Genesis 43
I know the many blessings that I have received and continue to receive in my life everyday are not all of my own making or my doing, but a gracious gift from God because of my family before me. Joseph’s fortunes changed considerably from slave to royalty by his own work yes but also due to the works of his righteous father before him. In Gen 43 we read that Joseph’s father did not try to get away with anything, did he? He was a man of integrity who paid for what he bought, whether he had to or not. We should all follow his example and guard our integrity as we store up treasures in heaven not only for ourselves but also for those who follow us.
11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. 12 Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake.
Mark 13
Storing up our treasures in heaven becomes all the more real and prevalent when we read Mark 13 which is a vivid and very real description of the end times as told to us by Jesus himself. Nobody knows the when, not even Jesus. These are more guidelines for preparation than for calculation, so let us keep watch together.
26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only he Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.34It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
Job 9
Life is not easy and by any means fair. Even Job, a good and faithful servant struggled to understand why he was under so much suffering and wanted his case brought before God. He knew trying to argue with God was fruitless and so should we. Hard times are a reality and we might not understand the why but we should understand that we serve a mighty God who uses all things for the good who believe in him.
Romans 13
The presidential election here in the United States was a hot topic of conversation throughout the world. It remains a hot topic to this day for many reasons. Romans 13 is a real eye opener to how we as believers should behave toward authority. Let us never forget one of the most important guidelines for us as followers of Christ.
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.
God Bless
Neil
Sixty-six books in a year 