Exodus 19:1-20:26, TBC Book One, Chapter 40 Three months after all the Israelites fled from Egypt, they began to realize that their greatest enemy had never been left behind. Their pursuers were destroyed, their stomachs were full, but their souls were always craving more. Outwardly, they were one people aiming for the same destination. But inwardly, they were restless wanderers, unruly children destined for self-destruction. . . . It was time to set boundaries for their protection. The Israelites now camped at the base of Mt. Sinai. Moses went up the mountain. . . . He returned to the people and relayed what God had said. . . . The people were commanded to approach the mountain, but they were warned not to touch it or they would die. Suddenly, smoke billowed like a furnace and the whole mountain itself trembled. . . . Moses spoke, and the voice of God answered. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 40, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “What matters most is not posting God’s commandments but revealing God’s presence—the law of love.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength. . . . . You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18 NABRE A praise to fill you: Day by Day Godspell [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Exodus 15:22-27; 16:1-36; 17:1-7, TBC Book One, Chapter 39 As the Israelites looked back at the Red Sea, they could see the waters now crashing down on Pharaoh’s chariots, sweeping away his entire army. Shouts of joy rose from the Israelites. But their ecstasy gradually waned. Three days into their journey, they grumbled and blamed Moses for their new plight: Where would a million people find fresh water in the desert? Even Moses wondered how he would move a nation of people through the desert all the way to Canaan. So he slipped away from the masses, dropped to his knees, and cried out to God. . . . Finding Elim was like reaching an oasis. But the Israelites knew they could not stay. . . . They grew tense, realizing what lay ahead—another desert. Once again, they grumbled against Moses and Aaron. . . . Before Moses uttered a prayer, the Lord was answering the cry of his heart. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 39, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Each day is a test, posing one question: Do you trust Me?” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 NIV A praise to fill you: When You Believe Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Exodus 12:30-14:31, TBC Book One, Chapter 38 Loud wailing was heard from every home in Egypt. Every family mourned the death of their firstborn. In the middle of the night, Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron. “Leave us,” he said. “Go, worship your Lord. Take your families, your flocks, and your herds. And bless me.” The Egyptians urged the Israelites to hurry and leave, fearing they would all die. . . . Six hundred thousand men, besides women and children, traveled with their livestock. . . . The Lord went ahead of them, leading them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. . . . After the Israelites fled, Pharaoh and his officials began having second thoughts. “What have we done? We have lost the services of our slaves!” So once again, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Taking more than 600 chariots, Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued the Israelites. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 38, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “A person reasons within, but the spirit searches and sways.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel prevail against the Lord. The horse is equipped for the day of battle, but victory is the Lord’s.” Proverbs 21:30-31 NABRE A praise to fill you: Verge of a Miracle Rich Mullins [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Exodus 10:1-12:30. TBC Book One, Chapter 37 By now Moses and Aaron were both well-known among the Egyptians. . . . They had another message from the Lord: “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go or I will send massive swarms of locusts.” The brothers left without waiting for his reply. Immediately, the officials stepped forward to reason with Pharaoh. . . . So Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “You may go worship the Lord your God,” he said. “Now tell me, just who will be going?” Moses replied, “Everyone, along with our herds.” “No!” Pharaoh said. “I will not permit that. Only the men. Now go.” Then he ordered that they be driven from his presence. As they stood outside the palace, Moses stretched out his staff. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 37, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Pride and arrogance invite judgment on leaders . . . and on those they govern.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “When the just flourish, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2 NABRE A praise to fill you: Gotta Serve Somebody Bob Dylan [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Exodus 8:20-9:35, TBC Book One, Chapter 36 Something dramatic was about to happen in the land of Egypt, a miracle unlike any other sent by God. Up to this point, the plagues had clearly affected everyone in Egypt, and still, Pharaoh stubbornly refused to release the Hebrews. So now, the Lord would show all Egypt that the Hebrews were a distinct people, set apart by the Lord God. Once more, Moses confronted Pharaoh. “The Lord says, ‘Let my people go to worship me. If you refuse, I will send a plague of flies, but I will spare my people in Goshen.’ ” The king ignored them. The next day flies appeared, and they ruined the entire land—except for Goshen. Pharaoh now summoned Moses. . . . “You may go,” Pharaoh replied. “Now pray for me and remove these flies.” But once the flies had disappeared, Pharaoh hardened his heart. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 36, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “A wise person fears the Lord, but a fool is blinded by the image in the mirror.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 NASB A praise to fill you: God Is in Control Twila Paris [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Exodus 5:1-6:12; 7:1-8:19, TBC Book One, Chapter 35 Memories suddenly flooded his heart as Moses stepped into Pharaoh’s palace. After 40 years in the desert of Midian, he looked nothing like an Egyptian prince. He looked like a shepherd. . . . With Aaron and the elders by his side, Moses said, “We have a message from the Lord our God. The Lord says, ‘Let my people go to hold a festival to me in the desert.’ ” “Who is the Lord that I should obey him?” Pharaoh shouted. “Look, you have stopped my laborers! All of you, get back to your work!” When they left, Pharaoh summoned the slave drivers. “The slaves are getting lazy. You have been too easy on them. . . .” The Hebrew foremen realized Moses’ visit had triggered these new orders. So when they saw Moses and Aaron they shouted, “May the Lord judge you, for making us a stench to Pharaoh!” Moses felt terrible. He found a place where he could be alone, and there he fell on his knees. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 35, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “The finger of God points to our idols. Take the hint.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” Colossians 3:5-6 NIV A praise to fill you: You Are God Alone Phillips, Craig, and Dean [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Exodus 3:13-22; 4:1-31, TBC Book One, Chapter 34 One doubt after another swept over Moses as he beheld the figure in the flames. Had the Lord really chosen him to lead God’s people out of Egypt? . . . But the image remained before him and did not disappear. Moses took a deep breath. “Suppose I tell the Israelites you have sent me. They will ask me, ‘Who has sent you? What is his name?’ What shall I say to them?” “Say, ‘ “I Am” has sent you, the God of your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.’ Now go and call together the elders of Israel. . . .” “O Lord,” Moses said, “I have never been eloquent. I’m not a good speaker. . . . Please, Lord,” Moses begged, “send someone else to do it.” At this, the Lord grew angry. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 34, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “God knows our fears, our failures, our plight—and he uses everything.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are toward their cry for help.” Psalm 34:15 NASB A praise to fill you: Be Alright Evan Craft, Danny Gokey, Redimi2 [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Exodus 2:11-25; 3:1-12, TBC Book One, Chapter 33 Who would have guessed an orphaned Hebrew baby would be raised as the son of Pharaoh’s own daughter? Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s household, showered with the privileges of a prince. And he received the finest education the world had to offer. From an early age, Moses knew he was a Hebrew, and he grew up with a fascination for those people who served his grandfather, Pharaoh. One day when he watched them work, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. Moses felt his blood boil. He followed the Egyptian until he reached a secluded place. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 33, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “God’s calling rests not on our ability, but on God’s reliability.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’ ” Hebrews 13:6 NIV A praise to fill you: Who Am I? Casting Crowns [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Exodus 1:1-22; 2:1-10, TBC Book One, Chapter 32 Joseph’s generation had long passed, but their descendants became so numerous that they drew the attention of Pharaoh. Of course, this was not the same Pharaoh who appointed Joseph as governor. Hundreds of years had passed since then, and few knew of Joseph. What they did know was that these Hebrews were multiplying like grasshoppers. Soon they would outnumber the Egyptians. . . . For this reason, Pharaoh forced the Hebrews into slavery. . . . The Egyptians worked them ruthlessly, having them make bricks and mortar. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied. Pharaoh knew he must do something to stop their growth. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 32, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Blessings follow those who are guided by faith, not cowered by fear.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “He takes no delight in the strength of horses, no pleasure in the runner’s stride. Rather the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his mercy.” Psalm 147:10-11 NIV. NABRE A praise to fill you: Seize the Day Carolyn Arends [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 47:28-31; 48:1-22; 49:1-28; 50:1-26, TBC Book One, Chapter 31 From the moment Israel felt his son’s warm embrace, God poured new life into his soul. Who would have guessed that 130-year-old Israel would enjoy 17 years in Egypt? The years Jacob had lost in mourning for Joseph were replaced with the joy of being a grandfather to Joseph’s sons. With each year that passed, Israel wondered if if it it were his last. So one day, he decided to send for Joseph. . . . Israel then called all his sons and prophesied over each of them. . . . When he finished speaking, Israel breathed his last, and God gathered him to his forefathers. . . . With the time of mourning completed, Joseph’s brothers feared for their lives. What if Joseph decided to retaliate? So they made a plan. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 31, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Destiny is determined by what God imparts to us . . . and what we impart to others. Choose wisely.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “Love the Lord, all His godly ones! The Lord watches over the faithful but fully repays the one who acts arrogantly.” Psalm 31:23 NASB A praise to fill you: Bless the Broken Road Carrie Underwood [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 45:4-28; 46:1-34; 47:1-12, TBC Book One, Chapter 30 Joseph’s brothers trembled as they stood before him. “Come closer,” Joseph said. “Yes, it is I, your brother Joseph—the one you sold into Egypt, 22 years ago! But do not be distressed. God permitted this to happen to save your lives. He sent me here to preserve a remnant for you.” The brothers were so shocked that they were speechless. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 30, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “God’s will is governed not by our stopwatch, but by his clock . . . in the time-zone of Justice.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NASB A praise to fill you: Blessings Laura Story [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 43:1-34; 44:1-34; 45:1-3, TBC Book One, Chapter 29 Death threatened every family in Canaan, including the tribe of Israel. His family had eaten all the grain they purchased from Egypt, and the famine was still severe. Israel summoned his sons and told them to get more food in Egypt. They knew it wasn’t that simple. Only Judah had the boldness to reason with his father. “We can’t do that. The man in Egypt solemnly warned us to bring Benjamin. We won’t go unless we can take him.” So Israel’s sons set out for Egypt, and Benjamin went with them. When they arrived, they asked to see the governor. . . . The next morning, Joseph gave his steward strict orders concerning them: “Fill their sacks with grain and return their silver with it. Put my silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. When they leave, go after them. . . .” (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 29, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “No story is more dramatic than truth’s narrative, unfurled by divine providence.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “We know the one who said: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ and again: ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:30-31 NABRE A praise to fill you: He Ain’t Heavy The Hollies [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 42:1-38, TBC Book One, Chapter 28 A severe famine had swept over the land, including Canaan, and Israel found himself in a desperate situation. Word spread, however, that Egypt held an abundance of food. When Israel heard that, he sent his sons to Egypt. . . . Meanwhile, in Egypt, Joseph ruled as its governor. When the sons of Israel arrived to buy grain, they bowed down to him, not recognizing he was their brother. But Joseph recognized them. Pretending not to know them, he harshly asked, “Where do you come from?” “We came from Canaan to buy food,” they said. “You are really spies!” he shouted. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 28, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Our hidden sins are buried like bones—till the Hound of Heaven drops them at our feet.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 NIV A praise to fill you: God Is in Control Twila Paris [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 41:1-57, TBC Book One, Chapter 27 Pharaoh tossed and turned in his sleep, for he was deeply troubled by what he was seeing. Two years had now passed since Pharaoh’s cupbearer was restored to his position, the time when the cupbearer had seen a vision in his sleep. Now it was Pharaoh who had a startling dream. . . . Pharaoh awoke briefly and sat up in bed. It was only a dream, he thought. But as he drifted off, Pharaoh had a second dream. . . . The next morning Pharaoh was even more troubled by the dreams. They were so unusual and so similar. . . . So he sent for his magicians and wise men, but none of them were able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Finally, when the cupbearer heard what had happened, he remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh about him. . . .” (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 27, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Life is full of hills, valleys, and desserts . . . on the way to green pastures.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of disaster.” Proverbs 24:16 NASB A praise to fill you: He Who Began a Good Work in You Steve Green [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 39:1-23; 40:1-23, TBC Book One, Chapter 26 While Israel mourned the death of his young son, Joseph stood on a platform in Egypt, wondering about his fate. He was to be sold as a slave. The only question was, to whom? An Egyptian named Potiphar took Joseph and led him away. He was the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, and as far as he was concerned, this was a bargain. The young man was strong and handsome . . . and something set him apart from the other slaves. Potiphar’s hunch proved right. . . . Whatever Joseph did seemed to flourish, for the Lord’s favor rested on him and God blessed him. Potiphar was so pleased that he placed him in charge of his entire household. It was during this time that Potiphar’s wife first saw Joseph. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 26, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Even in the worst of times—especially in the worst of times—God’s favor rests on his beloved.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB A praise to fill you: God’s Not Done with You Tauren Wells [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 37:1-35, TBC Book One, Chapter 25 After all he had been through, Jacob should have known better. His mother had favored him, just as Isaac had favored Esau. And what had favoritism brought?. . . Almost 17 years had now passed since Jacob returned. He was no longer the same man. He had even changed his name. He wanted to be called Israel, the name the Lord had given him. Joseph was a baby when they arrived in Canaan, but now he was a young man, and his father treated him like a prince. Born to Israel in old age, he was the son of Israel’s favorite wife. His brothers knew their father loved Joseph most. They recalled him giving Joseph a beautifully ornamented robe, a sign of his favor, a hint of the birthright. From that day on, they hated him. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 25, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “When vengeance weds deceit, it breeds guilt, regret, . . . and judgment.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To take down the afflicted and the needy, to kill off those who are upright in conduct. Their sword will enter their own heart, and their bows will be broken.” Psalm 37:14-15 NASB A praise to fill you: Held Natalie Grant [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 32:1-32; 33:1-20; Hosea 12:4, TBC Book One, Chapter 24 Jacob had been away from his homeland for so long that he had almost forgotten why he left—his brother, Esau, wanted revenge. . . . With a touch of fear, Jacob sent messengers to Esau. . . . When the messengers returned, Jacob sensed there was bad news. “Esau is coming to meet you,” they said. “He has 400 men with him. . . .” Afraid and distressed, Jacob divided all his flocks and herds into two groups. If one group is destroyed, he thought, the other can flee. Then Jacob fell to his knees and prayed. . . . That night Jacob sent his family and possessions across the ford of the Jabbok River. Later, while he was alone, a man came up to him, and they wrestled all night. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 24, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Nothing ignites our embers of faith more quickly than evidence that stokes fear.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help, . . . [and] he heard my voice.” Psalm 18:6 NIV A praise to fill you: Be Alright Evan Craft, Danny Gokey, Redimi2 [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 30:25-43; 31:1-55, TBC Book One, Chapter 23 Now that Rachel had given birth to their son, Jacob decided it was time to leave. Laban was afraid this would happen. How can I get him to stay? he wondered. “I know the Lord has blessed me because of you,” Laban said. “Please, I want you to stay. Name your wages, and I will pay them.” Jacob sighed. Perhaps he should consider Laban’s offer. “All right,” he said. “But don’t pay me anything. Instead, let me remove any speckled or spotted sheep or goats from your flocks. They will serve as my wages.” Laban agreed. Then he raced out to his fields and removed all the spotted animals before Jacob could take them. But God blessed Jacob in spite of Laban’s deceitfulness. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 23, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Parents are unwitting teachers, seldom realizing “more is caught than taught.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “In speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NASB A praise to fill you: On Our Way MercyMe [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 29:31-35; 30:1-24, TBC Book One, Chapter 22 Within a week after her wedding, Leah’s joy turned to heartache. She had hoped that, in time, Jacob would learn to love her. But it was obvious Rachel had won his heart. When the Lord saw Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but let Rachel remain barren. When Rachel realized she was not getting pregnant, she became jealous of Leah and lashed out at Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!” Jacob replied angrily, “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you barren?” If I can’t get pregnant, Rachel thought, I’ll have children through my maidservant. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 22, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “God hears our heartfelt prayers and responds with compassion . . . at the right time.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise.” Psa lm 51:17 NASB A praise to fill you: God Will Make a Way Don Moen [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 29:1-30, TBC Book One, Chapter 21 After many days of weary travel, Jacob breathed a sigh of relief. Surely he must be close to the homeland of his mother’s relatives. As soon as Laban heard the news, he ran to meet his nephew. . . . “Come,” Laban said. “You have had a long journey. Let’s go home.” As they walked along, Jacob told him about his family. . . . After Jacob had stayed with them for a month, Laban said. “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” Now Laban had two daughters. The older one, Leah, had weak eyes. But the younger one, Rachel, was beautiful, and Jacob was attracted to her. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 21, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Though it may not happen quickly, it does happen inevitably—we reap what we have sown.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man [sows], that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 KJV A praise to fill you: God Is in Control Twila Paris [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 27:41-46; 28:1-22, TBC Book One, Chapter 20 Sorrow turned to rage as an angry young man stormed out of Isaac’s tent. I’ll kill him, Esau thought, after our father dies. His vengeance gave way to angry boasting, and rumors began to spread. When Rebekah heard what he was planning to do, she feared for Jacob’s life. So she called for Jacob and spoke to him privately. . . . Then Rebekah went to Isaac. She knew what would persuade him. . . . Her plan worked. Isaac called for Jacob. He entered the tent and knelt at his father’s side. . . . Jacob covered many miles before his brother learned that he had left. . . . . When the sun began to set, he stopped for the night. Taking one of the stones nearby, he put it under his head as a pillow and lay down. When he finally fell asleep, Jacob had a dream. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 20, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “It is one thing to catch a vision of God’s stairway, another to choose to climb it.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: ”I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NABRE A praise to fill you: Reaching Carolyn Arends [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 27:1-40, TBC Book One, Chapter 19 Signs of old age weighed heavy on the heart of Isaac, who was now blind. He worried he might slip off in his sleep. He must put his household in order. So he called for his firstborn son. “Esau, my son, get your quiver and bow and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game. Prepare it the way I like it. Then bring it to me so I may give you my blessing.” Rebekah was secretly listening to what Isaac had said. She was afraid this would happen. Immediately she sent for Jacob. “We must be careful that no one hears us. Your father is about to give his blessing to Esau. . . . Here is what I want you to do. . . .” (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 19, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “The seeds of deception may be easily planted, but the fruit it bears will be costly.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.” 1 Timothy 5:24 NIV A praise to fill you: You Are God Alone Phillips, Craig, and Dean [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 25:19-34, TBC Book One, Chapter 18 At the age of 40, Isaac married Rebekah, and both of them now looked forward to the day when they would have a child. But as time went on, it was apparent that Rebekah was barren. This troubled her greatly, and now it was Isaac’s turn to comfort her. “Don’t worry,” he said. “My own mother was said to be barren, and look, here am I!” With a heart full of faith, Isaac prayed, and the Lord granted his request. After 20 years of marriage, Rebekah became pregnant. But the pregnancy was not at all what she had imagined it. . . . (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 18, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “There are those who sense the power of Providence . . . and those who stumble in darkness.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.” Their minds are occupied with earthly things.” Philippians 3:19 NABRE A praise to fill you: Screen Door Rich Mullins [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 24:1-67, TBC Book One, Chapter 17 A time of great mourning had now fallen upon Abraham, Isaac, and their entire household. At age 127, Sarah passed away. Isaac was now 37. He had been very close to both his mother and father. An emptiness pierced his soul as he sat alone and pictured her warm smile of approval. Abraham often thought of how God had blessed him with his beautiful wife. Now he wanted that same joy for his son. So he called his most trusted servant. “Put your hand under my thigh to take an oath. You must find a wife for Isaac. Swear that the woman you select will not be from the Canaanites, but from my own relatives.” “What if she is not willing to come?” he asked. “Should I then take your son there?” “No,” Abraham said, “you must not. The Lord will send his angel before you to guide you. . . .” (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 17, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Prayer paves the way for destiny’s sweetest journey.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth” Psalm 145:18 NABRE A praise to fill you: What Faith Can Do Kutless [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-19, TBC Book One, Chapter 16 Sometimes God brings tests into a person’s life. Often the test involves a choice, and the choice one makes reveals whether that person really trusts God. One day, God brought such a test into the life of Abraham. “Abraham!” the Lord called. “Here I am,” he replied. “Abraham, I want you to take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. When you arrive there, I will direct you to a certain mountain. Then I want you to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering.. . . .” (See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 16, for the full story.) Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors. Today’s Takeaways
A proverb to guide you: “Following God is best planned one step at a time.” —Sharon A promise to cling to: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB A praise to fill you: Drink Please Kevin Mattson [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] |
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