Galatians: Joy: The Sparkle in Life

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.  Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Psalm 43:3-4

I along with my Bible study girlfriends are currently studying Galatians through a Beth Moore study called Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. And I am so...well, full of joy to be looking at the characteristic of  JOY this week.  Crazy I know, if I take into consideration all of the stress and turmoil life brings each day. But when we set our eyes on the Lord the struggle diminishes and the joy increases because we know that ultimately our sufferings are part to moving us  forward to that "hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 talks about. This shift in focus from ourselves onto God draws our attention to purpose of life's experiences but there is more to be seen. We begin to see something that is beautifully purposeful and the result is joy. It is exactly what is shown in the story of Paul and Silas of Acts 16:16-40 where their beating and imprisonment ends in the salvation of a whole family.

I would like to use one of my friends, Julia, for a moment here-- Julia has a knack for taking an ordinary even somewhat worn out pair of shoes and turns them into a sparkly expression of joy by embellishing them with crystals. She does beautiful work and her creations certainly grab your attention. I can't help but think that no matter where those shoes may take her, they have to give her some measure of joy when she happens to look down and catch their glimmer.  I think that is how God works in our lives, too. Life can be a drag, wearing us out and leaving us discontented and even hopeless but if we take time to glace at him even for a moment we will see the glimmer of his light. A sparkle of truth will catch our attention and we will be drawn in and reminded of the joy of living in His presence while walking out His will no matter where it takes us. Delight in the Lord and allow him to show you the joyful expression of his work in you. 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything...for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
  James 1:2-4, Nehemiah 8:10

Route 66: InternalChange Ahead

A wife of noble character who can find? 

 Proverbs 31:1

Oh, the dreaded Proverbs 31 woman is in our sights today. Of course we would love to be God's ideal of a woman but in reality her description just makes most of us feel anxious, extremely tired and a bit hopeless.  Where does this woman get all her energy? Up before dawn working all day and well into the night, she completes her check list with a satisfied smile. She sews, she shops, she cooks, she farms, she sells, she spins, she gives, she protects, she interacts with the community, she speaks wisdom, she gives good advice, she keeps an orderly home and she is never idle. How could she be with that list!  And another thing.  Nothing seems too much. She does her job well. So well in fact that others take notice.

What is the secret to this woman's unending pool of motivation and energy? The love for her husband or children? The need to help her friends and neighbors?  The responsibility of being a contributing member of society? These things may play into it but will never sustain the energy it takes to be successful. We find the answer way down in verse 30- "a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Its not the checklist God is after here. It is the heart of the woman that determines her nobility not her ability to stay busy all the time carrying out prescribed tasks. Does she fear the Lord is the real indicator. Once that is in place the motivation and energy to make a difference in this world will follow.

In case you are a little confused how being afraid of God could provide the positive example we see in Proverbs 31 let me give another definition.

fear [verb] to hold in awe [noun] -respectful fear and wonder [verb] -to think or speculate curiously [adjective] -eager to know [adjective] -full of desire or enthusiasm.

There you have it. I believe that if we follow our English definitions this woman was full of wonder about the Lord. Her mind was on him. She examined him with a need to know more about him and she did it with eagerness and enthusiasm. Enthusiasm [noun] actually means 'absorbing interest' which means she was extremely interested in the Lord but not only that she was engrossed [adj] with him. Her mind and attention were fully and completely occupied with the God. How then could she not be affected by him in everything she did?

There is a story about two other women in the New Testament you may be familiar with.  Two sisters, Mary and Martha, look forward to a gathering where Jesus was to be the guest of honor. Martha became distracted with the preparations for the event. Oh, the plans she made but in the end she grew weary of doing everything herself while her sister seemed preoccupied with their visitor, I can't blame Martha. I know her pain and frustration of trying to pull everything together for a perfect party. But perhaps I, as well as Martha have missed the point on these occasions. Jesus' answer to Martha brings it back into perspective.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Jesus was saying, "The important thing here is we are spending time together and nothing can replace that. And when all that is left of the banquet is a sink full of dirty dishes, you will still have the relationship we have built interacting with one another. That lasts for ever."

Jesus was supposed to be the focus of the get together not the preparations Martha was spending so much time and energy doing on her own. I believe our Proverbs 31 woman likely has that all figured out in her life. Her focus is the Lord and his influence is seen in all that she does and accomplishes. The same is true for us. Our lives should have Jesus at their center and everything else we are involved with will reflect his presence.  A shift in perspective can bring that ideal women well within your reach. Jesus first, then... The noble lady of Proverbs-that 'perfect' woman- simply put is one who fears the Lord.

Route 66: Still Digging Out of 2 Samuel

Today, I am that person who when visiting a museum they are found lagging behind the rest of group reading all the info on each display driving everyone who just like to browse crazy.  I usually am on the side of the casual observer of exhibits keeping up a quicker pace but I can't move on yet. David's song in 2 Samuel 22 has caught my eye and my imaginings are in overdrive.

If you were ever in doubt that God has got it covered when it comes to the enemies of your life then you need to take time to read it. It says who God is-a rock, a fortress, a deliverer, a stronghold, a refuge and a savior-and is very descriptive when it tells us just what he is willing to do on our behalf if we choose to allow him to deal with it. Be sure to read this with the most dramatic voice you can muster.

“In my distress I called to the LORD;
I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears.
⁸ The earth trembled and quaked,
the foundations of the heavens shook;
they trembled because he was angry.
⁹smoke rose from his nostrils;
   consuming fire came from his mouth,
   burning coals blazed out of it.
¹⁰ He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.
¹¹ He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.
¹² He made darkness his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
¹³ Out of the brightness of his presence
bolts of lightning blazed forth.
¹⁴ The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
¹⁵ He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,
with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
¹⁶ The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at the rebuke of the LORD,
at the blast of breath from his nostrils.

What a picture. Have you ever imagined such power is being exerted toward those things that are laying havoc in your life. Many times we picture people as our enemies but the truth is it sin that wages war with our spirits and our lives. Look at how God responds when call out for help against that which hurts us the most. He is on it with both barrels seeking to annihilate our opposition. It is explosive and powerful and the best part is He wins!

Then-

 ¹⁷ “He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
¹⁸ He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
¹⁹ They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
²⁰ He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Did you see that? The reason he confronted the enemy? Out of delight for me. Wow. That brings tears to my eyes.

Some synonyms to delighted are blissful, glad, gratified, happy, joyful, pleased, tickled and satisfied. Tickled is what I feel each time I see my grandchildren learn a new skill or grasp a lesson that will help them in life. It IS very satisfying wouldn't you say?

I think the key here is, what we decide to do when we are overwhelmed with sin.  Do we ignore the battle raging around us?  Do we hide the sin for fear the Lord will be displeased, sweeping it under the rug or making excuses? Or do we say, “In my distress I called to the LORD?"[vs. 4] Is that what delights him? Our call for help? Verse 28 holds the answer. "You [God] save the humble." Yes, our acknowledgement of his power to rescue us gets his attention and his favor.

And trusting him with our lives is an act of righteous. We see evidence of this in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans-

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed ... Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,  being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.  This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone,  but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." Romans 4:18-24

 Again with the "Wow, did you see that?"

"The words 'it was credited to him' were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness" for our belief in him. [vs. 24] If your still not convinced, Hebrews 11 has a long list of flawed people who had much in their lives to be ashamed of yet they were seen by God as righteous because they chose to put their faith-trust-belief in him.

The rest of the song tells of God's actions toward the righteous. My favorite part-"He sets me free from my enemies." If you are struggling against the enemy of sin today perhaps its time to call on the Lord who will "soar on the wings of the wind" with smoke raising from his nostrils shooting his arrows and scattering your oppressor. Choose to let God rescue you from the thing you seem so powerless against. Trust the Lord. He gives great victories.

Route 66: Days 77-78; Judges 1-5

As a woman the scenes of war recorded in Joshua was a little hard to take. All the "when everyone of them had been put the sword" regardless of gender or age seems so heartless.  It made me think of the saying, "If mothers ruled, there would be no war" came to mind wishing that a less violent solution could have been instituted. But one thing I do know, if God required it, his will trumps that of any mother and always results in the very best outcome. Still, even if our head knows something, our hearts sometimes need time to catch up.

As it has been so far with the Israelites, it wasn't long before they started making compromises. They did not drive out the enemy as commanded but rather chose to coexist with them with the excuse those people would be under the dominion of the tribes of Israel. Little by little, the Israelites faith became watered down by outside influences and by the time only one generation had passed no one even recognized God. One generation! The fathers and mothers, eye witnesses to God's faithfulness, had not done their job of impressing on their children a foundation of faith in God worthy of their allegiance. Perhaps they lost sight of just who had brought them out of slavery and to possess a wealthy land of "cities they did not build... to eat from vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant." [Joshua 24:13]

Now as we start Judges, chapter three reveals God's plan for these little rebels.  God was going to use the nations they had integrated into against them.  This new generation was going to have to learn how to fight. Something they had no experience with. No more compromise. Their faith would also be tested to see what they were really made of and as we start off on our journey in this book, it was a pretty sad sight. They seemed bent on destruction.

We may see a 'slight' resemblance in our own culture.  I'm not talking about the world at large but of the people who say that they follow Christ. Here in our country of wealth it is sometimes easy to forget who is the Provider of All Good Things. We may be found bowing down to make offerings of our time and money to the pursuit of possessions, youth, recreation and importance.  We compromise on principals when choose the wisdom of the world over God's word. We loose sight of God as we move in a direction we think best. We 'intermarry' with the world's ways and our faith no longer rests in our God but our SELVES. Pretty scary.

In 2 Timothy 3, we find -- But mark this: "There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power." [1-5]

And that pretty much sums up this generation. By the time the next generation comes along, this will be multiplied in them.  "God who?" will be heard on their lips. We cannot afford to compromise with the ways of the world. Our future generations depend on it.  As seen Judges, the Israelites will get into a terrible jam then God come in and save them. He IS faithful to do the same in our generation as well as our children's but he is equally faithful to those who choose to follow him everyday.

That brings to one other thought about this--If God has to constantly call us back to him, it delays his work among the people who do not know him yet. It's like herding cats rather than sheep.  He wants us to follow him and his voice. It is counter productive for him to be forced to continually gather us back up again.  He wants use our hands and feet to make himself and his ways know to a world that is living without him and it works a whole lot better if we are ready and willing to be used.

So back to where we started, its not 'If" but rather "When mothers rule- impressing the knowledge of God's ways and words on their children- their children will be equipped to live peacefully with God." No compromising on this one! They must know who God is and how he operates. This will enable them to see him at work for themselves. This will give them a good start on building a faith of their own. Pretty cool legacy to leave them, don't ya think?  Oh, by the way, this goes for dads, too. ;-)

"These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life."

Deuteronomy 6:1-2

Route 66:Day 25; Exodus 22-24

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While in LA's China Town district today, I noticed that the barricades had been delivered for the annual Dragon Parade and celebration of Chinese New Year that will take place this weekend.  During this time the Chinese community 'spring clean' their homes, pay off their debts, forgive their grudges and gather their friends and family together for a 'reunion dinner'. Another year has passed and a brand new one is about to begin. And it is not going to come quietly. Fire crackers, lots of them will insure that everyone within earshot will know there is a celebration going on.

This made me think of today's passage where we find in God's design on the way that the people of this new nation will live, he has included festivals, national holidays, so to speak, that will allow the Israelites time to stop their normal duties of living and refocus on what is important. It's  interesting how the individual  festivals were designed to draw their attention to how God has protected them in the past, how he is providing for them in the present and how he will continue his promise in the future. I don't know how the Israelites celebrated, but when I think of all the Lord has done, is doing and has promised to do, I cannot be quiet. I want to make some noise! Fire crackers, Anybody?

 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” ~Revelation 5:12

Route 66: Day 24; Exodus 19-21

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In the last couple of days we have witnessed the birth of a nation. We have seen Jethro, the father-in-law to Moses, coming in and showing Moses how to structure his leadership and then in today's reading, we see the first laws being laid down for the people. These people have been living under another country's rule for four hundred years and now this 'kingdom of priests' [19:6]  would begin to rule themselves under the watchful eye of the Almighty. Command after command was declared by God himself concerning the very basics of life-how to treat God and how to treat others. It guided and instructed the people in their relationships. So interesting don't you think because that is exactly what we were created for. Relationship with God and relationship with others are also the things we struggle with the most but it is important to remember in the end, they will be the measure of a how well we lived our lives.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. ~Proverbs 3:1-4

Route 66: Day 23; Exodus 16-18

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Camping is not the Israelites idea of getting away from it all.  By now in the reading, we see that they are again ready to go back to their lives of slavery. Who can blame them?  They were after all Urbanites who 'overnite" had found themselves thrust into this undesirable, rustic lifestyle. They went from mass producers of food to hunter gatherers for the masses. What did God expect them to do? It wasn't like these Hebrews could sneak up on some unsuspecting herd of deer.  There were three million of the them! No stealth when they moved about. Contrary to popularity polls among the Israelites, God did not intend for them to perish when he brought them to the wilderness. He was going to use the experiences found there, out of their comfort zone, to convince them to leave their reliance of Egypt behind and learn to trust him.  

"I remember my affliction and my wandering...Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” ~Lamentations 3:19-24

Route 66: Day 22; Exodus 13-15

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Every day's reading has shown me something new and oh, my gosh, those Israelites! Haven't they seen enough to convince them of God's power? How many signs and wonders will it take to make them believe? Weren't they listening to what was going on? At the beginning of this segment, they still aren't quite there with their trust in the Lord. It was going to take something that couldn't be confused with coincidence and, boy, did he deliver. The water of the Red Sea piling up on either side of them allowing them to walk on dry ground to safety. Now that's huge!  Finally, "...when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant." [14:31]  I think they may have suffered from just a bit of that hard heartedness that Pharaoh was infected with. Its major symptom was not listening.
At the very end of chapter 15 after all the singing and dancing subsides and they have drank their fill of fresh water, God gives the Israelites a prescription against Egypt's diseases and it had to do with good listening--
He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” [15:25-26]
I wonder if hard-heartedness was included on that list of diseases? Listening then following, paying attention and keeping God's words are just what our hearts, minds and bodies need. God's words "are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body." I am so glad that we are getting a regular dose each day as we travel along this Route 66 challenge, aren't you?

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

Proverbs 3:5-8

Route 66: Days 20-21; Exodus 7-12

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And let my people go... Just as soon as we have sparring between the powers that be and a few 'signs and wonders'.  God was going to show Pharaoh who was more powerful but he was not the only audience.  The Egyptian people saw it and were "... favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people." [11:3].  Even more importantly, the Israelites saw it. Back in chapter 6, God says to Moses that he is going to show his people the true meaning of 'God Almighty'. His power had not been fully revealed to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The signs and wonders done in Egypt would re-establish his position in their lives. They would "know that [He was] the LORD your God, who brought [them] out from under the yoke of the Egyptians..." [6:7]  He would again be their God.

But there is yet one more audience in addition to Pharaoh, the Egyptians and the Israelites. God tells Pharaoh that He, God, has "raised you, [Pharaoh] up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. [9:16] 'All the earth.' I think that includes, well 'all the earth'. You and me and each of our oikos. Through this whole passage we see that God can take the worst of circumstances and the most uncooperative of people to accomplish his plan of deliverance. AND through that deliverance his power is revealed and the world is changed. God is All Mighty. I think that deserves a WooHoo!!!

No one is like you, LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.
Jeremiah 10:6

Route 66: Day 19, Exodus 4-6

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Would those who wish to accept this mission please step forward. WHAT! God is not looking for volunteers. He has already chosen Moses for the job. Yet here Moses stands thinking he has a choice, making all kinds of reasonable excuses and then finally telling God he should really look elsewhere. "Hello... This is God speaking! You know, the one who made you!" I keep hearing Bill Cosby's voice saying, "I brought you into this world..."God has been grooming Moses for this moment and he promises to continue to teach him as they move along the way. But that's the key- Quit stalling and get moving! Lucky for Moses, he would finally get in gear and begin the mission for which he has been hand picked. His action would result in a lifetime of witnessing the many wondrous things the Lord had planned.

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. ~Psalm 40:4-5

Route 66: Day 18; Exodus 1-3

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Among all the turmoil of Egyptians hating the Israelites at the beginning of Exodus comes my favorite scene from the passage when Pharaoh's daughter looks into the eyes a Hebrew baby and has compassion. Who would have thought this simple, loving act would set in motion a series of events that would not only save a child from certain death and restore a mother's grieving heart but also move forward God's plan of salvation for a whole nation.

‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:31

Route 66: Day 17; Genesis 48-50

"Listen my children and you shall hear..."

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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The reading of the will. In honor of the occasion, Jacob has written a poem. Oh, goody. Can you just see his children rolling their eyes thinking,  "Just get to the good stuff, Dad."  Regardless, how they or we feel about poetry, Jacob used this method to recount each son's character and to pass along a view of their future. 

Hebrew poetry translated to English kind of looses its charm but we can still get the message--The birthright passes over the firstborn, Reuben, for his act of defiling his father's 'wife', right past Simeon and Levi who also suffered from poor 'hold back' only theirs had to do with anger and violence  and finally landing on Judah, the fourth in line. His is the family line Jesus will come from-- the whole " scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor"  part. [49:10 NLT]  Very exciting news for Judah. Then, Zed will provide safe harbor for ships, Issie will become a slave, Dan will judge, Gad will have street savvy, Asher will be an re-nown chef, Naphtali would speak words of grace (had to research that one.  Maybe a poet in his own right.), Joe who started out with all those wild dreams actually did turn out to be an excellent leader and was blessed beyond compare. And lastly Ben, well, sadly he gets the leftovers, whatever that means.

Can you imagine teenagers in Hebrew class reciting this as if it were The Last Ride of Paul Revere? Maybe not, but the images found in this poem would get their point across to the Hebrew audience. I wonder what Jacob would have said about me if only we had been acquainted?  Perhaps in our language it would sound something like this--

There once was a girl named Patty,
Who for part of her youth she was bratty.
Then Jesus came in and forgave all her sin,
and now about Him she's quite chatty.

Hope, you enjoyed the poetry lesson. Tomorrow, on to the exodus. One book completed! It has been great fun discovering what God intended to show me along the way.  Hope you are having the same success.

Route 66: Day 16; Genesis 46-47

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Another Roll Call and then the wagons would head out for Egypt. Ruben.. here; Hanok...here; Pallu...here. All of Jacob's family were accounted for except the ones they had buried. Sixty-six in all plus women folk and servants. A large group by any standard when you consider it was just a family.  But this family, blessed by God would return home numbering in the millions. God was true to his word. He would prosper them and build them into a great nation even when they found themselves enslaved to their host. Amazing how that happens. God says, "Here's the plan and even though I know you will not be able to keep up with me and things may not always seem to go your way, I am still going to bring blessing through my plan." He's got it all worked out. And that in itself is a blessing.

Route 66: Day 15; Genesis 43-45

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I ask you you, "What is up with Joseph's brothers?" Go to Egypt, get grain, leave Simeon as colladeral, go home, eat grain... What about Simeon?! I imagine like Jacob, they believed he was 'no more'. These men had now caused the demise of two of their father's sons and they had a feeling their sin was about to be found out. Even though the brothers were not aware of it, God's plan was at work here 'to prosper and not harm' this family. My favorite verse in this whole passage is when on their return to Egypt, Joseph's steward says, “It’s all right...Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks....” [43:23]  There was more to meet the eye in these sacks of grain and hidden silver. In the end, the real 'treasure'  in these sacks would be reconcillation, forgiveness and restoration in a family.

Route 66: Day 14; Genesis 41-42

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Famine is coming.  Joseph has confirmed it for Pharaoh. It hardly looks like it can be possible in this time of abundance but in seven years time Egypt will find themselves suffering unduly if the don't take action now. Wise words from Joseph. This passage reminds me of the importance of building up a good 'supply' of knowledge from the Word during the good times so that we will have it to fall back on when things go bad. Being familiar with the Word helps us to recognize God's voice when we are thirsting for answers during the hard times in our lives. But there is another good reason to 'store up' Scripture in our hearts. It will allow us to offer it to others in their times of trouble. Look what happened in Joseph's case. His brothers came to him for help when they needed food to live. Just like Joseph, our 'store house' will attract those who are starving and then, we will be able to point them to the true provider of life.

"...it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world...Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

~John 6:33, 35 

Famine is sure to come to each of us from time-to-time whether it be our own trials or from those who are seeking refuge from "hunger and thirst". We must be prepared. Start filling the store house today. Read the Word!

Here is another blog I wrote a few years ago on the same subject based on Solomon's observation of Ants!! Enjoy.  http://return2thegarden.blogspot.com/

Route 66: Day 13; Genesis 38-40

"The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered..." ~Genesis 39:2

My, is that little Joseph?  He has certainly grown up well. Joseph was not only "well-built and handsome" [38:6] he was also very successful in everything he did. This young man had changed from a soft, somewhat-spoiled, immature youth into a man of integrity.  "The LORD was with Joseph" and Joseph was in captivity--two forces that would make him stronger. Hardship and humility can do a mighty work in any one's life. 1. Hardship builds us up rather than tearing us down if we keep in mind that the Lord is with us.  He sees us and quite often this is when we see God at work most clearly. 2. Humility keeps our minds in the most optimum position for growth. Joseph humbled himself to God's ways as seen when he responds to temptation with, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” [39:9] Two forces, one external, one internal, working together to bring about the change God desires. Like Joseph, we can also be 'well-built'--stronger in the Lord and his ways-- and 'handsome'-- attracting those around us to the hope we find in God-- if we allow hardship and humility do their work. And God will take care of the successes.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The LORD works out everything to its proper end..." ~Proverbs 16:4

Route 66: Day 12; Genesis 35-37

Favoritism Strikes Again! should be the title of Genesis 37. Maybe, Jacob thought it was a good 'look' for his family because it worked for him in the past but the other family members did not quite see it his way. Add brothers who suffered from 'low moral integrity' and you have a poisonous mix. These sibs of Joe's were sick and tired of him. All the special attention sent his way by their father and then, to hear his crazy ramblings about they would be bowing to him...well, that just pushed them over the edge with their anger. Favoritism in a family destroys the unity a family should feel. Each person of he household should feel as valued as the next. Put favoritism into any group and the group will be dysfunctional with the potential of imploding. At the very least, the group will become ineffective due to its disunity.

One of favoritism's synonyms is discrimination. Now, that puts a very negative feel to the action of the word. Antonyms of favoritism: fairness, impartially, justice. Those are words that will improve any family dynamic. What a price Jacob paid for his inability act fairly toward all his sons. Not only did he loose Joseph but those other boys sat with their father as he grieved not saying a word. Mmmm...mmm...mmm. Such a sad state of affairs.


Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. ~Psalms 106:3

Route 66: Day 11; Genesis 32-34

Landmark

Jacob certainly was a businessman. He was very good a what he did. It seemed his whole thought process was governed by how he could come out ahead. And I think because of this, he thought that was how everybody operated. Unfortunately, it sometimes ruined his relationships. At least it is true with the relationship he had with his brother. We see his wheeling and dealing came between himself and Esau in Genesis 25:29-34, leaving Esau hating the whole situation with his birthright. Then, when it comes time for the brothers to be reunited in chapter 33, Jacob is again slipping into 'how can I make this go well for me' attitude offering payment for forgiveness. Esau was not looking  for restitution. He wanted a relationship with his brother. Esau didn't need Jacob's livestock. He had his own. He didn't need or want Jacob's stuff. He wanted Jacob. Our relationship with God should mirror the one Esau desired with his brother. It should not have to do with how we can get ahead by adding him to our lives or what we do to buy his forgiveness. God just wants a relationship based on love with us.

Route 66: Genesis 28-29

Landmark
There is something beautiful about a person's first face-to-face with God. That moment of recognition that God not only exists but he is also present and personal. Jacob's revelation comes as God passes his blessing that has graced Abraham and  Isaac and now him. I loved Jacob's words when he woke from his dream, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”  He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”  [28:16-17] Yes, it is truly awesome to be in the very presence of God. This passage makes me remember my own moment of recognition that God wanted to have a personal relationship with me and I can feel Jacob's excitement, awe and joy.

Route 66: Genesis 25-27

Key Scriptures Genesis 25-27

I don't know if it was the time of day, just before bed, I read through this passage but the scene of Rebekah and Jacob running a con on Isaac seemed like a bad episode of I Love Lucy. Rebekah and her elaborate plan to deceive, Isaac's suspicion he was about to be tricked and Jacob going along the whole crazy scheme was almost humorous. And the funniest line in the story to me was, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man while I have smooth skin.What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him..." .[27:11-12]  Duh...he was trying to trick him! Each person in this situation had their own agenda but again God's word would ring true. The outcome had already been revealed to Rebekah years earlier while she carried these boys close to her heart--  “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” [Genesis 25:23] Sadly, this story does not end with immediate forgiveness found with the "Oh, Ricky" Lucy experienced. Rage, murderous threats and running for one's life were the result when this family was torn apart. Terrible consequences for selfish behavior.

Another thing that struck me in this story was the comments about Esau's wives. Genesis 26:35 says,
"They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah." And then, Rebekah in chapter 27:46 laments, “I’m disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living.”  These two statements bookend the story of deception. Even though Scripture does not make any reference to them during the the incident, it makes me wonder if these women played some part in Esau's eagerness to receive the blessing when in the past he despised his position of  firstborn.[25:34]  This may partly explain why Rebekah was so fanatical about Jacob receiving leadership position. So much so that she was willing to take what ever curse Jacob would receive if they were found out. [27:13] Just a thought because all I can do is infer because of lack of evidence in the Word but it does lead me to believe this family was really in trouble before any deception occurred.