1st

• For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
• The chickens have come home to roost.
• You've made your bed, now you have to sleep in it.
• Karma.
• Garbage in, garbage out.
• For the wages of sin is death;--

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--but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23.

Funny how everything comes back to Jesus!

It's ALL about Jesus!

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2nd

The Father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel

"I am an old man, one hundred and forty seven years old, residing in Egypt and self-exiled from the "Promised Land." God's covenant with grandfather Abraham promised the land for an everlasting inheritance, although he never possessed it. The "Promised Land" was to be for the children of Abraham, the Hebrew Nation also known as the Jews for as long as the world continued to stand. I should be living in the Promised Land now. However, because of circumstances over which I had no control, a severe, seven-year famine, I am here in Egypt with my entire family.

I have sent out a call for all my sons to come before me that I may bless them before I join my fathers. While I am waiting for the boys to come to my bedside, I am going to record some of the events of my life, and the many ways in which Jehovah God has poured blessings upon my family and me.

I well recall the words of my father, Isaac, regarding the promises of the LORD to grandfather, especially that he would be the father of many nations. Also, that his seed would be as the stars of heaven and as the sands of the sea.
Grandfather had only one son who was in line to receive this promise, my father Isaac. Father had two sons, but again, only one was to receive the promise of the LORD. Now, I have twelve sons, and most of them have large families. At the time I am writing this there are so many grandchildren in the family that I have lost count."

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God has given us a number of examples in scripture of why it is important to get some things settled before we are taken home via the death of this breaky body. God shows us numerous examples, both positive and negative, of what can happen if we sow confusion in our intentions for assets. Our families can reap pain, bitterness, and ill will. Many families have been torn apart through simple misunderstandings-- or blatant greed-- after the death of a loved one.

The most important step comes first! To walk with the Lord, and prayerfully make sure that OUR wishes are HIS wishes. This step seemed to have been overlooked by the patriarchs. God is in control, but our meddling can reap unfortunate consequences.

Some Bible examples include:

• Abraham made sure to get things straightened out before his death. Abraham's other children, including Ishmael, were sent to other lands with their inheritance. However, Abraham's attempt to manipulate God's promise by begetting Ishmael through Hagar the Egyptian maid began the controversy still evident in the struggle between Judaism and Islam.
• Isaac also prepared, although the outcome was not the one he had wanted. Isaac loved Esau, wanting him to have the blessing of the firstborn. God had other plans; the promise was supposed to go to Jacob, the child of promise. God would have accomplished the task without the deception and deceit of Rebekah and Jacob. This deception guaranteed that there would be future strife between the decendents of Jacob and Esau.
• Had David not established Solomon as his successor before he died the nation of Israel would have been plunged into war. It took the actions of Bath-sheba and Nathan to convince David to make this proclamation. This prevented Adonijah from taking the throne.

We should begin to let our wishes be known before it becomes an issue of contention. As much as can be accomplished should be done before our demise, as no one is promised another second of time here before we enter eternity. A Last Will and Testament is much superior to No Will and Testament.

If we keep Jesus first, we can't go wrong! Let Thy will be done!

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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3rd

Parental Conflict Over the Twins-

Spreads to theTwins

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"My father Isaac had two sons, Esau and me. We were twins and I was the second born. According to the traditions of our times the first born was to receive the special blessing from his father and would receive a double portion of inheritance. Esau was my father's favorite son and I was mother's. I sought father's affection, but it was not there for me. This caused friction in the family... .

In my early youth I became aware of the continuing conflict between father and mother over Esau and me. Father loved Esau, Mother favored me; I was the apple of her eye. It became a very divisive problem in the family. When one parent favors a child, the rejected child feels he or she is not good enough to have the same love and respect. The dominant child soon takes advantage over the oppressed one. Parents should respond to and love their children equally; unfortunately, I followed the same pattern and was guilty of the same thing.

I think the old saying is "Like father, like son." I had two wives, these were sisters, and I took several of their maids also to wife. I loved Rachel more than Leah and favored Rachel and her sons above the others. Consequently, I am guilty of repeating my father's sins. This, again, caused friction in the home both for the sisters, as well as for their children."

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Our sin nature is a manipulator from conception. From birth we begin practicing and honing that manipulation. Parents, as part of their job, are supposed to teach the "right way to do things". We should be learning God's law, and self discipline. The problem comes when parents are so involved in their own manipulations and power struggles that a child actually sees their actions as the way things should be. The child then uses that approval by example to cause him to carry that behavior to the next level.

Each succeeding generation in this country is backing farther and farther from God's Word. It is obvious when you pay attention to the news, or just look around you, that children have become masters of manipulation. In the majority of today's homes children are the bosses, and parents cower and capitulate to their every whim. Schools are falling apart because there is no parental backup for any attempt at discipline. That's because there is none at home.

There is a large group of self centered parents who want the whole package: career, house, toys, pleasures, and yes that includes having children. These people should have gotten a fish tank instead. There simply is not enough time or desire for the intensive effort that child training entails. Parents warehouse their kids at daycare, then school, and outside activities. By the time everyone assembles at home at 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. all there is time for is a quick meal and then it's off to your room where children have their own TV, gaming system, computer, and then it's bedtime. Guilt over the lack of involvement, leadership and instruction leads parents to attempt to buy love, respect and peace of mind through over indulgment. This tactic will always backfire!

"I can do what I want to!" is the parental battlecry!

Reaping the consequences means that the children of those parents have the battlecry:

"I can do what I want to! And YOU will do what I want, too"

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The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Proverbs 29:15.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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4th

Training the Twins Naturally

"I learned very early that I could get things from mother and she would always protect me. I guess that's what's called child psychology --where the child uses his parents to his own advantage.

"Esau and I were twins. He was born first and my father told me that when Esau was born I held onto his heel as he came forth. Father said that because I held Esau's heel and they named me Jacob, that meant "supplanter," or one who seeks to gain by scheming or treachery.

As we were growing up, Esau was a very successful hunter, bringing home fresh venison. Father enjoyed the savory, fresh meat more than any other food you could put before him...

Esau, being a hunter, was a man of the field. He enjoyed his excursions into the country side and camped out on many occasions with several of his friends. They were sometimes called a wild bunch. I never went out with them, because I did not enjoy their type of entertainment.

Esau was father's favorite and I was mother's. I took advantage ( that on more than one occasion. I enjoyed being in the tent around mother and being able to sneak samples of the good food mother was preparing.)"

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Every person is different from every other person on earth. As brothers and twins, Jacob and Esau could have been expected to be close and have a lot in common. This was not the case, as they were very different. Because of the parental favoritism these boys became competitors and rivals.

Esau took advantage of the oldest son status--although it was only by minutes-- to have the freedom and authority to pursue his love of the outdoors. He did not have to put forth any effort to gain Isaac's approval. A delicious barbecued roast or steak was all Isaac required. Esau was impulsive to the point of really not thinking things through; he sold his birthright for one meal. Esau had a natural temper, which was not dealt with by Isaac. The whole family was wary of angering Esau.

Jacob was more cerebral. It takes mental ability to plan successful schemes. It is unfortunate that Isaac did not spend more time teaching Jacob math and science. Isaac must have learned much from his father. Ancient historians believed that it was Abraham who taught the Egyptians geometry, and that his visit to Egypt coincided with the Egyptians finally achieving the successful building of pyramids. There are ruins still evident today of earlier attempts to build pyramids that were abandoned as failures.

Jacob did learn a lot about animal husbandry, and how to breed different traits into them. He knew which plants would increase fertility. This would come in handy as he labored for Laban later on.

The end result of Isaac's and Rebekah's combined favoritism training of their sons was that both sons did what came naturally to them--they did what was right in their own eyes. Esau learned he could just take what he wanted, and Jacob learned that he could scheme and manipulate to get what he wanted. Both were wrong.

Prov.14:12. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Prov.16:25. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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5th

Slavery: Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually.

"Father gave me the position of supervising the tending of the flocks. I did not actually tend the flocks, but I was in charge of those who did. We had an abundance of cattle, sheep, goats, camels and donkeys. According to the standards of our time, we were wealthy. We had many servants and shepherds along with their families. Our servants were not slaves, but paid workers. We not only gave them wages, but considered them a part of the household; they were well taken care of.

One afternoon, as I was preparing some well-flavored red bean soup, I used many different spices that I had gathered in the fields while watching the flocks and climbing the rocks, in and around our camp-site. Esau came in from the field, saying he was famished. He said, "If he did not get something to eat immediately, he would starve to death." I took advantage of the situation to get even with him for his dominating personality that had estranged me from my father. This was my opportunity to get the upper hand and obtain his birthright. I said, "I would give him some soup if he would sell me his birthright." My motive was to gain that special blessing that, by law, belonged to Esau, the first-born. I also knew that he was not interested in this blessing; he was a hunter and loved the outdoors. He did not care for material things. Esau only lived to hunt and explore the mountains and valleys. He quickly agreed and I gave him a large bowl of the red bean soup and bread, which he gobbled down and went out to practice some shooting with his bow and arrows."

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For as long as mankind has existed people have enslaved each other. There are three kinds of "slavery" involved in today's story.

The first is physical. It is usually what you think of when you use the word "slavery" It entails the forced physical use of another's person. The Biblical example of "slavery" is as Jacob describes here. It is more of an indentured servitude. To try to use the Bible as an excuse or justification for the horrendous slavery as practiced by the world is a gross heresy.

The second type of slavery involves the captivity of someone's mindset, or emotions. It usually involves the devious use of words and philosophies. These can also be combined with the use of bribes and gifts, such as seen in our modern government entitlement programs.

The third type of slavery is the one that Esau was a party to: spiritual slavery to his flesh. Esau sold his birthright for one meal of soup. Lost mankind also turns down the greatest gift--eternal life-- for things just as trivial. The fleeting pleasures of this lifetime are like that bowl of soup. That one bowl is forgotten, and by dinner time you are hungry again. An old Sesame Street episode once had a game show where Cookie Monster won his choice of either a Boeing 747 jet plane or a cookie. Guess which one he picked. We all have a flesh like the Cookie Monster, that will turn down something of value to appease the "gotta have it now" of the ME, ME, ME!

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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6th

The End Doesn't Justify the Means

" Some time later, my mother over heard a conversation between father and my brother. Father asked Esau to go out into the field, kill a deer and prepare it him. Father's favorite food was venison. Esau left the tent immediately; and mother called me to her side. She presented me a plan to deceive father and give me authority over Esau. .

Mother was like her brother, Laban. He was a schemer from the word go and she had the same traits. I am convinced as I look back, that I also inherited many of these same ways from her..

I know my grandfather, Abraham, did not want my father to marry a girl from the people around him living in Canaan. However, I am convinced that the family grandfather had left in Chaldea were not of the same spiritual nature as he was. Mother's plan was deceptive; I would be the recipient of Father's blessing and at the same time gain power over my brother. Mother had a devious and deceitful mind, as she put forth the idea of deceiving father. I was to receive the blessing that should have been given to the first born. Mother sent me to the flock the goats to get a kid and kill it. I was to bring the meat to her to prepare the way my father enjoyed it. She also told me to bring the fresh goatskin to her and she would sew long sleeves and gloves to cover my almost hairless hands and arms. Esau had long, coarse hair on the back of his hands and forearms..

She knew that it would take time for Esau to find a deer and prepare the meat for father and that she could make everything ready before Esau's return. In the intervening time, I would receive the blessing. I went along with it because I wanted that blessing and knew it would give me power over Esau. I took the goat meat mother had prepared to my nearly blind Father and set into motion a deception that almost cost me my life. Mother knew the deception had to be good in order to fool father. She even had me wear some of Esau's clothing and put the fresh skin on my arms and hands..

I carried the dinner to my father, and told him the Lord led me to fix the venison so quickly. My father said it is the voice of Jacob but the feel and smell of Esau; he had me come near to him and he smelled my garments and felt the hair upon my arms and hands. He ate the food and then blessed me with the blessing I had stolen from Esau."

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God is infinite, His ways are above us. When we think of all the times that He did a much better job in a given situation than our puny ideas and solutions would have accomplished---we can sometimes get the jist of the concept that He is in control! And He's the only One qualified to be in control! We forget this fact, as Rebekah did here. she felt the need to manipulate the situation, (just as Abraham and Sarah had tried to "help" God by letting Hagar beget Ishmael).

Now Rebekah had her reasons:

• God told Isaac that the younger would serve the older.
• Jacob is my favorite.
• Jacob listens to me and helps me more.
• Esau picks on Jacob, and Isaac does nothing.
• Esau's friends are worldly, his infatuations involve worldly girls.
• Jacob is the son who has more of a spiritual side.
• Esau would probably just squander away most of the inheritance, or let it end up in the hands of multiple idol-worshiping wives.

Therefore, I just have to make sure that Jacob gets the main inheritance.

Well, Rebekah, we reap what we sow. God would have taken care of the situation without your help. Because of your "help" you have kicked the first domino in the chain that will deprive you of your favorite son Jacob. He will leave and you will never know what happened to him. When he returns over twenty years later, you will not be there. The Bible will not tell us any more of what transpired in your life. Did you ever repent of your sin?

The Bible doesn't specify exactly when Rebekah died, but Jacob was not there for the funeral. His testimony is that "they" buried his mother. Genesis 49: 31. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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7th

Brokering a "Deal" with God

Genesis 28:20. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:.

"Shortly after my father had eaten and I had received the blessing, Esau came in and brought food to our father and was prepared to receive the blessing. My father was aghast when he realized what had happened and explained to Esau that I had come to him and by deception had received the blessing. Mother heard Esau vow that he would kill me for my deed, and she prepared for my departure to Padan-aram, east of Haran, in the upper Euphrates Valley, the land of her brother, Laban. As I journeyed toward the land east of Haran, I stopped one night and made myself a bed of rocks. I laid up a wall of rocks around me to protect me from the wild animals, and as I slept, I dreamed a wondrous dream. I saw angels ascending and descending on a stairway that reached into heaven..

The voice of the LORD called to me from heaven, and told me I was to possess this land also that my seed would be as the dust of the earth, and in my seed all the families of the earth were to· be blessed. When I awakened I was terrified and said this is the house of God and the very gateway of heaven. In the early morning, I poured oil upon the stones that I had used for a bed and called the place Bethel. I vowed a vow there, that if God would provide for me in my journey and return me to my father's house I would pay Him a tithe of all that I had and The LORD would be my God."

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Here we see Rebekah still trying to manipulate and do "damage control" on her own. She'll send Jacob away for a couple months. "Esau is flighty in his emotions, and will soon forget the incident. Jacob will return and life will be grand".

God, who does all things well, uses this manipulation to remove Jacob from the sphere of Rebekah's influence. He knows that He has a long row to hoe to get Jacob free of his natural "supplanting" ways. These had been further nurtured and honed to devious perfection by both his parents. Rebekah especially provided one-on-one tutilage. Jacob, the manipulator, must learn to trust God. This task will take a very long time. In about twenty years he'll have learned to obey God enough where he can return to his home.

After Jacob leaves his parents' home God gives him the promise of the Messiah blessing all peoples through his descendents. Part of this is the "angel escalator" dream. The angels descending may have symbolized God sending help to Jacob, but the ascending angels showed that Jacob kept refusing, and sending the help back to God.

This self sufficient-attitude is shown as Jacob's first move is to try to manipulate a deal with God. Jacob thinks that he can broker his own way with the LORD. "You meet my need, and I'll let You be my God".

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Later, Jacob's descendents would take that same attitude with the incarnate Messiah. After Jesus fed the multitudes they fully expected Him to keep up the hand-outs and the free healthcare miracles. "You meet my need, and I'll let You be my King".

When He didn't do as they wanted--they left His ministry.

John 6: 66-8. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

It's not about US! It's ALL about Jesus!

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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8th

Laban Gives Me a Taste of My Own Medicine
Gal.6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

"While continuing my journey toward Padan-aram, which was east of Haran, I saw a well and stopped to quench my thirst. While resting there, I spoke with several of the shepherds who brought their flocks to the well for watering, and asked if they knew a man by the name of Laban, the son of Nahor. They responded that they knew him and that over yonder was his daughter, Rachel, who was bringing her sheep to the well for water..

I rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and helped with the watering of the sheep. I then identified myself to her. I was so overjoyed that I kissed her on the cheek (after all we were cousins) and she ran to tell her father, Laban. He came out to meet me and warmly welcomed me to his house, as I was his nephew, and this was an opportunity to learn of the health and welfare of his sister. After a long conversation about my family and a good dinner, Laban invited me to stay in his home and offered me good wages to shepherd his flocks. He did not like the idea of his girls being out in the fields with the shepherds in the valley where they lived.

I told Laban that I would serve him for seven years if he would give Rachel to me for my wife, and he agreed. I was so much in love with Rachel that the seven years sped by as a watch in the night. When I had fulfilled my part of the bargain, I asked Laban for Rachel and he gave her to me, at least I thought he gave her to me. However, he deceived me and gave me Leah the older daughter. In the morning when I found out what he had done, I was very angry and let him know in no small way that I knew I had been deceived."

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Jacob's schooling has begun in earnest. Sometimes the Lord just lets us keep reaping what we sowed-- and reaping and reaping-- until we learn to look to Him. God allowed Jacob to meet his match in Laban, who could have written the book on Scheming. For the next twenty years Jacob would go head to head with a real pro. Like they say: If you look up "devious" in the dictionary, you'll probably see Laban's picture next to the definition.

Gal.6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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9th

My Attitude Starts to Change

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Psalm 119:67

My worst "gut-slug" was a stab to the heart. I had flipped head over heals over Rachel. I spent seven years of service to Laban caring for his flocks, waiting for the day that Rachel and I would marry. During the time I spent in the field with the sheep, my thoughts were mostly of Rachel. But sometimes I would become nostalgic and think of home and my family. At times I felt bad about how I had deceived Father, but usually reasoned my guilt away. I had been justified in my actions.

Finally after seven years my wedding feast came! I overdid the festivities, and in my enthusiasm never dreamed that Rachel was not the one concealed behind the wedding veil. I got the old bait and switch from Laban, and found myself married to Leah.

As Laban explained away his cruel stab in the back to me I could not help but have fleeting thoughts of my Dad's heartbroken countenance when he realized how I had deliberately lied to him.

My conscience began to wake up from its long slumber. I felt the first stirrings of conviction. The selfish promise I had made to Yahweh kept coming back to my mind and heart. I had sinned against God as well as my earthly father. Yet God had been faithful in keeping me safe. He spoke in my heart, be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb.13:5.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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10th

Laban Continues His Lessons

Gal.6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

"Laban said that if I would fulfill Leah's week, he would give me Rachel also and that I should work another seven years for her, which I did. I served Laban for twenty years, fourteen for his two daughters and six years for cattle, sheep and goats. In those twenty years he changed my wages ten times, and yet in all this the Lord blessed my labor and gave me children from Leah, and her maid, Zilpah; and from Rachel, and her maid, Bilhah.

One day I overheard a conversation between Laban and his son regarding my cattle. I also noticed that Laban was no longer treating me as a good son-in-law, and making me feel welcome at the table in the family tent.

I had a vision in the night, and the angel of LORD God of Bethel came to me and said it was time for me to return to the land of my fathers. Rachel and Leah agreed, for they knew they were no longer in favor with their father and it would be wise for us to leave as soon a possible."

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During these years in Laban's employ I was slowly learning to trust God more. But old habits and behaviors are hard to break. So I continued learning the hard way from Laban, who kept up with his old tricks. He changed my wages ten times. He was desperately trying to keep me beholden to him, and use me to enrich himself. Back then I tended to pride myself that it was my skill as an animal breeder that thwarted Laban's efforts, but now I recognize that God was faithful. Each time Laban would switch things around, God would also make a switch. When Laban would say the solid color sheep were his, then the speckled ones would become more numerous. Then he'd claim the speckled ones were his, and the solid sheep would prevail in number.

While I battled with Laban, my wives and their children battled amongst themselves. The whole "favoritism and competition for attention" mindset now was entrenched in my own family. It did not help that both Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants, already had this behavior well rehearsed. And it did not help that even before Rachel delivered her first son, Joseph, that he was my favorite! I was not discreet about letting everyone know it.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)
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.11th

More Trouble

Job.22:10. Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;

Jacob had now reached the place where he recognized that God's hand was upon his life. Here God protects him from the wrath of Laban. Soon Jacob will be given the chance to see if he trusts God to protect him from the wrath of Esau. God knows that Jacob will not completely trust Him. So the loving but completely powerful Captain will visit him in person first. Will Jacob recognize that the LORD is all powerful?

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14th

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Jacob Tested by the Loss of His Favorite Son .

God understands our losses: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jn 3:16.

Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

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"My elder sons were tending the flocks in Shechem, because there was excellent grass for my large flocks of sheep and goats. I called Joseph, my seventeen-year old son, and asked him to go and see how thing were going with the older sons, as I had not heard from them for some time..

Now, Joseph was a dreamer and on two different nights he had dreams that offended his older brothers and me. In his dreams, it seemed that all his brethren, mother and I also had to bow down and worship him. I sent Joseph out to find the boys and take fresh food to his brothers. He was wearing his coat of many colors, which also offended his older brothers. That cloak was a badge of authority, and they knew he was chosen over them. It was an unhealthy relationship for all..

My elder sons failed to walk in the ways of the LORD. We had many family problems because, some place along the way, I had failed to instill in them the faith of my fathers..

Because of the older brothers' jealousy in the hearts, they decided to kill Joseph, but Reuben intervened in keeping the other nine from killing the lad. They were still determined to rid themselves of Joseph, once at for all, so they sold him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, the price of a slave. The Ishmaelites were descendants of the first son of Abraham, Ishmael, who was cast-out with his mother Hagar. There were ten brothers out there with the flocks, so they received two pieces of silver each. Then to deceive me even more, they dipped Joseph's coat in blood, and ripped it in several places and brought it to me saying, "Joseph had been killed and eaten by a wild beast." .

I was not to learn the truth until many years later, when the great seven-year famine came over the land. Joseph; had not been killed the wild beast as they reported to me. I was bereaved by the loss of son for many years, because the older brothers concocted the story of death, and none had the courage to confess their shameful sin.

When the seven-year famine came to Canaan, I learned that there was much food stored in Egypt and the Egyptians would sell to anyone who had the money to pay for it. So, I called my sons together and told them of the bountiful supplies in Egypt. I then sent them down to Egypt with money to purchase the needed food for man and beast. However, I refused to let Benjamin go down to Egypt with them, because I knew the older brothers were a wicked lot. At this point I will leave off telling the story of my life. I will let Joseph fill in the blanks because, from now on, it is so intertwined with his life. He knows more of what happened and will complete my biography in the record of his and my sojourn in Egypt."

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The story of Joseph is another story of a faith walk with Jesus. Joseph came to know the Lord at a young age. But he was a child, and childish. He was spoiled by his father, and inexperienced.

God used all the negatives in Joseph's life and turned them to good. Joseph would be protected in Egypt by God, that eventually many people would be saved from starvation and death.

The geneological line of the promised Messiah would be secure. Messiah would be protected in Egypt, that eventually many people would find salvation from sin, death and hell.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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15th .

"Cursed" to the Fourth Generation

Deut.5:9. ...for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,

Deut.24:16. The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), Joseph. Joseph is the fourth generation.

Seven times in Scripture God speaks of the fourth generation. There have been many who have tried to misinterpret what these verses say to claim that when someone sins it causes condemnation to the next generations--a sort of predestination. But this is not what God is saying. For He makes it clear that The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin. 2Kgs.14:6.

So what is God trying to teach about the four generation curse? It is simply that we learn our behavior from our parents. Both good and bad habits get passed from parents to children. It takes up to four generations for some of these to change over to new behaviors--whether they are good or bad.

This principle works for negatives such as: fears (snakes, bugs etc.), sins (child abuse, substance abuse etc.), compulsive behaviors, as well as trivial things such as mispronunciation of words.

On the good side, our positive behaviors can also be passed down generationally!

And the best positive is that anybody can decide to be the First Generation of a new form of behavior. Even if you come from the worst background, with the Lord's help you can be the first generation Leader! This is the future that God wants for each of us.

This is where Joseph was being led. He would begin a new generation in Egypt.

Rev.21:5. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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16th

Joseph Begins His Faith Walk.

Genesis 30: 22-24. And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.
And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:
And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.

"My name is Joseph and I am taking over for my father, Jacob, because my brothers did not reveal to him all the things that happened to me. Father's knowledge of the things that pertained to me was not complete. Father is now an old man, and will soon be putting his feet up into his bed and be gathered unto his fathers..

I was born in Grandpa Laban's family compound in Haran, and as a small boy traveled close beside mother, Rachel, on the long trek back to Bethel. Before we arrived at Bethel, father gathered the strange gods which had been carried from Haran and buried them. Then he rebuilt the altar he had set up on his way to Haran, twenty years before, and worshiped the LORD again at Bethel. Leaving Bethel we journeyed to Ephratah (Bethlehem). Mother taught and protected me from the selfish and willful sins of my older half brothers. Her home life had included idols and strange gods, but when we arrived at Bethel, she gladly gave them up and worshiped my father's God, Jehovah. She held to strong family values and had a high standard of morality and character. She planted the seeds of character and integrity in me when I was a lad. I fully understood the ways of a good moral person. How little did I understand when she was instructing me, but throughout my life, her teachings became valuable assets! Mother was expecting her second child. She had exceeding difficult labor and died shortly after Benjamin's birth. Father was devastated. Mother had been his favorite wife and had been a good teacher for me. With mother's death, Benjamin and I were on our own as far as the other children were concerned. Father was extra good to us, but we needed a mother. I was given the coat of many colors and the older brothers were jealous of this, as it was a badge of selection over them and they resented my being chosen as the favorite son."

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Rachel began her journey to faith in Yahweh before Joseph was conceived. She wanted God's help to become pregnant. It was a selfish prayer, but at least she had recognized there was Another God besides her idols. She had not given those up yet, because idols were a part of her life when the family left Laban to travel back to Jacob's homeland. Then, when Joseph was born she added a presumptuous statement that God would give her another son. God eventually gave her that son, but her body was not strong, and childbirth would cost her her life. How foolish we are when our prayers are not "Thy will be done!"


On the trip back to "home" God tells us: And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. Genesis 35:4.

Since ALL the strange gods were buried near Shechem it shows that Rachel had turned to Jehovah at this time--if not before this. She is not hiding any idols anymore. Perhaps Rachel looked in the mirror of her soul and saw that she was too much made in the image of her father, Laban.

God works with each of us as He knows we need it. We are afflicted or comforted as we have need.

 

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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17th

God Prepares Joseph .

Acts.7:9. And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Pss.56:3. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

"On two different occasions I had dreams that confused me. When I told the family about them, they became very angry with me and accused me of assuming a position of lordship over them. My first dream happened during harvest time and I shared with the family how my sheaf of grain stood up and all the family sheaves paid obeisance to my sheaf. On another night I had a vision of the sun, moon and stars. The sun, moon and eleven stars bowed down before my star and my father became very angry with me that I should think they would worship me. In spite of these visions, I was still my father's favorite son, and he had the women of the household weave my beautiful coat of variegated colors.

My brothers were herding the sheep and goats in Shechem and we had not heard from them for quite a long time. Father called me into his presence and requested that I take food and water to them and see how they were getting along. When I arrived at Shechem, the brothers were not there, but a native told me he had heard they were going to Dothan and there I found them. I always felt that Reuben was a closer friend than the others were and I was right. Reuben was tending the flocks and the others were sitting around the camp. When they saw me coming they conspired together to kill me. They stripped off my beautiful coat and placed me in a deep pit so that I could not escape. When Reuben returned to the group, he would have no part in their plan to kill me..

Later that day they saw a caravan of Midianites (also called Ishmaelites) on their way to Egypt with spices and other valuables. I was my brother, Judah who spared my life, he suggested, they sell me as a slave because they could get twenty pieces of silver for me. In addition, they told my father that a wild beast had eaten me and he was given the evidence; my torn and bloody coat. They would be richer for this sale and not have my murder on their hearts. This seemed like a good bargain and my brothers would be rid of me."

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God gives Joseph some dreams that show him a glimpse of the future. He is young and probably not too tactful in relating to his family the fact that he will be set over them at some time. His siblings already resented him, as he had been a "tattle-tail", bringing Isaac an "evil report" of their activities. Now even Jacob felt that he was being arrogant and overstepping his bounds. His dreams stepped on Jacob's toes, for this dream infringed upon Jacob's grand sense of self that God had been working on all those years!

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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The Choice to Do Right,

An Innocent Man Imprisoned

Prov.3:5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

"I was seventeen years old and in excellent health. Therefore I brought a good price on the slave block. The Midianites made a handsome profit selling me. Captain Potiphar purchased me; he was Pharaoh's most trusted officer and head of all the personal bodyguards..

The LORD God was with me as I entered the home of Potiphar. It was not long before he realized that he had purchased a trustworthy servant and he gave me authority and responsibility.

Potiphar was Chief Captain of the Palace guard and personal protector of Pharaoh, therefore, he went wherever Pharaoh went and there were times when he was away from home for long times. As time went on, he placed me in charge of all the purchases and administrative care of the whole household. As head steward, I had access to every part of the house..

It was on one of those long trips when my master was away that Mrs. Potiphar made some suggestive advances to me. Her suggestions were not kosher. She was a beautiful and lonely young woman, who either had no real love for her husband, or just wanted to seduce me. Whatever her motive, I refused her advances and fled from the house, dropping my robe on the way out..

When my master returned home from his royal trip she accused me of making advances toward her. He became very angry, and rightly so. I was cast into prison, imprisoned for something I had not done. I had no defense, and if I could have defended myself, I am sure the Captain would not have believed me in deference to his wife and the witnesses that she had misled by her deception..

That unchaste woman destroyed my reputation. Having been spurned she was out for revenge. I was in chains in the royal prison. My feet were bound in fetters."

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This treatment of Joseph is a picture of the coming Messiah, the guiltless, innocent Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world.

It's all about Jesus!

Isaiah 53:7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)

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Walking with the Lord

Pss.18:2. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him..

"Again, the LORD was with me. The keeper of the prison soon realized that I was a man who had high moral standards and could be trusted. He gave me authority over the other prisoners and trusted me with everything that was under his hand. Yes, my chains were removed and I became his chief trustee and had access to the whole prison. While in this place of trusteeship there were two very special prisoners delivered to the prison, servants in Pharaoh's palace. The chief baker and chief butler were arrested on the same day for some reason. I don't know for sure, but I think it had something to do with treason or some other capital crime..

These men were both well acquainted with, and knew all the leading people in the government. They personally knew my former master and his wife. They knew that I had been wrongfully imprisoned. Both had served the guests at state dinners when Captain and Mrs. Potiphar attended. The had seen her lavish, unladylike, attention bestowed upon younger men even in the presence of her husband. She was no wallflower! The butler stated, in my presence, that he felt the only reason for my imprisonment was that Potiphar had to save face in his home. The captain had to set an example for the household, lest other servants succumb to her advances..

These royal prisoners, the baker and the butler, both had troubling dreams in the same night. It was easy to see they were concerned as the meaning of these night visions. They were so disturbed that, neither, was able to eat the next morning and as I joined them, they revealed the agony of their souls. They were concerned as to the meaning of these dreams. I told them the interpretation belonged to God and that He alone could reveal the meaning. I made a quick prayer to my LORD asking for His wisdom. I knew both men were at wits end concerning their visions from that night."

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God had not forgotten Joseph. And Joseph did not sit in prison having a pity party! One can imagine that he had used his trustee position to organize the place and make sure that the prisoners had decent sanitary surroundings, good food, and humane treatment. Joseph is a picture of a once doted on child who meekly followed the Lord and learned humility. He now had his Savior's servant's heart!

God tells us to pray for our government officials. We would not have the problems we have if all our government and civil servants had the heart that Joseph had!

( This is a condensed version of Genesis Chapters 25-50 edited for this devotional.)
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• If you are unsure of your eternal future,
• if you do not know that you have been adopted into God's family,
• if you don't understand what the new birth is,