Genesis
We can derive contentment by avoiding conformity to the standards of the world. There are times to get along. There are times to fit in. There are also times to make sure we stay true to God’s ways without compromise. Joseph selects five of his brothers to present themselves
Genesis
God lives up to all His promises. He does not fail. He created the world; all things are within His grasp. We can trust His will. Jacob sends Judah ahead. Judah developed into the family leader, and prior to meeting Joseph he was the clear candidate for control of the
Genesis
God may call us as His people, but within that calling we all have freedom to interact with God as we desire. Our relationship with God is personal. God wants us all to come, but He knows we come in different ways. Once Jacob decides to go and see Joseph,
Genesis
As we journey closer to God, along the way we find it easier to believe the truth God knows about us. Drawing closer to God implies we see the amazing things He has done for us and for other people. We see His glory, and it becomes easier to believe
Genesis
God wants us to be in relationship with Him, and He wants that relationship to be as profound as possible. In contrast to the kind of relationship limited human beings can make, we should desire the kind of relationship the God who created the universe can make. We should look
Genesis
God wants us to talk to Him, to cast our cares upon His throne, and to celebrate life with us as we walk through it. God created creation and then created us to experience His creation. We should have joy with Him in His creation. Joseph can’t take it
Genesis
We illustrate imperfectly what only God can accomplish perfectly. When we show love, we show God’s love. When we demonstrate grace, we give people an appreciation for God’s grace. When we sacrifice ourselves, we teach people to value sacrificial living. It was originally Judah’s idea to sell
Genesis
The only thing required from us is to receive His grace. We cannot earn His love. We can desire relationship with Him, but we cannot earn it. He gives us His grace freely. When the brothers return to Joseph, he’s still in his house. Of course he is! He
Genesis
God wants all our relationships to be restored, not just our relationship with Him. Our sin comes from our incredible ability to focus on ourselves and overlook others. When we impose our will over the needs of others, we sin. This breaks relationship. It causes friction in life. Left untended,
God intimately cares about our needs, hopes, and dreams. He created the entire universe, yet He cares about me and you. He knows everything that ever happened in His creation, yet He wants to know your hopes and dreams. He wants you to feel seen and loved. Joseph comes home.
Genesis
God’s people should always leave evidence to the character of God as we live our lives. Since we are human, we cannot accomplish this perfectly. Our goal, however, is to live our life so that when people look at us, they see God’s character shining through as clearly
Genesis
God desires for us to learn His ways, but He wants to give us the space to come to Him in a way that makes sense to us. Human beings are funny that way. We are happy to learn. Our brain likes figuring things out. For us to learn the