Genesis
Some people enjoy living a significant life, yet one outside the spotlight. Not everyone needs – or wants – to be the center of attention. Some people like going through life flying under the world’s radar. Jacob moves on to the sons of Zilpah and Bilhah. The order makes sense, although
Genesis
God can take an unwanted person and make great things come from an undesirable situation. This is redemption. We all have our problems. We all have characteristics that make us undesirable. God takes us, casts aside our undesirable characteristics, and redeems us into something beautiful. Jacob gathers his sons to
Genesis
When we have God’s Spirit within, we are truly alive. He created us. He makes us whole. His Spirit gives us new life – and that life is given to us abundantly. When Jacob reaches out to bless his grandsons, he crosses his hands to bless Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
Genesis
Whether we are first, last, or somewhere in between, it is our heart and the depth of our relationship with Him that matters most. What God desires from us is a meaningful relationship. He desires our humble heart and our recognition that we are unable to save ourselves. As Micah
Genesis
People need to know our desire to be where God calls us and live as God calls us. That’s how we feel complete. When we understand what our creator called us to do and where to do it, life makes more sense. Once things in Egypt settled down, Jacob
Genesis
When we fail to be content and realize we have enough, we are in danger of becoming an oppressor instead of the hands and feet of God. We are to be a blessing to those around us, not an overlord. When God gave us dominion, it was a call to
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