Bible Scripture and Hymn for Friday 18 March 2011

Today's Blog Title: "Joseph's Cup"
Today's Blog Scripture: Genesis 44: 1-34
Today's Key Verse: Genesis: 44: 16 "Then Judah said, "what shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves?  God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord's slaves, both we and he also with who the cup was found."

In the close of Chapter 43, we saw how Joseph (whom still hadn't identified himself yet) eating and drinking with his brothers.  Today's chapter opens with Joseph, again ensuring that their money was secretly returned in their grain sacks.  This time however, Joseph continues to test the character of his brothers, by having his personal silver cup hidden in young Benjamin's sack.

The brothers were barely outside the city limits when they were overtaken by Joseph's household steward, who accused them of stealing the cup. The steward says to them, "Why have you returned evil for good?" (Genesis 44:4)  The brothers were so certain of there innocence, that they offered to become slaves if the cup was found.  The steward tells the brothers, "that only the person in whom's sack was found the cup would become the slave."

The tense search begins with Reuben's sack first, and then continues down at last to Benjamin's sack.  When the cup was pulled out, the brothers in genuine despair tore their clothes, because they could not let Benjamin die.  Remember in Genesis 39:31-33 instead of tearing there own clothes in grief for Joseph, they had torn his robe and dipped it in blood, to cover up what they had done.  

The brothers are brought back to Joseph.  Even though Reuben was the oldest, we now see that Judah speaks to Joseph.  He offered no excuses, but offered himself and his brothers as slaves.  Joseph told them that the one who's cup was found, would be his slave and that the rest of them could, "Go up in peace to your father."  Joseph in saying this, was testing them again to see if they would leave there youngest brother as a slave in Egypt as they had done him.  

As this Chapter closes, we see that Judah makes a stand for Benjamin.  He tells Joseph the deep despair his father would experience, if he lost Benjamin.  Instead of showing indifference as Judah had in the past, he offered his own life to save Benjamin. Judah's remorse for having done wrong to Joseph, was now complete with this statement before "Joseph".

Closing Question and Comment: "How do you react when someone points out a mistake you've made?"  When Judah was younger he showed no regard for his brother Joseph or his father, Jacob.  First he convinced his brothers to sell Joseph as a slave, then he joined his brothers in lying to his father about Joseph's fate.  But in today's story we see the change had taken place in Judah!  The man who once sold Joesph into slavery, had now offered to become a slave himself to save another favorite brother.  He was so concerned for his father and Benjamin, that he was willing to die for them.  When we are ready to give up hope on ourselves or others, remember that God can change even the most selfish personality.

Today's Hymn: "Faith Unlocks The Door"

Have faith when you speak to the master, that all He asks of you
Prayer is the key to heaven, But faith unlocks the door
Prayer is the key to heaven, But faith unlocks the door

Heavenly Father, How thankful we are you never give up on us.  Help us Lord, never to give up hope on ourselves, or families or friends.  May we always remember "That Nothing Is Impossible With You".
                                                                                                   Amen

"Moment by moment, you will grow in your ability to live and walk by faith as you say Yes to God and No to sin."
                          Catherine Martin (from her book "A Woman's Walk In Grace"  

Today's Daily Bible Verse Blog at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com is from: 1 John 4:9-11 

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord with Gladness.  Love God More Today and always remember that when you have a spiritual defeat in your day that yells out, "I Can't, God whispers to you, "BUT I CAN.

Yours in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture and Hymn for Thursday 17 March 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

Today's Blog Title: "Joseph's Brothers Return with Benjamin"
Today's Scripture Reading: Genesis 43:1-34
Today's Key Verse: Genesis 43:30: "Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep.  And he went into his chamber and wept there."

As this Chapter opens, we see that the grain that the brothers had bought in Egypt, is now running out.  Jacob was determined that Benjamin not be taken down into Egypt. But, the harshness of the prolonged famine, eventually undermined Jacob's resolve. Now with the grain gone, Jacob realizes that he must now deal with having to send Benjamin to Egypt with his brothers to buy more food.  Jacob then tells them to double the money this time so that they could pay back the original amount.

Jacob then blames his sons, for telling the Egyptian there was still another brother.  His sons tell him that they were simply answering the questions that he was asking.  Judah promised that he would keep Benjamin safe.  Judah had made big changes in his attitude since we saw him in Genesis 38:1 where he had left the family.  Now instead of leaving his family, he was protecting his younger brother and he was concerned about his fathers welfare.

Jacob realizes now, that there is no other choise except to send Benjamin, to Egypt with his brothers.  The brothers were welcomed  back into Egypt with an invitation to the Governor's house, and Joseph continued to disguise his identify.

When they arrive at Joseph's house the brothers were surprised.  The last time, they were treated as spies and criminals and now they were invited to Joseph's house.  Simeon is now brought back to them, and Joseph's servant brings them water, and they wash there feet.  In verse 26, we now see that the brothers bow down to Joesph for the second time, just as his dreams as a boy had predicted.  

Benjamin had not been part of the earlier conspiracy against Joseph.  The relationship between Joseph and his younger brother was close.  Just the sight of Benjamin forced him to withdraw to an inner chamber to weep in yearning for his brother.  Then he washed his face and proceeded with his disguise.

The brothers were treated to a bountiful, merry feast that astonished the brothers, because of the fact that they were treated with great honor.  Joesph  continues to maintain his disguise by following the Egyptian custom of eating at a table separate from the Hebrews.  The brothers must have been surprised, and unsettled that they had been seated according to their ages.  At the close of Chapter 43, we see that Benjamin's servings was 5 times more as any of the other brothers, and as Joseph and his brothers drank and ate, the brothers still had no clue that the Egyptian official in front of them, was there brother.

Closing Question and Comment: "How well do you know how to forgive?"  In today's story, Judah accepted full responsibility for Benjamin's safety.  He did not know what that might mean for him, but he was determined to carry it out.  In the end , we will see in Chapter 44, that it was Judah's stirring words to Joseph, that finally caused him to break down, and reveal himself to his brothers.  Accepting and fulfilling responsibilities is difficult, but it builds character and confidence, earns other's respect, and motives us to complete our work.  When you have be given an assignment to do, or a responsibility to fulfill, commit yourself to seeing it through, so that others may Jesus in You. 

Through You the bind will see, Through You the mute will sing
Through You the dead will rise, Through You all hearts will praise
Through You the darkness flees, Through You my heart scream
I am free
I am free to run, I am free to dance
I am free to live for You, I am free.

Heavenly Father, Grant us the ability to forgive others just as You have forgiven us.  Help us in completing the assignments and responsibilities that are assigned to us to the best of our ability.  Help us to remember that you O Lord are at work in every detail of our life's.
                                                                                                                              Amen

"God offers His promises to give us hope, especially in the darkest seasons of our lives".
                   Catherine Martin (from her Book "A Woman's Walk In Grace")

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace, Serve the Lord with Gladness.  Love God More Today and always remember that when you have a spiritual defeat yells, "I Can't",
God whispers, "BUT I CAN'.

Yours in Christ,
Cindi   

Bible Scripture and Hymn for Wednesday 16 March 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

Today's Blog Title: "The Brothers Return to Canaan"
Today's Scripture Reading: Genesis 42:25-38 (part 2)
Today's Key Verse: Genesis 42:37 "Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying"Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you."

Yesterday in part 1 of of Genesis 42, we saw that Jacob had sent his 10 sons to Egypt to buy food due to the famine.  He kept Benjamin with him, lest something happen to him on the way to Egypt.  The brothers were brought into the presence of Joseph, who was the second in command in Egypt, but his brothers didn't recognize him, but he instantly knew who they were.  Joseph in testing them accused them of spying twice and also had them put in prison for 3 days.  He now sends them back to Canaan with the grain, but holds Simeon in prison with the command to bring back Benjamin, that he might believe that they are not spies.

As there sacks were filled with grain for there trip back to Canaan, Joseph instructed that there money be put back in the grain sacks.  He perhaps did this because the returned money would enable the brothers to come back for another purchase.  One of them on the trip, opens his bag and finds his money in his bag. Seeing the money in the bag they began trembling with fear.  They realized that they were on the receiving end of divine punishment.  In verse 28, they accuse God of there troubles when they say, "What is this that God has done to us".

As they arrive home, they truthfully told Jacob of all that happened while they were in Egypt.  We now see that when all the bags containing grain were opened, each contained the money they paid in Egypt for the grain.  The discovery of money in one bag might have been considered a mistake, but to have money in all the sacks, must have frightened the brothers even more.

When Jacob sees that all the money has been returned in the bags of grain, his grief increased.  Jacob says, "you have bereaved me".  One son was death (Joseph), another was in prison in Egypt (Simeon), and an Egyptian official now wanted Benjamin brought back to him to prove that the brothers weren't spies.

We now see how Reuben took the lead once again.  He tried to comfort his father, just as he had tried to stop his brothers from hurting Joseph (Genesis 37:22)

As Chapter 42 closes, Jacob in verse 30 says" My son shall not go....".  He felt that he had lost enough sons and he didn't want to risk losing his favorite son Benjamin. With sorrow Jacob tells his sons that the risk of losing Benjamin in addition to having already lost Joseph would lead him into depression and would cause him to have an early death.

Today's Closing Question and Comment: "Do you ask God to change the hearts of those who have done you wrong, even as He is changing you?"  Joseph could not grasp the purpose God had in mind, when the Lord permitted his captivity.  But the story of Joseph helps us to remember, that God always looks at the whole picture.  The Lord weaves the history of individuals, families, and nations into a single picture.  We each play our part, and each of us must trust God with the whole picture, even when our part seems painful at the time.

Today's Hymn: "Trust and Obey"

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

"Believers should be careful not only in what they say, but also in how they say it."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord with Gladness.  Love God More Today and always remember that when you have a spiritual defeat in your day and you yell, "I Can't", God whispers to you,"BUT I CAN".

Yours in Christ,
Cindi

      

Bible Scripture and Hymn for Tuesday 15 March 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

Today's Blog Title: "Joseph's Brothers Go to Egypt"
Today's Scripture Reading: Genesis 42: 1-24 (part 1)
Today's Key Verse: Genesis 42:22 "And Reuben answered them saying, "Did I not speak to you, saying, "Do not sin against the boy; and you would not listen?  Therefore behold, his blood id now required of us."

The wide spread famine that we saw at the ending of Chapter 41, would again set in motion the domestic drama for Jacob's sons.  Because of the worldwide famine, and desperate to feed his household, Jacob sends his 10 oldest sons down to Egypt to buy grain, but keeps Benjamin at home with him.  He was afraid that Benjamin might be harmed on the long journey.

When the tired, and hungry brothers, were brought before the well dressed Egyptian official, wearing the Pharaoh's signet and the gold chain of office, they did not recognize the arrogant young boy, they had nearly murdered.  But Joseph instantly recognized them, and he initiated a series of tests and ordeals. 

Joseph remembered his dreams, and he released his feelings.  He accused them of something he knew that they did not do, he accused them of spying.  Joseph set out to learn whether his brothers has changed for the better, or would they betray each other when under pressure?

I would imagine that at the mention of his younger brother Benjamin, Joseph would have had a hard time containing his emotions.  With the words, "one is no more", it must have been unbearable for Joseph, knowing that his brothers thought he was dead, yet he was right before there eyes. 
   
After accusing them of spying for the second time (the brothers must have been overcome with fear for there life's now) Joseph demands that Benjamin, the youngest son of his father Jacob, be brought to him, to prove that they are telling the truth, and that they are not spies.  He then has them thrown into prison for three days.

After three days in prison, they are brought before Joseph again.  In verse 18, Joseph gives a clue to his brothers about who he is, when he said, "I fear the one God".  Joseph tells them to bring there youngest brother to him, and to make sure they return with him, he is going to put in prison one of the brothers until they came back with Benjamin.

His brothers now talk in there language, not knowing that the person they stood in front of was there brother and he understood what they were saying.  The brothers talk among themselves saying, that this is happening because of what they did to Joseph.  Reuben (the only one who tried to save Joseph on that day (Genesis 37:22) tells his brothers in verse 22, "Did I not speak to you saying, "Do not sin against the boy; and you not listen?  Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us."

At last Joseph, went hearing Reuben say this, could not control his emotions any longer, so he went away from their presence and wept.  As we conclude part 1 of this Chapter we see that when Joseph returned to his brothers he talked with them again, and since Reuben was the firstborn, and had been Joseph's principle defender those many years ago, Joseph took Simeon, the next oldest as his hostage. 

Today's Closing Question and Comment: "What would you do with a chance for revenge?"  Joseph remembered his dreams about his brothers bowing down to him (Genesis 37:6-9).  Those dreams were coming true!  As a young boy Joseph was boastful about his dreams.  As a man, he no longer showed off his superior status.  He did not feel the need to say, "I told you so."  It was not time yet to reveal his identity, so he kept quite.  Sometimes it is best for us to remain quite, even when we would like to have the last word.

Today's Hymn: "Healer"

You hold my every moment, You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire, and heal my disease
I trust in You, I trust in You
I believe You're my healer, I believe You are all I need
I believe that You are my portion, I believe You're more
Than enough for me, Jesus You're all I need
Nothing is impossible for You, Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You, You hold my world in Your hands

Heavenly Father, As we go about serving you, we ask Lord that you will make us humble in our dealings with others.  Thank you for your Grace that allows us to come boldly before you because of what Your Son Jesus Christ did for us upon the cross of Calvary.  Indeed Lord NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE for YOU.
                                                                                                      Amen

"GRACE finds you wherever you are and goes out of its way to save you.  Then GRACE carries you into heaven"
                                          Catherine Martin (from her book "A Woman's Walk In Grace")

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord with Gladness.  Love God More Today and always remember that when you have a spiritual failure in your life that yells, "I Can't",  God whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

Yours in Christ,
Cindi



  

Bible Scripture and Hymn for Monday 14 March 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

Today's Blog Title: "Joseph's Rise to Power"
Today's Scripture Reading: Genesis 41:37-57 (part 3)
Today's Key Verse: "And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt."

Today is part 3 of Chapter 41.  In Part 1 we talked about the dream of Pharaoh and how no one in Egypt could tell him the meaning of his dreams.  In part 2 we read about the chief butler finally remembering about Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams and tells Pharaoh about it and Joseph is brought before him. Pharaoh tells him his dreams, and we saw that Joseph "instantly" told Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams.  Now we will start part 3 of this Chapter "Joseph's Rise to Power".

After Joseph had finished telling Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams, I would think that Pharaoh was excited about the fact that finally someone was able to interpret his dreams.  He found the advice of Joseph to be good and he acknowledged that Joseph was extraordinarily wise.  Here we see a pagan king testify to the reality of God's power in the life of Joseph.

Pharaoh, because of Joseph being so wise, puts Joseph in charge of collecting the grain.  Joseph was given enormous power in that only Pharaoh was above him.  Pharaoh gives Joseph a signet ring which would indicated that his orders would have the same effect as if Pharaoh had given the orders himself.   The people of Egypt bowed to Joseph, not as a sign of worshipping him, but a sign of respect to Joseph's position.

Pharaoh gives Joseph an Egyptian name of "Zaphnath-Paaneah" (The God Speaks and Lives), as well as a wife.  13 years had passed since Joseph was sold by his brothers into Egypt, and just as God had revealed, the seven years of plenty had come.  The task before Joseph was big, but Joseph was a wise planner and the skills that he had learned in Potiphar's house and in prison was helpful during this very busy time.  Here we see the God being with Joseph in this task and He made Joseph succeed.

During this time of plenty and two years before the famine, we read in 41:50-52 about the birth of Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.  Beginning with 41:53 we now see that the seven years of famine was beginning.  In the closing of Chapter 41 we read that Joseph enriched the treasury of Pharaoh by selling grain not only to the Egyptians but also to "all countries".  Not only had Joseph testified to Egypt concerning the True and Living God, he now was able to testify to all nations.  

Today's closing Question and Comment: "How do you handle big responsibilities?"  Joseph rose quickly to the top.  From being in prison one moment to walking in Pharaoh's palace the next.  His training for this important position involved being a slave and then a prisoner.  In each of these situations he learned the importance of serving God and others.  Whatever our situations, no matter how undesirable, we as Christians need to consider it part of our training program for serving God. 

Today's Hymn: "Hungry"

Hungry I come to You for I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know Your love does not run dry
So I wait for You, So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees, Offering all of me
Jesus you are all this heart is living for  
Broken I run to you for Your arms are opened wide
I am weary, but I know Your touch restores my life
So I wait for You, So I wait for You.

Heavenly Father, How thankful we are that you are there for us with open arms.  Help us Lord to do your will in our daily life's no matter how much we might not like it or find it unappealing.  Let us wake each morning and like the prophet Isaiah said in in Isaiah 6:8, "Here am I!  Sent me".
                                                                                                                                             Amen

"Sometimes we need to go beyond the call of duty in order to further the Kingdom of God"

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord with Gladness.  Love God More Today, and always remember that when you have a spiritual failure in your life that yells, "I Can't", God whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".
                                 
Yours in Christ,
Cindi
     

Blog Weekend Bible Verse for Sunday 13 March 2011

"Greetings Everyone in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

Today's Bible Verse: Galatians 4:6,7 "And because you are sons, God has send forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba Father!"  Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

"Wow"!!!! When we accept Jesus into our heart we are no longer slaves to sin, but become sons and daughters of God and if we are sons and daughters, we also become heirs of God through Jesus Christ.  

Just as God sent forth His Son in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4) in world history, so God has sent forth the Spirit of Christ into our hearts at just the right time for every person who believes in Christ.  We as Christians, as God's sons and daughters can now know the closeness and intimacy with the Father because of the Holy Spirit.

Breathe on me, breath of God, Fill me with life anew
That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do
Breathe on me, breath of God, Until my heart is pure
Until with Thee I will one will, To do and to endure
Breathe on me breathe of God, Blend all my soul with Thine
Until this earthly part of me, Glows with Thy fire divine.
Breathe on me breathe of God, So shall I never die
But live with Thee the perfect life, Of Thine eternity

Heavenly Father,  Thank you for the indwelling Holy Spirit that You so graciously send to us the moment that we accept Your Son Jesus Christ into our life's.  Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding us, teaching us and convicting us.    May our life's be on fire for Thee in all that we say and do.
                                                                                                                           Amen

"When your faith is proven to be genuine because it is resting on the unchangeable, immovable facts in God's word, great praise and glory will result"
                  Catherine Martin (From her Book "A Woman's Walk In Grace)

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord with Gladness.  Love God More Today and always remember, when you have a spiritual defeat that yells, "I Can't", God whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

Yours in Christ
Cindi  

Weekenk Bible Verse for Saturday 12 March 2011

"Greetings Everyone in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

I would like to start out with a Praise.  My Daughter Amanda, last night (11 March) brought "Roman Isaac" into the world.  It is her first child and my 3rd grandson to go along with one granddaughter.  Please keep them both in your prayers.

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Peter 5:5-7 "Likewise you younger people submit yourself to your elders.  Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He care for you."

"Be submissive" calls for interpersonal, rather  that situational submission.  What makes interpersonal submission easy, whether in marriage or in the church, is the respect won by the husband, wife, or leader through love and example.  If we are sure a leader loves us, it is easier for us to be responsible to there guidance.   We as Christians, need to apply this in our everyday relationships.  Rather than demand children, or others to obey because of our role, we need to win their respect by love and example.

We should be humble  rather than arrogant, in our relationships with others because, according to Proverbs 3:34, God "gives grace to the humble".  If we as Christians want to grow, and have strength to overcome despite suffering, we must remain dependent on God.

When we cast it is a decisive act.  It means to take our load that we have been carrying, and literally throw it upon Jesus.  What a relief it is to realize that Jesus, is willing to take upon Himself, the things that we are anxious about. 

Today's Hymn: "Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary"

Days are filled with sorrow and care, Hearts are lonely and drear
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near

Heavenly Father, How great it is to know, that as Christians, that we can come to You and place our burdens, and problems of this life upon you.  How wonderful it is to know, that when we have  storms and trails in our life, that You Jesus, are there to carry us through it all.
                                                                                                                       Amen

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies with us"
                                                                                   Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord with Gladness.  Love God More Today and always remember, when you have a spiritual failure that yells, "I Can't", listen to God whisper to you, "BUT I CAN".  

Yours in Christ,
Cindi