Genesis 46:1-27
I love the exchange between God and Jacob today. A lot of time has passed (Jacob is an old man) yet the relationship is still strong and intact, particularly from God's side. I never get tired of seeing God's faithfulness like it is here, front and center.
So here's my question--how are we doing at taking God at His word? How can we work on fully relying on His promises? Tami W.
It is good to be reminded of God's faithfulness and His promises that He keeps. Jocob had a life time of promises from God that He could look back on and that helped him to trust that God would continue to be faithful. I love the verse that says that He would go with Jacob to Egypt and then He would bring them back out of Egypt. I also love that he promised that Joseph would be with him when he closed his eyes on earth for the last time.
Too many times I get wrapped up in my daily life and what I can see in the moment and forget that God is indeed faithful. I can rest on His faithfulness and know that He is going to continue to work things out. Even though I don't see the whole picture, I can know that it is His story and that He is woeing me to join Him and to be faithful to him.
I love the passages on Joseph. It is such a great reminder to remain faithful even when things are difficult.
I noticed that God used a dream to confirm His word as to Jacob's future. I think that if God wants us to do something, He will confirm it somehow; not necessarily in a dream, although that is certainly possible.
I believe in God's Word and when He speaks to me though His Word I know that He is actually speaking to you. There is something different when God speaks to you, you just know it.
Two years ago my husband had to travel and my son was at college in Florida and I was terrified that I would have to stay all by myself. My husband suggested that I asked our 7 year old grandson to stay with me. I was walking down the passage of our home when a voice in my head said "I will stay with you". I just could not believe it. I did not ask my grandson to stay. On my first night alone there was a severe thunder storm, lightening and heavy rain. The lights went off not only in my home but almost everywhere in Barbados. Before this happened, I went for a flash light and kept it by my bed not for any particular reason. I just laid on the bed looking at the sky and felt so close to God that I was not afraid. i fell asleep and woke up at 2 a.m. to hear water dripping. There was a leak in one of the bathrooms and I got up went to the pantry for buckets and newspaper and still was not even thinking about leaving the safety of the bedroom. Next morning, when I realised what I did I was in awe and thanked my God. He took me through it. Since then, I have learned to listen for Him and obey Him for I know He is Real. He loves me so much, takes care of me and my family and wants me to know He is always there for us.
Sometimes when things do not seem to be going how "I" think they should, I do wonder if He is here with me but just for a moment. He has to be everywhere and when He is busy with others He sends His angels to take care of us. So just keep in His Word and let us do our part, and He will never ever leave us. It is still a mystery to me how He does it! But I leave that to Him.
Great story, Joan!
I am sure most of us here agree that the bible is the word of God. Everything in the bible is the truth. I know I do! We learn the stories in the bible at a young age. As we grow older we learn that Jesus died on the cross for us, who he loves. We then read the bible and really find the truth and salvation can come in our hearts. Most of us will try to live the walk we lerned. Latly I have talked to christians and get the feeling they think they are good. They don't think they should help the poor or sick [OFFENED]. They appear not willing to help the lest of these The homeless. The plain is leval at the cross IS IT NOT? Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as unclean things,and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Mark 9:35 Jesus said If any man desires to be first,the same shall be last of all,and a servant of all. None of us are good so why do act like we are sometimes? I think prayer is the only answer. I talked to a person today who said the bible does not say to give a tenth of what you earn to God. I guess their are to many false teacher out their . Tonight I am going to pray we understand the promise and that we live according to the bible. Lord let us humble ourselves to you.
I think that Jacob finally ended up with a strong faith in God because of all that he went through. When God shows us his faithfulness as he did when he assured Jacob in his dream he was also assuring us that we can trust him in all situations because he is always in control. We need to submit to his will it may not be easy but the more times we do so the easier it will become.
God demands action from out faith. Faith with out deeds is dead. Jacob pleased the Lord when he obeyed God and was rewarded for it. Those were some very very rough times with the famines and droughts. God kept His end of the promises and as Jacob obeyed God Jacob and his entire family was taken care of, protected and blessed. So for us we need to do the same. To APPLY the Word in our daily lives. In every part of our daily lives, in every situation. Pray daily, study the Word daily and listen for God's answers and then obey Him. And we too will reap the benefits from God Himself. And there is nothing better then that.
Carl L.