Week 18 - Robyn Watts
Genesis 37-38
I love these stories of the fathers of our faith. I'm grateful that God chose to tell their stories from a standpoint that I can relate to... they were far from perfect, yet God used them in spite of their imperfection. When I look at Joseph's beginnings I'm guessing he'd like to do some things differently from the start. Unfortunately, his pumped up view of himself began with how his father, Jacob, treated him. Once again we see favoritism in this family line... generational sin.... I'm guessing you have some in your family line just as I do.
So, I'm trying to envision Jacob actually interacting with his brothers in the way he did at the beginning of chapter 37. Did he have a clue that his brothers hated him (it does say they couldn't speak a kind word to him in verse 4) or was he oblivious? He told them not only the first dream, but then the second with seemingly no idea the impact he was having on his brothers. I wonder what his motivation was in telling them his dream? Was it innocent? Or did he purposefully want to aggravate them? I could see either being a sibling myself....
In the portion of the story starting in verse 12 when Joseph is sold by his brothers it struck me that this was no "ordinary" hate his brothers had built up against him. In verse 18 the Bible says, "But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him." Wow, didn't take them much time to come up with that evil plot! I wonder if that's the first time they came up with the idea that they should actually kill him or if that had been simmering awhile.
Thankfully, Reuben and Judah maintain their senses and vote against the killing. Let's just sell him to our enemies they say. And for 20 shekels the deed was done. However more deception followed as they return to their father....
And lest we believe our society has the unique corner on sexual sin.... chapter 38 proves people have struggled in this area as long as there has been a record of people!
Psalm 19
What beautiful and comforting words David gives us in this psalm. We are given a picture of who God is here.... words like perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, righteous, precious... in contrast to our sinful nature... verses 13-14 would be a great prayer for us to echo. "Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Amen.
Proverbs 19
Because of current things going on in my life, a couple verses really stand out to me in this proverb. I'm guessing that depending on what issues surround you different things stood out to you... verse 2 and 21 stand out the most to me... "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." and "Many are the plans in a man's (or woman's) heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I think the hardest part for me to grasp is what is really God and what is just my idea? I can sometimes even trick myself into thinking that it's God's idea when it's really just mine. For me, the key is time and patient prayer. I covet my time with God as He and I "chat" each morning. How are your times with God lately? Have you been able to be still to hear Him? I find that a supreme challenge for me.... to be still. As we head into summer I am becoming very convicted about our calendar. Things just seem to fill up the hours, days and weeks without me realizing what's happening (have you said to yourself as I have "the summer hasn't even gotten here and it's gone!). Maybe you will join me in the challenge of remembering God's presence... even on our "vacations".
John 19
I don't think I ever really appreciated what Jesus went through until I saw the movie "The Passion". The images in that movie come to the forefront of my mind whenever I read the crucifixion passages. My Bible goes from having many many red words to very few red words at this point. Jesus always chose his words so carefully. As a blabbermouth I am always in awe of Jesus' pointed way of communicating. Jesus' response to Pilate after he says, "Do you refuse to speak to me? Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
Jesus' response..."You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." (vs. 10-11) The power of God always humbles us, puts us in our place. How grateful I am that God's power is over all.
I sometimes wonder what my place would have been had I been alive. Would I have followed the crowd? Would I have believed Jesus? Admittedly, I'm thankful I have the benefit of the entire scriptures. I find no excuse for people now not to believe if they have heard. It's all there laid out for us in one handy book. Back then, even though I would have had the opportunity to walk the streets with Jesus, I'm not so sure I would have. What would I have thought of Jesus? A scary thought in some regards....
How wonderful for us that the story doesn't end at chapter 19! This is the hope we have.... evil demolished at the cross, Jesus victorious. We can walk in victory even here on Earth because of that day long ago that Jesus took all our sins upon himself.
I love these stories of the fathers of our faith. I'm grateful that God chose to tell their stories from a standpoint that I can relate to... they were far from perfect, yet God used them in spite of their imperfection. When I look at Joseph's beginnings I'm guessing he'd like to do some things differently from the start. Unfortunately, his pumped up view of himself began with how his father, Jacob, treated him. Once again we see favoritism in this family line... generational sin.... I'm guessing you have some in your family line just as I do.
So, I'm trying to envision Jacob actually interacting with his brothers in the way he did at the beginning of chapter 37. Did he have a clue that his brothers hated him (it does say they couldn't speak a kind word to him in verse 4) or was he oblivious? He told them not only the first dream, but then the second with seemingly no idea the impact he was having on his brothers. I wonder what his motivation was in telling them his dream? Was it innocent? Or did he purposefully want to aggravate them? I could see either being a sibling myself....
In the portion of the story starting in verse 12 when Joseph is sold by his brothers it struck me that this was no "ordinary" hate his brothers had built up against him. In verse 18 the Bible says, "But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him." Wow, didn't take them much time to come up with that evil plot! I wonder if that's the first time they came up with the idea that they should actually kill him or if that had been simmering awhile.
Thankfully, Reuben and Judah maintain their senses and vote against the killing. Let's just sell him to our enemies they say. And for 20 shekels the deed was done. However more deception followed as they return to their father....
And lest we believe our society has the unique corner on sexual sin.... chapter 38 proves people have struggled in this area as long as there has been a record of people!
Psalm 19
What beautiful and comforting words David gives us in this psalm. We are given a picture of who God is here.... words like perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, righteous, precious... in contrast to our sinful nature... verses 13-14 would be a great prayer for us to echo. "Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Amen.
Proverbs 19
Because of current things going on in my life, a couple verses really stand out to me in this proverb. I'm guessing that depending on what issues surround you different things stood out to you... verse 2 and 21 stand out the most to me... "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." and "Many are the plans in a man's (or woman's) heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I think the hardest part for me to grasp is what is really God and what is just my idea? I can sometimes even trick myself into thinking that it's God's idea when it's really just mine. For me, the key is time and patient prayer. I covet my time with God as He and I "chat" each morning. How are your times with God lately? Have you been able to be still to hear Him? I find that a supreme challenge for me.... to be still. As we head into summer I am becoming very convicted about our calendar. Things just seem to fill up the hours, days and weeks without me realizing what's happening (have you said to yourself as I have "the summer hasn't even gotten here and it's gone!). Maybe you will join me in the challenge of remembering God's presence... even on our "vacations".
John 19
I don't think I ever really appreciated what Jesus went through until I saw the movie "The Passion". The images in that movie come to the forefront of my mind whenever I read the crucifixion passages. My Bible goes from having many many red words to very few red words at this point. Jesus always chose his words so carefully. As a blabbermouth I am always in awe of Jesus' pointed way of communicating. Jesus' response to Pilate after he says, "Do you refuse to speak to me? Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
Jesus' response..."You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." (vs. 10-11) The power of God always humbles us, puts us in our place. How grateful I am that God's power is over all.
I sometimes wonder what my place would have been had I been alive. Would I have followed the crowd? Would I have believed Jesus? Admittedly, I'm thankful I have the benefit of the entire scriptures. I find no excuse for people now not to believe if they have heard. It's all there laid out for us in one handy book. Back then, even though I would have had the opportunity to walk the streets with Jesus, I'm not so sure I would have. What would I have thought of Jesus? A scary thought in some regards....
How wonderful for us that the story doesn't end at chapter 19! This is the hope we have.... evil demolished at the cross, Jesus victorious. We can walk in victory even here on Earth because of that day long ago that Jesus took all our sins upon himself.
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