And he was right. As itis with most things in life, we become what we practice.
- P87
In our spiritual lives, we may despise certain aspects of Christian dis-cipline because they seem pointless or unnecessarily difficult. - P87
But ourheavenly Father promises that everything He asks us to do is mean-ingful and necessary for our spiritual growth. - P87
The Lord is working inus to form spiritual muscle memory and godly instincts, which willhelp us in our battles against sin and the enemy. - P87
Just as sports coachesdiligently prepare their teams for a win, our Father in Heaven is constantly working to equip us
for victory. - P87
Lord Jesus, thank you for Your mighty work in my life-first for my salvationand now for my sanctification! - P87
It is my privilege and delight to serve You asmy Master. In Your name I pray, amen. - P87
[NIV] 23 Joseph said to the people, "Now that I havebought you and your land today for Pharaoh, here isseed for you so you can plant the ground.
24 But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pha-raoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for thefields and as food for yourselves andyour householdsyour children." - P88
27 Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region ofGoshen. They acquired property there and were fruitfuland increased greatly in number. - P89
29 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he calledfor his son Joseph and said to him, "If I have foundfavor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh andpromise that you will show me kindness and faithful-ness. Do not bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I rest withmy fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me wherethey are buried." "I will do as you say," he said.
- P89
Joseph uses his God-given wisdom to save the nation of Egypt fromstarvation. - P90
He also buys up land for Pharaoh from the Egyptians inexchange for food and seeds and imposes a twenty percent tax on theirproduce. - P90
Joseph knows that God is the one who has made him rulerover Egypt, so he seeks no profit for himself but faithfully works forthe kingdom he has been called to serve. - P90
Believers in Jesus have beenchosen by God and are called to serve Him and one another as faithfulstewards of His gifts. - P90
Let us honor the Lord by serving Him and seekingthe advancement of His kingdom and not our own interests. - P90
Jacob‘s family, which later grows to become the nation of Israel, settlesin the region of Goshen in the land of Egypt. - P90
Jacob, who is by now welladvanced in years, knows that he will most likely die in Egypt. So, hetasks Joseph with ensuring that he is buried in Canaan after he dies.
- P90
Although his family has prospered in Egypt, Jacob remembers that it isnot their home. He and his descendants after him are sojourners whowill eventually leave Egypt to return to the Promised Land. - P90
Similarly,the Word of God tells us
that we live in this world as pilgrims. - P90
Our real home is in heaven. - P90
Therefore, our lifestyles and choices must alwaysreflect our longing for our true home. - P90
"Our minds are most full of heaven when they are most full of Christ."
- Scott Hubbard - P90
Even though Joseph was able to provide his father Jacob with everything neededfor his comfort, Jacob insisted that Egypt could never be his home and evenmade Joseph promise to bury him in the Promised Land. - P91
In the same way, mayour fasting today remind us that our true home is in heaven. - P91
Dear Lord, I thank you for the gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. - P91
Thankyou for the gifts and opportunities You have given me so that I may serve You. - P91
Giveme the wisdom to live responsibly for Your glory. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P91
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