God Our Deliverer

January 31, 2013            Exod 15–16, Matt 20:17–34, Ps 18:12–17, Prov 3:20–21

Exodus 15-16

This is the first song found in the Bible and it is a song of praise for God’s protection and salvation.

How do you praise the Lord for His character and blessings?

However, the praising did not last long before the people were complaining again.

They complained about their water, their food, their situation, themselves, their leaders, and the Lord. Oh how quickly we forget the blessings of the Lord.

Why do you think Christians love to complain? (some may say they don’t but ask any waitress or honest preacher)

Matthew 20:17-34

For the third time Jesus predicts what is to come in Jerusalem. Right after this the mother of James and John came asking for greatness for her children. It is sad how we can so greatly miss the point.

What is the difference between the way Jesus led and the way many dictators and world leaders lead?

How can you show a servant style of leadership today?

Why was the healing of blindness so significant?

Psalm 18:12-17

God delivered David from the flood of persecution. What flood in your life has the Lord saved you from or do you need God to deliver you from today?

Proverbs 3:20-21

What are you doing to gain wisdom? 

Consider Why You Worship God

January 30, 2013            Exod 13–14, Matt 19:27–20:16, Ps 18:5–11, Prov 3:17–19

Exodus 13-14

As verse 9 says this was a reminder for all the senses. Do you see the correlation between this and the Lord’s Supper?

Why do we need to be reminded so often?

What was the purpose of all firstborns being redeemed to God?

Why did God provide light for them with His Presence?

Chapter 14

The Israelites had seen tremendous miracles, yet their eyes told them to be afraid.  They began to grumble. Why are we so apt to grumble and complain?

Just because we are saved does not mean we will not have issue to deal with on our journey of faith.

Hebrews 11:29

Notice they had to pass through the water before they could leave the land of Egypt. In the same way some 40 years later they will pass through the water to enter the Promised Land.

Matthew 19:27-20:16

Peter asks what he will get here and in Acts 3:16 he says this I can give. What is the change in his attitude?

Jesus reassures him, but at the same time warns him. He illustrates this warning in the parable in chapter 20:1-16.

What is the meaning of this parable?

What is your motive for service? Is it for reward or is it out of love?

Psalm 18:5-11

This part of the Psalm is all about God answered David’s prayer when he most needed it.

When has God answered your prayers?

Proverbs 3:17-19

Wisdom is like the tree of life to those that take hold of her. Consider that last verse here:

“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens.”

Consider today the works and answered prayers of the Lord. Praise Him today.

Pray about your service to the Lord, what you do and why you do it. 

Redeemed by the blood

January 29, 2013            Exod 11–12, Matt 19:1–26, Ps 18:1–4, Prov 3:15–16

Exodus 11-12

1. The plagues were designed to discredit the gods of Egypt. Before the tenth plague God asserted, “I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt” (Ex 12:12; cf. Nm 33:4). This is especially evident in the first, second, fifth and ninth plagues. In the first plague the sacred Nile was affected. By the end of the second plague the Egyptians detested Ptha, the frog headed god and Heka, a frog goddess. Apis the sacred bull could not spare his kind from the ravishing effects of the murrain. Ra the sun god could not penetrate the darkness in which Yahweh wrapped Egypt in the ninth plague.

2. The plagues also served to discredit the religious leaders of Egypt. The counsel of Pharaoh’s wisest men, the sorcery and magic of his personal ministers could not prevent or remove the plagues. In the third plague the magicians retreated from the contest; in the sixth plague they were rendered unclean by the festering boils and thus disqualified from officiating in their priestly role.

3. The plagues revealed the impotence of Pharaoh as a ruler and god. His total lack of integrity, his stubbornness, arrogance, and mortality are clearly shown in the narrative. He was forced during the contest to offer four compromises to Moses, and in the end he was compelled to release the Israelites.

4. With respect to the Israelites, the plagues were designed to free them from bondage and convince them of the sole divinity of Yahweh. They were a visual lesson of God’s awesome power.

5. The plagues were also God’s judgment on the land of Egypt for the years of mistreatment of his people.

6. The plagues were designed gradually to magnify the power of God. In the first two plagues the power of God was imitated by the magicians. They, however, were unable to remove the plagues. In plagues three through six the restrained power of God was manifested. God’s unbridled power was manifested in plagues seven through ten (9:14).

The above six purposes can be summed up in the word know. The contest began when Pharaoh declared that he did not know Yahweh. This word thereafter becomes a key word in the narrative. Through the plagues all parties would come to know Yahweh—Israel (6:7; 10:2; 11:7); the Egyptians (7:5; 14:4, 18); and Pharaoh (7:17; 8:10, 22; 9:14, 29). To know Yahweh means to recognize him because of personal experience and then submit to his authority.

With that definition would you say you know God?

The story of the Passover is vital in the history of the Israelite people and for Christians as well. It deserves great consideration and teaching, however I realize time is limited here so I will let it lay for now.

How did the Passover foreshadow the ministry of Christ?

Matthew 19:1-26

Divorce was a major issue in the day of Christ and it still is today. Some scholars say that the divorce rate in the Roman Empire was about 50%. Among the Jewish teachers of the day there was disagreement as well. The followers of Rabbi Hillel interpreted Deut. 24:1 to mean that a man could divorce his wife for any cause, while the followers of Rabbi Shammai held to a strict interpretation, that marriage could be broken only by adultery. How does Jesus answer this question? How does this apply to today?

Read 1 Corinthians 7 to get a better understanding.

Why did the rich young ruler leave sad?

See 1 Tim. 6:6–10

Many people at that time equated riches with God’s blessing, is this accurate?

How does the life of Christ seem to dispel this completely?

Psalm 18:1-4

David was overjoyed with praise and thanksgiving to God. When in your life have you been in this same state of worship? He says God is his rock. How is God like a rock? He is his horn, this is a symbol of strength.

David says he will love the Lord will all his strength, perhaps this is why he is a man after God’s own heart. Have you committed to loving the Lord with all your heart?

Proverbs 3:15-16

Wisdom is said to be more precious than rubies, all the things you may desire cannot compare with wisdom. With wisdom there are tremendous blessings.

What do you desire most in this life? What are you willing to work for, give up time and energy to get?

Praise God today for the Lamb of God that takes away your sins.

Consider what is most important in life and how your actions show this. 

The One True God

January 28, 2013            Exod 9–10, Matt 18:12–35, Ps 17:8–15, Prov 3:13–14

Exodus 9-10

The plagues were actually a “declaration of war” against the gods of Egypt (see 12:12). The Nile River was worshiped as a god since it was their source of life (Deut. 11:10–12), and when Moses turned it into blood, God showed His power over the river. The goddess Heqt was pictured as a frog, the Egyptian symbol of resurrection. The plague of frogs certainly turned the people against Heqt! The lice and flies brought defilement to the people—a terrible blow, for Egyptians could not worship their gods unless they were spotlessly clean. The murrain attacked the cattle which were sacred to the Egyptians; Hathor was the “cow-goddess” and Apis was the sacred bull. The gods and goddesses that controlled health and safety were attacked in the plagues of boils, [5 highlighted hail, and locusts. The plague of darkness was the most serious, since Egypt worshiped the sun god, Ra, the chief of the gods. When the sun was blotted out for three days, it meant that Yahweh had conquered Ra. The final plague (the death of the firstborn) conquered Meskhemit the goddess of birth, and Hathor, her companion, both of whom were supposed to watch over the firstborn.

All of these plagues made it clear that Yahweh was the true God!

We may trace these same plagues in the Book of Revelation, when God describes His final conflict with the god of this world, Satan: water to blood (Rev. 8:8 and 16:4–6); frogs (16:13); disease and afflictions (16:2); hail and fire (8:7), locusts (9:1ff); and darkness (16:10). The Egyptian magicians were able to imitate some of Moses’ miracles—turning the rod into a serpent (7:8–13) and the water into blood (7:19–25), and bringing forth the frogs (8:5–7). But they could not turn the dust into lice (8:16–19). Second Timothy 3:8–9 warns us that in the last days false teachers will oppose God by imitating His miracles. See 2 Thes. 2:9–10. Satan is a counterfeiter who deceives the lost world by imitating what God does (2 Cor. 11:1–4, 13–15).

Matthew 18:12-35

In context here Jesus is still talking about children. With the high priority Jesus puts on children how should to direct our children’s ministries?

How are commanded to deal with offenses? How do you normally deal with them.

In context what is Jesus talking about when He says that when two or more are gathered He is there also?

How many times should we forgive (1 Cor. 13:5)?

What is the meaning of the parable?

Is there someone you need to forgive?

Psalm 17:8-15

David asks God to protect him as one would protect the pupil of their eye. To what extent do you try to protect your eyes? To what extent does God go to protect us?

Like David we need to make a daily commitment to worship and follow the Lord.

Proverbs 3:13-14

In what ways is wisdom better than silver and gold?

Pray today that you can see the deceptions of the devil. Pray about what the gods of this age are and how God is superior.

Pray about your attitude of forgiveness. Praise God for his forgiveness.

Mighty Is The Lord

January 27, 2013            Exod 6:14–8:32, Matt 17:14–18:11, Ps 17:1–7, Prov 3:10–12

Exodus 6:14-8:32

Why do you think Moses needed so much encouragement? Do you? If so where do you find it?

How were the magicians able to make their staff’s turn to snakes?

What is the significance of Moses’ snake eating the others?

There are ten plagues each of which attack one of the false gods of Egypt. (Some other time I could explain that in detail, not enough time today.)

The first is turning the water of the Nile to blood.

In what ways would this be very difficult to deal with?

The second was a plague of frogs.

Why did Pharaoh believe he could negotiate with God? Do you? Why did he go back on his word?

The third plague was lice (or some other biting, blood sucking creature). In what two ways is this one different from the last two?

Matthew 17:14-18:11

Why were the disciples not able to cast out the demon?

What power is there in prayer and fasting? How much faith do you have?

What was the purpose of this miracle?

Chapter 18

Why do we care so much about greatness?
How must be we be like a child?

What warning does Jesus give us?

How serious does Jesus take sin? How serious do you?  

Psalm 17:1-7

David prayed for deliverance. He said that God has tested him. If God were to test your motives and thoughts what would He find?

Proverbs 3:10-12

The Lord corrects those He loves. Where has the Lord corrected you? Did you have the wisdom to see the Lord’s hand? Where do you need correction?

Today is Sunday. Pray about what you learned at church this morning. Pray how you can put it into practice.  

God My Portion And Cup

January 26, 2013            Exod 4:1–6:13, Matt 16:21–17:13, Ps 16:5–11, Prov 3:7–9

Exodus 4:1-6:13

What excuses do you use to not do what God is calling you to do?

Moses was afraid of failure and rejection. I think we all are to some extent. He said I have no standing among the people and I am not gifted to do that. God has said was the Great I AM and Moses basically said he is not. He lacked faith, but God had answers for all his fears.

What is holding you back? What fears do you have that keep you from being God’s representative?

It is a bit sad that the chosen leader of God’s people had not circumcised his youngest son. God apparently disciplined Moses through deathly sickness not because He hated Moses, but because He wanted to bring Moses to the truth. A lesson is to be learned here, a leader must first set things right in his own household before he can effectively lead God’s people. This was also a warning for all of God’s people. Moses was the leader, but God held all people to the same standard of circumcision.

Zipporah, Moses’ realized what was going on and took action. She took a flint knife and reluctantly circumcised her son. It is clear that she detested the practice of circumcision. It was appear that she returned to her father’s house after this.

We do not know why Moses had not circumcised his son. Perhaps it was to keep peace in the house? However, when he did what he was commanded to do God forgave him and his sickness left. It was at this point Moses was ready to go back home and lead his people.

Chapter 5

7 times God commands Pharaoh to let His people to go. Why did Pharaoh have so little respect for God? How do you think today’s world leaders would respond to a prophet of God?

Chapter 6

The stage had been set for a showdown between God and Pharaoh (and the Egyptian gods).

God reminded the people of His promises. Why do we need to reminded of the promises so often?

Matthew 16:21-17:13

Jesus seems rather harsh with Peter why?

Jesus asks some very probing questions here. What is a person’s soul worth? How easy it is to allow the things of this world to get in the way of our ultimate goal of heaven.

What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? Are you doing this?

Chapter 17

What was the purpose of the Transfiguration?

Why Moses and Elijah?

How does this text complete the story of Moses?

What is the significance of what God the Father says in this text?

Psalm 16:5-11

How is God your portion and cup?

Jesus’ whole earthly life was guided by the extreme desire to do the will of the Father? Could the same be said of you?

This Psalm is quoted in Acts 2:25-28 and 13:35 in reference to the Messiah. This Psalm foretold that Jesus was raise from the grave. We know that He is the first fruits of the Resurrection. Do you have the faith to know that you too will live even though you die?

Proverbs 3:7-9

What are some practical blessings of fearing the Lord?

We are commanded to honor God with our tithe. Do you do this? If so, do you do it as a cheerful giver? If not what is your justification?

Pray today for those that are preparing for tomorrow’s worship. Specifically this week please pray for those that will teach in Sunday school. Pray that they will be well prepared able to inspire others be more like Jesus.

Pray about what is holding you back from serving God, what excuses do you make?

Meditate on the greatness of Christ in His glorified form. Pray about how you can put Him first in your life.

Pray for strength to know and do the will of God in your life.

Pray about your giving and the motives behind it.

The Honor To Pray For Others

Today I am praying specifically for three of my students at MACU. Each gave me some specific things to pray about for them. One of the realities of life is when we care about people we want to help them. The help that so many need is beyond my capabilities. However, we serve a God is is all-powerful and can do much more than we can ask or imagine. Thus, it could be argued that the most loving thing we could possibly do from someone is pray for them. I can't heal broken relationships, but God can. All I can do is seek to be a minister of reconciliation. I can't heal lungs or cancer, but God can. I can't mend broken hearts, but God can. I can't control the weather, but God can. My point is I serve a God that answers my prayers. 

I have seen the power of prayer in my life on numerous occasions. I can think of times when God has opened doors to talk to someone about their salvation. As an introvert that struggles to do such things, believe me it is answered prayer. There have been times that doctors said there is little to no hope, but healing took place. I have many stories I could tell regarding healing, weather, attitudes, and such that I can only give God the credit for. So today I pray with the expectation that God is going to answer my prayers as long as I pray in His will. 

It is an honor to pray for these students. While I do not feel comfortable saying their names or requests, I do ask that you pray for them. Pray that God would guide their paths and that they would intentionally enjoy the journey along the way. Pray for their marriages and their ability to juggle all that life puts before them. Pray that they can feel the Presence of the Lord at all times, for it leads to a peace like none other. Pray that they can thirst for righteousness and hunger for God's Word. Pray that God will prepare them to do great things in His Kingdom and that they would position themselves to be all they are called to be. 

What an honor it is to pray for them today, please join me. If I can pray for you let me know.

Question: Tell me of a time in which you know God answered your prayer, please. I want to share great prayer stories with one of my classes in a couple of weeks. Thank you in advanced and I look forward to hearing your stories of God's greatness.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

January 25, 2013            Exod 1–3, Matt 16:1–20, Ps 16:1–4, Prov 3:5–6

The key verses of Exodus are 19:4–6a: “You have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine. And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.”

There are many times this book foreshadows what is to come through Christ and the New Testament. Let me give you a few examples:

1. The office of high priest is an important concept. The book of Hebrews frequently refers to the ministry of the high priest and the superior ministry of our high priest Jesus.

2. Baptism is likened to the crossing of the Red Sea in 1 Corinthians 10:2.

3. Christ is our Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:7).

4. Manna was bread from heaven which Jesus professed himself to be (John 6:48–51).

5. The rock from which water sprang forth foreshadowed the water of life provided by Christ (1 Cor 10:4).

The Tabernacle seen in Exodus is spoken of many times in the New Testament as representing aspects of what was to come.

1. The bronze altar. Hebrews declares that Christ is the Christian’s altar (Heb 13:10).

2. The bronze laver is used in Titus 3:5 to portray baptism.

3. The incense altar points to the prayers of the saints of God (Rev 8:3–4).

4. The golden lampstand points to Christ the light of the world, and to the Christians who reflect that light.

5. The table of showbread seems to be a type of Christ, the bread of life, and of the Lord’s table which commemorates the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor 10:21).

6. The holy of holies was a picture of heaven into which the Christian’s high priest, Jesus, has entered upon his ministry (Heb 9:24; 10:34).

It is also noteworthy to see the comparisons between Moses and Jesus. This is seen most in the Gospel Matthew as it was written to Jewish people. Moses was a prophet (Acts 3:22); a priest (Ps. 99:6, Heb. 7:24); a servant (Ps. 105:26, Matt. 12:18); a shepherd (Ex. 3:1, John 10:11–l4); a mediator (Ex. 33:8–9, 1 Tim. 2:5); and a deliverer (Acts 7:35, 1 Thes. 1:10). In his character, he was meek (Num. 12:3, Matt. 11:29), faithful (Heb. 3:12), obedient, and mighty in word and deed (Acts 7:22, Mark 6:2). In his history, Moses was a son in Egypt and was in danger of being killed (Matt. 2:14ff), but was providentially cared for by God. He chose to suffer with the Jews rather than reign in Egypt (Heb. 11:24–26, Phil. 2:1–11). Moses was rejected by his brothers the first time, but received the second time; and, while rejected, he gained a Gentile bride (picturing Christ and the church). Moses condemned Egypt, and Christ condemned the world. Moses delivered God’s people through the blood, as did Christ on the cross (Luke 9:31). Moses led the people, fed the people, and carried their burdens. The contrast, of course, is that Moses did not take Israel into the Promised Land; Joshua had to do that. “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17).

Exodus 1-3

Exodus 1 begins where Genesis ends.

A new dynasty comes to power and with it a new policy toward the Jewish people. History tells us that the eighteenth dynasty had to force out a foreign people to get their power. They were not going to take a chance of another foreign force threatening their power, thus the Jewish people become slaves.

How could God use this to His glory?

Why did God allow this to happen?

We are called to follow the law of the land, unless it defies the law of God. We must obey God before any man. Thus the women could not kill the baby boys. Satan is a murder, but his scheme did not work nor did it work some 1400 years later with Herod. Pharaoh wanted to babies to be drowned, but when God intervened years later Pharaoh would lose his first born boy and his army would be drowned. We reap what we sow. 

What are some examples today in and in the near past of when we should disobey the government to follow the law of God?

Chapter 2

There can be no doubt that God’s hand is all over this situation. The babies were to be killed in the Nile, but it is through the Nile that Moses is saved. The Hebrew babies were hated but the tears of the baby Moses broke the heart of the princess. His own mother became is nurse. There is irony, love, and Divine Sovereignty seen all through this text.

Were there long term consequences for Moses’ actions?

What was the purpose of the forty years of Moses being a shepherd? What did he learn during this time? How did this prepare him for what was to come?

Forty years is a long time to prepare, eighty is even longer. However, God’s timing is perfect. Our patience is often so different than God’s. What is God preparing you for in your present situation?

Chapter 3

What is the significance of the burning bush?

Why would Moses have reason to be afraid?

Moses is given the Divine name of God, what does it mean?

God outlines what is to come to Moses, why does He do this?

Matthew 16:1-20

The Pharisees and Sadducees were united against Jesus. It is amazing how a common enemy can bring enemies together. If only we could realize that we do have a common enemy in Satan and his dominion think what we could accomplish as God’s people.

One of the problems of the religious leaders was they were so concerned with the physical that they were blind to the spiritual. Are you sometimes like this as well?

In what way were the disciples only looking at the physical and missing the spiritual?

Please note that rock that Jesus refers to is the confession of faith, not Peter.

The keys to the kingdom were used in Acts 2 (Jewish), Acts 8 (Samaritans), Acts 10 (Gentiles).

Psalm 16:1-4

What can we learn from these verses?

Proverbs 3:5-6

These verses give a great promise of God’s leading if we do what things?

Are you doing these things?

Pray today for discernment to see what God is preparing you to do.

Pray that you can see the spiritual and not be overwhelmed by the material.

Pray and consider the two verses from Proverbs. 

Our God Is Faithful

January 24, 2013            Gen 49–50, Matt 15:21–39, Ps 15, Prov 3:3–4

There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.
Blaise Pascal

Genesis 49-50

Jacob utters prophecies about his sons and their descendants. What are these prophecies based upon?

Do the sins and deeds of the father pass on to generations later?

Reuben was the firstborn and as such is given a great inheritance and honor than his brothers. However, because he had sinned greatly (35:22) he lost his standing.

Jacob made it clear that that the violence of Simeon and Levi was not godly. He said that they would be scattered over the land. How did God take this curse and turn it into a blessing?

Judah is given the rights of the firstborn, why? He would become like a lion, where is this seen fully in the future?

What is the blessing to Zebulon?

Issachar is likened to a strong donkey loaded down with saddlebags. What does this mean?

Dan would provide justice for his people. Samson’s victories over the Philistines may be in view here.

What do we learn about Gad? What about Asher? Naphtali?

In what ways is Joseph like a fruitful vine? In what ways would he be blessed?

Which of the titles of God here do you most like and why? He is the Mighty One of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, the Almighty.

What do we learn about Benjamin

Chapter 50

This is the first time we see an elaborate funeral in the Bible and it is also the first person embalmed.

Joseph’s brothers doubted his word, but his attitude is tremendous. Have you learned to trust and forgiven like this?

Genesis begins with creation and ends with a coffin; this is the result of sin. Never fear though Christ was on His way and the Bible ends with life everlasting.

Matthew 15:21-39

Why does Jesus seem so hesitate to help this woman? What titles does she call Him?

Why is it so significant that Jesus says her faith is great? Could we say the same of you?

It is interesting that the disciples doubted the ability to feed 4,000 when they had seen Jesus feed 5,000 already. Notice the differences between the two feedings:

The 5,000 (Matt. 14:15–21)		The 4,000 (Matt. 15:32–39)
Predominantly Jews		Predominantly Gentiles
Took place in Galilee, Bethsaida		Took place at Decapolis (Mark 8:31ff)
5 loaves, 2 fish		7 loaves, “a few fish”
12 baskets left over		7 baskets left over
In the spring of the year		In the summer
Crowd with Him one day		Crowd with Him three days

What most amazes you about the ministry of Christ?

Psalm 15

This psalm begins with a question (v. 1), and ends with a promise (v. 5b).

Who is worthy to be a guest of the King? The simple answer is only by grace are any of us, nonetheless we do see some characteristics given here.

God is pleased with those that walk with integrity; work righteousness; and are committed to the truth. Would these characteristics describe you?

He goes on to give some other characteristics in this Psalm. God is against slander, evil done to your neighbor, and those who take reproach against a friend. Are you guilty of slander? Are you a good neighbor and friend? Do you make fun of your friends mistakes and misfortunes?

Next God says those who honor the righteous (fear the Lord) and have nothing to do with the vile are to be invited to be His guest. Also we have to be people of our word, if we said we will do something we will do it. We will not show our greed by extorting anyone or taking a bribe to say untruths against someone.

The promise is that one who lives this lifestyle “shall never be moved.” We can have fellowship with God and He will bless us. What else could you ask for in life?

Proverbs 3:3-4

Let not mercy and truth forsake you;

      Bind them around your neck,

      Write them on the tablet of your heart,

      And so find favor and high esteem

      In the sight of God and man.

Do you show mercy and truth often, do they go with you everywhere you go? Who do you need to show mercy to today? The promise is we will find favor in the sight of God and man.

In all these texts we see that God is faithful to His people and His promises. We are in a covenant relationship with Him. We need not fear that He will forsake us, but we must be sure we do not forsake Him. 

Pray today that you can show the characteristics God calls you to live by as seen in these texts.

Praise God today for His protection and wisdom. 

His Word Shall Stand Forever

January 23, 2013            Gen 46:28–48:22, Matt 14:34–15:20, Ps 14, Prov 3:1–2

“Feelings come and feelings go,

And feelings are deceiving;

My warrant is the Word of God--

Naught else is worth believing.

Though all my heart should feel condemned

For want of some sweet token,

There is One greater than my heart

Whose Word cannot be broken.

I'll trust in God's unchanging Word

Till soul and body sever,

For, though all things shall pass away,

HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!”

― Martin Luther

Genesis 46:28-48:22

Why did Joseph want Pharaoh to know that his family was shepherds?

What advantage was there to do this?

How could this protect them spiritually?

How would you describe Jacob’s attitude when he comes before Pharaoh? Why is he so grumpy?

Why are we so grumpy when we are so blessed?

How would you describe the policies of Joseph during the famine?

Do his policies seem fair?

Why was it is so important to Jacob where he was buried?

Chapter 48

Why are Joseph’s sons given equal status as their uncles?

How does this play out later in the Bible?

Matthew 14:34-15:20

While Jesus did take time to get away and spend time with God, he then came back to do the work God called Him to do. Never use solitude to escape responsibilities, rather use it to prepare for responsibilities.

Chapter 15

Read Matthew 23:25-26

Notice that Jesus goes to the Word to answer His critics. We must learn to do the same.

In what ways were they hypocrites here?

In what ways have you acted like a hypocrite in the past?

Why did what Jesus said in verses 10-11 upset the religious leaders so much?

What we see on the outside is not what matters, what is the heart is what matters. It is with our hearts that we believe (Romans 10:9-10), we love from our heart, we sing from our heart (Col. 3:16), we give with a grateful heart (2 Cor. 9:7), we serve from the heart, and we pray from the heart. How is your heart?

Psalm 14

The fool here is not so much what we would call an atheist today, but the one who lives as if there is no God. We know lots of people like this, and some of us have acted like this. Perhaps the better question is what part of lives do we act like a fool today?

These first three verses are quoted in Romans 3:10-12, what do we learn from those verses and what follows?

While there is great evil in the world God will still be with the righteous. Does this bring you comfort?

Proverbs 3:1-2

How can your heart keep the commands of God?
What is peace in the Biblical sense of the word? Do you have this peace in your life?

Pray today that God work through the mistakes of you and others to bring about good as He did with Joseph.

Pray that you can maintain perspective in the trials of life.

Pray that you can know how to respond to the attacks of others like Jesus did with the Word and the right attitude.

Pray that you can see how you live as a fool at times.

Please also pray for those that are preparing to teach tonight. Specifically at First Christian this week pray for Cheri Parnell as she leads our ladies Bible study. 

Keep Your Eyes On Jesus

January 22, 2013            Gen 44:1–46:27, Matt 14:13–33, Ps 13, Prov 2:20–22

Genesis 44:1-46:27

Why did Joseph give this last test? What was he trying to learn?

How had their attitude changed over the years?

What bad traits has God taken from you over the years?

What can we learn from the attitude of Joseph? What can we learn about God from this story?

What would your response had been if you were Jacob and you were told not only was your son not dead, but he is a powerful man in Egypt?

God appears to Jacob one last time to encourage him. Why would God want them to go to Egypt?

We are given a list of the names here. In chapter 28 another list is give that includes the names of those born in Egypt as well.

Matthew 14:13-33

Jesus got away from the crowds after hearing the news of John’s death. We all need times away to spend time with God and with our families. When do you schedule time to be with God?

The feeding of the 5,000 is told in all four of the Gospels. What makes this account so important?

Again Jesus got away to pray. We are too busy not to pray my friends.

Why were the disciples afraid?

Why did Peter sink?

When do you take your eyes off of Jesus?

Psalm 13

In this Psalm David feels like the Lord has forgotten him. He prays to God to help him and then he rejoices in faith that God will answer his prayer. Do you have that kind of faith?

Proverbs 2:20-22

This chapter ends with a contrast of the wicked and righteous. Are you wise or foolish?

Pray about who you need to forgive in the way Joseph forgave his brothers.

Pray today the Bread of Life would feed you spiritually.

Pray that you can keep your eyes on Jesus.

Pray for God’s protection and strength.