I am so excited! Today was finally warm enough that I could wash my car. It was wonderful to be outside in the fresh air. The forecast is rain but at least the car will be clean for the rain. Smile
Attendance to our "class" has been a little off for the last could days. I hope everyone is alright. Please know that I pray for each of you every day as I kneel in front of my Jesus chair.
This weekend I am in the middle of a huge writing project in between cleaning and washing.
If you don't have anything big going on the weekend of the 29th and 30th and you live near Greensboro perhaps you would like to be part of a weekend of extreme encouragement. My sweet friend Luann Prater and Encouragement Cafe` presents a weekend of Extreme Encouragement. Special guests include 106.9 The Light's own Carol Davis as well as Encouragement Cafe` co-host Ramona Davis. (No kin to Carol, except in Jesus.) Follow the links to find more about this wonderful weekend.
Ya'll are the greatest! Have great weekend!
Attendance to our "class" has been a little off for the last could days. I hope everyone is alright. Please know that I pray for each of you every day as I kneel in front of my Jesus chair.
This weekend I am in the middle of a huge writing project in between cleaning and washing.
If you don't have anything big going on the weekend of the 29th and 30th and you live near Greensboro perhaps you would like to be part of a weekend of extreme encouragement. My sweet friend Luann Prater and Encouragement Cafe` presents a weekend of Extreme Encouragement. Special guests include 106.9 The Light's own Carol Davis as well as Encouragement Cafe` co-host Ramona Davis. (No kin to Carol, except in Jesus.) Follow the links to find more about this wonderful weekend.
Ya'll are the greatest! Have great weekend!
37 Comments:
I really miss Wendy's VLOG today! I forgot that she doesn't vlog on the weekend, so it was a big disappointment not to see what she would say about today's reading. It's so dramatic that I think it really should be a TV mini-series!
All of this is new to me, as I have never read all the way through the Bible before. So it is ALL being seen in a "new" way for me. But the nugget for me today is that in the end - after so many rounds of weeping, Joseph wept "WITH JOY." Some of us are going through really difficult times right now, and I am sure that I am not alone with my almost-daily tears. It gives me incredible hope to know that "it was God who sent me here" and that sooner or later we shall all also weep for joy. Hopefully, our sad time will, like Joseph's be over while we are still here in our own "Egypt," but if not - then certainly as we cross the threshold of heaven to come face to face with God.
Wendy, although I have posted only two comments since we began, I am excitedly at my computer at 5 am each day here in Massachusetts, eager to read and listen. I learn so much each day from you and from others more adept at "reading between the lines". But, I am getting better :) My little dog has caught on that this is a time that I sit still, so he loves to jump into my lap, prop his front paws on the table, and listen right along with me to your vlog! Today's take-away for me: Even though Joseph thanked the Lord yesterday for helping him "forget all my troubles and everyone in my father's family," he really had not, as evidenced by his "weeping with joy" today at their reconciliation. In my own life, I have thanked God for helping me to get over several estrangements in my family of origin, but perhaps some day, in God's time, we will be reconciled.
Gob Bless You, Sister Wendy!
Michelle
Wendy, this is my first comment as I have had to "catch up" with the rest of you. The vblog, your teaching, your "old, new, nugget" give new insight to the scriptures. My nugget today is that Joseph gave all the glory to God for his being in Egypt, he didn't mention his dream to his brothers, but Joseph remembered the dreams, and he didn't blame his brothers. God does put us where He can use us to His glory.
Although I don't log a comment very often please know that I absolutely love your VLOG. I am learning so much. Your exciting words keep me looking forward to each and every day!
God Bless You!
Wendy
Wendy
Thank-you for your prayers. Just wanted you to know I am doing the reading daily with Gods help to get me up by 5:30. I love how God will speak to us if we take the time. However I don't feel I have the time to comment on the guestions every day.
I really like how Joseph did not blame his brothers for this life, but knew it was all a part of God's plan. What a truth to remember daily.
God's blessings to all
Diane
Happy weekend all,
I forgot we don't have Wendy's vlog today. :( I do enjoy it very much! Thank you Wendy for being so faithful. I do enjoy reading others comments also. It is such an honor & growing experience to be a part of this 'study'
1)heard in a new way; Genesis 45:5-8 God allowed the brothers to sell Joesph into slavery? Was it predestine or did God use a bad situation & made something good out of it? I am not sure?
2)did not know; Genesis 43:32 The Egyptians didn't eat at the same table as Joesph. They despised the Hebrews & refuse to eat with them. It was odd that they didn't eat together even though Joseph was 2nd under the Pharaoh. The seed of hate was already there when Jacob/Israel & family settled in Egypt. This hate would turn the Israel's descendants into slaves.
3)nugget; I need to read God's Word & let Him reveal what is important to me. To accept that not all is to be understood by me at this moment in time. That one day either here on earth or in heaven it will be revealed to me.
Enjoy the weekend the Lord has made!
Blessing & Peace, Mary
Hi all. I'm glad it's the weekend...I slept in until 7:40 which is late for me....so my whole morning is behind.
Anyway...I honed in on words that spoke "Gospel" to me.
Genesis 44:30 says "Our father's life is bound up in the boy's life" making me think Father = God
and boy = Jesus.
And then soon after it states (vs34) "For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me?"
Making me think I = me; Father = God; and the boy = Jesus. Morgen cannot return to God if Jesus is not with me.
Blessings
Morgen
Wendy,
Just checking in..although I haven't posted in a few days I am still on track and watch the vlogs and read the comments each day.
Having a great time studying the word!
Have a great weekend!
Morgen, that was so thought provoking; thank you for sharing.
Wendy, don't get discouraged. I have learned so much from you and the comments and I have been a christian for years.
My nugget for today is that God can and does use everything for His purpose, even our sin, such as what Joseph's brothers did to him.
Have a great weekend all.
Gaylene
Happy Saturday all! I, too, forgot it was the weekend, and really missed Wendy's vlog, but all your comments are priceless and I am loving them!
Something new to me: When the brothers returned to Jacob, they stayed at home until all the grain was used up. I wondered about Simeon as he waited for them in prison. What must he have thought?
Also, like Mary, I wondered about the eating arrangements. As Egyptians they despised Joseph, a Hebrew - yet he was responsible for the very food that was keeping them alive. He was their superior. How did they continue to eat separately without being offensive...or was it just a custom that no one questioned?
My nugget: I need to remember to trust God when I'm in a bad situation. He knows where I need to be down the road. He knows my future and exactly where I need to be to find my way back to joy.
Wendy...Thanks for praying for all of us on this journey. Thanks so much for the time and effort you put into our study. Enjoy your weekend.
My take away today:
God allows us to go through certain things for his purpose and greater plan. We just need to keep the faith, being obedient and trusting him no matter what our circumstances / situation might be at the time.
I think is was a great blessing for Joseph to look back and see God's purpose and plan fulfilled in the circumstances he faced. Sometimes God allows us the blessing of knowing why we go through certain things and other times we may never know this side of heaven.
Romams 8:28 comes to mind....And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Have a great day.
Rochelle
Wendy, thanks for your prayers. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend.
Thank you, Wendy, for your faithful leading of this group. I am so happy to "know you" through the vlog...makes all the difference when I read your words for the day, as I can hear you saying them:) I too wake up each morning knowing so many of you will be here in words and/or spirit, and this study is bringing such joy and blessing to me. It's truly the first thing I think of upon waking now. I started last Nov. at the tail end of last year's group reading, and now I feel my day would be missing something w/o it.
Today's words:
NEW: Didn't realize Simeon had been left the whole time in Egypt until the bros had to come back for more food.
And: Benjamin was the only full bro of Joseph, both born of Rachel and Jacob.. Joseph gave Benjamin 5 times more food at the dinner with all his brothers, then the silver cup went into Ben's bag.
Question: Why would Joseph need a silver cup to predict the future when he had God's wisdom and leading on interpreting dreams/visions of the future? You would think God would take offense, and Joseph was such a pure man of Godly character, tends to go against his "track record". Maybe it was Egyptian cultural tradition, not really something Joseph used personally?
Krista
These past couple days have been hectic with getting ready for our annual women's birthday tea at church. I've done my reading, just haven't been able to reply!
I pray everyone has a blessed and fulfilled weekend.
Good Afternoon Sweet Daughter's of the Most High~ So, enjoying each of your comments today! This is just what God wants of us: to encourage each other while we are waiting for the Big Day! :)
(Heb. 10:25)
Was today's reading good or what?! History just keeps repeating itself; there is much we can learn from the Bible to apply to our very own lives.
Couldn't you just hear the fright in the hearts of his brothers as they heard the words, "I am Joseph...," (45:3) I'm sure their hearts' skipped-a-beat! "They were stunned [!]..." (3) Don't you just imagine they were thinking revenge!
And, our faithful role-model, Joseph, what does he do?
Forgive.
And, to top it off, he
"kissed each of his brothers and wept over them," (15). There is only one way he would be capable of doing this: he was walking closely with God. God's loving-kindness was shining out of him!
Jesus teaches us the importance of forgiveness (Matthew 6:15). There are no coincidences with God. He has everything under His good and perfect plan. May we seek the Lord's help to not become bitter or discouraged when we are in the middle of a hardship or when we are involved in a situation that is not part of our own choosing. Rather, may we be thankful to the Lord, for God is taking the time to transform us, so that we are more like him. There is glory to be seen, each day, no matter what we are going through.
Have a wonderful weekend anticipating His glory! I pray that daily we will all come to know Him more through his precious word. Thank you dear Wendy for teaching us this week! Praying that his words just flow out of you as you work on your writing. May we all be filled to the brim with His spirit! Love, hugs, and prayer's coming your way, Lori
Dear Wendy & Brothers/Sisters in Christ,
I, like others, do not have a chance to post very often but wanted ya’ll to know I am here each day reading, watching the vlog, praying and praising the Lord for all of you and this ministry. Wendy, you are such a blessing to so many and an inspiration! And to those of you who post regularly or even just sometimes …what a blessing you also have been. Thank you!
I have been saved for several years but I haven’t read my bible on a daily basis until now. I can’t explain how excited I am each day to read His word and then come here to see all of your comments and glean. Thank you to all who encourage us “Newbies” not to give up! I am hungering for the Lord and seeing change like never before!!! What an awesome God we serve!
Love in Christ, Loyce
P.S. I have a prayer request please.
About 4 wks ago I discovered a mold issue in 50% of my attic (a house I just purchased last April). My insurance will not cover this so I’ve called an environmental company who gave me a quote to come access the situation. I am a single mom so this was a bit overwhelming for me at first but I am praying and believing that the Lord is going to make a way. Please pray with me that He will put the right people in my path to correct the problem that is causing this mold and to get rid of it. Also, please pray that the mold has not harmed my son or I. I am trusting and knowing the Lord will provide and I have already been praising Him for it! Thank you and God Bless each of you!
Hi ya'll, I haven't been commenting often as by the time finish reading, digesting, and listening to Wendy's wonderful vlog, my time is up. I am loving this experience so far, and am so thankful for the opportunity to do bible study this way! I have mentioned before that I am doing this along with a small group of teenagers. It is quite an experience seeing these old familiar stories through their young eyes! My 17 year old son told me the story of Noah wasn't quite the way he remembered it being taught in Sunday School! Anyway, just wanted to say thank you to all of you who are posting your comments, and to Wendy for her teaching. Blessings for a wonderful week-end!
Sweet sisters,
I have been loving all your wonderful insights into what we have been reading. I do not have much time to post, however, as soon as I get home from work each day (or later) I immediately get online to watch the days teaching and check in with my online bible study girls! What a blessing to go through the Word together and discuss the many ways the Lord is speaking through His Word. Wendy, my hat's off to you for all your hard work in faithfully putting together this study and the vlog--it's great.
There were so many great insights into todays reading. The first was in Gen 42:1,2: "When Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt ...go down there...."
Sometimes we can be in a really bad place and not know what to do. But thank God for those who hear His voice and respond which leads to blessing and leading others who do not hear. "Otherwise, we will die." That is exactly what will happen if we do not respond to the Spirit's leading.
vs. 7 "Joesph recognized his brothers instantly, but pretended to speak harshly to them." God loves us, knows us, and wants to be in relationship with us. He never forgets us, even when we forget him. When he is drawing us back into relationship the Spirit can be harsh, with the purpose of bringing about conviction and drawing us into repentance. The end result is restoration of the love relationship God wants to have with us.
vs. 24 "Now he turned away from them and began to weep." Our sin breaks God's heart.
vs. 25 "Joesph...gave secret instructions..." God can orchestrate bad circumstances and turn them around for our good. There was an underlying spiritual purpose for this--restoration. I need to always look beyond the surface of my circumstances to discern if God is doing something bigger. Is God orchestrating this and why?
Finally, Gen 43:1-18 brought my mind back to the story of the prodigal son. Coming back to God can be really difficult and this passage illustrates the spiritual struggle going on to get right with God. Because we can't see the outcome God desires from the circumstances we are in, we need to guard our minds from becoming terrified and playing tricks on us. I need to stand firmly on God's promises and not get crippled by what could happen. I always need to focus on the fact that he has a plan in whatever I am dealing with.
I am greatly enjoying our journey together ladies! Have a great weekend!
Kim in Illinois
Good afternoon from So Cal!
Wendy - first of all, thank you for praying for us. This blog is such a blessing.
For those of you interested in Joseph as a type of Jesus, here is a link detailing 60(!) similarities between them. This was taken from Dr. Arthur W. Pink - Gleanings in Genesis:
http://tinyurl.com/joseph-jesus
Krista - I actually saw the answer to your question earlier while I was reading. From Dr. David Hocking "Some people are troubled by this because there is a reference to practicing "divination" or occultism. This does not mean that Joseph condoned it or practiced it, only that Joseph is continuing to conceal his identity from them."
Loyce, praying that God will bring the right people for the immediate remedy to your mold situation.
Today's reading was so good, wasn't it? What a blessing for Joseph to see the reason why God allowed him to go through those things. It is a testimony to Joseph's character that he did not let his past dictate his attitude. He did not remain a victim of his circumstances.
Matthew Henry said that "Joseph was hard upon his brethren, not from a spirit of revenge but to bring them to repentance. Not seeing his brother, Benjamin, he suspected they had made away with him too."
Henry further said that Joseph placed the cup in Benjamin's sack because he wanted to find out if the brothers envied and hated Benjamin, the other son of Rachel, the way they hated him many years ago. If they did, they would have left Benjamin behind. Instead they begged for his release.
Familiar but new: Judah's confession. This was very touching. Judah was the one who had the idea to sell Joseph into slavery. Now he is offering himself to be Joseph's slave in exchange for Benjamin. I like how Henry likened Judah's act to Jesus. He said, "...our Lord sprang out of Judah (Heb 7:14)and he not only made intercession for the transgressors, but he came a Surety for them, testifying therein tender concern, both for his Father and for his brethren."
There's more but I may run out of space. Bottom line takeaway is God's sovereignty over what happens in our lives - good and bad.
Have a blessed weekend everyone! My son and I are going to work on his California mission project for school. The teacher said they can't use a kit so we're going with an all recyclable plastic model. I hope it works!
I have not done Friday or Saturday's readings b/c I have spent those two days at a Women's Confrence "There is a Fountain" featuring Carol Kent! And surely my cup runneth over!!!! I count it all joy for the blessings and encouragement that I received while there with other women of faith as we gleaned from God's Word and other personal testimonies. :o)
Thank You Wendy.
Thank You for your comment Lori, I didnt realize that until you said it.
Thank You for this study Lord!
Hi!
Wendy, I've been telling everybody I know about this study. I love it! I check several times each day to read the new comments left. I'm learning so, so much .... thank you!
I don't have much time to post my nuggets now - my husband is waiting for me - but I'll come back.
Grace and Peace, I love how you post such awesome information, and the links are great. I hope you don't mind that I post them on our Bible study's blog for others to see. Several of them are reading along in their Bibles but are not necessarily reading all of these comments.
:-)
Amy,
Thanks. Go ahead and post whatever you find useful. It's a privilege to share with others. Have a great weekend!
Wendy thank you so much for doing this study. Reading through the comments every day you can see that MANY are being blessed! I too have been telling so many about this study. Wendy thank you for the guidance you gave me this week. God has led me out of school and into His path of being in His Word daily. I feel as though a heavy burden has been lifted from my shoulders and I have you and Joy to thank for your words of guidance and seeking. I have read these stories since a little girl but WOW my eyes are open to so many new things. Just breaking them down to how I can apply these to my life and what God is saying through these words is incredible! Wendy again thanks. Cannot wait until Monday to hear to vlog again. Love each of you! Jane
Wendy and fellow Sisters and Brothers -
Wendy - please do not despair. I believe we are all here - just enjoying the vlog and posts. I am much like a FEW others here - most of this is all new to me. I am familiar with many of the traditional stories in the Bible - but to read this intensely with - and with all the comments from others - it so totally awesome. I have often had the resolution to read the Bible in a year - and have never gotten this far before - pretty sad. But now - I can't wait for my daily time each day - I think about it all day long and actually long to read each day - it is no longer a chore - but a desire. Praise God!!
Thanks to all of you for all your knowledge and prayers. I continue to pray for all of you and your requests. Banish the mold!!!
Kristin, TX
If any of you get a chance to watch Charles Stanley in In Touch in the morning he is talking about Joseph, and its pretty good. I saw him tonight.
Joseph is such a great example of how to act when we are down in the dumps, in darkness, as Charles Stanley said. He kept his eyes on the Lord, no matter how bad things in his life got. I pray that I can do the same thing. Since we can see the whole story...and all Joseph could see was the moment... we can see how God was preparing Joseph for the big job and reconciliation with his family. How I would love to have been a mouse in the corner as he told his brothers who he was, and that "it was God who brought me here, to save you all." What a Godly man!
Hope everyone gets to church tomorrow and soaks in some more of God's goodness.
Jan TN
SUNDAY, JAN. 17 - DAY 17:
Good Morning to all:
What a beautiful reading again today as Joseph's Dad is finally reunited with his son whom he assumed was dead all those many years before. Note that the Bible makes a point of how Joseph embraced his father and wept - "HOLDING HIM FOR A LONG TIME." And then - "FINALLY" his father Jacob spoke to him. Can't you just see the two of them weeping and locked into each others' arms? Will it be that way for us when we are reunited with OUR Father in heaven? I hope that our embrace also lasts FOR A VERY LONG TIME, and that then...FINALLY, our God will speak to us in person.
One other thought comes to mind as I read 46:3 - where God says for now the 4th time in Genesis: "Do not be afraid...I will go with you..." Each time I see that reminder from God to my Biblical ancestors, I know that He is also speaking to me, and to all of us. He is telling us too not to be afraid and that He will be with us on this journey through his Word this year.
I just can't wait until tomorrow - when Wendy comes back online with her precious daily video messages that are truly a blessing for each of us. Amen?
Amen Judi B!! The vlog has been a blessing to me, too! Praying for all!
1)heard in a new way; Genesis 46:33 & Genesis 47:2-6, Joseph tells his father & brothers to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds. The Egyptians despise this trade. Another seed of hate that will grow. This hatred will turn the nation of Israel into slave. Joseph also tells his brothers to ask Pharaoh to live in Goshen. This where the best land is. This will cause envy & jealousy with the Egyptians.
2)not know before; Genesis 45:22-24 Joseph gave more to Benjamin & then tells his brothers not to fight over this fact. Envy & jealousy over what Benjamin has & the other brothers don't.
Genesis 47: 13:27 Joesph requires the Egyptians to give their land to Pharaoh. He then gave them seed to plant but they then had to give 1/5 back to Pharaoh. Meanwhile the people of Israel acquired property & were fruitful. The seed of envy & jealousy is growing in the Egyptians.
3)nugget; To look at what I have & thank God for it. Envy & jealousy of what others have should have no place in my life.
Blessings & Peace, Mary
Thank you Wendy for doing this. This Bible study is something I am really excited about and look forward to every day. I don't always post, but listen to your vlog, read the comments and write in my own notebook.
Loyce, I am praying for your mold issue. Maybe it will be easily taken care of with a good scrubbing of bleach, Tide, and Dawn dish washing liquid. That is what we have used on some mold we had in our home, but I know it depends on the kind and cause.
Knew but look at different: Joseph sat at a different table than the Egyptians. It said it was because they despised the Hebrews, I thought it had to do with his being sort of royalty.
Didn't know: How God used Judah (isn't it amazing how God can redeem someone and transform them) in protecting Benjamin.
Nugget: True forgiveness only blesses everyone.
All is grace,
N
Mary, amen to what you said!
Loyce, praying for your problem.
A take away for me today is that like Joseph saved the lives of the Egyptians, through buying of them, so has Christ, but greater through His blood, has paid the price for our salvation.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Gaylene
What I saw different today was, for Abraham and Isaac it was wrong to go down into Egypt, but God told Jacob to go down and He promised to bring him (meaning them all) out again.
Another that I saw, in 46:1 it names one of the sons of Levi... Gershon...who is the father of Moses in Ex. 2:1...
Hope all of you had a blessed time in church this morning.
Jan TN
46:1, how Jacob has grown. The first time he left Beersheba he was running away...from home and from God. Now he comes back to Beersheba and offers a sacrifice to God.
The life of Jacob has 3 geographical locations.
1. Land of Haran whre he is living in the flesh.
2. Land of Canaan where he is a man fighting in his own strength.
3. Land of Egypt where he is a man walking by faith.
Notice in 46: 26 he is still called Jacob, but in v. 30 he is called by Israel...a child of God who lives by faith.
The Egyptians despised shepherds, but Jesus is described as a Shepherd. In John 10:11 is the Good Shepherd. In Hebrews he is the Great Shepherd. In I Peter 5:4 is the Chief Shepherd.
Can't wait for tomorrow's video!
1. How far apart are Joseph and Benjamin? Ben's still being shown 'favoritism' by being given more than the other brothers. He and Joseph do share the bond of being Rachel's only sons, but I would've expected Joseph to show equal treatment since his unequal treatment caused resentment.
1. Gen. 47:12 Joseph gave his family "appropriate amounts" of what they needed to survive. He didn't give them more than their faire share. I wish that I showed such self-control and discipline and kept myself to "appropriate amounts" of things - food, time on the computer, etc.
2. Why did the Egyptians despise shepherds? Does anybody have that map link??
3. Gen. 45:24b "Don't quarrel about all this along the way!" We should have a peaceful journey. When decisions are made, don't second-guess it. Enjoy the ride and trust God.
See ya tomorrow!
Jan,
Awesome observations!
So does that mean that Joseph is the great-grandfather of Moses? Am I understanding that correctly?
I love this study!
Amy
NC
Jan, thanks for the heads up on the InTouch teaching on Dark Times. I love Charles Stanley. My son & I watched last night while working on his project. Also to dove tail on your observation re Egyptians despising Jesus because he is our Shepherd, I read a commentary (David Hocking) that said Egypt symbolizes a type of the world system in the bible. So what you said makes sense even today. The world despises Jesus. Notice though in the closing verses of today's reading (Gen 47:25) the Egyptians acknowledge that Joseph saved their lives. Another tie in to Joseph being a type of Jesus.
The reunion was very heartwarming. I, too, would have loved to see that. What a blessing to Jacob that when God appeared to him again in Beersheba, God promised to be with him and that his beloved Joseph will be by his side when he close his eyes for the last time. Wow. Matthew Henry wrote that it has been 215 years since God promised Abraham to make him a great nation, yet so far the family had only increased to 70. He siad this is to show God's awesome power in making the 70 a vast multitude.
New to me was when Jacob was presented to Pharaoh & Jacob was asked how old he was. His reply was "I have traveled this earth for 130 hard years..." Jacob is acknowledging that earth is not his final resting place. That our life here is not the end but a stop over to a much better, grander place.
Well, gotta get ready for church. Have a blessed day fellow travelers.
Amy, it wasn't through Joseph, that Levi came. Levi was Joseph's half-brother. Levi's mother was Leah, while Joseph' was Rebekah. It is Moses, Gershon,(father) Levi (grandfather), Jacob (g-grandfather) Isaac (g-g grandfather) and then to Abraham who would have been Moses's g-g-g grandfather.
I hope I have that right. Someone correct me if I don't.
Jan TN
Can't wait till morning to read God's Word again and "visit" with Wendy and rest of you.
Hello all!!! I can't believe how much I have been enjoying this study and all of the comments on it! :) I can't wait to see the video tomorrow.
'Til tomorrow!
Lena
IA
My daughter left for France on Sunday, and I missed Fri. It was like loosing more of my family. I am glad to be back today.
Take care!! May God bless you.
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