36th Week Genesis 49-50, Psalms 63 & 121, Devotion with Sierra Ruden (Click on Title for Video Intro)

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 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

Monday, Genesis Chapter 49
Genesis 49
Verse 8
Jeanie Boldt
September 12, 2006

Verse 8:  All of these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him.

THOUGHT
Chapter 49 is not a father’s blessing on his sons. Rather, it is a prophecy of what the sons could expect in the future because of their individual characters and the decisions they had made. Reuben was the lustful prodigal son, but Levi and Simeon were angry elder brothers. Judah would be the ancestor of Israel’s line of kings.  Judah’s line would produce the promised Messiah, Jesus. Joseph was the vine that went over the wall separating Jews and Gentiles.  I cannot touch on them all.

Our past also affects our present and future. By tomorrow our actions of today will have become part of the past. Yet they will already have begun to shape the future. Are your actions those that you would want to have shape your future life and lives of your children?

We need to keep our eyes on Jesus at all times, and no matter what we do or where we are, we need to say, “What if Jesus were here right now with me? Would I be doing what I am doing, at this place, with these people and making the decisions that I am?”  Who knows we may be the head of something bigger than ourselves someday. The Lord may want to use us mightily. We must remain accountable to each other.

PRAYER
Father God, thank You for our country and the men who risk their lives each day for our safety and the peace we experience. We honor all of those who were killed by the 911 tragedy and lift up families, friends and victims who still remain in a grieving process. We pray for Christ-like actions. We pray that the Holy Spirit be so alive in each of us each day that we pattern a good example for all to see. We love You, Jesus, our best friend. AMEN

Tuesday, Genesis Chapter 50
Genesis 50
Verse 19
Jeanie Boldt
September 10, 2006

Verse 19:  But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?”

THOUGHT
OH WE OF LITTLE FAITH!! How many times does Joseph have to tell his family that he loves them, will protect them and care for them. All they have to do is believe and have faith. Joseph not only forgave them but reassured them and offered to care for them and their families. His forgiveness was complete. However, he was human, and we humans sometime go back on our word. 

Jesus’s Word is always faithful and true. For humans forgiveness sounds so hard and almost impossible. However, Christ arose above all this and makes it easy. This is grace. We do not deserve it but it is a free gift from God our Father through the washing of the blood of Jesus.

Now I challenge you to forgive others. When it is our turn, it is not so easy. I also challenge you to accept the forgiveness of others when they do you wrong. With Christ all things are possible.

PRAYER
Father God, as we begin another week in the Lord’s Word, please direct the Holy Spirit to talk to each of us.  Place the words on our heart that we need to hear. Direct us in the work area. Help us to reach out to our fellow employees. May they see the love of You in our eyes, our face, our actions and our words. May we work as if we are doing it for YOU! Thank You for loving us.  AMEN



Wednesday, Genesis Chapter 50
Psalm 63
Matt Strayer
Verse 6
August 21, 2007 

Verse 6: “On by bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”

THOUGHT
The foot notes in my study Bible talk about the night being divided into three watches. Someone aware of all three would be having a sleepless night. So it is made obvious to us that David is scared and having trouble sleeping while being chased in the desert. 

I guess the reason I chose this verse is because on occasion over the years I’ve had a few times of rough sleep.  Furthermore, I get questions everyday about sleep. “Matt, what do you have that will knock me out?  I can’t sleep for nothing.” It’s probably a sign of the times. But I think it’s also worth asking the question, “What’s up with this pandemic? What’s God trying to tell us? How can we use this for our relationship with Him?”  

It’s funny but my sleepless times have been so very peaceful. (Wish that they wouldn’t be in the middle of the night.) It was almost as if God woke me up to just say, “Hello, I’m here... today you were too busy so I thought I would get your attention now.”  I can say that I now use these times for reflection and worship. I would encourage any of you to do the same if the opportunity arises. 

PRAYER
Dear God, we thank You once again for the Salt Shakers group and all the wisdom that they share. I pray that everyone of us sleeps well each night knowing that You are in control of our lives. If, however, we do wake in the night, allow us to connect with You. We love You.  AMEN

Thursday, Psalm 121
Psalm 121
Delores Little
August 7, 2008

THOUGHT
A Song of Ascents.

1. I lift up my eyes to the hills.  Where does my help come from?
2. My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

I love these verses.  How many times they have comforted me in the walks that God has taken with me. I’m sure it is true for us all.

3. He will not let your foot slip.  He who watches over you will not slumber;
4. indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

God never sleeps, He is always there for us whether we know or feel it. I really think God delights in taking care of us “IF” only we would let Him do so every day as we work, study, play, cook or whatever. 

5. The LORD watches over you. The LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6. the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

He watches over us day and night. He is always there.  I Praise Him for that, even though I fall so short of it daily.  “Self” gets in my way much too often. I do not know how people think they can do it without God. He is everything.

7. The LORD will keep you from all harm.  He will watch over your life;
8. the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

We are to just put ourselves into His hands daily and nightly, and He will take care of us even unto death.

PRAYER
Father, how I praise and thank You for always being with us all. We do so need You daily and every second of our lives. You are the great AMEN. Open our eyes to see the greatness of Your Love for us through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit as He teaches us all about You through Your Holy Word.  Thank You for the freedom to share You openly with others.  Let us be the light and salt to others. In Jesus Name we pray. AMEN

Friday, "Let's Go For A Walk With Sierra Ruden", My Granddaughter 
This Devotion is on Five Distinct Attributes of God that has been revealed to Sierra through doing this Podcast, interviewing 19 different Christians, and experiencing her first year as a freshman at UNI.  

1.  God is Holy
2.  God is Intentional
3.  God is Good
4.  God is Faithful
5.  God is a God of Peace

We as Christians have the need of a Christian Community and must read the Bible to stay connected to our God.  
ENJOY!!
Click on the link below to enjoy Sierra's Podcast






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