Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Sunday, January 10, 2010 
 
Read Genesis 28 -- 30

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Be sure to grasp the incredible Truth found here in the mighty Abrahamic Covenant (one of the greatest honors God ever gives). Abrahamic Covenant confirmed to Jacob; vision of Jacob's ladder; journey to Haran; Jacob's marriages to Leah and to Rachel.
Verses for Today:

And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. . . . And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed. . . . And, behold, I am with thee . . . for I will not leave thee (Gen. 28:10,12-13,15).
When Isaac realized that God had overruled his scheme to confer the God-ordained birthright of Jacob upon Esau, he trembled very exceedingly (27:33). He quickly conferred with Rebekah — not to accuse her of any wrongdoing but to decide how best to plan for Jacob's future. If Jacob were to marry an idol-worshiping woman, as Esau had done, Rebekah's concern was: What good shall my life do me? (27:46). Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him . . . Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. . . . Go to Padan-aram . . . take . . . a wife from . . . the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people (28:1-3). This blessing showed how wrong Isaac had been in trying to defraud Jacob.
Isaac lived 43 years after going against the plan of God, but there is no record of his being used of God again. Yet, for Jacob, his remarkable blessings began on his first night away from home. Without map or companion, but according to the exact plan of God, Jacob left home on his journey of more than 500 miles and arrived safely in Padan-aram. God marvelously guided him to Rachel and the home of his mother's father; and (to) take . . . a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee. Jacob received a warm welcome when he arrived at their home.

Just as it is with everyone who lives to please the Lord, Jacob's life was set apart for God's purpose. When Christians realize this truth, their attitude toward their marriage partner, workplace, physical limitations, and hardships will be seen later as necessary to prepare them in fulfilling the will of God.

Thought for Today:

All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).
Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph who was born (Gen. 30:23-24) to save and preserve his people (50:20). Jesus was born to offer eternal life to all mankind (41:56-57).
Word Studies:

28:1 charged =commanded; 28:11 lighted upon =came to; 28:15 keep thee =watch over you with care; 28:17 How dreadful is this place =what an awesome, wonderful, holy place; 28:18 poured oil upon =anointed; 28:19 Bethel =house of God; 29:3 mouth =opening; 29:7 high =early in the; 29:12 brother =relative; 29:17 tender eyed =unattractive; 29:25 beguiled =deceived; 29:26 It must not be so done =it is not customary; 29:31 hated =unloved; opened her womb =enabled her to have children; 30:18 hire =reward; 30:23 reproach =humiliation, disgrace; 30:28 appoint =name; 30:36 journey betwixt =distance between; 30:37 pilled =eeled.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Roy Blunt (MO), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA), Rep. Lois Capps (CA), Sen. Mark Pryor (AR), Rep. Bill Shuster (PA), Rep. Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. (MD), and Rep. Greg Walden (OR) • Country: South Africa (42.6 million) on the southern tip of the African continent • Major languages: Afrikaans and English • Religious freedom • 76% Christian; 1% Muslim; 1% Hindu; 15% Traditional; .5% Jewish; 6.5% None/Other (Baha'i, Jain, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Confucian) • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your heart to God in prayer (Lam. 3:41).
Optional Reading: Matthew 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4

[Judy Harder]

January 11, 2010 

Read Genesis 31 -- 33

Highlights In Today's Reading:

An exciting climax to the personal problems and struggles Jacob has encountered in his life and thus far overcome. Laban and his sons are jealous of Jacob's blessings. Jacob flees; covenant between Laban and Jacob; Jacob's intense wrestling in prayer; God changes his name to Israel. Esau and 400 men are coming (32:3-21; 33:1).
Verses for Today:

He said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed (Gen. 32:28).
God, in a remarkable way, had blessed Jacob in many ways during his 20 years working for Laban. But the greed and jealousy of Laban and his sons resulted in a hostile attitude toward Jacob, the servant of God. The LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers . . . and I will be with thee. . . . I am the God of Bethel, where thou . . . vowedst a vow (made a pledge) unto Me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred (31:3,13).
Jacob left Laben with his 2 wives, 2 concubines, 11 sons and 1 daughter, and many servants and flocks. Esau, who had maliciously threatened to kill Jacob (27:41-45), was approaching with 400 men and Jacob was greatly afraid (32:3,6-7).

Jacob was left alone and he earnestly prayed all night, reminding the Lord that He had said: Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee (32:9). There is a lesson to be learned from Jacob. We need to know what God has said, and then we too need to rely on His promises. Most important, Jacob was praying for the fulfillment of the Covenant promise concerning the Messiah that God had made to His grandfather Abraham (22:18; 26:4; comp. Acts 3:25).

This godly servant of the Lord spent the night alone with God, prevailing in prayer. Following this, he was conferred with the highest honor given by God to any man in Old Testament history: Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed (overcome) (Gen. 32:28).

Through the centuries, the people of God would be called by his name — Israelites. Through his son Judah, Jesus the Messiah was promised (49:10).

Strive to enter in at the strait (narrow) gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able (Luke 13:24; Matthew 7:13-14). We too are in a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ our Savior and our Mediator, who declared that the Christian life also requires struggle.

Thought for Today:

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
Christ Revealed:

As the Angel (Messenger) of God who guides and provides our necessities (Gen. 31:11-13; Matt. 6:33; John 10:30).
Word Studies:

31:2 not toward him =not favorable; 31:7 suffered =permitted; 31:15 counted of him =considered by him as; devoured also our money =spent the money he got for us as dowries; 31:18 of his getting =which he acquired; 31:19 images =household idols; 31:30 longedst after =are homesick for; 31:31 peradventure =perhaps; 31:34 furniture =saddle; 31:36 wroth =angry; chode with =reprimanded; 31:50 afflict =mistreat; 31:52 over =beyond; 32:8 smite =attack; 32:10 bands =camps; 32:12 seed =descendants; 32:13 came to his hand =he had received; 32:15 kine =cows; 32:16 drove =herd; 32:21 company =camp; 32:31 halted =limped; 33:2 hindermost =last; 33:13 tender =weak, frail; 33:14 softly =slowly; 33:17 booths =temporary shelters.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Elizabeth Farace • Staff: Bernice Rathbone (retired) • Government Official: Rep. Michael Turner (OH) • Country: South Korea (46.9 million) in northeastern Asia • Major languages: Korean and English • Religious freedom • 48% Christian; 40% Buddhist; 3% Confucian; 9% Shamanism; Chodogyo, Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for godly discernment to know His will (Ezek. 44:23).
Optional Reading: Matthew 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4
 

[Judy Harder]

January 12, 2010   

Read Genesis 34 -- 36

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Don't miss the real reason Dinah was disgraced; Jacob's return to Bethel; Abrahamic Covenant renewed with Jacob; Jacob told to return to Bethel (the House of God), but stops at Succoth; When we're out of the perfect will of God we're susceptible to sinful harm (chap. 34); The household "cleans up," throws out strange gods, heads home, and worships God (35:1-7).; Jacob has a famous name change! (35:9-15); Rachel's death.
Verses for Today:

And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went (Gen. 35:3)
God had said to Jacob: Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee (31:3). But when Jacob arrived at the well-watered plains of Succoth, he built himself a house (33:17) and settled down with the Canaanites near the convenient markets of Shechem (33:18) rather than going on to Bethel and his relatives.
By doing so, he "temporarily postponed" the vow which he had made to God about 20 years earlier (28:20-21). We have no record that the Lord ever spoke to Jacob during the years he was at Succoth. But we do read that Jacob's family became friends with the Canaanites — a compromise that led to a series of immoral events (34:2,25-29).

After these tragedies, Jacob again turned to God. Realizing that drastic changes were needed in his half-heathen family before his worship could be accepted, he told them: Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went (35:2-3).

In their attempt to gain possessions and other worldly advantages, many have postponed doing the will of God. As a result, they no longer have a godly influence on others. Tragedies are often used of God to cause us to realize that we have drifted away from doing His will.

How easy it is to be diverted from the path God chose for us and consequently forfeit His blessings. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Prov. 4:23).

Love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (I Tim. 6:10).

Thought for Today:

Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (II Cor. 6:17).
Christ Revealed:

As God Almighty, El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One (Gen. 35:11). Jesus is the Lord . . . which is . . . the Almighty (Rev. 1:.
Word Studies:

34:2 defiled =raped; 34:3 his soul clave unto =his heart was set on; (see 34:4,12); 34:7 wrought folly in =wrought dishonor and shame into; 34:19 deferred not =did not delay; 34:20 gate =place of administration; 34:27 spoiled =plundered; 35:1 Bethel =ouse of God; 35:2 strange =false; 35:12 seed = descendants; 36:7 bear =support; 36:15 dukes =chiefs of the tribes.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX) • Country: Spain (39.6 million) in southwestern Europe • Major languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan • Limited religious freedom • 85% Roman Catholicism; 1% Islam; .5% Protestant; .5% Jehovah's Witness; 13% Other (Mormon, Jewish, Secular Humanist) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray daily to your Father in heaven (Dan. 6:10).
Optional Reading: Matthew 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4

[Judy Harder]

January 13, 2010   
 
Read Genesis 37 -- 39

Highlights In Today's Reading:

You may weep as you read about Joseph who foreshadows Christ. Both are especially loved by their fathers but hated by their brethren. Joseph's dreams result in him being sold into slavery. God could have kept Joseph out of prison, instead He accompanies him through his captivity (Gen. 39:2-3;21-23). Judah and Tamar; the deceit of Potiphar's wife; Joseph imprisoned.
Verses for Today:

His master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master . . . hath committed all that he hath to my hand. . . . neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Gen. 39:7-9).
Joseph had been sold as a slave in Egypt. Day after day, his Egyptian master's wife tried to get Joseph to commit adultery (39:10). Joseph did not accuse or expose this woman for her evil intentions; he simply considered his own responsibility as a servant of God, saying: How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Joseph purposed to be loyal to the trust of his earthly master and would not sin against his Heavenly Master.
Driven by hate and revenge over Joseph's refusal to yield to her lust, she attempted to have him destroyed. But Joseph would not compromise his convictions — for her pleasure or for his. He remained faithful to the Lord. In time, God wonderfully blessed Joseph.

The Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison. . . . The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper (39:21-23). Later Pharaoh called Joseph out of prison and made him ruler over all Egypt, second only to himself (41:40-41).

When we remain faithful to Christ and submit to Him as Lord and Master of our lives, God will wonderfully bless us. What? know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body (I Cor. 6:19-20). We must be willing to do His will — regardless of the consequences.

Thought for Today:

Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart (Ps. 119:2).
Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph,who was rejected by his own brothers, sold for 20 pieces of silver to Gentiles, and unjustly imprisoned, but who eventually became their savior and a world ruler (Gen. 37:28; 41:39-40). Jesus came unto His own (people), and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God (John 1:11-12). He will return victoriously to rule the world (Rev. 19:11-16; 22:3).
Word Studies:

37:2 evil report =of sinful things they were doing; 37:7 made obeisance =bowed in respect; 37:11 observed =pondered; 37:22 rid =rescue; 37:29 rent =tore his clothes as an act of grief; 37:34 sackcloth = coarse, loose cloth worn as a sign of mourning; 38:2 took =married; 38:18 signet =ring bearing seal with which official documents were stamped; 38:24 whoredom =prostitution; 39:14 mock =disgrace.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Harold Bartley • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Country: Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) (19 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India • Major languages: Sinhala and Tamil • Christianity suppressed • 69% Buddhist; 15% Hindu; 8% Christian (mostly Catholic); 7% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins to the Lord; He is merciful and forgiving (Dan. 9:4-9).
Optional Reading: Matthew 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 40 -- 42

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The thrilling as well as horrifying events follow Joseph's God-given gift of dream interpretation. His own dreams had led him to being sold as a slave and later to a powerful position in Egypt. Joseph's brothers were forced to buy corn (grain) from Joseph in Egypt and they bow down to him. In Egypt, his interpretation of dreams result in him being able to preserve the lives of his brothers.
Verses for Today:

Shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharoah. . . . For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon (Gen. 40:14-15).
As a teenager, Joseph was misunderstood, hated, and sold as a slave by his brothers to Ishmaelite traders (37:2,23-28). He was taken by them to Egypt and sold again in the slave market to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officers (39:1). Because of the false accusations of Potiphar's wife, Joseph was put in prison, where he remained for several years. While he was there, his feet were severely injured by shackles (Ps. 105:17-18).
Although Joseph had not committed any crime, he was treated cruelly. But through it all, he had confidence that the Lord was with him (Gen. 39:21-23) and, in God's time, Pharoah sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. . . . And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art. . . . See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt (41;14,39,41).

Just think! God used the hatred of Joseph's brothers and the vengeance of his Egyptian master's wife to mature Joseph and prepare him to protect and provide every need for the people of God. Joseph's release from prison was perfectly timed by God. After Joseph revealed the extent of the famine and the need of supervision (41:32-38), Pharaoh said: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou (41:40).

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33).

There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity or being prepared to be used by the Lord. Consequently, He allows His servants to experience trials, hardships, suffering, before bringing deliverance. But the timing of God is always perfect.

Thought for Today:

After someone has been as cruel to us as Joseph's brother were to him, will we say: Do good to them . . . and pray for them (Matt. 5:44)?
Christ Revealed:

By the wisdom of Joseph (Gen. 41:39). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3).
Word Studies:

40:1 butler =cupbearer, chief servant officer; 40:3 in ward =in custody; 41:3 ill favoured =cery skinny; brink =bank; 41:5 rank =large full grain; 41:6 blasted =blighted; 41:18 fatfleshed =fine looking; 41:33 discreet =of wisdom and discernment; 41:35 hand =authority; 41:47 by handfuls =abundantly; 41:54 dearth =famine; 41:56 waxed sore =became severe; 42:7 made himself strange unto them =acted as a stranger to them; 42:15 proved =tested; 42:21 besought =begged; 42:34 traffick-do business.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Rep. Michael McCaul (TX) • Country: St. Kitts-Nevis (42,000) in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 74% Protestant; 7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Commit your fears to the Lord; He will give you peace and strength (Dan. 10:19).
Optional Reading: Matthew 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4

[Judy Harder]

January 15, 2010 

Read Genesis 43 -- 45

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jacob's sons, including Benjamin, return to Egypt for food. Can you imagine the emotions flowing through the minds of Joseph's brothers as he reveals himself to them? Jacob informed that Joseph is still alive and is the governor of Egypt.
Verses for Today:

I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. . . . So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God (Gen. 45:4-5,8).
Imagine the astonishment of Joseph's brothers when the Egyptian ruler suddenly said: I am Joseph! Needless to say, they were troubled at his presence (45:3), because they feared that he would have them put to death.
Their fears crowded out the natural inclination to rejoice that their brother was alive. He further assured them: Thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near to me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty (45:10-11). But it was not until he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them, that his brethren talked with him (45:15).

They lived for 17 years in Egypt near Joseph after surviving the years of famine.

But after Jacob had died, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him (50:15). His brothers expected Joseph's revenge.

But Joseph convinced them of his forgiving love when he said he would continue to care for them. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and apake kindly unto them. . . . And Joseph said unto his brethren . . . God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob (50:19-24).

God is merciful to every sinner. As we go through years of experience, we realize His forgiveness and mercy — even though we are as unworthy as Joseph's brothers.

Thought for Today:

Oh, how we need to develop a forgiving love toward others!
Christ Revealed:

Through Joseph's dealings with his brothers. Christ deals with us in such a way as to bring about our confession of sin and a recognition of His forgiving love. In a similar way, He reveals His sovereignty over the affairs of life (Gen. 45:5-8,15; compare Rom. 5:8; Eph. 1:17,20-22).
Word Studies:

43:1 sore =severe; 43:6 ill =badly; 43:7 straitly =specifically; tenor =he merely answered his questions; 43:17 bade =ordered; 43:25 the present against Joseph =present-gifts; against =before; 43:28 made obeisance =bowed low in respect; 43:30 bowels =heart; upon =toward; 43:32 set on for him =set a place for him; abomination =detestable thing; 43:34 messes =servings; 44:10 servant =slave; 44:15 can . . . divine =could be able to know; 44:34 evil =suffering; 45:3 troubled =terrified; 45:6 earing =lowing; 45:17 lade =load; 45:18 fat =best; 45:24 fall not out =o not quarrel.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Elizabeth James and Peter Bell Jr. • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Country: Sudan (28.9 million) at the eastern end of the Sahara Desert • Major languages: Arabic and Nubian • Limited religious freedom • 70% Sunni Muslim; 19% Christian; 10% Traditional; 1% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's forgiveness with a repentant heart, knowing that God will graciously receive you (Hos. 14:1-2).
Optional Reading: Matthew 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4

[Judy Harder]

January 16, 2010   

Read Genesis 46 -- 48

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jacob's vision at Beersheba; journey to Egypt; best land given to Jacob; Joseph and the famine; Joseph's sons blessed. Read the stirring details of how God used Joseph to dramatically save the small Israelite family from extinction.
Verses for Today:

Pharoah spake unto Joseph, saying. . . . in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell (Gen. 47:5-6).
The Israelites (Jacob, his 12 sons, and their families — a total of 70 people) settled in Egypt in the land of Goshen (46:27-28). And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them . . . the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. . . . And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly (47-11-12,27).
For many years, they enjoyed the prosperity of Egypt, but they eventually became involved in Egypt's sin of idol worship and lost sight of the promise of God who would bless them if they lived in obedience to Him. Eventually, they became enslaved by the nation that had once welcomed them. Even after the Exodus, many of the Israelites continued to worship the idols of Egypt (Acts 7:39-43).

Egypt was symbolic of the world with its many good things that so often keep the people of God from doing His will. The Lord has instructed us as His people: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (I John 2:15).

Satan directs all his strength and deception to capture our hearts' interest and keep us from being devoted to the Lord.

Our life on earth is only a pilgrimage; God never intended that we stay here permanently. Godliness with contentment is great gain. . . . And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (I Tim. 6:6-9).

Our purpose is to prepare ourselves for the purpose and the plan of God for our lives. It is of utmost importance that we not become sidetracked by material prosperity and lose eternal rewards.

Thought for Today:

Therefore I love Thy Commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold (Ps. 119:127).
Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph, who was placed by God second only to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:39-40) in order to sustain life and give provision (47:15-17). Jesus said: The Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:33).
Word Studies:

46:4 shall put his hand upon thine eyes =will close your eyes when you die; 47:4 sore =severe; 47:6 of activity =skillfull at their craft; 47:13 fainted =suffered, were exhausted; 47:18 not ought =nothing; 47:20 prevailed over them =continued to be severe; 47:21 removed them =loved them as servants; 48:6 issue, which thou begettest =your children; 48:10 were dim =became blind; 48:14 guiding his hands wittingly =crossing his hands intentionally.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter W. Swanson • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Suriname (431,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: Dutch and English • Very limited religious freedom • 27% Hindu; 22% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 20% Muslim; 6% witchcraft and spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Fast, sanctify yourself, and unite in prayer with others as you cry unto the Lord (Joel 1:14).
Optional Reading: Matthew 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4

[Judy Harder]

January 17, 2010 

Read Genesis 46 -- 48

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jacob's vision at Beersheba; journey to Egypt; best land given to Jacob; Joseph and the famine; Joseph's sons blessed. Read the stirring details of how God used Joseph to dramatically save the small Israelite family from extinction.
Verses for Today:

Pharoah spake unto Joseph, saying. . . . in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell (Gen. 47:5-6).
The Israelites (Jacob, his 12 sons, and their families — a total of 70 people) settled in Egypt in the land of Goshen (46:27-28). And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them . . . the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. . . . And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly (47-11-12,27).
For many years, they enjoyed the prosperity of Egypt, but they eventually became involved in Egypt's sin of idol worship and lost sight of the promise of God who would bless them if they lived in obedience to Him. Eventually, they became enslaved by the nation that had once welcomed them. Even after the Exodus, many of the Israelites continued to worship the idols of Egypt (Acts 7:39-43).

Egypt was symbolic of the world with its many good things that so often keep the people of God from doing His will. The Lord has instructed us as His people: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (I John 2:15).

Satan directs all his strength and deception to capture our hearts' interest and keep us from being devoted to the Lord.

Our life on earth is only a pilgrimage; God never intended that we stay here permanently. Godliness with contentment is great gain. . . . And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (I Tim. 6:6-9).

Our purpose is to prepare ourselves for the purpose and the plan of God for our lives. It is of utmost importance that we not become sidetracked by material prosperity and lose eternal rewards.

Thought for Today:

Therefore I love Thy Commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold (Ps. 119:127).
Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph, who was placed by God second only to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:39-40) in order to sustain life and give provision (47:15-17). Jesus said: The Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:33).
Word Studies:

46:4 shall put his hand upon thine eyes =will close your eyes when you die; 47:4 sore =severe; 47:6 of activity =skillfull at their craft; 47:13 fainted =suffered, were exhausted; 47:18 not ought =nothing; 47:20 prevailed over them =continued to be severe; 47:21 removed them =loved them as servants; 48:6 issue, which thou begettest =your children; 48:10 were dim =became blind; 48:14 guiding his hands wittingly =crossing his hands intentionally.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter W. Swanson • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Suriname (431,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: Dutch and English • Very limited religious freedom • 27% Hindu; 22% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 20% Muslim; 6% witchcraft and spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Fast, sanctify yourself, and unite in prayer with others as you cry unto the Lord (Joel 1:14).
Optional Reading: Matthew 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4

 

[Judy Harder]

Monday, January 18, 2010   
 
Read Exodus 2 -- 4
Highlights In Today's Reading:

Moses' flight into Midian; the burning bush; his commission to free the nation of Israel; his return to Egypt. Moses was a type of Christ. Both were endangered in infancy. Both were deliverers and mediators.
Verse for Today:

It was in the desert that the Lord appeared to Moses and said: Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground (Ex. 3:5).
Moses, as the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter, enjoyed the luxury of the Egyptian palace and received all the privileges and opportunities of administrative training. It appears that he could have been the next pharaoh of Egypt.
Moses was 40 years old when he executed the cruel Egyptian who was smiting (striking, beating) an Hebrew, one of his brethen (2:11-12). This probably was Moses' legal right since he was of the royal household and possibly second only to Pharaoh in administering justice. Moses was in the prime of his life and it would seem to be the ideal time for God to use him to set His people free from their slavery and suffering.

Instead it was the will of God that Moses flee Egypt, followed by 40 years as a shepherd in a desert wilderness. With the Lord such time is never wasted. Possibly in an Egyptian palace he was too busy and too important. However, both experiences — administration in the palace and being humbled by God in the desert — were vital in preparing him to be the person God could use to lead His people out of Egypt.

After his training in the desert, God said to Moses: I have . . . seen the affliction of My people . . . and have heard their cry by reason of the taskmasters; And I am come down . . . to bring them up out of that land . . . unto a good land . . . flowing with milk and honey. . . . Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh . . . (to) bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt (3:6-10).

The wisdom of the world alone cannot qualify us to serve the Lord. We must be led by the Holy Spirit through reading His Word and being obedient to its truth. Like Moses, our most basic need is to recognize the danger of self-sufficiency.

God declared His all-sufficiency as the great I AM (3:14) to deliver them from bondage. Moses exposed his fears by asking that God choose someone else.

Oh, how often we use the same excuses that Moses used, saying we are not qualified. But the real key is to trust God — not ourselves — for our sufficiency is of God (II Cor. 3:5).

Thought for Today:

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise . . . That no flesh should glory in His presence (I Cor. 1:27,29).
Christ Revealed:

As the I AM THAT I AM who commissioned Moses (Ex. 3:13-14; compare Heb. 13:. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58).
Word Studies:

2:3 flags =deeds; 2:18 Reuel =Jethro; 2:23 bondage =severe oppression; 2:25 had respect unto =was concerned about; 3:18 hearken =believe and obey; 3:22 spoil =take the best of their valuables; 4:10 of a slow tongue =not qualified; 4:16 to thee instead of a mouth =your spokesman.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Kathleen King • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD), Rep. Kay Granger (TX), Rep. Michael Michaud (ME), Gov. Martin O'Malley (MD), and Rep. Charlie Wilson (OH) • Country: Sweden (8.09 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Swedish • Religious freedom • 90% Evangelical Lutheran; 1.5% Roman Catholic; 1% Pentecostal; 4% Muslim; 3.5% Other (Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray when distressed and afflicted (Jon. 2:2).
Optional Reading: Matthew 18

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:5

[Judy Harder]

January 19, 2010 

Read Exodus 5 -- 7

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Step by step the battle intensifies as Pharaoh brashly questions: Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice? (5:2). Aaron to speak for Moses; Moses' rod turned into a snake; the plague of blood.
Verses for Today:

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out . . . and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you. . . . I am the Lord (Ex. 6:6,8).
God had demanded that Pharaoh set His people free. But instead, Pharoah said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. . . . Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let (prevent) the people from their works? . . . And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale (daily quota) of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof (5:2-8).
Moses' immediate reaction to God was: Why is it that Thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy Name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast Thou delivered Thy people at all (5:22-23).

When Moses cried out: "Why, Lord?," God reminded him who He was and said unto him, I am the Lord (6:2) meaning: "I am the One who knows what is best." What is important for us to know is that God is the unchangeable, loving, Almighty, all-wise God of Truth. He assured Moses: I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage . . . I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you . . . your God (6:6-7).

While the Israelites had a need of being set free, they had a greater need to exercise faith in the Word of God. So often we allow circumstances to become our focus instead of God.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness (Isa. 41:10).

The Almighty, Sovereign Ruler of the universe is fully capable of taking care of His people. We can rest assured that He sees and knows our needs and will strengthen all who turn to Him.

Thought for Today:

Problems turn into blessings when we pray: Father . . . not my will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42).
Christ Revealed:

As the Redeemer from the bondage of sin. I am the Lord, and I will bring you out . . . I will redeem you (Ex. 6:6). Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things . . . But with the precious blood of Christ (I Pet. 1:18-19).
Word Studies:

5:4 let =distract; 5:8 tale =daily quota; 5:9 vain words =deceitful promises; 5:13 hasted =kept driving; 5:19 in evil case =in trouble; minish =educe; 5:21 savour =good will; 5:22 evil entreated =afflicted; 6:3 God Almighty =All Sufficient, All Powerful God; 6:6 with a stretched out arm =mightily; 6:9 hearkened not =refused to listen; 6:13 charge =command; 7:11 enchantments =witchcraft; 7:15 brink =edge; against he come =waiting for him; 7:23 neither did he set his heart =e ignored.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a Family that loves Jesus • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe • Major languages: German and French • Religious freedom • 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when in despair; He is your Deliverer (Jon. 2:5-6).
Optional Reading: Matthew 19

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:5