This week's memory verse:
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
Luke 1:45
Exodus 1
So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.
Exodus 1:11
Egypt is clearly a type of the world. If I spend too much time in Egypt it will enslave me. Egypt for me is the TV shows I watch and the video games I play. The games can be especially addicting for me. It's ok for me to relax and play them once in a while but I don't want all my time devoted to such drivel. If I'm not careful that is exactly what ends up happening.
If I let this continue, then I end up actually working for the enemy! Lord, I've never seen this before!
and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.
I don't want to end up building store cities for the enemy! I want to be storing up treasures for myself in heaven!
Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:20 NLT
Another area that trips me up is Facebook. I tend to spend a LOT of time on there. It's too easy to get caught up in it and not even realize how much time has gone by. I need to be more aware of how much time I am spending on this social media and not let it eat into the time that I need to be spending on other things.
If I am truly a bondservant of Jesus Christ then I need to be seeking his advice on how to spend my time. I believe that he would prefer to see me spending it on things of eternal value. For me in this season of my life, that means training and educating my children, putting time in with my job (because this honors my husband who appreciates the extra income), planning and cooking healthy meals for my family, and of course spending time in God's Word and memorizing scripture.
Jesus, please help me to evaluate how I spend my time. I want to spend it in ways that will please you. I don't want to end up building store cities for the enemy. In your Holy Name I pray.
Amen
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
Learning to Forgive COMPLETELY
Genesis 50
When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
Genesis 50:17b
But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid, Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Genesis 50:19-20
Wow! What a beautiful picture of forgiveness! Joseph obviously was a deeply emotional person. Yet he was able to forgive his brothers so completely that when they sent this message asking him to forgive them it pained him to realize that they still had feelings of guilt and feared him.
I have a hard time forgiving this completely. There have been times when I thought I'd forgiven, then some new friction between that person and me causes that same old bitterness to rear it's ugly head again. It's like I'm peeling away painful layer after layer of gunk when instead I just need to steel myself and dig the whole nasty, ugly mess out of my heart. This is not something that I can do on my own. I need God to perform heart surgery on me by changing the way I think.
It always seems to come back to that. If my thoughts are being changed to become something that pleases God, then the bitterness will disappear. It will be replaced by love. And not a puny, based on feelings kind of love, but a sincere, unconditional love.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6
Thank you, Lord for showing me this! Please help me to only allow the thoughts in my mind that please you. Holy Spirit, please be my teacher and show me when my thoughts are not so pleasing, because I so easily forget to remember! I love you so much!! In Jesus sweet, precious name I pray.
Amen
When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
Genesis 50:17b
But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid, Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Genesis 50:19-20
Wow! What a beautiful picture of forgiveness! Joseph obviously was a deeply emotional person. Yet he was able to forgive his brothers so completely that when they sent this message asking him to forgive them it pained him to realize that they still had feelings of guilt and feared him.
I have a hard time forgiving this completely. There have been times when I thought I'd forgiven, then some new friction between that person and me causes that same old bitterness to rear it's ugly head again. It's like I'm peeling away painful layer after layer of gunk when instead I just need to steel myself and dig the whole nasty, ugly mess out of my heart. This is not something that I can do on my own. I need God to perform heart surgery on me by changing the way I think.
It always seems to come back to that. If my thoughts are being changed to become something that pleases God, then the bitterness will disappear. It will be replaced by love. And not a puny, based on feelings kind of love, but a sincere, unconditional love.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6
Thank you, Lord for showing me this! Please help me to only allow the thoughts in my mind that please you. Holy Spirit, please be my teacher and show me when my thoughts are not so pleasing, because I so easily forget to remember! I love you so much!! In Jesus sweet, precious name I pray.
Amen
Thursday, January 29, 2015
What will Happen in Days to Come?
Genesis 49
Then Jacob called his sons and said: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come."
Genesis 49:1
Here is more proof that Jacob was speaking the words the Holy Spirit was giving him when he blessed Ephraim and Manasseh. There is no other way that he could have so accurately predicted the fate of 12 tribes. There is even a prophecy about Jesus in the blessing for Judah.
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
Genesis 49:10
Jesus Messiah, someday every knee will bow and every tongue confess that you are LORD! Until then, may you have the complete and unwavering obedience of this individual!
Amen
Then Jacob called his sons and said: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come."
Genesis 49:1
Here is more proof that Jacob was speaking the words the Holy Spirit was giving him when he blessed Ephraim and Manasseh. There is no other way that he could have so accurately predicted the fate of 12 tribes. There is even a prophecy about Jesus in the blessing for Judah.
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
Genesis 49:10
Jesus Messiah, someday every knee will bow and every tongue confess that you are LORD! Until then, may you have the complete and unwavering obedience of this individual!
Amen
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Who Controls Me?
Genesis 48
But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head; even though Manasseh was the firstborn.
Genesis 48:14
How did Jacob know to do this? Was he only showing preference for the younger one because he was a younger brother? I think God gave him a special anointing of the Holy Spirit at that time. If this had just been his personal preference, then it wouldn't have come true.
Lord, I want to be so in tune with you and your Holy Spirit that I always speak your words instead of my own and always react and do what you would instead of the way my flesh would choose to.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6 NLT
So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Romans 8:12-14 NLT
But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head; even though Manasseh was the firstborn.
Genesis 48:14
How did Jacob know to do this? Was he only showing preference for the younger one because he was a younger brother? I think God gave him a special anointing of the Holy Spirit at that time. If this had just been his personal preference, then it wouldn't have come true.
Lord, I want to be so in tune with you and your Holy Spirit that I always speak your words instead of my own and always react and do what you would instead of the way my flesh would choose to.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6 NLT
So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Romans 8:12-14 NLT
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
A Living Sacrifice
Genesis 47
"You have saved our lives," they said. "May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:25
These people were willing to be slaves to a mere human. How much more should I be willing to be in bondage to Jesus Christ! All Pharaoh did was save their bodies and he only did that through Joseph. Christ saved my very soul from an eternity of pure, unceasing torment.
I praise you, Jesus for giving your life so that my soul could be saved! I want to be your bondservant for the rest of my life! Jesus, I give myself to you as a living sacrifice. May I be holy and acceptable to you. Amen!
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 NLT
"You have saved our lives," they said. "May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:25
These people were willing to be slaves to a mere human. How much more should I be willing to be in bondage to Jesus Christ! All Pharaoh did was save their bodies and he only did that through Joseph. Christ saved my very soul from an eternity of pure, unceasing torment.
I praise you, Jesus for giving your life so that my soul could be saved! I want to be your bondservant for the rest of my life! Jesus, I give myself to you as a living sacrifice. May I be holy and acceptable to you. Amen!
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 NLT
Monday, January 26, 2015
In Egypt
Genesis 46
And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, "Jacob! Jacob!"
"Here I am." he replied.
"I am God, the God of your father." he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes."
Genesis 46:2-4
I love how God reassured Jacob. What a caring and compassionate God we serve!
God even arranged things so that Jacob and his family got the best of the land. Not that that lasted for all of his descendants.
I wonder why shepherds would be detestable to the Egyptians? All I can think of is that Egypt is a type of the world. My Shepherd is detestable to this world. They don't see him the way I do. Their eyes are blinded by the evil one.
Lord, please use me to shine your light into their blinded eyes so that you can cure their blindness and bring them into saving relationship with you.
Amen
And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, "Jacob! Jacob!"
"Here I am." he replied.
"I am God, the God of your father." he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes."
Genesis 46:2-4
I love how God reassured Jacob. What a caring and compassionate God we serve!
God even arranged things so that Jacob and his family got the best of the land. Not that that lasted for all of his descendants.
I wonder why shepherds would be detestable to the Egyptians? All I can think of is that Egypt is a type of the world. My Shepherd is detestable to this world. They don't see him the way I do. Their eyes are blinded by the evil one.
Lord, please use me to shine your light into their blinded eyes so that you can cure their blindness and bring them into saving relationship with you.
Amen
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Don't Quarrel
Genesis 45
Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"
Genesis 45:24
Oh, my gosh! This makes me laugh! But I laugh because it is so true and hits so close to home. Joseph knew his brothers. Why is it that we have a tendency to argue with the ones who are the closest to us?
Joseph had also just shown great favoritism to Benjamin by giving him a lot more gifts than the rest. He must have known that they would be tempted to harass Benjamin about that.
Lord, help me to not give in to the temptation to argue with my family. Help there to be unity within our family so that others see it and wonder what is so different about us.
Lord, I see so much strife in the family across the street. You know that they desperately need you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, I pray that you would pursue that young woman and her boyfriend. Give her grandmother the strength she needs to manage this wild girl. Comfort them all as they still grieve the tragic shooting death of the grandfather. I pray that now that the mom is out of prison that she will remain drug free.
Holy Spirit, please pursue every person in that home! As well as everyone who is in and out of it. I pray that you would give me opportunities to share with them and boldness to speak the words you give me in those moments!
Amen
If this post resonated with you, please leave your comments below. I'd love to hear how God is working in your life.
Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"
Genesis 45:24
Oh, my gosh! This makes me laugh! But I laugh because it is so true and hits so close to home. Joseph knew his brothers. Why is it that we have a tendency to argue with the ones who are the closest to us?
Joseph had also just shown great favoritism to Benjamin by giving him a lot more gifts than the rest. He must have known that they would be tempted to harass Benjamin about that.
Lord, help me to not give in to the temptation to argue with my family. Help there to be unity within our family so that others see it and wonder what is so different about us.
Lord, I see so much strife in the family across the street. You know that they desperately need you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, I pray that you would pursue that young woman and her boyfriend. Give her grandmother the strength she needs to manage this wild girl. Comfort them all as they still grieve the tragic shooting death of the grandfather. I pray that now that the mom is out of prison that she will remain drug free.
Holy Spirit, please pursue every person in that home! As well as everyone who is in and out of it. I pray that you would give me opportunities to share with them and boldness to speak the words you give me in those moments!
Amen
If this post resonated with you, please leave your comments below. I'd love to hear how God is working in your life.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)