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Genesis 37:1-11

We're starting a brand new three week series on Joseph on Back to the Bible called "Making Life Out of Lemons" so you'll be noticing that our readings for the next three weeks are dealing with Joseph' story. Today is our introduction at Genesis 37.

We don't really learn too much about Joseph here, but we sure do about his family. What we see--favoritism, anger, hatred, jealousy--is not very good, but it's also not that uncommon. Let's face it, being part of a family can be challenging, but it's also so worth it.

So what do you do in your family to foster unity, appreciation and fellowship? Tami W.

Romans 5:1-11

Well Romans 5:1-11 was a hard one for me. There is just so much in there to think about and learn from. But, I finally landed on verses 3-5 because those verses hit me right where I'm at today. You see over the last several months I've been dealing with some health issues (nothing major or life threatening). I've gone to a number of doctors and unfortunately, no one has any real answers for me or any solutions. So I've been stressed and frustrated. However, over the past two weeks, God has put several things before me that have gotten my attention and helped me with my perspective (a bunch). So as I read our passage today it was yet another confirmation to me that God is in control, that He loves me and that giving it all up to Him is my answer.

So that's what I got out of Romans 5:1-11. Now it's your turn to tell me what you took away from this passage. How did God's Word speak to you today? Tami W.

Acts 2:22-41

Peter really nails it in Acts 2. I honestly don't think his communication style could have been any better (after all, about 3,000 people came to know Christ as a result of this message). So Peter gave me a good example of how to talk to others about Jesus. But his example goes further than witnessing. Think about this. If all of our communications were like Peter's here--direct, truthful, passionate, and delivered with love--how much more effective would we be?

So communicating more like this Acts 2 Peter is something I want to work on. As I see it, there are really two parts to accomplishing this task. The first is being straight with people--regardless. This can be difficult depending on the situation. Then secondly, is the whole "speak the truth in love" thing. I love the concept, but it's also not the easiest thing to implement.

So what are some things we might do to help us better communicate with our families--kids, husbands, siblings? People at work? At church? If you have any examples or success stories, please share them! Tami W.

John 4:7-26

There's so much in John 4:7-26. But what caught my attention today wasn't a particular verse or even the important message that Jesus is Living Water. Oddly enough, it was the how the woman at the well acted toward and communicated with Jesus. She wasn't afraid of him. She talked openly. She was direct. She was honest. She was straightforward. Think about that for a minute. Isn't that exactly how we should communicate with God? After all, He already knows precisely who we are, and that includes what's on our hearts and minds.

So what do your conversations (your prayers) look like? Are your communications real? Tami W.

John 14:1-31

Today is a special day. We're celebrating two birthdays--one young (two years old) and the other a little older (that would be mine and, you'll just have to guess at the how old part). :)

So are you up for a little gift giving today? Because we (me and P4) have a special request. Last month our P4 family grew to over 7,000 (pretty exciting)! But you know me, I'm all about getting people engaged in God's Word and the more the merrier. So would you tell someone else about P4 today and invite them to join us? This is an easy one. Just tell them what you like about P4 and let God do the rest. (BTW, I'd love to know if you did this. So drop me a line on the blog.)

Now I haven't forgotten our scripture for the day because P4 is all about jumping in and reading the Word. So how about you tell me how God spoke to you through this passage? I know, it was a heavy one, but oh so good. Tami W.

P.S. Don't forget to join us for the birthday party complete with cake and lots of frosting (that was my request because I'm a frosting freak.) We'll post pictures by noon. Keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter for updates. And thanks in advance for the birthday gift!