Foreshadowed

Foreshadowed

Genesis 48: Now it came to pass after these things that Joseph was told, “Indeed your father is sick”; and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. ² And Jacob was told, “Look, your son Joseph is coming to you”; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. ³ Then Jacob said to Joseph: “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, ⁴ and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ ⁵ And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. ⁶ Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. ⁷ But as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

 

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Some time after Israel made Joseph promise to bury him near his fathers, he got sick. Joseph got word of his sickness and took his two sons to see him. What Israel said, would come to pass.

 

My Observations:

• Ephraim and Manasseh would become tribes of Israel.
• The tribe of Joseph would be replaced by his sons and referred to as the house of Joseph.
• Rachel died in Bethlehem, birthplace of JESUS.

 

On Israel’s deathbed, he foreshadowed things to come. One day Joseph’s children would become prominent tribes, receiving earthly inheritances as great as the other tribes. He then recalled the death of Rachel.

 

She died on the way to Ephrath in a little town called Bethlehem. This would be the birthplace of CHRIST two-thousand years later. Her deathplace was significant. GOD’s plan was far greater than expected. Most people think it’s about earthly possessions, but it is about JESUS establishing an everlasting Kingdom.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Israel’s prophetic words?
• Do you think the places you have been, are insignificant?
• Can you accept that everything you do and everything you are has significant meaning to GOD?

Now and Always

 

Now and Always

Hebrews 7: ²³ There is another difference: there were many of those other priests, because they died and could not continue their work. ²⁴ But Jesus lives on forever, and his work as priest does not pass on to someone else. ²⁵ And so he is able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives forever to plead with God for them.

 

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Looking around for my building materials, I found the perfect items that would “last.” I got an old blanket and some sticks I found to use as the poles of my tent. I then found some rocks that would stabilize the bottom of the tent. “This is invincible” I thought to myself. The next day I went out to enjoy the tent, only to find it laying flat and wet. It had rained and my flimsy design did not last.

 

• I thought the thing “I” built would last.
• I thought I had built something strong when it was really very weak.
• I thought I had built something permanent, but it did not last a day.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, points out a difference between JESUS and human priests. JESUS, after the resurrection, would never die. Human priests, were susceptible to death, therefore their ability to plea to GOD on behalf of everyone was limited.

 

My Observations:

• My belief in JESUS’ power to forgive me gives me eternal life.
• If a question were to come up later about my sin, JESUS would always be three to say I am forgiven.
• There is no sin I have committed, or will ever commit, that will break my relationship with JESUS.

 

When JESUS saved me it was permanent. I mean, sometimes I think that if I temporarily act “good” then my salvation is in “my” hands. I could not be further from the truth. JESUS saved me in the middle of my sin, while I was committing them. HE also knew I could not stay on my diet of being good, so HE decided to do something a little more permanent.

 

HIS death, burial and resurrection became the covenant that made me and you able to be saved forever. HE forgives me retrospectively and perpetually . In other words, “all” my sins are forgiven! I am glad I have a permanent relationship with the one who saves, namely JESUS!.

 

Challenge

• What work is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever made a plan that turned out to be flimsy and it fell apart?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS, who can save you in this life and the next, today?

Comforted and Established

Comforted and Established

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

 

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Directionless, penniless and hopeless was where I had gotten. Bills kept coming and creditors kept calling, yet I had no way to give them any money and I had no job. Parties seemed to be more of a nuisance than consolation, but that’s all I knew at the time.

 

• I wanted some relief.
• I wanted to not have any worries, but had plenty.
• I wanted to be out of the trial, but had no way out, or so I thought.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave a small prayer to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. They explained that JESUS and GOD the FATHER have shown mankind a great amount of love, consolation and hope. Now they ask for “comfort” and to “establish you in every good word and work.”

 

My Observations

• GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT agreed on what it would take to love me and console me and to give me hope.
• Even when I experience trouble, the HOLY SPIRIT provides me with comfort.
• GOD establishes me in HIS plan to provide a good word and a good work.

 

All good things come from GOD. I mean, love, everlasting consolation, hope and grace seem to be wonderful things to accept as a gift from a loving GOD. Unfortunately, my worries or desires get in the way. I blame GOD, doubt GOD or walk away from GOD when things are not going as I wanted them to. BUT GOD is merciful.

 

HE sees me with HIM in eternity because I believe I need a Savior, which is JESUS CHRIST. HE consoles my every regret. HE comforts my heart and give me a word to give to others. HE then gives me purpose which is my work. I am grateful for GOD doing everything to keep me with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the love GOD is trying to give you through the writers?
• Have you ever had a time when you doubted GOD, got mad at HIM or threatened to leave HIM?
• Will you accept HIS wonderful gift of love, everlasting consolation, good hope, grace, comfort, good word and good work today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD please bless this reader with YOUR comfort today. Address all worries he or she may have. Provide the comfort that only comes from YOU. Open our eyes to your plan so we may do the work YOU desire. amen

Permanent Love

 Permanent Love

Romans 11: ²⁸ Because they reject the Good News, the Jews are God's enemies for the sake of you Gentiles. But because of God's choice, they are his friends because of their ancestors. ²⁹ For God does not change his mind about whom he chooses and blesses. ³⁰ As for you Gentiles, you disobeyed God in the past; but now you have received God's mercy because the Jews were disobedient. ³¹ In the same way, because of the mercy that you have received, the Jews now disobey God, in order that they also may now receive God's mercy. ³² For God has made all people prisoners of disobedience, so that he might show mercy to them all.

 

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Watching a promising employee, I noted her actions. I could see potential where others could not. She asked me to mentor her so I gave her my advice regularly. But one day she said she desired to go to a “rival” department. “Can I still come to you for advice?” she asked. “You have new leaders now” I said to her, knowing in my heart I did not like the leaders in that department.

 

• There were times when I provided blessings to a small number of people.
• There were times when I withheld blessings because something “that” person did.
• There were times when I changed my mind about my blessings when “that” person decided to do something different than “I” expected.

 

Paul attempts to explain how merciful GOD is. He talks about the Gentiles and the Jews disobedience. No one obeyed GOD. Since GOD’s word demands death for any sin, all humans were prisoners of disobedience from birth. Was there any hope? Yes! JESUS showed mercy to all.

 

• GOD wants me to know I would never have chosen HIM unless HE chose me.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM for HIS mercy because I do not deserve HIS glorious gift.
• GOD wants me to see the mercy HE has shown me so I can see the mercy HE can and will show others.

 

Mercy is GOD’s choice. I mean, there is nothing I can do or say to earn GOD’s mercy. JESUS, being GOD, volunteered to die for me. HE loved me so much that HE took my punishment. HE saw all my sins and died for me anyway. HE never changed HIS mind about me even when I sin the most. I am grateful HIS love for me is permanent.

 

• Are you looking at someone and thinking how messed up “that” person is?
• Are you withholding your loving prayers for a group of people because they do not look or act like you?
• Will you recognize GOD’s mercy for you so you can thank HIM and allow HIM to open your eyes to the mercy HE wants to show “that” group of people you have judged today?

Missed Because of Purpose

Missed Because of Purpose

Acts 20: ³⁶ When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. ³⁷ They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. ³⁸ What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

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Looking back, the people I missed the most were those who had integrity. I mean, these were the people who taught me something I still use to this very day. Their selflessness opened my eyes to a whole new way of behavior. I remember them fondly.

• There were people in my life who had a sense of purpose.
• There were people in my life who spoke “the” truth versus “a” truth.
• There were people in my life who taught me to spread the love of JESUS.

Paul finished speaking to the group of leaders who were strong followers of CHRIST and knelt down to pray. They wept because Paul told them they would never see him again. He demonstrated and spoke with integrity about JESUS. Though they grieved, they understood.

• GOD understands when I grieve over the loss of a person.
• GOD wants me to live my life with HIS purpose so when HE removes me from people HE sent me to, I would have fulfilled what HE told me to do.
• GOD want me to point my life to HIS everlasting life so they can have HIS give of love forever.

With JESUS being the purpose of my life, I can fulfill what HE wants me to do with everyone around me. I can also recognize when others are living their life with purpose. Even if we are separated and I cannot see them for a while, I know it will not be forever.

I will have an eternity to spend with those who believe in JESUS and lived their life with purpose. I will miss those who have gone before me, but my grief for them is not forever. I am grateful GOD has put people in my life who have lived for HIS purpose.

• Are you living your life for GOD’s purpose?
• Do you want people to miss you or are you preparing them for eternal life with you and JESUS?
• Will you live your life with purpose that GOD has given you so you can shorten the grief of others if you are separated from them today?

Come to Collect

Come to Collect

John 6: ³⁵ And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. ³⁹ This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. ⁴⁰ And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

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Scared to answer the phone, I said “hello.” It was another bill collector asking for their money. Unfortunately, I had none and I told them just that. The next day they called back. I explained that no money had come in from yesterday’s call. The following day they called back and again and again until I paid off the debt. Wow they were relentless!

• There were people who relentlessly pursued what I owed them.
• There were people who spared no cost in trying to collect what was theirs from me.
• There were people who spent their entire day looking for me to give them what I owed.

JESUS reveals HE is the Bread of Life. HE explains that if people would return to HIM, they would never hunger or thirst. HE is a different but necessary source of food. HE then explains what HE was there for.

• JESUS became a human so HE could be murdered for me to pay my debt.
• JESUS knew I must die because I was born into sin so HE decided to be killed in place of me.
• JESUS said if I would come to HIM, HE would never cast me out.

GOD wants to collect those who are willing to be with HIM. HE gave us free will to choose HIM or ourselves. Those who believe that JESUS took care of all their sins will be saved. Those who do not think their sins matter or that they have not sinned at all will perish forever.

JESUS came to do the will of the FATHER which is to gather all those HE has given to HIM. HE is relentless in HIS pursuit. Ever day HE comes after me, loving me and caring for me, even when I blatantly run away from HIM. HE is the great collector. I am glad HE paid my debt.

• What are you distracted by?
• Are you so focused on the debts of humans that you can no longer see GOD?
• Will you focus on your need for everlasting life and praise GOD for clearing your debt of sin today?

Food

Food

John 6: ²⁶ Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. ²⁷ Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

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Sitting in the highly decorated restaurant, a number of people waited on our table. We had our own wait staff who promptly brought out any food or drink that we requested. The main course contained a very expensive Kobe beef steak. “This meal is a long way from beans and franks” I thought to myself. “Maybe I should become rich and eat like this more often.”

• I have eaten expensive foods.
• I have eaten at some very high end restaurants.
• I have sought out new foods as entertainment and pleasure.

The crowd sought JESUS because HE fed them when they had no food. JESUS performed a miracle, dividing a boy’s lunch into thousands of filling portions. JESUS saw through their quest to follow HIM. HE warned them not to seek HIM because HE was some sort of food pantry. But what is HE?

• JESUS wants me to seek HIM for everlasting life.
• JESUS wants me to start my eternal life right now by listening to HIM daily.
• JESUS wants me to accept HIS seal that no one can steal or remove, including myself.

Seeking food for pleasure or necessity can distract me from the real food GOD wants to give me. When JESUS said “Man does not live by bread alone” HE was telling me that there is more to life than eating. Preoccupation with staying healthy or gaining new tastes can take up precious time that could be spent with GOD.

HE knows I have to eat and does not mind if I eat a tasty meal, but what about those who have not eaten a meal in a while? GOD wants me to listen to HIS food so I can be nourished with the word enough to execute what it says. HE wants me to share my spiritual and physical food with those in need. I am glad HE feeds me daily.

• Are you hungry for GOD?
• Do you seek physical food?
• Will you take time today and seek GOD’s food which is everlasting?

Game of Life

Game of Life

John 5: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. ²⁵ Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. ²⁶ For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, ²⁷ and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 

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With a spouse and a car full of babies, I could see the finish line. After losing so many times, I finally could win this round. When I spun the spinner, I landed on the dreaded spot that takes money away from you, just before getting to millionaire acres, the game winning spot. My dreams of winning were crushed again.

• Sometimes I want life to go as other people have planned for me.
• Sometimes I want life to be without problems.
• Sometimes I want life to be just like the game of life where you can win a large prize just for playing.

JESUS further explains to the church leaders that HE is GOD and has all authority. HE explains that the FATHER has life and so does HE. “Life will be given to those who hear ME” JESUS says. Am I listening?

• JESUS wants me to accept HIS example HE gave me in HIS word.
• JESUS wants me to look to HIM for all of my answers rather than thinking I know it all.
• JESUS wants me to hear HIM when I need comforting, correction and guidance in all aspects of life.

Life is GOD and HE gives it to me abundantly. Sometimes the enemy tries to confuse me into thinking if I am experiencing problems, I must not be living “life.” This is a lie that JESUS wants me to overcome. HE wants me to see that “life” is more than problem free and pleasure filled time.

Life means being with people who struggle, as well as with those who laugh. JESUS wants me to cry with people, smile with people and grow with people. HE wants me to point to HIM who holds life in HIS hands. I am eternally saved because of JESUS.

• What does “life” mean to you?
• Do you think you are not living because things are not going your way?
• Will you stop waiting on things to be better and start celebrating eternal life, through JESUS, before it happens?

Holder of Life

Mark 9: And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”

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“You can extend your life by 10 years” is what the personal trainer said to me as he challenged me to do another rep. Eat right, sleep right, exercise right were all terms used to say I would live longer.

• Sometimes I think I can “extend” my life.
• Sometimes I think I am in control of “my” life.
• Sometimes I think death is an arbitrary date that I have control over.

JESUS clearly knew who HE was speaking about when HE said this simple statement. HE knew when people would live and when they would die.

• GOD says to me “There is a day and time appointed for you.”
• GOD says to me “Death has no power over you when you love ME.”
• GOD says to me “Everlasting life is what I came to the world to give you.”

When JESUS rose, HE got up with great power. HE had overcome ALL sin. Belief in HIS power enables me to have everlasting life with HIM in HIS kingdom. HE holds my life in HIS hands.

• Are you trying to “extend” your life?
• Do you think you are in control of your life?
• Will you give your life to JESUS and let HIM guide you today?