New beginnings, God’s saving grace, and delighting in His Word to solidify our Christian walk. The complete salvation plan of God for us comes to life in just these few short verses!
Noticing Adam told God that He gave Eve “to be with me.” She was not given as a possession, but they were in it together. It’s never a good idea to withdrawal or isolate from others, we need each other. If you see a snake, be the voice of reason, but ensure your warning is delivered with compassion…some snakes are simply harmless sticks. Personally, I error to the side of caution, but when dealing with others, wisdom prevails. Either way, Adam’s silence purchased a fur coat and a lot of whoa, whoa, whoas…but my God already had a plan in His mind!
“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.“ Matthew 3:15 Jesus set the example in all things, especially submission.
In today’s reading, I took notice that Noah was told to be fruitful (twice) before God ever started talking about covenants. Also, one of my favorite sayings is that, while Jesus was hungry after fasting for 40 days and could have very well turned stone to bread, he leaned on the Word, trusting the process, and didn’t take any shortcuts. Finally, we see the would-be disciples busy fishing and mending their nets when Jesus called them. Do all the things (at minimum, the Rule of 5), be fruitful, and most importantly be who you are, with all of your talents and abilities. God has established his covenant in your life, and trusted you to populate the Earth with this wonderful message! I believe in you and rejoice with you!
So much in today’s reading, I know God is already talking to you! The error (or vanity) of the people came when they thought “to make us a name.” Centuries later, we have been given the Name above every name, the only name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved! That at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow…and every tongue will confess that he is Lord. Before Jesus delivered the beatitudes (Matt. 4:25), we see people that had been scattered, return to hear the One with that Name. What an amazing message they heard that day! You are blessed!
I find it funny that not far removed from the generation that named the animals like cat and dog, also named their children things like Arphaxad! But seriously, Abram came out of Egypt with possessions and wealth, but still returned to the altar. He recognized where his blessings came from. When it was time to move, he built another altar, keeping God (and worship) first!
From Matthew 5, “Raca” “was in common use as expressing not anger only but insolent contempt. The temper condemned is that in which anger has so far gained the mastery that we no longer recognize a “brother” in the man who has offended us, but look on him with malignant scorn.” Bitterness and jealousy is crafty and floods in quickly. Keeping a right spirit and rejoicing for our brethren help to abate any harbored feelings!
A byproduct (or essentially, THE product) of the original covenant was that ALL the nations of the earth would be blessed. That was missed throughout the ages as religiosity claimed ownership of God. The intent was to set the example for a heathenistic society and lead them to the One True God!
Abraham pleaded for mercy in God’s judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, but stopped short. Had he asked to save the city for one righteous, God may have spared them. How can I make such a statement? Jesus made a special trip, sat by a well at the hottest part of the day, to speak with a woman (whose lineage was shunned and actions were appalling). That one woman may have saved her entire city that day! The “one” could be the key to Kingdom growth! Which one? The one that you come into contact with today!
Things from our past can make us salty! Things we have done, relationships, hobbies, entertainment, and those things that do not edify a Representative of the King. I declare 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Don’t look back!!
Something to keep in mind, Isaac was just as obedient as Abraham. This was not a small child as some illustrations depict. This was a young man who could have fought, or even made a run for it!
Jesus came to the shore And forgives a man, asking if it’s easier to forgive sins, or to heal the man. All that was required was that they came to him with faith. Jesus paid for our healing the same day that he paid for our salvation! If you believe in His salvation, believe also in His healing. “The works that I do, you will do and greater works than these!”
It also endues (to clothe with) power (Luke24:49). For what purpose? To be witnesses (Acts 1:8). We not only inherit a reward, but we have inherited the Family Business! The best way to battle carnality and embrace our Birthright is to “be about our Father’s business!”
Genesis 27:40 reads, “and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.” Scholars have pointed to the prophetic nature of this verse toward Edom’s dependency on Judah. In the duality of prophecy, Isaac may also had a direct message for his son. “Listen here, Bubba. Whenever you are able to forgive your brother and release all of the hatred in your heart…you will truly be free! Now go git me some more deer meat!” (Munson Revised Version) We learned last night that dominion is not domination, but is defined as sovereignty or control. Luke 10:19-20 states, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Dominion begins when we exercise self-control. Give it a try and declare your God-given power over the biggest enemy…yourself.
”Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.“ Matthew 11:29 NLT translates it, “Let me teach you”. The yoke is a coupling and can be defined as servitude (which, with the right attitude would not be an issue, see Romans 12:1-2 for reasonable service/spiritual worship). Strong’s 2218 also defines the yoke as the beam of balance. For balance in a chaotic environment, we must allow Jesus to teach us! “[Jesus] alone was what he claimed to teach, therefore he alone could teach it properly, and therefore from him alone could they learn that type of character which they ought to develop.” Are we learning what He is trying to teach us today? Rejoice in the Rest!!
Today we read how Jacob separated all that he had: his family, his servants, his livestock. This was done to preserve life. In Jacob‘s mind, if Esau attacked one group, the other group would survive. He also sent ahead many gifts to appease Esau’s anger, and there was no doubt that he was angry before he had left. Jesus taught us that a house divided against itself cannot stand. I have fought against what God was trying to do in my life. Even at the time, when I thought it was the right thing to do, it was not the Will of God. We have times like these, and we try to make it up to God by making promises and serving self-assigned penance, but Jesus says, “I have enough. Just bring yourself. Come here and let me love on you! I have missed you.” It doesn’t matter what distant land you have found yourself in or how long it’s been, Jesus will always come running out to meet you!
What stood out to me today is how Joseph’s brothers brought his coat to their father and never said that Joseph was killed. All they did was bring that rent, bloody garment and asked Israel if this was his son’s coat. Everyone knew that was Joseph’s coat! From that moment, Israel’s imagination went wild, he thought horrible things, and made assumptions. This is the subtlety of our enemy. He will come speaking a thought or an idea; maybe even a truth or a half-truth. Then our thoughts and imaginations begin to run wild! Scenarios are born where there is no substance. Paul wrote, “casting down imaginations…and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” Squelch the voice of jealousy, think good things today, and guard your heart!
We have found a treasure in this wonderful truth! It is more valuable than dealing falsely with someone. It is more precious, than betraying trust. The kingdom of heaven is worth any price. “The upright will see His face.” I value each of you as an important part of the Kingdom!
In Googleville, USA, instant gratification is the norm. We want everything now, but God’s timing is perfect! Had Pharaoh release Joseph immediately, he would have went home…and countless may have starved. Two years seems like an eternity, but I have waited double that (or more) for an answer, and the answer was not what I wanted. Trust in God’s timing and His plan, it will work out wonderfully for you and those around you (Jeremiah 29:11). Traditions. In Matthew 15, Jesus exposes the weakness of Judaism. Over time, traditions and practices taught diluted the message of the King of kings. It’s no surprise that the New Testament message faced additions, subtractions, and counsels to determine whether portions of scripture are relevant. At the end of time, the books will be opened. My challenge to traditions is what does the Bible say!!
It appears that Judah is in charge of this trip in today’s reading and everything is going swimmingly…until Joseph intervenes. We know that Judah (Hebrew: Yehudah) comes from the verb לְהודות (pronounced: Lehodot), which simply means “to thank.” In the context of the Hebrew Bible, such thanks are synonymous not just with gratitude, but with praise. When faced with difficulties, act with praise. When falsely accused, respond with thanks (wha?! Yep, I said it). When pleading for mercy, begin with praise. Jesus said, “that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.“ Whenever we lead with praise, it’s harder to “defile” ourselves with the words that come next! “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”
“Shepherds” are still an abomination in “Egypt”. Pray for Pastor and church leadership today!
I turned this in for Purpose Institute. It’s thought provoking, if nothing else. “In the minds of most people of the day, they were awaiting a military leader, a King to save them from the oppression of Roman rule. Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world and the process through which He had to overcome would be misunderstood by many. Only when the big picture was complete were the disciples able to explain to the multitudes who Jesus was, the purpose of the Christ and His Kingdom, and how these events have made it possible to lay claim on eternal life. In addition to the above explanation, I feel like Jesus was biding His time. Romans would be after him as “King” and religious leaders would come after him earlier than He wanted for blasphemy. He wanted the focus to be on the message and not on being the “Messiah”. Maybe His followers would stop the crucifixion and rise against religious leaders if they knew he was Messiah. Also, the religious leaders might not have pursued death if the majority was against them. In Spiritual matters, we often refer to “God’s perfect timing.”
I love the story of the tribute in the fish’s mouth. Jesus states that the king’s children are free from such a requirement, but pays it, “lest we offend them.” Offenses will come (Matt. 18). Our response will either cause our character to grow, or plant a seed of bitterness. Causing offense to others is a different story. “No man is exonerated from the guilt of giving offence. He has free will; he can choose good; he can use the means of grace; he can strengthen his natural weakness, control his perverseness, overcome corruption, by the help of God always ready to be given to them who seek.” I have apologized to people for things I didn’t do, or things I didn’t think was fair to take the blame for. My gut reaction was “Get over it!” Proverbs declares, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city:” A brother…now imagine a stranger who is seeking a life-changing experience with the Savior. Try your best and be quick to make things right. How many times have we been offensive to Jesus…and He keeps taking us back!!
”But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.“ This verse is echoed in the parable of Matthew 20, “Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.” Living for God all of your life is a blessing! Rejoicing with a new convert will bring you a whole new level of joy!! Though this joy depends on your perception. Make it a point to greet a visitor today!!
I pursue encouragement and I love all y’all. I have submitted to our wonderful Youth Pastor and Sister Youth Pastor to kick me out of this group should they see fit. I cannot get Job 13 out of my spirit this morning and I weep for those that have come to a place of healing, only to be criticized and condemned. Please, please approach every soul with compassion. We never know what someone else is going through. It is not that I think anyone here would do anything to intentionally hurt someone, but verse 5 should be utilized in a lot of situations. I (still) hope you have a great week!! Wonderful Youth Pastor has my number, I am standing by for correction and instruction in righteousness.