Exodus 5-6
Pharaoh said "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him? (vs 2) "Make the work harder for the men." Pharaoh did not fear God!
The Israelites who were crying out to God for help, then asked God to to look upon Moses and judge him! Then Moses cries out to God and says "Why have you bought trouble upon this people? Then he said to God "you have not rescued your people at all." WOAH! I'm surprised God didn't strike Moses dead right there!
The Lord said to Moses "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh."
God tells Moses to go speak to Pharaoh and Moses says, the Israelites don't listen, why would Pharaoh? Moses in essence, talked back to God!
Lord, help me today to watch my responses, to think before I speak and to make sure that I obey you and do not question when you ask!
Matthew 27-
I can't remember who spoke on this at Compass....
Peter had sinned by doubting Christ, Judas had also sinned by betraying Christ. Peter repented of his sin and was a founder of the churches! Judas, seized with remorse went away and hanged himself! We too need to be careful we don't wallow in our sin and guilt but be prompt to confess it and turn from it!
Jesus standing silent as people accused him of lie after lie...how often am I quick to defend, speak my mind? Too often.
I never noticed this verse before (vs 19) While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." After trying to persuade the crown and saw he was getting nowhere, he washed his hands of the responsibility and released Barabbas.
Jesus was mocked, spat on, his clothes taken, beaten, given bitter drink, then crucified on a cross.
Reading farther in the chapter, we see a great earthquake happened. People who'd died were raised to life, coming out of the tombs. Then, Pilate has Jesus' tomb guarded because they were afraid that Jesus would come back in 3 days as He promised!
God, thank you for sending Christ to die on the cross to pay the price for my sin. Help me to glorify you today.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Exodus 1-2 Matthew 25-
Exodus 1-2
Vs 8. then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
Vs 17. Here's an example of women who disobeyed the Pharaoh because it went against God's laws. He's asked the midwives to kill all boy babies born but instead, "feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live." God then blessed these women with children because they feared God.
This chapter tells of how Moses was born, then raised by an Egyptian. There's no mention of the name Miriam in this passage, it just says Moses' sister.
God hears us :) He heard the Israelites groaning in their slavery and how they cried out for help. (vs 23)
Matthew 25-
This chapter reminds us again of how "we don't know the day or the hour" when the bridegroom will return. (vs 13)
Then we have the parable of the talents. 1 man was given 5, 1 man was given 2, one man was given 1. The men who'd received the most money, put it to work and gained more money! The one who'd received 1 talent buried it in the ground and did nothing with his talent. God's given us talents and abilities and gifts and we need to make sure we're using them, not burying them! Jesus went so far to say that the man was wicked and lazy! (vs 26)
You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. (vs 21)
Then you have Jesus giving us a picture of generosity and care. "when I was hungry you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited me." (vs 35-36) When we care for others, it's as if we're caring for Christ Himself! (vs 45).
Vs 8. then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
Vs 17. Here's an example of women who disobeyed the Pharaoh because it went against God's laws. He's asked the midwives to kill all boy babies born but instead, "feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live." God then blessed these women with children because they feared God.
This chapter tells of how Moses was born, then raised by an Egyptian. There's no mention of the name Miriam in this passage, it just says Moses' sister.
God hears us :) He heard the Israelites groaning in their slavery and how they cried out for help. (vs 23)
Matthew 25-
This chapter reminds us again of how "we don't know the day or the hour" when the bridegroom will return. (vs 13)
Then we have the parable of the talents. 1 man was given 5, 1 man was given 2, one man was given 1. The men who'd received the most money, put it to work and gained more money! The one who'd received 1 talent buried it in the ground and did nothing with his talent. God's given us talents and abilities and gifts and we need to make sure we're using them, not burying them! Jesus went so far to say that the man was wicked and lazy! (vs 26)
You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. (vs 21)
Then you have Jesus giving us a picture of generosity and care. "when I was hungry you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited me." (vs 35-36) When we care for others, it's as if we're caring for Christ Himself! (vs 45).
Genesis 48-50 Matthew 24-
Genesis 48-50
YEY! WE completed the first book of the Bible! :) Only 65 to go ;)
How sad would it be, your Father is dying and he calls you in to give you a blessing and instead says things like "you'll no longer excel, I will scatter you, cursed be your anger."! When we meet our Father in heaven, we're praying for a response of "well done, good and faithful servant!"
Then, you have a sibling and the father says "your brothers will praise you and will bow down to you."
Jacob asked to be buried with Leah, instead of with Rachel.
50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." WE should have this similar outlook whenever something unpleasant comes our way, remembering that God is in control and can intend it for good!
Joseph lived to be 110 years old and told his brothers not to bury him in Egypt but to carry his bones up from this place. Eventually, they were placed inside of the Ark of the Covenant that held the ten commandments!
Matthew 24-
The disciples ask of the end times and Jesus warns US, watch out that no one deceives you for many will come in my name claiming 'I am the Christ'! There will be wars, these things must happen! Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes! Pastor Mike gave such a GREAT message the first week of the new year on this very topic!!! I loved too how Carlynn this week reminded us that "Jesus could come back today!" We need to have that mindset daily that today could be "it"! What good are we going to do today for the kingdom?
Jesus goes on to warn us that many will turn from their faith, betray and hate each other, some will be persecuted and put to death and be hated by nations.
Because of increased wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. I assume that means that you become numb to sin.
Vs 13 says "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved". How great it will be to "finish well."
I need to study up more on the "elect" in Matthew.
The coming Jesus describes is the same as the coming in Thess!
This world is dying. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." vs 35
So as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. We read in Genesis that every thought of mans heart was wicked!
We won't know the day or hour. Just like the people in Noah's day didn't know when the flood was coming! "Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." vs 42 He'll come at an hour when we do not expect him. We want to be found by our master, doing the masters work!
YEY! WE completed the first book of the Bible! :) Only 65 to go ;)
How sad would it be, your Father is dying and he calls you in to give you a blessing and instead says things like "you'll no longer excel, I will scatter you, cursed be your anger."! When we meet our Father in heaven, we're praying for a response of "well done, good and faithful servant!"
Then, you have a sibling and the father says "your brothers will praise you and will bow down to you."
Jacob asked to be buried with Leah, instead of with Rachel.
50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." WE should have this similar outlook whenever something unpleasant comes our way, remembering that God is in control and can intend it for good!
Joseph lived to be 110 years old and told his brothers not to bury him in Egypt but to carry his bones up from this place. Eventually, they were placed inside of the Ark of the Covenant that held the ten commandments!
Matthew 24-
The disciples ask of the end times and Jesus warns US, watch out that no one deceives you for many will come in my name claiming 'I am the Christ'! There will be wars, these things must happen! Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes! Pastor Mike gave such a GREAT message the first week of the new year on this very topic!!! I loved too how Carlynn this week reminded us that "Jesus could come back today!" We need to have that mindset daily that today could be "it"! What good are we going to do today for the kingdom?
Jesus goes on to warn us that many will turn from their faith, betray and hate each other, some will be persecuted and put to death and be hated by nations.
Because of increased wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. I assume that means that you become numb to sin.
Vs 13 says "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved". How great it will be to "finish well."
I need to study up more on the "elect" in Matthew.
The coming Jesus describes is the same as the coming in Thess!
This world is dying. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." vs 35
So as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. We read in Genesis that every thought of mans heart was wicked!
We won't know the day or hour. Just like the people in Noah's day didn't know when the flood was coming! "Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." vs 42 He'll come at an hour when we do not expect him. We want to be found by our master, doing the masters work!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Genesis 46-47 Matthew 23-
Genesis 46-47
There are a few things that are said in this passage that caught my attention. First, God tells Jacob to not be afraid and that it's ok to go to Egypt and that he'll still be able to return to his own land. This makes me think that Jacob was afraid to leave his home, then Jacob tells Joseph that he can die now because I saw for myself that you're still alive. This makes me think he doubted his sons and God because God said "and Joseph will close your eyes". Jacob lived to be 147 years old and made Joseph promise not to bury him in Egypt.
Jacob's direct descendants numbered 70, not including the wives of the sons. Wow! What a family tree! Of course, he did have numerous wives!
Pharaoh trusted Joseph so much that when he presented his brothers to Pharaoh, he asked that if any of his brothers had special ability to be in charge of his own livestock!
Joseph's family settled in the district of Rameses.
Joseph set up a system where the Egyptians gave 1/5 of their crops to Pharaoh and were able to keep four-fifths to themselves. This again reminds me of tithing, how we need to give back to God what He has blessed us with!
Matthew 23-
Practice what you preach! Jesus warned against the Pharisees, "do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (vs 3) Everything they did was done for men to see. Remember to always be humble (vs 12.) Verse 27 says how we're not to look beautiful on the outside and have our insides dead and unclean. Vs 26, if we clean the inside then the outside will also be clean :) We need to make sure our hearts are right with God.
There are a few things that are said in this passage that caught my attention. First, God tells Jacob to not be afraid and that it's ok to go to Egypt and that he'll still be able to return to his own land. This makes me think that Jacob was afraid to leave his home, then Jacob tells Joseph that he can die now because I saw for myself that you're still alive. This makes me think he doubted his sons and God because God said "and Joseph will close your eyes". Jacob lived to be 147 years old and made Joseph promise not to bury him in Egypt.
Jacob's direct descendants numbered 70, not including the wives of the sons. Wow! What a family tree! Of course, he did have numerous wives!
Pharaoh trusted Joseph so much that when he presented his brothers to Pharaoh, he asked that if any of his brothers had special ability to be in charge of his own livestock!
Joseph's family settled in the district of Rameses.
Joseph set up a system where the Egyptians gave 1/5 of their crops to Pharaoh and were able to keep four-fifths to themselves. This again reminds me of tithing, how we need to give back to God what He has blessed us with!
Matthew 23-
Practice what you preach! Jesus warned against the Pharisees, "do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (vs 3) Everything they did was done for men to see. Remember to always be humble (vs 12.) Verse 27 says how we're not to look beautiful on the outside and have our insides dead and unclean. Vs 26, if we clean the inside then the outside will also be clean :) We need to make sure our hearts are right with God.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Genesis 44-45 Matthew 33-
Genesis 44-45
Josephs servants really stand out in this chapter. They didn't question why Joseph was having them entrap his brothers, they obeyed.
The honesty of Judah, (except saying Joseph was dead) disclosing all truth to Joseph of what transpired and offering himself as a slave in the place of Benjamin. How willing are we to give up our freedom for someone else?
For Joseph to tell his brothers that God had a plan through all that Joseph had gone through. (vs 5) He sees that "it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you". Also (vs 8) "it was not you who sent me here, but God."
Matthew 33-
We learn in this chapter about taxes (give unto Caesar) and tithes (to God what is Gods). What a great reminder as tax season approaches to be honest with our income and expenses. Also, are we remembering to give tithes back to God after all that He's given us?
Verse 30 talks about how there won't be marriage in heaven and also implies that the angels aren't married either :)
Jesus gives the two greatest commandments
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. (vs 37 and 39).
Are we loving God with everything we have? Are we loving others as much as we love ourselves? Jen Gray gave me a good JOY analogy years ago, Jesus, Others, You! We should love God and other people more than we love ourselves.
Josephs servants really stand out in this chapter. They didn't question why Joseph was having them entrap his brothers, they obeyed.
The honesty of Judah, (except saying Joseph was dead) disclosing all truth to Joseph of what transpired and offering himself as a slave in the place of Benjamin. How willing are we to give up our freedom for someone else?
For Joseph to tell his brothers that God had a plan through all that Joseph had gone through. (vs 5) He sees that "it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you". Also (vs 8) "it was not you who sent me here, but God."
Matthew 33-
We learn in this chapter about taxes (give unto Caesar) and tithes (to God what is Gods). What a great reminder as tax season approaches to be honest with our income and expenses. Also, are we remembering to give tithes back to God after all that He's given us?
Verse 30 talks about how there won't be marriage in heaven and also implies that the angels aren't married either :)
Jesus gives the two greatest commandments
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. (vs 37 and 39).
Are we loving God with everything we have? Are we loving others as much as we love ourselves? Jen Gray gave me a good JOY analogy years ago, Jesus, Others, You! We should love God and other people more than we love ourselves.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Genesis 42-43 Matthew 21-
Genesis 42-43
I love how Jacob addresses his sons in verse 1! "Why do you just keep looking at each other?" They're standing around idol, not accomplishing anything and so he sends them off to Egypt to "buy some food for us, so that we may live and not die"
Again, we see Jacob's favoritism. He didn't send Benjamin with his brothers because he was afraid harm might come to him. (vs 4)
Vs 6, Joseph's dream comes true! His brothers bowed down with their faces to the ground.
Reuben said in vs 22, "now we must give an accounting for his blood." Reuben seems to me like a good man. He said in vs. 37 that if Benjamin didn't return that Jacob could kill both of his sons. He said entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back.
Joseph loved his brother Benjamin and wept uncontrollably. How many years had passed since they saw each other last? I wonder too how long Simeon had to stay in jail while the rest of the family finished off the grain they'd brought home from Egypt! I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I can read the rest of the story!
Matthew 21-
Jesus tells his disciples exactly where to go for a donkey, and, the donkey was there! We see Jesus' power, with a word and it happened!
This passage reminds me of Pastor Mike's message on hosanna from Palm Sunday last year!
In verse 21, Jesus says "if you have faith and do not doubt", Carlynn's WBS message was so great this morning, teaching on how we as Christians should not doubt God! It's a sin, a very bad sin!
Vs 32 "even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe". We're to respond to God with repentance and faith! The Pharisees did not believe or respond with repentance to what Jesus instructed!
I love how Jacob addresses his sons in verse 1! "Why do you just keep looking at each other?" They're standing around idol, not accomplishing anything and so he sends them off to Egypt to "buy some food for us, so that we may live and not die"
Again, we see Jacob's favoritism. He didn't send Benjamin with his brothers because he was afraid harm might come to him. (vs 4)
Vs 6, Joseph's dream comes true! His brothers bowed down with their faces to the ground.
Reuben said in vs 22, "now we must give an accounting for his blood." Reuben seems to me like a good man. He said in vs. 37 that if Benjamin didn't return that Jacob could kill both of his sons. He said entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back.
Joseph loved his brother Benjamin and wept uncontrollably. How many years had passed since they saw each other last? I wonder too how long Simeon had to stay in jail while the rest of the family finished off the grain they'd brought home from Egypt! I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I can read the rest of the story!
Matthew 21-
Jesus tells his disciples exactly where to go for a donkey, and, the donkey was there! We see Jesus' power, with a word and it happened!
This passage reminds me of Pastor Mike's message on hosanna from Palm Sunday last year!
In verse 21, Jesus says "if you have faith and do not doubt", Carlynn's WBS message was so great this morning, teaching on how we as Christians should not doubt God! It's a sin, a very bad sin!
Vs 32 "even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe". We're to respond to God with repentance and faith! The Pharisees did not believe or respond with repentance to what Jesus instructed!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Genesis 40-41 Matthew 20-
Genesis 40-41
This chapter is a good reminder to me to remember to give thanks to those who do good to me! Joseph interprets the dream of the cupbearer and asks him to remember Joseph and mention him to Pharaoh. Verse 23 says that the cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. It was 2 years before the cupbearer remembered Joseph.
Joseph also gives glory to God and doesn't take credit himself for interpreting Pharaoh's dream! (vs 16)
This chapter also shows how God knows what's going to happen before it happens. Vs 28 Joseph said to Pharaoh, "God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do". The matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. (vs 32)
This is also a good reminder to be responsible with what God has given us! Seven good years came before the seven years of famine.
Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh. He was 17 when he was sold by his brothers and 17 years had passed!
Matthew 20-
"I am not being unfair to you". "Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money?" The last will be first, and the first will be last.
Jesus knows the future and tells his disciples what's going to happen.
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...what a great reminder that we ALL should be serving!
This chapter is a good reminder to me to remember to give thanks to those who do good to me! Joseph interprets the dream of the cupbearer and asks him to remember Joseph and mention him to Pharaoh. Verse 23 says that the cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. It was 2 years before the cupbearer remembered Joseph.
Joseph also gives glory to God and doesn't take credit himself for interpreting Pharaoh's dream! (vs 16)
This chapter also shows how God knows what's going to happen before it happens. Vs 28 Joseph said to Pharaoh, "God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do". The matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. (vs 32)
This is also a good reminder to be responsible with what God has given us! Seven good years came before the seven years of famine.
Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh. He was 17 when he was sold by his brothers and 17 years had passed!
Matthew 20-
"I am not being unfair to you". "Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money?" The last will be first, and the first will be last.
Jesus knows the future and tells his disciples what's going to happen.
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...what a great reminder that we ALL should be serving!
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