Week of July 18, 2021
Monday, July 19, 2021
Morning Scripture
“Now the famine was severe in the land. And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, “Go back, buy us a little food.” But Judah spoke to him, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.
Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.””
Genesis 43:1-4, 8-10 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/gen.43.1-4,8-10.nkjv
“But the famine continued to ravage the land of Canaan. When the grain they had brought from Egypt was almost gone, Jacob said to his sons, “Go back and buy us a little more food.” But Judah said, “The man was serious when he warned us, ‘You won’t see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ If you send Benjamin with us, we will go down and buy more food.
Judah said to his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will be on our way. Otherwise we will all die of starvation—and not only we, but you and our little ones. I personally guarantee his safety. You may hold me responsible if I don’t bring him back to you. Then let me bear the blame forever. If we hadn’t wasted all this time, we could have gone and returned twice by now.””
Genesis 43:1-4, 8-10 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/gen.43.1-4,8-10.nlt
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, forgive us when we do not stand up for the right thing to do. Father, we ask for strength and courage to stand up to others - even in our family - to make sure that we do what is necessary. Father, remind us that as in times of distress as when things are well, you are with us. Father, we call on you at all times. Father, we also ask you to help us with our procrastination. Remind us that stalling will not always make things better and can make them worse. Help us to see ourselves for who we are as we learn to live as whose we are. In Jesus’ name we pray and praise. Amen.
“Now the famine was severe in the land. And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, “Go back, buy us a little food.” But Judah spoke to him, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.
Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.””
Genesis 43:1-4, 8-10 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/gen.43.1-4,8-10.nkjv
“But the famine continued to ravage the land of Canaan. When the grain they had brought from Egypt was almost gone, Jacob said to his sons, “Go back and buy us a little more food.” But Judah said, “The man was serious when he warned us, ‘You won’t see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ If you send Benjamin with us, we will go down and buy more food.
Judah said to his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will be on our way. Otherwise we will all die of starvation—and not only we, but you and our little ones. I personally guarantee his safety. You may hold me responsible if I don’t bring him back to you. Then let me bear the blame forever. If we hadn’t wasted all this time, we could have gone and returned twice by now.””
Genesis 43:1-4, 8-10 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/gen.43.1-4,8-10.nlt
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, forgive us when we do not stand up for the right thing to do. Father, we ask for strength and courage to stand up to others - even in our family - to make sure that we do what is necessary. Father, remind us that as in times of distress as when things are well, you are with us. Father, we call on you at all times. Father, we also ask you to help us with our procrastination. Remind us that stalling will not always make things better and can make them worse. Help us to see ourselves for who we are as we learn to live as whose we are. In Jesus’ name we pray and praise. Amen.
Two things struck me.
1) There is no mention of Simeon who has remained in prison in a foreign land until the family's food is almost gone. The fear of letting Benjamin travel was bigger than the fear of leaving Simeon in prison. Amazing. The unresolved trauma of Joseph’s disappearance has caused Jacob to weigh one son’s life against the other, and for Benjamin to be extremely sheltered and over-protected during his life.
Father, help us not to allow unresolved hurt and trauma re-define the rest of our life and the lives around us. Father, heal our hearts and guide our steps.
2) Judah, the same one that suggested selling one brother instead of killing him, is the one now who pledges his life for the safe travel and return of another brother. He is also willing to remind his father that the entire family is in jeopardy of starvation and that they could have gone and come back twice by this time.
Father, grant us strength to stand in courage and in faith as we walk into the unknown. Guide us as we lean into you for our strength. Amen
This Joseph story has more twists than I have ever imagined. Thank you for walking with me
1) There is no mention of Simeon who has remained in prison in a foreign land until the family's food is almost gone. The fear of letting Benjamin travel was bigger than the fear of leaving Simeon in prison. Amazing. The unresolved trauma of Joseph’s disappearance has caused Jacob to weigh one son’s life against the other, and for Benjamin to be extremely sheltered and over-protected during his life.
Father, help us not to allow unresolved hurt and trauma re-define the rest of our life and the lives around us. Father, heal our hearts and guide our steps.
2) Judah, the same one that suggested selling one brother instead of killing him, is the one now who pledges his life for the safe travel and return of another brother. He is also willing to remind his father that the entire family is in jeopardy of starvation and that they could have gone and come back twice by this time.
Father, grant us strength to stand in courage and in faith as we walk into the unknown. Guide us as we lean into you for our strength. Amen
This Joseph story has more twists than I have ever imagined. Thank you for walking with me
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
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Morning Scripture
“And their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!”” Genesis 43:11-14 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/gen.43.11-14.nkjv “So their father, Jacob, finally said to them, “If it can’t be avoided, then at least do this. Pack your bags with the best products of this land. Take them down to the man as gifts—balm, honey, gum, aromatic resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds. Also take double the money that was put back in your sacks, as it was probably someone’s mistake. Then take your brother, and go back to the man. May God Almighty give you mercy as you go before the man, so that he will release Simeon and let Benjamin return. But if I must lose my children, so be it.”” Genesis 43:11-14 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/gen.43.11-14.nlt |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, thank you for reminding us to repay our debts even in the midst of stressful situations. Father, sometimes our situations are strange and strained, but thank you for reminding us to be honest even in the midst of the struggle. Father, thank you. Remind us that our integrity goes before us. But most importantly, help us to walk through tough times in honesty and faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Two things… Honey, spices, pistachios and almonds were considered highly valuable. Even today, they are considered highly valuable - to our health. It still amazes me what we could learn in the Bible. Lol As I read the scripture, as Jacob sent the funds back for the first grain, I kept seeing the cashier giving me too much change at the register. Do we return the change or keep it? LOL Yes, I returned it. LOL |
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
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Morning Scripture
“So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.” Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house. Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys.”” Genesis 43:15-18 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/gen.43.15-18.nkjv “So the men packed Jacob’s gifts and double the money and headed off with Benjamin. They finally arrived in Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the manager of his household, “These men will eat with me this noon. Take them inside the palace. Then go slaughter an animal, and prepare a big feast.” So the man did as Joseph told him and took them into Joseph’s palace. The brothers were terrified when they saw that they were being taken into Joseph’s house. “It’s because of the money someone put in our sacks last time we were here,” they said. “He plans to pretend that we stole it. Then he will seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.”” Genesis 43:15-18 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/gen.43.15-18.nlt |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, help us with our fears and insecurities. So often we react in fear and concern before we really know what the question or situation is or it’s outcome. Father, help us to recognize our fears and insecurities because the first step is to acknowledge them, the next step is to turn them over to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, self-reflect, and praise. Amen. So….. every time I read this scripture I get the feelings I have when I am called to the principal’s office or my supervisor's office. I have to remind myself that I am reacting before I know the concern or in some cases, the joy. We (I) must stop allowing our overactive imaginations get the best of us. Help us Lord to live in the moment of glorious expectation. Amen. |
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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Morning Scripture
“But he said, “Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there.” Genesis 43:23-25 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.43.23-25.NKJV ““Relax. Don’t be afraid,” the household manager told them. “Your God, the God of your father, must have put this treasure into your sacks. I know I received your payment.” Then he released Simeon and brought him out to them. The manager then led the men into Joseph’s palace. He gave them water to wash their feet and provided food for their donkeys. They were told they would be eating there, so they prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon.” Genesis 43:23-25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gen.43.23-25.NLT |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, thank you for a moment of peace in the midst of all that goes on. Thank you for placing people around us who know our truth. Thank you for giving those who share your assuring words with us. We praise you, Lord, for your peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, praise, and relax. Amen. Relax. Don't be afraid. Amen |
Friday, July 23, 2021
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Morning Scripture
“And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there.” Genesis 43:26-30 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.43.26-30.NKJV “When Joseph came home, they gave him the gifts they had brought him, then bowed low to the ground before him. After greeting them, he asked, “How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is he still alive?” “Yes,” they replied. “Our father, your servant, is alive and well.” And they bowed low again. Then Joseph looked at his brother Benjamin, the son of his own mother. “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Joseph asked. “May God be gracious to you, my son.” Then Joseph hurried from the room because he was overcome with emotion for his brother. He went into his private room, where he broke down and wept.” Genesis 43:26-30 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gen.43.26-30.NLT |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father God, thank you for the love of family. Thank you for those who continue to seek lost family to restore relationships. Father, some of us have lost family members to disagreements, fights, missed opportunities, or ________. Some of us are separated due to reasons we don’t know, understand, or are too prideful to repair. Father, we truly yearn for the love and relationships of family. Heal our hearts. Grant us courage to speak truth yet speak with mercy. Guide us, Father, help us to restore our relationships. In Jesus’ name we pray, praise, and put aside our pride. Amen. |
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