Last Sunday, March 16th, we had 3/16 Sunday and focused the whole day on John 3:16. There are, it seems, endless messages from that single verse. Sidlow Baxter wrote an excellent book based on that verse – On 3/16 Sunday morning we highlighted the power of God’s love [I’m aware of the argument that “so” … Read more
Scripture: Genesis 43:11-14Key Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Jacob had a long history of relying on his own schemes rather than trusting in God. He lied to his faither … Read more
Scripture: Genesis 43:18-25Key Verse: Isaiah 26:3 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Jacob and eleven of his sons were afraid because they did not trust God. That distrust of God led to being dominated by fear. Joseph’s brothers were overwhelmed by fear … Read more
God Does Not Want Us to be controlled by Fear (II Timothy 1:7; I John 4:18) The Fear of the Lord is not a terror that causes us to run and tremble but is a reverential respect, a holy, humble reverential affection. What we fear has a power over us and can control us. An … Read more
Scripture: Genesis 43:1-14Key Verse: Psalm 56:3 – “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” When we allow our fears to overwhelm us we put fear in control of our lives. Jacob’s life was marked by seasons of faith and seasons of fear. In Genesis 43, we see him paralyzed by fear—delaying the … Read more
The Need for Atonement Genesis 42:21-38 Atonement, in general, has the idea of making amends for wrong doing. In Christianity, it is part of the truth of salvation. The death of Christ on the cross atoned for the sins of humanity and made it possible for us to be forgiven. The grace of God to … Read more
The Need for Assessment Text: Genesis 42:6-20 When Joseph saw his brothers after years of separation, he didn’t immediately reveal his identity. Instead, he tested them. Had they changed? Were they still the same deceitful men who sold him into slavery? Was his father alive? Was his brother safe? Grace vs. Grave Focused Living A … Read more
The Need for Action Text: Genesis 42:1-5 Jacob and his sons were faced with a crisis—a famine that threatened their survival. Instead of acting immediately, the brothers stood around, uncertain and hesitant. It was only when Jacob confronted them that they finally took action. Sadly, Jacob often was passive in his leadership of his home. … Read more
“How Wars Begin and End” – A.J.P. Taylor I don’t think this is a book I would recommend for the simple reason that I don’t trust the author. In numerous places as I read the book something seemed off. I couldn’t argue the facts, but sometimes a conclusion was stated that felt wrong. However, when … Read more
Text: Genesis 41:33-57 A Selfless Act (Genesis 41:33-37) Joseph not only interpreted Pharaoh’s dream but also gave a wise plan—without demanding reward. His insight into taxation and food storage showed a remarkable understanding of Egypt’s economy, likely learned during his years managing Potiphar’s household and the prison. Joseph did not look for promotion or reward … Read more