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09-20-2007, 11:40 AM
Jesus longs to be your Friend.
God gave us each other to build up one another.
If God wants us to do something, He will give us the strength and courage to do it in spite of the obstacles that may come our way.
Listen for God's new call; look for new opportunities to serve.
God's love and comfort are real. Seek and see for yourself.
God hears our prayers at all times and in all places.
Christ saves all without making distinctions.
Christ is real.
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We Interrupt this Moment for a Very Important Message
Excuse me. Yes, you. Can I interrupt you for just a minute, please? Yes, I know you are busy and that you hardly have time to breathe, but this is really important. Actually, if you will take the time to hear Me out you may end up having more time. How? Well, it is very simple.
One of the reasons that you are so busy is that you think that you are in control of your life. Since you think you are in control, you believe that you have to orchestrate every moment of every day. After all, you must plan, strategize, and remind in control every waking hour. That is where I come in. I have some great news that will change your life and give you lots of time. The news is that you are not in control. Now here comes the time savings piece. Since you are not in control, you can stop spending time worrying and obsessing over everything. Instead you can simply lift up all your worries and cares to Me and spend more time enjoying life. I Am the Master Problem Solver. I can handle everything. Nothing is too complex, too big, or too trivial for Me. I will watch over you with perfect care because you are Mine.
Love You Always and Forever and Ever, GOD
"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. " Psalm 112:7-9 --The Daily Journey
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WHERE DOES THE "ME" FIT IN?
How are you doing controlling your life? If you are anything like me, you're not doing so well. Things often seem to not to go the way I plan for them to go or at least take an unsuspected twist. We hardly ever expect illness, loss of jobs, the death of loved ones, fires, floods, famines, droughts, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. do we? Nevertheless they all happen and it's not so much if, but when our lives will take that unplanned twist!
How do you react to those unexpected, unplanned happenings in your life? Jesus when preaching what has been called, "the sermon on the mount," in Matthew 6 talks a little about this in verses 25-30. Notice what he says, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?(NKJV) In the old King James Version that last phrase is translated, "O ye of little faith".
A friend sent me a note today concerning a trip she was about to take and trusting God and wrote, "O me of little faith". I read that and thought, "Wow, how many times that really describes me!" Far too often I want to trust in God, but only on my terms! I say, "Yes God, I'll do whatever you want me to do, as long as I can choose when, where and how." "Yes, God, I'll trust you to take care of me, but do you mind if I take my bankbook when I go?"
God is there for us and has given his solemn promise to us that he will never forsake us, but when will we really learn to believe that? In Matthew 23:37 Jesus was looking to the city of Jerusalem and all of the inhabitants who had rejected him and he said these words: "How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me."(NIV)
I believe that God is still here with us today, still begging us to trust in him for protection and comfort. What will it take for us to finally begin to trust, believe and obey him? Jesus said, "O ye of little faith", so where does the "me" fit in? When we realize that faith in God is something personal, not just something we read about or see in others. Faith will only work, when you decide that it is THE ONLY THING that will work. How are you doing? I'm still praying, "Lord increase my faith!" --Russ Lawson
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Perseverance, by Paul Faulkner
A lot of things have been said about the value of perseverance. We all know the good old fable about the tortoise and the hare. And the great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "The snail would never have made it on the ark, except through long perseverance!" Winston Churchill led an entire nation through World War II with his grim determination to go on to the end and never surrender or give up.
The book of James puts it this way, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4 TNIV).
The crown comes after persevering through the fight!
An apostle of Jesus speaks about persevering when he says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
The crown comes after persevering through the fight and the race. Perseverance will make life work better for you today, so with God's help, I want to encourage you to "keep on keeping on."
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The Comforter, by Russ Lawson
Where do you go when you want comfort? For some, comfort is close by all of the time. Our new little granddaughter Allison is a blessing in many ways. One of those ways is the way she is growing and changing. Right now one of the things she is working on is her coordination. Yes, I know she is only a couple of months old, but she is making advances. She holds up her head and turns it quickly towards noises, she can stare at things she finds of interest and she is learning how to reach for and sometimes actually touch things.
One of the big things she has done recently is to find her thumb. She has worked and worked to learn how to maneuver her hand close to her face. She finally has managed to find her thumb and comfort herself by sucking on it. As I watch her I see that it is still not easy for her, she has to work at getting that hand in the right position, but she sticks with it and eventually makes the connection with the comforter.
That's cute, that's sweet, but what does that have to do with you and me? Well, like all babies, Allison sometimes gets fussy. She may not even know what she wants herself, but she has found a comforter only arms reach away.
Aren't there times when that kind of describes you? Sometimes, something's just not right, you may not even know what the problem is, you are just unsettled, maybe worried, and you wish desperately for a comforter. It's not new. It's not just our society or time. It's been around since time began. God, however, promises to comfort us as well as to send us comfort. Notice some scriptures that deal with this subject.
King David wrote one of the most often quoted verses: Notice again what he says: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 KJV).
A shepherd's staff is generally used to guide and protect the sheep, but some of the older Jewish writers in reference to this passage spoke of the "[R]od of the Word of God and the Staff of his promises." All in all, David speaks of the protection and promise of God to those who follow him. In this particular context, it brings us comfort even when we go through "[T]he valley of the shadow of death."
Each of us is searching for comfort of some kind!
David also wrote of the promises of God which bring us comfort: You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again (Psalm 71:21). Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles (Psalm 119:50). Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant (Psalm 119:76). My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? (Psalm 119:82)
Each of us is searching for comfort of some kind, perhaps like David, "Straining to see the promises come true." What we need to understand is that there is an ultimate comfort. Not just the comfort of the flesh, the freedom from worry about physical things, about our life, about our jobs, about our families. There is an ultimate freedom that gives comfort to us that far surpasses anything we will find on earth. The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage people he loved with these words:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV) (Emphasis added).
To a group of new Christians, Paul talks about the judgment day and the resurrection resulting in eternal life. He ends the thought by saying, "So comfort and encourage each other with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT).
We need to believe the promises of God and let the "[R]od of the Word of God and the Staff of his promises" bring comfort to our heart. This comfort is not an arms length away; it is only an open Bible, a thought, and a prayer away.
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From Gray to Glorious By Marcia Lee Laycock
It was one of those mornings that don’t start off very well. My alarm clock didn’t work and my husband forgot that I had to be up early to make it to an appointment, so he didn’t wake me. When I finally opened my eyes, I had just enough time to throw on some clothes and rush out the door. I made it to the appointment, but by the time it was over my stomach was growling and I was pining for a cup of decaf. So, true to the traditions of my country and culture, I headed for Tim Hortons donut shop.
The line for the drive-through was long, as usual, and I wasn’t any too patient by the time I gave my order at the speaker-phone. As I edged forward to pick up my coffee and breakfast sandwich, I was digging in my purse for money and not paying too much attention to where I was going. No, I didn’t bump into the car ahead of me, but I did not see what was going on around me either.
I didn’t see them until I was right in front of them - two little boys, perhaps four or five years old, dressed in identical blue shirts. They were blonde, with huge blue-eyes and toothless grins. They were waving with great enthusiasm as the cars filed by the large windows. My reaction was immediate – I burst into a smile of my own, laughed out loud in fact, and waved enthusiastically back. It was then I noticed that the crowd inside the restaurant was taking great delight in watching the reaction of those driving by. Everyone was smiling.
I imagine God’s delight at those two little boys, who, just by being themselves, brightened the day of everyone around them. I imagine He was pleased because they were just being who He had made them to be – a blessing to others.
We delight Him in that way too. He has made us to be a blessing to one another, as the writer of Ephesians said – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). Every time we bless someone around us, He is blessed.
It doesn’t take much – often just a smile or an encouraging word is enough to turn someone’s day from gray to glorious. All we have to do is be who we were made to be. Those two little boys were doing it. We can too.
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God loves you not because of what you do, but because of who He is.
God is love (1 John 4:8). God doesn't have to pretend to love you; He can't not love you, because He is love.
In fact, the very actions of God exemplify what love is. The apostle John explains that this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16). Only a few verses later, he further defines love: This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9).
Notice that God's love for you is independent of how you behave, who you are, or how you respond to that love.
Romans 5:6-8 reminds us that God loves us regardless of where we are: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus represents God's love for us in what we now call the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:11-24). In that allegory, the father openly and lovingly receives his son even though the son had run away, squandered all of his money, and insulted the father. In the same way, God loves us unconditionally.
There is nothing you can do to get God to love you -- He already does. There is nothing you can do to deserve God's love, because, by sinning, you have turned your back on God and are fundamentally no different than the prodigal son. That parable is a clear reminder that God loves you not because of what you do, but because of who He is.
If you don't feel like you're getting the love you should get, then maybe you should ask yourself if you're giving the love you should give.
Too often we look only at what other people are doing for us instead of what we are doing for them. However, the Bible instructs us to look out for the needs of one another, to look for ways to serve others, and to walk in love with each other.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Love is so important, because every person needs love. People in the world are hungry for love; they're looking for a source of real, genuine love. Proverbs 19:22 tells us that What a man desires is unfailing love.
We have an opportunity to give that love, which the world desperately desires. So instead of wondering why you're not getting the love you should get, decide to give the love you should give. --Weekly Wisdom
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All The Attachments
Luke 10:4b - Carry no purse, no bag, no shoes. (NASB)
The television commercial blasted forth the excellence of some cooking pans. One line really caught my attention: "If you don't have the tools, you can never do the job!" Whew! I took another look at those things! Maybe I needed them desperately! On second thought, no. I have been cooking, baking, and feeding people since I was ten, with very few complaints.
While my equipment has never been fancy, it has always been much better than my granny's. She began with five-pound corn syrup tins, and in spite of that, regularly won top prize at the local fairs for her wonderful breads, casseroles, cakes, and pies.
"If only I had a heavy duty mixer," we cry! "Then I could make bread."
"If only my vacuum had a brush for cleaning corners, I would do the cleaning."
"If only I could take that $5,000 training course in evangelism, then I could share the Gospel."
"If only I had a bigger salary, then I would tithe!"
Dear friends, if we are not doing it now, with what we have, we won't do it several attachments or several dollars later!
Prayer: Lord, we are full of excuses about why we can't do the right thing. Open our eyes. Help us do what You would do, right here and right now, with the tools You have provided for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. --Brenda Wood
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CAN YOU SLEEP WHILE THE WILD BLOWS?
Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.
Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.
Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"
The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down.
Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
MORAL OF THE STORY
When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life? The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God.
We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms. --Author Unknown
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Do not fret about the days before you and what I have given you to do. I have called you and equipped you and sent you. Now rest in My presence as I accomplish My purposes through you. You are My vessel of honor, and all you must do is yield to the moving of My Spirit for destiny to be fulfilled. Do not be afraid or be dismayed, for I am with you, says the Lord. Deuteronomy 31:8 "And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."
This is not a time to crumble under the pressure of your responsibilities. Rather, rise up in faith. Trust Me to enable you to go beyond your physical and emotional limitations to complete the tasks at hand. I will give you extraordinary strength to meet every challenge. Ask Me to stretch your time, and I will do so, says the Lord. I will make a way where there seems to be no way. Rise up and go forth in victory.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Hunker down, My children. You are entering a time when you must dig in for a sustained period of time as I do a necessary and poignant work in your lives. I will use the sharp sword of My word to cut straight to the heart of every matter and make you aware of emotional baggage in your life that must be discarded before you can progress spiritually in the power of freedom. Do not be afraid to allow Me to reveal every hidden work of darkness both past and present, for it will be a work of joy when liberty becomes your reality.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two–edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Make time to take a quick inventory of where you are both spiritually and physically so that you can prepare yourself to optimize the benefits of the new spiritual year that is now beginning. Cut your losses short by letting go of those things that have hindered and are likely to continue to hinder your growth and freedom in the days ahead. Ask for wisdom as often as necessary to make quality decisions, says the Lord.
Proverbs 4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
I will show you wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath, but you must be careful not to worship My signs and wonders. To do so would amount to idolatry and would result in being removed from My presence. Your worship and praise and glory must be given to your Father in Heaven. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Joel 2:26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame.
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God Knows...
When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...God knows how hard you have tried.
When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...God has counted your tears.
If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...God is waiting with you.
When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...God is by your side.
When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...God has a solution.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...God has the answer.
If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...God has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...God has smiled upon you.
When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...God has opened your eyes and called you by name.
Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...~ GOD KNOWS ~
--Author Unknown
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May the mind of Christ, my Savior, live in me from day to day.
By His love and power controlling all I do and say.
May the word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour.
So that all may see I triumph only through His pow'r.
May the peace of God my Father rule my life in ev'rything.
That I may be calm to comfort, sick and sorrowing.
Kate B. Wilkinson
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Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers. 1 Kings 8:57-58
The Lord says, "When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.. Jeremiah 29:13
The Parable of the Sower
While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that," 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.' "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:4-15
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8
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The Final Victory
Today, all over the world, there are people facing situations which threaten to send everything they hold dear crashing to the ground. It may be the result of bad decisions or circumstances out of their control; but either way, they awoke in the middle of a whirlwind and cannot determine which direction to turn. There are many others who awoke tired and discouraged, and don't even know why. Today is much the same as any other, but they are questioning the usefulness of continuing.
I can make this bold prediction about today, not because I have any insight into this particular day or period of history, but because that is the nature of life. We live in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people. The result is a bunch of imperfect circumstances! Even when we begin to walk with Jesus we struggle with these imperfections which distract us and steal our joy.
Why begin a message on such a depressing note? First, we need to understand we're not alone. Many more people are struggling than we can possibly imagine. The need for encouragement is huge and will increase as the time of our Lord's return draws near. Next, we need to know how we can live a life of peace and how we can pass this peace to others.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we don't receive the promise of a trouble free life - we receive the promise of an Eternal Life in the presence of God. Many of our troubles here on earth will remain. But an understanding of our eternal promise should encourage us as we shift our focus from life in terms of days and years, to life in terms of eternity; "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Jesus saw these same struggles in His disciples. He wanted them to live a life of peace and contentment, but He also knew they would face many difficulties. After a night of teaching His disciples about their relationship with the Father through faith in His Son, Jesus gave these words of encouragement: John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus came to conquer sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross: the battle with the true enemy has already been won! When we come to Him in faith and receive the transforming gift of His Spirit, we ought to keep this life changing truth at the front of ALL our thoughts. As we climb into the ring day after day - even as we grow weary, lose a few rounds and want to quit - let's always remember that through our risen Lord we have an eternal hope. Let's continue with the peace and assurance that in Christ we have been granted the final victory.
Have a Christ Centered Day! --Steve Troxel
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God, Give me a heart that is pure so that my words may be pure. Give me a heart that is kind so that my words may be kind. Give me a heart that is full of joy and encouragement so that I may share these with those you bring to my path and with whom I share conversation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
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Read Through The Bible
Genesis 48
Manasseh and Ephraim
1 Some time later Joseph was told, "Your father is ill." So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim along with him. 2 When Jacob was told, "Your son Joseph has come to you," Israel rallied his strength and sat up on the bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me 4 and said to me, 'I am going to make you fruitful and will increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.' 5 "Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. 6 Any children born to you after them will be yours; in the territory they inherit they will be reckoned under the names of their brothers. 7 As I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan while we were still on the way, a little distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath" (that is, Bethlehem). 8 When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, "Who are these?" 9 "They are the sons God has given me here," Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, "Bring them to me so I may bless them." 10 Now Israel's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too." 12 Then Joseph removed them from Israel's knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. 13 And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel's left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel's right hand, and brought them close to him. 14 But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,16 the Angel who has delivered me from all harm—may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth." 17 When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim's head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. 18 Joseph said to him, "No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head." 19 But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations." 20 He blessed them that day and said, "In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: 'May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.' " So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. 21 Then Israel said to Joseph, "I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers. 22 And to you, as one who is over your brothers, I give the ridge of land I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow."
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Lord God, Help us to live in gratitude for your many blessings. Teach us when it is time to let go of old ways in order to answer your new call to us. Strengthen our faith. Remind us to keep reaching out for you. Your spirit is always there for us to touch. Amen.
God gave us each other to build up one another.
If God wants us to do something, He will give us the strength and courage to do it in spite of the obstacles that may come our way.
Listen for God's new call; look for new opportunities to serve.
God's love and comfort are real. Seek and see for yourself.
God hears our prayers at all times and in all places.
Christ saves all without making distinctions.
Christ is real.
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We Interrupt this Moment for a Very Important Message
Excuse me. Yes, you. Can I interrupt you for just a minute, please? Yes, I know you are busy and that you hardly have time to breathe, but this is really important. Actually, if you will take the time to hear Me out you may end up having more time. How? Well, it is very simple.
One of the reasons that you are so busy is that you think that you are in control of your life. Since you think you are in control, you believe that you have to orchestrate every moment of every day. After all, you must plan, strategize, and remind in control every waking hour. That is where I come in. I have some great news that will change your life and give you lots of time. The news is that you are not in control. Now here comes the time savings piece. Since you are not in control, you can stop spending time worrying and obsessing over everything. Instead you can simply lift up all your worries and cares to Me and spend more time enjoying life. I Am the Master Problem Solver. I can handle everything. Nothing is too complex, too big, or too trivial for Me. I will watch over you with perfect care because you are Mine.
Love You Always and Forever and Ever, GOD
"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. " Psalm 112:7-9 --The Daily Journey
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WHERE DOES THE "ME" FIT IN?
How are you doing controlling your life? If you are anything like me, you're not doing so well. Things often seem to not to go the way I plan for them to go or at least take an unsuspected twist. We hardly ever expect illness, loss of jobs, the death of loved ones, fires, floods, famines, droughts, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. do we? Nevertheless they all happen and it's not so much if, but when our lives will take that unplanned twist!
How do you react to those unexpected, unplanned happenings in your life? Jesus when preaching what has been called, "the sermon on the mount," in Matthew 6 talks a little about this in verses 25-30. Notice what he says, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?(NKJV) In the old King James Version that last phrase is translated, "O ye of little faith".
A friend sent me a note today concerning a trip she was about to take and trusting God and wrote, "O me of little faith". I read that and thought, "Wow, how many times that really describes me!" Far too often I want to trust in God, but only on my terms! I say, "Yes God, I'll do whatever you want me to do, as long as I can choose when, where and how." "Yes, God, I'll trust you to take care of me, but do you mind if I take my bankbook when I go?"
God is there for us and has given his solemn promise to us that he will never forsake us, but when will we really learn to believe that? In Matthew 23:37 Jesus was looking to the city of Jerusalem and all of the inhabitants who had rejected him and he said these words: "How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me."(NIV)
I believe that God is still here with us today, still begging us to trust in him for protection and comfort. What will it take for us to finally begin to trust, believe and obey him? Jesus said, "O ye of little faith", so where does the "me" fit in? When we realize that faith in God is something personal, not just something we read about or see in others. Faith will only work, when you decide that it is THE ONLY THING that will work. How are you doing? I'm still praying, "Lord increase my faith!" --Russ Lawson
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Perseverance, by Paul Faulkner
A lot of things have been said about the value of perseverance. We all know the good old fable about the tortoise and the hare. And the great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "The snail would never have made it on the ark, except through long perseverance!" Winston Churchill led an entire nation through World War II with his grim determination to go on to the end and never surrender or give up.
The book of James puts it this way, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4 TNIV).
The crown comes after persevering through the fight!
An apostle of Jesus speaks about persevering when he says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
The crown comes after persevering through the fight and the race. Perseverance will make life work better for you today, so with God's help, I want to encourage you to "keep on keeping on."
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The Comforter, by Russ Lawson
Where do you go when you want comfort? For some, comfort is close by all of the time. Our new little granddaughter Allison is a blessing in many ways. One of those ways is the way she is growing and changing. Right now one of the things she is working on is her coordination. Yes, I know she is only a couple of months old, but she is making advances. She holds up her head and turns it quickly towards noises, she can stare at things she finds of interest and she is learning how to reach for and sometimes actually touch things.
One of the big things she has done recently is to find her thumb. She has worked and worked to learn how to maneuver her hand close to her face. She finally has managed to find her thumb and comfort herself by sucking on it. As I watch her I see that it is still not easy for her, she has to work at getting that hand in the right position, but she sticks with it and eventually makes the connection with the comforter.
That's cute, that's sweet, but what does that have to do with you and me? Well, like all babies, Allison sometimes gets fussy. She may not even know what she wants herself, but she has found a comforter only arms reach away.
Aren't there times when that kind of describes you? Sometimes, something's just not right, you may not even know what the problem is, you are just unsettled, maybe worried, and you wish desperately for a comforter. It's not new. It's not just our society or time. It's been around since time began. God, however, promises to comfort us as well as to send us comfort. Notice some scriptures that deal with this subject.
King David wrote one of the most often quoted verses: Notice again what he says: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 KJV).
A shepherd's staff is generally used to guide and protect the sheep, but some of the older Jewish writers in reference to this passage spoke of the "[R]od of the Word of God and the Staff of his promises." All in all, David speaks of the protection and promise of God to those who follow him. In this particular context, it brings us comfort even when we go through "[T]he valley of the shadow of death."
Each of us is searching for comfort of some kind!
David also wrote of the promises of God which bring us comfort: You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again (Psalm 71:21). Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles (Psalm 119:50). Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant (Psalm 119:76). My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? (Psalm 119:82)
Each of us is searching for comfort of some kind, perhaps like David, "Straining to see the promises come true." What we need to understand is that there is an ultimate comfort. Not just the comfort of the flesh, the freedom from worry about physical things, about our life, about our jobs, about our families. There is an ultimate freedom that gives comfort to us that far surpasses anything we will find on earth. The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage people he loved with these words:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV) (Emphasis added).
To a group of new Christians, Paul talks about the judgment day and the resurrection resulting in eternal life. He ends the thought by saying, "So comfort and encourage each other with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT).
We need to believe the promises of God and let the "[R]od of the Word of God and the Staff of his promises" bring comfort to our heart. This comfort is not an arms length away; it is only an open Bible, a thought, and a prayer away.
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From Gray to Glorious By Marcia Lee Laycock
It was one of those mornings that don’t start off very well. My alarm clock didn’t work and my husband forgot that I had to be up early to make it to an appointment, so he didn’t wake me. When I finally opened my eyes, I had just enough time to throw on some clothes and rush out the door. I made it to the appointment, but by the time it was over my stomach was growling and I was pining for a cup of decaf. So, true to the traditions of my country and culture, I headed for Tim Hortons donut shop.
The line for the drive-through was long, as usual, and I wasn’t any too patient by the time I gave my order at the speaker-phone. As I edged forward to pick up my coffee and breakfast sandwich, I was digging in my purse for money and not paying too much attention to where I was going. No, I didn’t bump into the car ahead of me, but I did not see what was going on around me either.
I didn’t see them until I was right in front of them - two little boys, perhaps four or five years old, dressed in identical blue shirts. They were blonde, with huge blue-eyes and toothless grins. They were waving with great enthusiasm as the cars filed by the large windows. My reaction was immediate – I burst into a smile of my own, laughed out loud in fact, and waved enthusiastically back. It was then I noticed that the crowd inside the restaurant was taking great delight in watching the reaction of those driving by. Everyone was smiling.
I imagine God’s delight at those two little boys, who, just by being themselves, brightened the day of everyone around them. I imagine He was pleased because they were just being who He had made them to be – a blessing to others.
We delight Him in that way too. He has made us to be a blessing to one another, as the writer of Ephesians said – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). Every time we bless someone around us, He is blessed.
It doesn’t take much – often just a smile or an encouraging word is enough to turn someone’s day from gray to glorious. All we have to do is be who we were made to be. Those two little boys were doing it. We can too.
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God loves you not because of what you do, but because of who He is.
God is love (1 John 4:8). God doesn't have to pretend to love you; He can't not love you, because He is love.
In fact, the very actions of God exemplify what love is. The apostle John explains that this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16). Only a few verses later, he further defines love: This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9).
Notice that God's love for you is independent of how you behave, who you are, or how you respond to that love.
Romans 5:6-8 reminds us that God loves us regardless of where we are: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus represents God's love for us in what we now call the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:11-24). In that allegory, the father openly and lovingly receives his son even though the son had run away, squandered all of his money, and insulted the father. In the same way, God loves us unconditionally.
There is nothing you can do to get God to love you -- He already does. There is nothing you can do to deserve God's love, because, by sinning, you have turned your back on God and are fundamentally no different than the prodigal son. That parable is a clear reminder that God loves you not because of what you do, but because of who He is.
If you don't feel like you're getting the love you should get, then maybe you should ask yourself if you're giving the love you should give.
Too often we look only at what other people are doing for us instead of what we are doing for them. However, the Bible instructs us to look out for the needs of one another, to look for ways to serve others, and to walk in love with each other.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Love is so important, because every person needs love. People in the world are hungry for love; they're looking for a source of real, genuine love. Proverbs 19:22 tells us that What a man desires is unfailing love.
We have an opportunity to give that love, which the world desperately desires. So instead of wondering why you're not getting the love you should get, decide to give the love you should give. --Weekly Wisdom
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All The Attachments
Luke 10:4b - Carry no purse, no bag, no shoes. (NASB)
The television commercial blasted forth the excellence of some cooking pans. One line really caught my attention: "If you don't have the tools, you can never do the job!" Whew! I took another look at those things! Maybe I needed them desperately! On second thought, no. I have been cooking, baking, and feeding people since I was ten, with very few complaints.
While my equipment has never been fancy, it has always been much better than my granny's. She began with five-pound corn syrup tins, and in spite of that, regularly won top prize at the local fairs for her wonderful breads, casseroles, cakes, and pies.
"If only I had a heavy duty mixer," we cry! "Then I could make bread."
"If only my vacuum had a brush for cleaning corners, I would do the cleaning."
"If only I could take that $5,000 training course in evangelism, then I could share the Gospel."
"If only I had a bigger salary, then I would tithe!"
Dear friends, if we are not doing it now, with what we have, we won't do it several attachments or several dollars later!
Prayer: Lord, we are full of excuses about why we can't do the right thing. Open our eyes. Help us do what You would do, right here and right now, with the tools You have provided for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. --Brenda Wood
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CAN YOU SLEEP WHILE THE WILD BLOWS?
Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.
Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.
Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"
The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down.
Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
MORAL OF THE STORY
When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life? The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God.
We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms. --Author Unknown
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Do not fret about the days before you and what I have given you to do. I have called you and equipped you and sent you. Now rest in My presence as I accomplish My purposes through you. You are My vessel of honor, and all you must do is yield to the moving of My Spirit for destiny to be fulfilled. Do not be afraid or be dismayed, for I am with you, says the Lord. Deuteronomy 31:8 "And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."
This is not a time to crumble under the pressure of your responsibilities. Rather, rise up in faith. Trust Me to enable you to go beyond your physical and emotional limitations to complete the tasks at hand. I will give you extraordinary strength to meet every challenge. Ask Me to stretch your time, and I will do so, says the Lord. I will make a way where there seems to be no way. Rise up and go forth in victory.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Hunker down, My children. You are entering a time when you must dig in for a sustained period of time as I do a necessary and poignant work in your lives. I will use the sharp sword of My word to cut straight to the heart of every matter and make you aware of emotional baggage in your life that must be discarded before you can progress spiritually in the power of freedom. Do not be afraid to allow Me to reveal every hidden work of darkness both past and present, for it will be a work of joy when liberty becomes your reality.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two–edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Make time to take a quick inventory of where you are both spiritually and physically so that you can prepare yourself to optimize the benefits of the new spiritual year that is now beginning. Cut your losses short by letting go of those things that have hindered and are likely to continue to hinder your growth and freedom in the days ahead. Ask for wisdom as often as necessary to make quality decisions, says the Lord.
Proverbs 4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
I will show you wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath, but you must be careful not to worship My signs and wonders. To do so would amount to idolatry and would result in being removed from My presence. Your worship and praise and glory must be given to your Father in Heaven. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Joel 2:26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame.
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God Knows...
When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...God knows how hard you have tried.
When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...God has counted your tears.
If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...God is waiting with you.
When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...God is by your side.
When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...God has a solution.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...God has the answer.
If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...God has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...God has smiled upon you.
When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...God has opened your eyes and called you by name.
Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...~ GOD KNOWS ~
--Author Unknown
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May the mind of Christ, my Savior, live in me from day to day.
By His love and power controlling all I do and say.
May the word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour.
So that all may see I triumph only through His pow'r.
May the peace of God my Father rule my life in ev'rything.
That I may be calm to comfort, sick and sorrowing.
Kate B. Wilkinson
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Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers. 1 Kings 8:57-58
The Lord says, "When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.. Jeremiah 29:13
The Parable of the Sower
While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that," 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.' "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:4-15
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8
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The Final Victory
Today, all over the world, there are people facing situations which threaten to send everything they hold dear crashing to the ground. It may be the result of bad decisions or circumstances out of their control; but either way, they awoke in the middle of a whirlwind and cannot determine which direction to turn. There are many others who awoke tired and discouraged, and don't even know why. Today is much the same as any other, but they are questioning the usefulness of continuing.
I can make this bold prediction about today, not because I have any insight into this particular day or period of history, but because that is the nature of life. We live in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people. The result is a bunch of imperfect circumstances! Even when we begin to walk with Jesus we struggle with these imperfections which distract us and steal our joy.
Why begin a message on such a depressing note? First, we need to understand we're not alone. Many more people are struggling than we can possibly imagine. The need for encouragement is huge and will increase as the time of our Lord's return draws near. Next, we need to know how we can live a life of peace and how we can pass this peace to others.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we don't receive the promise of a trouble free life - we receive the promise of an Eternal Life in the presence of God. Many of our troubles here on earth will remain. But an understanding of our eternal promise should encourage us as we shift our focus from life in terms of days and years, to life in terms of eternity; "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Jesus saw these same struggles in His disciples. He wanted them to live a life of peace and contentment, but He also knew they would face many difficulties. After a night of teaching His disciples about their relationship with the Father through faith in His Son, Jesus gave these words of encouragement: John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus came to conquer sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross: the battle with the true enemy has already been won! When we come to Him in faith and receive the transforming gift of His Spirit, we ought to keep this life changing truth at the front of ALL our thoughts. As we climb into the ring day after day - even as we grow weary, lose a few rounds and want to quit - let's always remember that through our risen Lord we have an eternal hope. Let's continue with the peace and assurance that in Christ we have been granted the final victory.
Have a Christ Centered Day! --Steve Troxel
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God, Give me a heart that is pure so that my words may be pure. Give me a heart that is kind so that my words may be kind. Give me a heart that is full of joy and encouragement so that I may share these with those you bring to my path and with whom I share conversation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
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Read Through The Bible
Genesis 48
Manasseh and Ephraim
1 Some time later Joseph was told, "Your father is ill." So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim along with him. 2 When Jacob was told, "Your son Joseph has come to you," Israel rallied his strength and sat up on the bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me 4 and said to me, 'I am going to make you fruitful and will increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.' 5 "Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. 6 Any children born to you after them will be yours; in the territory they inherit they will be reckoned under the names of their brothers. 7 As I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan while we were still on the way, a little distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath" (that is, Bethlehem). 8 When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, "Who are these?" 9 "They are the sons God has given me here," Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, "Bring them to me so I may bless them." 10 Now Israel's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too." 12 Then Joseph removed them from Israel's knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. 13 And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel's left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel's right hand, and brought them close to him. 14 But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,16 the Angel who has delivered me from all harm—may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth." 17 When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim's head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. 18 Joseph said to him, "No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head." 19 But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations." 20 He blessed them that day and said, "In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: 'May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.' " So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. 21 Then Israel said to Joseph, "I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers. 22 And to you, as one who is over your brothers, I give the ridge of land I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow."
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Lord God, Help us to live in gratitude for your many blessings. Teach us when it is time to let go of old ways in order to answer your new call to us. Strengthen our faith. Remind us to keep reaching out for you. Your spirit is always there for us to touch. Amen.