Addressing Health

Addressing Health

Exodus 23: ²⁵ “So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. ²⁶ No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.

 

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GOD continues to remind Moses about HIS conversation concerning health.

 

My Observations:

• GOD told humans to be fruitful and multiply, so HE promised that HE would take away sickness.
• GOD knew HE would provide a Savior that would be born of a human, so HE would take away miscarriages to fulfill HIS prophecy.
• GOD promised to give an abundant life to those who served the LORD.

 

Serving GOD comes with benefits. HE will bless the food we eat, take away sickness and make us able to be fruitful and multiply. Unfortunately, the children of Israel quickly turned from GOD and we have done the same.

 

Sickness happens and so does miscarriages. People die without having an abundant life. GOD knows what it takes to gain health and HIS protection from ourselves. Satan’s attempt to become GOD by making humans fall into sin would fail if we would just keep GOD’s commands. But it’s hard to do so with a natural desire to go against HIS will.

 

GOD provided comforting words that enable us to get back into alignment with HIM. HE wants us to have food, health, things that flourish and abundant life. Serving GOD means surrendering our thoughts of success and following what HE says would make us successful. HE wants you and me to succeed.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS promises of health?
• Are you serving the LORD to get something from HIM or because you love HIM and HE loves you?
• Have you tried serving GOD with all your heart and not wanting anything in return?

Oppressed Because You are Blessed

 Oppressed Because You are Blessed

Exodus 5: ⁶ So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying, ⁷ “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. ⁸ And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ ⁹ Let more work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not regard false words.”

 

¹⁰ And the taskmasters of the people and their officers went out and spoke to the people, saying, “Thus says Pharaoh: ‘I will not give you straw. ¹¹ Go, get yourselves straw where you can find it; yet none of your work will be reduced.’ ” ¹² So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. ¹³ And the taskmasters forced them to hurry, saying, “Fulfill your work, your daily quota, as when there was straw.” ¹⁴ Also the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, “Why have you not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as before?”

 

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After GOD told Moses to tell Pharaoh, “Let MY people go,” Moses and Aaron went and performed the amazing signs that GOD was going to do to the Egyptians. News spread quickly that the Hebrews would be saved. But Pharaoh was not going to have any rejoicing. He came up with another wild rule to reduce the raw material supply and keep the quota of buildings that needed to be built for his comfort.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s people were being oppressed at the expense of Pharaoh’s comfort.
• GOD’s people felt they had no way out after they saw the miracles Moses and Aaron demonstrated.
• Things got harder once GOD’s people saw what HE could do.

 

A turn for the worse was taken when Pharaoh saw the people had stopped working. His response was to make life harder for them and beat the people he placed over them. He arranged a hierarchy by choosing Hebrew leaders and making them the focal point of pain if the quotas were not met. This move is still being used to this day.

 

GOD heard the cries of the people way before Pharaoh turned up the heat of oppression. HE prophesied what HE was going to do to the entire Egyptian empire. Those who oppress people and exploit people and take away resources will one day feel GOD’s wrath fall on them. GOD promised it.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the oppressive words from Pharaoh?
• Have you ever felt that the situation has gotten worse after speaking with GOD?
• Will you keep your faith in GOD’s promise of deliverance HE promised you?

Israel’s Prophecy for Benjamin

Israel’s Prophecy for Benjamin

Genesis 49:  ²⁷ “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
In the morning he shall devour the prey,
And at night he shall divide the spoil.”

 

²⁸ All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing.

 

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Benjamin was the twelfth son of Jacob and the second son of Rachel, the one Jacob loved. Rachel had a difficult child labor with Benjamin and named him Ben-Oni “Son of my Trouble.” But Jacob renamed him Benjamin, “Son of my right hand.”  Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin.

 

My Observations:

• Benjamin did not grow up with a mother figure in his life.
• Israel recognized that Benjamin had valor as a warrior and disgrace.
• Benjamin was significantly younger than his brothers and may not have shared as much hatred of Joseph, but he went along with them.

 

This is the final blessing of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin would end up small. At one point, all of the tribes would turn against this tribe in a civil war. The warriors that came from the tribe of Benjamin were known for being fierce and cruel. This aligned with Israel’s prophecy of Benjamin.

 

Famous people came from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul, Israel’s first king and Saul, otherwise known as Paul, came from the tribe of Benjamin. Paul even says he was a Pharisee of Pharisees from the tribe of Benjamin.

 

Saul, the king, was a fierce warrior who pursued David to kill him. Saul of Tarshish, pursued those who believed in CHRIST to kill them. Both Sauls showed their fierce roots from Benjamin. BUT GOD has Benjamin’s name in the book of Revelation and on a gate in heaven. This shows GOD’s mercy.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Benjamin’s blessing from Israel?
• Are there parts of you that seem fierce?
• Can you praise GOD for HIS grace and for overlooking what you have done in the past?

Israel’s Prophecy for Joseph

Israel’s Prophecy for Joseph

Genesis 49:  ²² “Joseph is a fruitful bough,
A fruitful bough by a well;
His branches run over the wall.
²³ The archers have bitterly grieved him,
Shot at him and hated him.
²⁴ But his bow remained in strength,
And the arms of his hands were made strong
By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
²⁵ By the God of your father who will help you,
And by the Almighty who will bless you
With blessings of heaven above,
Blessings of the deep that lies beneath,
Blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
²⁶ The blessings of your father
Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors,
Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills.
They shall be on the head of Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.

 

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Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of Rachel, the one Jacob loved. Rachel was delighted to finally have children! She said “GOD has taken away my disgrace” when Joseph was born. She named him Joseph or “may he add.”

 

My Observations:

• Jacob got what he wanted when he finally married Rachel, but she suffered greatly, watching other women have children, thinking she could not fill the promise of GOD.
• Joseph suffered greatly because of his brothers, the Ishmaelites, Potiphar and his wife, the baker and butler and the Egyptians.
• Israel's blessing was on his son Joseph versus the tribe.

 

Israel had adopted Ephraim and Manasseh to be his. The blessing did not exclude Joseph, rather gave him a double portion through his sons. They are known as the house of Joseph. His name would disappear from many lists of the tribes, but would reappear in book of Revelation, symbolizing the merge of the house to prepare for the return of CHRIST.

 

Israel’s sons meant evil for Joseph. Their jealousy led them to plot out his murder. BUT GOD intervened greatly in Joseph’s life. He became the ultimate story of a human who held onto GOD despite every obstacle that was thrown at him. GOD did indeed bless Joseph!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s blessing from Israel?
• Do you think your suffering in in vain?
• Do you believe that your suffering can become a huge blessing through GOD who sees you?

Israel’s Prophecy for Naphtali

 Israel’s Prophecy for Naphtali

Genesis 49:  ²¹ “Naphtali is a deer let loose;
He uses beautiful words.

 

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Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachels maidservant. Rachel referred to Naphtali as a “struggle” because she had a strong sibling rivalry with Leah. She named him Naphtali or “struggle.”

 

My Observations:

• Naphtali also hated Joseph and went along with the plot against his life.
• Israel mixed up the order of birth and went back to talking about Bilhah’s children.
• Israel’s blessing was brief and focused on Naphtali’s physical and verbal agility.

 

The tribe of Naphtali would eventually declare curses or warnings to all the tribes of Israel. Through these curses, the people of Israel would refrain from bad behavior. For example, “Cursed is the man who kills his neighbor secretly.”  Naphtali would indeed use beautiful words as Israel prophesied.

 

There were times when the tribe of Naphtali was brave and there were times, they were cowards. I can definitely relate! They would be featured in a son of Deborah and Barak because they risked their lives in a battle against the Canaanites. But unfortunately, this fight came from them being cowards and not wiping out the Canaanites in the first place. I can’t help but to notice Israel’s intentional order of his son’s blessing. Naphtali’s land would eventually become the land of the Gentiles. GOD did bless Naphtali.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about this brief, yet powerful blessing over Naphtali?
• What beautiful words has GOD given you to tell others?
• Are you able to fight your feelings enough to tell people that GOD is amazing and caring and powerful?

Israel’s Prophecy for Asher

 

Israel’s Prophecy for Asher

Genesis 49: ²⁰ “Bread from Asher shall be rich,
And he shall yield royal dainties..

 

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Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Leah referred to Asher as a “one who makes me happy” because she was barren. She named him Asher or “happy.”

 

My Observations:

• Asher also hated Joseph and went along with the plot against his life.
• Israel kept the order of birth and continued talking about Zilpah's children.
• Israel’s blessing was brief and focused on Asher’s eventual wealth through baking and raw material for food.

 

The tribe of Asher would eventually declare curses or warnings to all the tribes of Israel. Through these curses, the people of Israel would refrain from bad behavior. For example “Cursed is the man who dishonors his father or his mother.”

 

Asher’s tribe was indeed blessed by GOD. They were able to speak on the LORD’s behalf and all of the tribes took the words to heart. But this does not mean Asher followed GOD all the time. Like you and I, there were moments of doubt. They did not drive out the Canaanites as commanded. GOD blessed them anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about this brief, yet powerful blessing over Asher?
• Is there a gift or skill you have that you are overlooking?
• Can you praise GOD for your gifts and talents before you see any of HIS blessings poured out on you?

Israel’s Prophecy for Issachar

Israel’s Prophecy for Issachar

Genesis 49: ¹⁴ “Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between two burdens;
¹⁵ He saw that rest was good,
And that the land was pleasant;
He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden,
And became a band of slaves.

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Issachar was the son that Leah had after being barren for years. Issachar means “Reward.”  Leah was so happy that she was no longer barren that she felt GOD had “rewarded” her. She traded mandrakes to Rachel for a night with Jacob.

 

My Observations:

• Issachar is referred to as a “strong donkey”” meaning he was a very hard worker.
• Issachar was wise enough to rest between receiving payments.
• Issachar became a tribe that was hard working, but never became slaves of any kind.

 

Hard work and reward for the work is attributed to Issachar. Israel must have seen his son work hard in silence, never complaining about the work. This was Israel’s ninth son, but the fifth son of Leah.

 

I can’t help but notice that Israel named all of Leah’s children together during his blessing. He wasn’t just trying to remember them and forgot the order. He was very intentional in his blessing order. Issachar was older than Zebulun, yet was named after him. He was one of the younger sons, so he may have hung out with the children of Leah and Joseph and Benjamin. GOD blessed Issachar.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Issachar’s hard work?
• Have you ever felt that your life had a lot of hard work?
• Can you wait for the blessing your hard work is going to bring from GOD?

Blessing Can’t Be Steered

 

Blessing Can’t Be Steered

Genesis 48: ¹⁷ Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. ¹⁸ And Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”

 

¹⁹ But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.”

 

²⁰ So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’ ” And thus he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

 

²¹ Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. ²² Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.”

 

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Joseph saw that Israel was blessing the younger son over the older, so he tried to correct the situation. Israel refused to move his hands and provided an explanation.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was leading Israel to bless Ephraim more than Manasseh because that is what HE planned to do.
• Manasseh was still going to be blessed.
• Joseph did not care about receiving a blessing because he was already taken care of.

 

Trying to control the blessing showed that Joseph did not understand the blessing. We do the same. We try to steer GOD into blessing us, especially when HE seems to be blessing someone else. Instead of praise, we resort to jealousy. BUT GOD knows and understands what you and I are going through.

 

Ephraim and Manasseh did not ask to be blessed. They probably thought that day was going to be the same as the day before. They did nothing to earn a blessing from GOD, so any blessing was incredible! Same for us!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s reaction to Israel’s blessing order?
• Have you ever felt jealous or envious over someone who seemed to be getting blessed?
• Is there room for growth in seeing blessings differently by praising GOD for a hope and a future?

Unexpected Peace

Unexpected Peace

Genesis 43: ¹⁹ When they drew near to the steward of Joseph’s house, they talked with him at the door of the house, ²⁰ and said, “O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food; ²¹ but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so we have brought it back in our hand. ²² And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.”

 

²³ But he said, “Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

 

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Nervously, the brothers of Joseph explained to the steward of the house that their money had been placed in their sacks. The steward of the house said “Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.”

 

My Observations:

• Joseph must have told the steward of the house about GOD and may have revealed that he believes in the one and only GOD.
• The steward of the house recognized that Joseph’s brothers were blessed through Joseph’s belief in GOD.
• The steward of the house comforted Joseph’s brothers by saying “Your GOD and the GOD of your father has given you treasure in your sacks.”

 

Referencing GOD as the one who put the treasure in the sacks could be seen as strange, especially as spoken by an Egyptian. The steward of the house was not calling himself GOD, yet he knew he placed the money into the sack. He was speaking of something greater than his action, namely the moving of the SPIRIT of GOD.

 

Joseph’s brothers did not deserve favor. They finally told the truth and were willing to face the consequences. But little did they know that GOD was blessing them through Joseph. They expected jail or even death, BUT GOD gave them peace for the moment.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about what the steward of the house told Joseph’s brothers?
• Have you ever expected the worst and was given the best?
• Do you know GOD can’t wait to bless you but HE has a specific time for it?

Trusted Blessings

Trusted Blessings

Genesis 39: Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. ² The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. ³ And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. ⁴ So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. ⁵ So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. ⁶ Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.

 

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Joseph was given a dream by GOD that his father and brothers would one day bow to him. Some of his brothers wanted to kill him but Reuben and Judah convinced the others to do something less lethal by selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites where he was then sold to the Egyptians. Potiphar bought Joseph as a slave.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph’s story continues from where it left off, after he was sold, but wee don’t know how many years have passed.
• The pre-incarnate LORD visited Joseph daily and helped him be successful.
• Potiphar trusted Joseph because the LORD was with him.

 

Extreme trust was placed on Joseph by Potiphar. He trusted Joseph so much, that he didn’t even count his money anymore. He was only concerned about the next meal he ate. The LORD stayed with Joseph and blessed all he did.

 

Joseph, like many others who had been left alone, probably needed JESUS to walk with him to remain encouraged. He was sold into slavery, never to see his father again, or so he thought. JESUS had to keep him encouraged, so HE stayed with him. Potiphar was only concerned with becoming wealthy. He did not mind JESUS coming around Joseph. He became blessed because of Joseph’s favor.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD emphasize to Moses that “The LORD was with Joseph?”
• Have you ever felt alone and wanted to give up?
• Do you realize that the LORD is with you today and is walking through your troubles with you?

 

Remembered

Remembered

Genesis 30: ²² Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. ²³ And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” ²⁴ So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The Lord shall add to me another son.”

 

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After eleven children were born through Jacob, Rachel finally had a child. She named him Joseph, meaning GOD will add.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel was most loved and desired by Jacob, but was barren for at least eleven years.
• Rachel probably used the mandrakes she got when she bargained with Leah, but they did not work as she expected.
• GOD knows everything, so remembering Rachel probably means, turned back to, or returned to her story.

 

After waiting at least eleven years, possibly fourteen, Rachel finally had a child. Her barren condition was supernatural. She recognized GOD’s hand in the birth, so she praised GOD by saying “GOD has taken away my reproach.”

 

She probably felt like GOD was mad at her, or wanted to embarrass her for some reason. When she married Jacob, she may have had many conversations about GOD’s statement of Jacob being the father of many nations. But over time, this seemed like a pipedream to her.

 

 

Rachel saw that everyone else had children but her. Three women had children by Jacob and she may have felt left out. BUT GOD had a plan for her that she did not know. She would give birth after years and years of trying. It was GOD’s timing that she was shown.

 

Challenge:

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Rachel’s statements?
• Have you been promised something by GOD and it is taking longer than you thought?
• Will you ask GOD for patience, perseverance and persistence to keep going, despite the obstacles?

A Thorough Blessing

A Thorough Blessing

Genesis 27: ²⁵ He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. ²⁶ Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” ²⁷ And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said:

 

“Surely, the smell of my son
Is like the smell of a field
Which the Lord has blessed.
²⁸ Therefore may God give you
Of the dew of heaven,
Of the fatness of the earth,
And plenty of grain and wine.
²⁹ Let peoples serve you,
And nations bow down to you.
Be master over your brethren,
And let your mother’s sons bow down to you.
Cursed be everyone who curses you,
And blessed be those who bless you!”

 

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After eating the food Rebekah made, Isaac smelled Jacob and determined that it must be Esau whom he was blessing. He gave Jacob a thorough blessing.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac blessed Jacob with plenty.
• Isaac blessed Jacob with protection.
• Isaac blessed Jacob with people.

 

Jacob’s deception gave him the blessing he was looking for. This blessing was not taken lightly. It included GOD providing plenty, protection and people to Jacob. This blessing was binding, meaning GOD would agree with the terms.

 

HE already knew HE was going to bless Jacob in this way, anyway. Isaac’s blessing needed to be said to everyone so they understood who was supposed to receive the blessing. The blessing was given.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s deception to get the blessing?
• Have you ever been blessed undeservedly?
• Will you praise GOD for the undeserved blessings HE provides to you?

Obedient Blessings

Obedient Blessings

Genesis 26: There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar.

 

² Then the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. ³ Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. ⁴ And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; ⁵ because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”

 

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A second famine in history was wiping out all food. Like Abraham, Isaac went to the king, looking for answers. He may have wondered if there was a plan that could warrant him moving to Gerar. BUT GOD appeared to HIM.

 

My Observations:

• GOD caused a second famine.
• GOD told Isaac to stay away from Egypt unlike what HE allowed Abraham to do.
• GOD spoke to Abraham through HIS voice, providing HIS charge, HIS commandments, HIS statutes and HIS laws.

 

Laws? What laws? Commands? What commands? Before Moses, Abraham was given information to live according to the LORD. I believe it was JESUS who delivered the message regarding how to live a Godly life to Abraham.

 

He obeyed everything told to him and was not manipulated into doing so. Many humans have tried to manipulate GOD’s words today. But Abraham heard directly from the LORD so he received full truth. Isaac followed in Abraham’s footsteps. His obedience to GOD would bring him blessings.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the second famine and Abraham’s prior obedience, to Moses?
• Have you ever struggled obeying GOD?
• Is obedience to GOD something that is valuable or a barrier to you?

Reason for Blessing

Reason for Blessing

Genesis 22: ¹⁵ Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, ¹⁶ and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— ¹⁷ blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. ¹⁸ In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” ¹⁹ So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.

 

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Abraham was told by GOD to leave his father’s place to go to a place GOD did not tell him the location. He then faced all kinds of issues like famine, raiders, liars and a decadent city.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham was the example of total obedience to GOD
• Abraham believed in GOD like a child and he kept this belief all his life.
• Anything GOD told Abraham to do, he obeyed.

 

JESUS called to Abraham out of heaven a second time and gives Abraham the reason HE was providing the blessing. As if to say “See, that’s what I’M talking about,” JESUS tells Abraham why the blessing was coming.

 

JESUS did not want a human sacrifice, rather HE wanted to show you and me that there was a human named Abraham who put total trust in HIM. As difficult as it is, obedience to GOD is special to HIM and HE loves when we surrender our ways to HIM.

 

Life is not ours, rather it is GOD’s to use as HE pleases. When GOD says to do something, there should be no question, but action. GOD planned from the beginning to bless Abraham through his lineage. JESUS would become a human, live a sinless life, get murdered by HIS creation and be raised from the dead to open the scroll that held the sentence of Satan.

 

Rebellion was introduced in the Garden of Eden by Satan, JESUS blesses all those who wins the internal battle of disbelief and disobedience. Belief and obedience to JESUS gives life!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this conversation between JESUS and Abraham?
• Have you ever been tempted to give up and no longer follow JESUS?
• Is obeying JESUS your first response or is it a struggle?

 

Saved by Presence

Saved by Presence

Genesis 19: ¹⁸ Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! ¹⁹ Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. ²⁰ See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”

 

²¹ And he said to him, “See, I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. ²² Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.”

 

Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

 

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After being told to “Escape to the mountains”, realized what the angels were saying. He understood that Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding suburbs would be destroyed. He thought quickly and asked to go to a nearby little city. The angel granted his passage to this city and would not destroy it.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s presence in the little city saved everyone there from destruction.
• Lot knew the area well, possibly because of skills he learned from the Chaldeans, or Abraham or Terah.
• Lot was afraid of the people who captured him years prior and did not want to take a chance of running into them again.

 

Lot and his family were allowed to go to the small city that did not have a name. Lot named it Zoar, meaning small or insignificant. GOD would protect this small group of people because of Lot. GOD still does this. By this example, HE does not destroy places where HE has a believer, unless HE urges them out.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about this conversation between Lot and the angel?
• Have you ever wondered why you are in a certain place?
• Can you realize that your presence in a place blesses it because of GOD’s favor on you?

Emotional Rollercoaster

Emotional Rollercoaster

Genesis 17: ¹⁷ Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” ¹⁸ And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!”

¹⁹ Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. ²⁰ And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. ²¹ But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” ²² Then He finished talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

 

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Abraham experienced some strange requests from GOD. Leave your family’s land without knowing where you are going was the first strange request that Abraham obeyed. Rename yourself from Abram to Abraham was another strange request because Abram was known.

 

Cut off your foreskin along with everyone in your household was another strange request as a sign of human promise back to GOD. But now GOD was telling Abraham that he would have another child.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham secretly said to himself “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 
• Abraham tried to steer GOD towards Sarai’s plan.
• GOD told Abraham when the child would be born, then left abruptly.

 

Abraham was probably on an emotional rollercoaster after hearing the promise from GOD. He had believed everything said up to this point, but how in the world would his barren wife have a child not? Abraham knew about his ancestors. He knew that Shem lived six hundred years and had many children well into his years.

 

But people around him were probably dying at an age younger than one hundred. He too, may have felt the effects of getting older and wondered if he would die soon. GOD, knowing Abraham’s persistence, told him “No” in answer to his statement about Ishmael being the possible chosen child. GOD left abruptly, possibly because of Abraham’s inquisitive nature. The answer was final.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include the secret thoughts of Abraham in a conversation revealed to Moses?
• Has GOD told you a promise that seems to be taking a very long time to come to fruition?
• When GOD promises you something bigger than your imagination, how do you react?

Renamed for Purpose

Renamed for Purpose

Genesis 17: ¹⁵ Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but ^[g]Sarah shall be her name. ¹⁶ And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”

 

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Continuing HIS conversation with Abraham, GOD turns the focus to Sarai. HE renamed her Sarah and said HE would “bless her.” Sarai was barren. She may have grown up by the ways of the Chaldeans, a nomadic group of raiders. She believed that people could be property and mistreated Hagar, her Egyptian slave.  She thought of a plan to fulfill GOD’s promise, possibly because of shame for being barren.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai was blessed by GOD from birth.
• Sarai had strong faith as she went through famine, almost being taken and battles without complaining.
• Sarai, like Abraham, wanted GOD to win, but took matters in her own hands.

 

Renaming Sarai to Sarah was significant. GOD specifically had a purpose for her. HE would eventually perform a miracle that would show people HE is in control of the human body and spirit. GOD would bless Sarah, “AND” give Abraham a son.

 

This blessing would touch Sarah on many levels. For ninety years she was barren, then GOD tells Abraham she would be “the mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”  Sarah would not only be a mother, but a mother of many races and people groups. GOD erased Abraham’s and Sarah’s past and gave them purpose for HIM. This required them to be new.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about changing Sarai’s name to Sarah?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD’s purpose for you?
• Will you continue with strong faith in GOD’s purpose for you today?

Faith to Blessing

Faith to Blessing

Genesis 12: Now the Lord had said to Abram:

 

“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
² I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
³ I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

 

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After years of being in Haran, Terah, Abram’s father, died. Teran had learned many things from the Chaldeans and had possibly amassed great wealth. He may have taught Abram how to take care of this vast empire. But now Abram saw his father pass away. He may have remembered how sad his father got when thinking about the son he lost.

 

Before Abram had time to think about sadness of the loss of his father, GOD spoke to him.

 

My Observations:

• Abram seemed to be following GOD from his youth.
• GOD had a plan that would be fulfilled through Abram, so HE promised to protect him.
• GOD had to tell Abram not to settle for what he had, where he had it, but to leave and focus on HIS blessing.

 

It would have been easy for Abram to stay where he was and to fall into sadness like his father did. BUT GOD had a plan for Abram that would bless “all families: that were “in” him. He had to leave his father’s house without worrying about where he would live.

 

He may have been comfortable with settling with being unknown, BUT GOD wanted him known for HIS purpose. Other people sought greatness, BUT GOD sought Abram and made him great. Because of Abram’s belief in GOD’s ways from the passed down stories of Shem through Terah; Abram had greater faith than his ancestors. GOD clearly saw something different and blessed him.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the blessing HE bestowed on Abram?
• Have you gotten settled where you are, doing the same thing that you have been doing?
• Are you open to GOD moving you to do something different, so HIS plan can be fulfilled through you?

In Spite Of

 

In Spite Of

Hebrews 11: ²⁰ It was faith that made Isaac promise blessings for the future to Jacob and Esau.

 

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“I don’t know how to do this” was my statement to a person who was building a team. “Don’t worry about that” was his reply to my concern. I had not lead a team as large as he was going to place me over and I was concerned that I could fail. “Don’t worry” was his reply.

 

• I did not know I was being watched over.
• I did not know that it was not about “my” performance rather that I was part of something bigger.
• I did not know that it was not about “my” abilities, rather it was much greater than me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gave another example of faith that was a continuation of Abraham’s blessing. He briefly mentioned Isaac, possibly due to the fact that people referred to him in a revered way. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were an imperfect human shadow of the trinity of GOD. They were used in spite of their imperfections.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac was part of the promise made to Abraham, so even if he made mistakes, he was blessed.
• GOD promised Abraham that his descendants would be blessed and as numerous as sand or stars.
• GOD sees my sins and still uses me, in spite of my sins.

 

Imperfect people doing imperfect things to birth perfection seems impossible. I mean, lies, deception and hurt were the makeup of the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The whole story seemed quite messed up. Yet GOD blessed them in spite of them. HIS blessings could not be stopped by their sins.

 

GOD saw what they would do and say and had a purpose for humanity, namely the birth of JESUS. HE somehow wants to use imperfect people to tell HIS perfect story of redemption. I am glad I do not have to be perfect and that GOD can use me in spite of my sins.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use this example?
• Have you ever thought you needed to be perfect or sinless or that GOD thinks less of you?
• Will you stop focusing on yourself and focus on GOD’s love so HE can show you HIS power through you today?

Blessing, Love and Peace

 

Blessing, Love and Peace

Romans 15: ²⁸ When I have finished this task and have turned over to them all the money that has been raised for them, I shall leave for Spain and visit you on my way there. ²⁹ When I come to you, I know that I shall come with a full measure of the blessing of Christ.

 

³⁰ I urge you, friends, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love that the Spirit gives: join me in praying fervently to God for me. ³¹ Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to God's people there. ³² And so I will come to you full of joy, if it is God's will, and enjoy a refreshing visit with you. ³³ May God, our source of peace, be with all of you. Amen.

 

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Seeing ants crawl on the counter made me curious. “How are they getting in?” is what I asked. I spent time looking around the edges of the house and I found where they were crawling in. It was an easy fix once I found the source.

 

• Many times I look for the source of the problem.
• Many times I seek out problems so “I” can fix it.
• Many times I find the source of the problem, but need help getting the source of the solution.

 

Paul finishes explaining his plans. After he gives this money to the poor, he planned to visit those he wrote to. He knew the roads were treacherous and laced with thieves, so he asked for fervent prayer, not just a onetime ask. He also knew he needed the prayer of many.

 

• GOD wants me to ask for prayer when HE shows a difficult road ahead.
• GOD wants me to finish the task HE gives me to do.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM for blessing, love and peace.

 

The full measure of blessing of CHRIST is the Good News that should be preached all over the world. Love should be used when praying for one another. And peace comes from the source, namely GOD. I gladly ask everyone for prayers and that you receive peace from GOD.

 

• Have the many worries of the world made you lose your focus on GOD?
• How are you seeking peace?
• Will you speak about the blessing of CHRIST and ask others to pray for you with the love that comes from the HOLY SPIRIT so GOD may provide you with peace that only comes from HIM?