The Famine was Over

The Famine was Over

Genesis 47: ²³ Then Joseph said to the people, “Indeed I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. ²⁴ And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give one-fifth to Pharaoh. Four-fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and for your food, for those of your households and as food for your little ones.”

 

²⁵ So they said, “You have saved our lives; let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” ²⁶ And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have one-fifth, except for the land of the priests only, which did not become Pharaoh’s.

 

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In the final year of the famine, Joseph told the Egyptians what to do with the land he purchased. Each household were now under the rule of Pharaoh and had to give one-fifth of their harvest annually. This became a law that was pleasing to Pharaoh.

 

My Observations:

• Every household had to clearly divide the way they planted their fields so it could be monitored by the Egyptian enforcers.
• Five fields had to be planted and one of the best would go to Pharaoh.
• The people gladly bought into this new way of life because they did not have seed to plant in their fields during the famine.

 

Joseph essentially developed commerce amongst the Egyptians that did not exist before the famine. Pharaoh would get a twenty percent cut and the people could do as they pleased with the rest. GOD put Joseph in a position to make

 

This shrewd move would keep Pharaoh wealthy without having to lift a finger. There were only seventy Israelites at this time. They would tend the best land and plant food for themselves and their animals. Joseph had developed a semi-harmonious lifestyle for Pharaoh, the Egyptians and the Israelites. The Egyptian priests, did not have to pay. The famine was over. GOD brought them out of the famine.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the tax Joseph placed on the Egyptians?
• Have you ever been put in a position where you had to do something different and you gladly did it?
• When GOD takes you out of your famine, will you stay with HIM and be a new creation for HIM?

Rescue Plan

Rescue Plan

2 Peter 2: ⁴ God did not spare the angels who sinned, but threw them into hell, where they are kept chained in darkness, waiting for the Day of Judgment. ⁵ God did not spare the ancient world, but brought the flood on the world of godless people; the only ones he saved were Noah, who preached righteousness, and seven other people. ⁶ God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying them with fire, and made them an example of what will happen to the godless. ⁷ He rescued Lot, a good man, who was distressed by the immoral conduct of lawless people. ⁸ That good man lived among them, and day after day he suffered agony as he saw and heard their evil actions. ⁹ And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment, ¹⁰ especially those who follow their filthy bodily lusts and despise God's authority.

 

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“You look miserable” someone said to me. I did not know it was showing on my face. The pressures of the position weighed heavily on me. Meanwhile, it seemed like some people, who I felt were cutthroat, were getting away with lies and manipulation.

 

• It seemed like there was no hope.
• It seemed like there would be no relief.
• It seemed like a good time to give up because powerful bullies were getting their way.

 

Peter goes into theology that most do not want to hear. He partially explains the wrath of GOD on those who are determined to do evil. He gives a few examples of how GOD takes sin seriously. But he also gives hope.

 

My Observations:

• I was lost in my many sins, BUT GOD gave me a gift which is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.
• GOD saved me from all my sins, past, present and future.
• GOD’s authority is to be welcomed in my life so HE can correct me any time HE wants.

 

Falling down is not the problem, it is getting back up that is hard. I mean, when I fall to sin and it seems like my world is falling apart, at one time I had no place to turn. BUT GOD gave me a solution.

 

JESUS forgave me for my sins and gave me a COMFORTER who is willing to guide me daily. HE protects me from those who try to harm me, and HE protects me from myself. I am glad GOD has a rescue plan for me when thing look bleak.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain this side of GOD?
• Have you ever been in a miserable situation where it seemed like there was no way out?
• Will you turn your eyes to GOD’s love for you and accept HIS plan of rescue by believing in HIS SON JESUS, who volunteered to save you and me today?

No Chance Taken

No Chance Taken

Colossians 1: ¹³ He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.

 

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Wanting to get “my” way, I decided to “try” GOD. I had too many calamities going on and wanted some relief. I decided to act “good” so I took an inventory of what I thought was “bad.” I reduced my sin to no avail. More things were going wrong. “What do YOU want from me?” was my complaint.

 

• I was trying to manipulate GOD by being good.
• I thought I was in control of GOD.
• I used flawed logic by thinking GOD reacts to what I do.

 

Paul continues to explain why we should be thankful for GOD. By belief in JESUS, the FATHER rescued us from the power of darkness, brought us safe into the kingdom of JESUS and set us free by forgiving us of all our sins. GOD did it all.

 

My Observations

• When I think I have let GOD down by my sins, I must remember, HE forgave me of all my sins.
• When I think I can manipulate GOD by being “good” I must remember JESUS is the only one who is “good.”
• When I think GOD doesn’t love me or HE doesn’t care about this particular situation, I must remember, HE rescued me before I was even born.

 

We all want to be in control of our lives. I mean, I try hard to be “good” so things will go well with me. But what happens when I thought I was good and bad things happen anyway? I believe it means “bad things happen anyway and I am still supposed to believe that everything was taken care of for my salvation.

 

GOD did not leave it up to me to save me. HE knew I would not choose HIM, rather I would run after what the world thinks is right. HE made a way for me to be saved by giving us HIS one and only SON. I am glad I am forgiven for all my sins, even the sin of trying to manipulate GOD.

 

Challenge

• What are the things the writer is pointing out that are worthy of praise?
• Do you have to “feel” forgiven or know you are forgiven?
• What does “safe into the kingdom” mean to you?
• Will you know that GOD loves you dearly and has not taken a chance on losing you today?

Rescued

Luke 17: ³⁰ ‘It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. ³¹ On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. ³² Remember Lot’s wife! ³³ Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. ³⁴ I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.³⁵ Two women will be grinding corn together; one will be taken and the other left.’

³⁷ ‘Where, Lord?’ they asked.

He replied, ‘Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.’

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After the football game I dreaded the thought of navigating my way back home. I had to take extra buses and I just knew they would be crowed and hot. I noticed a few familiar people going towards a car.  “Can I get in?” I asked. “Nah… There’s not enough room” they replied disappointingly. I could clearly see room for me in their car.

• There have been times when I have been left out.
• There have been times when I was not part of the special group.
• There have been times when I wished I could be part of the “in” crowd.

JESUS tells HIS disciples about the harsh reality of what will take place when HE returns to gather HIS people. HE explains that one day, after HIS ascension to heaven, HE will return to collect only those who believe in HIM. Some people in the same household will be gathered with HIM and others will not.

• GOD says to me “Believe that MY SON has provided the only way back to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Focus on MY SON and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “JESUS is the only way, the only truth and the only life.”

JESUS’ bold message may turn people off and HE, unfortunately, knew it. HE knows some people will harden their hearts and call HIM a fairytale. Many will choose to go in their own direction, BUT GOD wants me to be part of HIS “in crowd.” HE wants me to open up my heart and believe that JESUS died specifically for me. I am welcomed into HIS family.

• Are you doubting GOD’s love for you?
• Do you feel left out?
• Can you believe GOD will welcome you into HIS family with open arms, no matter what sin you have committed?

Saved from the Slide

Ezekiel 37: ²³ They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

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Going down the slide wasn’t enough for our playground; you had to be brave enough to run up its steep incline. As I tried over and over I found myself on my back as I tumbled down the slippery slope. The same goes for life. Many times I have told GOD, “I will NEVER do or say that again” and moments later I am doing or saying what I just said I wouldn’t.

• There have been times when I have slid back into the same old sins.
• There have been times when I left my promises to reach for my own protection.
• There have been times when I was on the wrong trail because I got off the correct one.

It seems like I go through periods when I am walking very close to GOD and other times it feels like I have slid so far away from HIM that even HE can’t find me. How can I be sure that HE will even look for me?

• GOD said to me “I WILL save you from your backsliding.”
• GOD said to me “I WILL cleanse you.”
• GOD said to me “I WILL be your GOD and you will be MY people.”

GOD does not need me to clean myself up or be perfect. In fact HE knows the more I try to be perfect the more highly I think of myself. HE simply wants me to “be” and let HIM do the rest. Yes, sin is awful, but that should not be my focus. GOD wants me to focus on what HE is doing daily.

HE is delivering me on a daily basis. Protection flows from HIS sinews as I crouch behind HIS strength. HE saves me in the middle of my sin and does not wait. HE picks me up and teaches me how not to slide back. HE and HE alone placed me in HIS family, never to leave me again!

• Are you sliding backwards to your old ways?
• Do you think you are far away from GOD?
• Can you understand that HE is right there with you?
• Will you allow HIM to rescue you from your idols and vile images and other offenses?
• Will you allow GOD to be your GOD and you HIS people? 

Rescue from Above

Isaiah 31: ⁴ This is what the Lord says to me:

“As a lion growls,
    a great lion over its prey—
and though a whole band of shepherds
    is called together against it,
it is not frightened by their shouts
    or disturbed by their clamor—
so the Lord Almighty will come down
    to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.
⁵ Like birds hovering overhead,
    the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem;
he will shield it and deliver it,
    he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”

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“How are we going to make it to the bus?” I thought. I mean there were gang-bangers everywhere this day. One of my classmates, who lived in the neighborhood, whistled a very distinct whistle. Suddenly I noticed the gangsters retreat.

• There were times when it seemed like this is going to be “it.”
• There were times when it seemed like the situation could not get any worse.
• There were times when it seemed like I was going to meet my demise.

Still frightened, I stepped outside with my friends. We walked safely to the bus stop and amazingly got on the bus without harm. Our classmate knew the thugs and with one whistle, told them to retreat. We were watched over.

• GOD says to me “I AM watching over you on a daily basis even when you don’t feel it.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the almighty and I will do battle for you.”
• GOD says to me “I AM rescuing you every day so do not be afraid.”

Looking at the problem too long makes me frightened. I mean as I stare at the calamity, I am no longer looking at GOD. HE is the one who shows me the way. GOD put my classmate there, at the right place, at the right time. GOD watches over me daily and I praise HIM!

• Are you scared?
• Are you frightened?
• Can you put your trust in GOD rather than your knowledge?
• Won’t you stop fighting GOD by spreading your ways and follow HIS?

Rescue is Only a Question Away

Psalm 144: ¹⁰ to the One who gives victory to kings,
    who delivers his servant David.

From the deadly sword ¹¹ deliver me;
    rescue me from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
    whose right hands are deceitful.

¹² Then our sons in their youth
    will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
    carved to adorn a palace.
¹³ Our barns will be filled
    with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
    by tens of thousands in our fields;
¹⁴     our oxen will draw heavy loads.
There will be no breaching of walls,
    no going into captivity,
    no cry of distress in our streets.
¹⁵ Blessed is the people of whom this is true;
    blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.

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David was fleeing for his life and a few times this was true for me. From being chased by bullies, thugs and gang members, running became a solution of necessity. As an adult I remember running from other bullies in companies, creditors and collection agencies. Fear filled my bones, BUT GOD was always there.

• GOD tells me “Stand still and watch the salvation of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only path to deliverance.”
• GOD whispers to me “I AM the gate; no one gets into the kingdom but by ME.”

The LORD is truly my shepherd, I shall not want. HE gives me peace and restores me even when I don’t deserve it. I am excited that I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!

• Can you place your full trust in GOD today?
• Will you stand still and watch the deliverance of the LORD?
• Can you be honest with GOD and let HIM know your needs without stating them in anger?
• Will you let GOD be your LORD today?

Getting out of the Trap

Psalm 129: ¹ “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,”
    let Israel say;
² “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
    but they have not gained the victory over me.
³ Plowmen have plowed my back
    and made their furrows long.
⁴ But the Lord is righteous;
    he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

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“Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. Bullies on the left and poverty on the right, was a thought I had in eighth grade. “Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. This time, difficult teachers and no help or direction prompted my thinking in high school. “Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. This time I had a very boring job in a town I despised and I had no contacts.

• There are some places in life that seemed like I would remain forever.
• There are some places in life that seemed like I would never leave.
• There are some places in life that seemed as if I was stuck with no way out.

Looking forward during those difficult times, the road seemed endless. I mean who can do four whole years of high school, my young mind could not conceive. Looking back at that trial is only laughable compared to the trials of an adult. GOD had a plan for me.

• GOD is always there for me when I question the road HE has me on.
• GOD is always there for me when the road seems bleak and I have nothing inside of “me” to resolve the current situation.
• GOD is always there for me when things seem impossible to me.

When I look at my power and assess my skills I quickly get nervous. I compare what I know with what’s ahead of me and immediately feel like giving up, BUT GOD has shown to be ever faithful. HE says “When you are weakest, MY strength is made perfect.” GOD is my salvation, whom shall I fear?

• Are you nervous?
• Are you feeling frightened by your surroundings?
• Can you be still for a moment today and listen to GOD?
• Will you accept the peace HE has for you this day?

Narrow Escapes are the Norm

Psalm 124: ¹ If the Lord had not been on our side—
    let Israel say—
² if the Lord had not been on our side
    when people attacked us,
³ they would have swallowed us alive
    when their anger flared against us;
⁴ the flood would have engulfed us,
    the torrent would have swept over us,
⁵ the raging waters
    would have swept us away.

⁶ Praise be to the Lord,
    who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
⁷ We have escaped like a bird
    from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
    and we have escaped.
⁸ Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Like Hollywood I “woke up” just in the nick of time as I drove my car off the expressway and onto an exit ramp! Another time my friend and I made it onto the bus just in the nick of time, as a fight broke out amongst the thugs the driver closed the door behind us. A speeding car almost crashed into mine once.  I was told not to travel the week prior to every plane being grounded due to terrorist attacks. The list goes on and on.

• People have said to me “You are lucky.”
• People have said to me “You have skill.”
• People have said to me “You must be living right.”

Life-threatening narrow escapes have happened to me many times throughout the years. Looking back, I don’t know that I have always been thankful.

• GOD wants me to acknowledge that HE was the one who brought me through all of my troubles.
• GOD wants me to recognize that only HE can protect me even in the direst situation.
• GOD wants me to open my mouth and praise HIM for the way HE is handling things during my trials, not after.

I love what the writer says “Our hope is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Only HE can pull off safety and security. Nothing on this earth provides protection like GOD. HE breaks chains made by humans and enables freedom from traps.

• Are you waiting on your escape?
• Has it been prolonged?
• Will you praise GOD for taking HIS time?
• Can you recognize that GOD has given you your daily bread?
• Will you look back on your life to remember the narrow escapes HE provided you?

Expect the Unexpected

Psalm 22: ¹⁹ But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

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“Help” was all I could utter when trouble number three came. I mean the car was broken, my credit was broken and my will was finally broken. I wondered how far GOD really was from me. I thought that if I started following GOD that things would be fine. I would be rich and famous and on a perpetual vacation. Why was I going through this?

• Sometimes I go through trials.
• Sometimes I experience trouble.
• Sometimes I have pain.

So many unexpected things happen and when they do I am taken thoroughly by surprise. This causes a mild panic and then a crazy thought comes to mind. “GOD is gone” or “GOD is punishing me”, but this thinking is extremely flawed.

• GOD allowed trouble on HIMSELF so HE could empathize with my troubles.
• GOD experienced ever temptation so HIS grace IS sufficient for me.
• GOD wept when HE saw all the troubles I would experience so HIS compassion for me is extreme.

GOD gets no pleasure in seeing me in pain. In fact it hurts HIM deeply when I anguish because HE place the HOLY SPIRIT inside me. GOD cannot get “away” from me even though it feels that way. So when the unexpected comes up, GOD is there, ready to go through the problem with me. HE wants me to expect the unexpected so I can put more trust in HIM.

• Are you in shock over something?
• Did something recently happen that caused you to go in a different direction suddenly?
• Can you ask GOD for strength to quickly resolve your new direction?
• Won’t you ask GOD for HIS swift resolution?

The Basis of Choice

Nehemiah 7: ² I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do.

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Fumbling through a book, I scratched my head teaching myself how to program computers. You would think I already knew what I was doing since that is what they hired me for. Little by little I picked up my craft, but I wasn’t very productive. I showed up to work early and stayed late trying to figure things out.

I thought I was going to be fired when the big boss pulled me in his office. “Can you handle the work?” he asked me. “Yes, I believe so” was my reply. “Great, we are going to give you more responsibility. We are going to send you to get trained and you will have more to do.”

• Looking back I see that I was not always ready.
• Looking back I see that I was not always equipped.
• Looking back I see that I was not always confident in my abilities.

I had no experience, no proof and no excuse on my first job out of college. Everything just worked out the way it worked out. I was at a place where I was over my head and didn’t know what to do. BUT GOD knew what HE was doing.

• GOD watched over me when I wasn’t the best choice.
• GOD watched over me when I did not know what I was doing.
• GOD watched over me when I was faced with something huge.

The big boss took a chance on me by giving me more responsibility, training and a mentor. Years later I brought this lesson with me and took a chance on the unlikely and GOD made it work tremendously time and time again.

• Why are you choosing that person?
• Are you and they fearing GOD rather than fearing your situation?
• Is it more important to be obedient to GOD rather than getting your way?
• Can you prayerfully take a chance on that person knowing it will be harder and require more patience?