Friday, September 30, 2016

THE TRUE CHURCH

THE TRUE CHURCH
Friday, September 30, 2016

  Today I begin reviewing the asked question of which church is the one true church.
  Is there one true church?
  Yes, there is. But studying the Word of God, the Bible, we don’t see any denominational names. We do see phrases “my (Christ’) church”, “the church that was at Antioch”, “the church at Cenchrea“, “the church of God which is at Corinth”, “the church that is in their house”, “the church which is in his house”, “the church of the Thessalonians”, “The church that is at Babylon”, and beginning with “the church at Ephesus” a total of 7 geographical locations listed in The Book of Revelation. There is not however any denominational identities. Camp and faction taxonomy came later.
  How would it work today if our letterhead and street signage read “The church at _______”?
  Below are the 79 verses in KJV New Testament that include “church”. (The word is nowhere in OT.) I suggest reading them thoughtfully in context. Do you see denomination? Neither do I.
Then what is the one true church? (Clue: All epistles are addressed to the one true church.)
EBB4

Mat_16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat_18:17  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Act_2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Act_5:11  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
Act_7:38  This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
Act_8:1  And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Act_8:3  As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Act_11:22  Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Act_11:26  And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Act_12:1  Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Act_12:5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Act_13:1  Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Act_14:23  And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Act_14:27  And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
Act_15:3  And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
Act_15:4  And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
Act_15:22  Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
Act_18:22  And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
Act_20:17  And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Act_20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Rom_16:1  I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Rom_16:5  Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Rom_16:23  Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
Rom_16:27  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
1Co_1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
1Co_4:17  For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
1Co_6:4  If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
1Co_10:32  Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
1Co_11:18  For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
1Co_11:22  What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
1Co_12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1Co_14:4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1Co_14:5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1Co_14:12  Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1Co_14:19  Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
1Co_14:23  If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1Co_14:28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1Co_14:35  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
1Co_15:9  For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1Co_16:19  The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
2Co_1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
Gal_1:13  For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Eph_1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph_3:10  To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph_3:21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Eph_5:23  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Eph_5:24  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Eph_5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph_5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Eph_5:29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph_5:32  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Php_3:6  Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Php_4:15  Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
Col_1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col_1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col_4:15  Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
Col_4:16  And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
1Th_1:1  Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2Th_1:1  Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
1Ti_3:5  (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1Ti_3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1Ti_5:16  If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
2Ti_4:22  The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.
Tit_3:15  All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.
Phm_1:2  And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Heb_2:12  Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
Heb_12:23  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Jas_5:14  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
1Pe_5:13  The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
3Jn_1:6  Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
3Jn_1:9  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
3Jn_1:10  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Rev_2:1  Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Rev_2:8  And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
Rev_2:12  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Rev_2:18  And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
Rev_3:1  And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev_3:7  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Rev_3:14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

79 verses found, 80 matches
Matthew
2 verses found
3 matches
Acts
18 verses found
18 matches
Romans
4 verses found
4 matches
1 Corinthians
16 verses found
16 matches
2 Corinthians
1 verse found
1 match
Galatians
1 verse found
1 match
Ephesians
9 verses found
9 matches
Philippians
2 verses found
2 matches
Colossians
4 verses found
4 matches
1 Thessalonians
1 verse found
1 match
2 Thessalonians
1 verse found
1 match
1 Timothy
3 verses found
3 matches
2 Timothy
1 verse found
1 match
Titus
1 verse found
1 match
Philemon
1 verse found
1 match
Hebrews
2 verses found
2 matches
James
1 verse found
1 match
1 Peter
1 verse found
1 match
3 John
3 verses found
3 matches
Revelation
7 verses found
7 matches


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

DELIVERANCE FROM SELF TO REST

DELIVERANCE FROM SELF TO REST
Wednesday, September 28, 2016

1Thessalonians 5:15-21  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every
       thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the       Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast [G2722 κατέχω; katechō; kat-ekh'-o From G2596   
       and G2192; to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively): - have, hold (fast),
       keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold. ] that which is  
       good.
Hebrews 4:9-10 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

  Today I am sharing a personal testimony of deliverance.
  For me, discovering position in deliverance is most often by being hit with an old fortress stumbling block without the past effect. Or should I say “Without past affection.”?
  The culture I was raised in considered it serious lack of respect when persons do not get back to you and keep you informed -- as though you are a nonentity. Recently, in writing, I made a suggestion to an elected decision making group of people. I was promised it would be on their agenda when they convened in a few days. Nearly a month has lapsed but I have not been informed as to their decision to act or not act upon, or even as to whether it was actually considered.
  Yesterday morning while writing what I planned on being the last segment of the sound doctrine deliverance series, I became aware of the disrespect and realized cause for rejoicing. At such disrespect in the past I would quickly move into stronghold of passive aggressive anger: Unforgiving bitter resentment that brought with it withdrawal with hope of silent vengeance.
  It did not occur! I realized I had not done so for a long time. I rejoiced in having been delivered in His rest. Remembering that “rest” is one of the themes in the Epistle to the Hebrews, I turned to and read the pertinent verses, especially celebrating 4:9-10. I did not do the work of passive aggression!
  Exactly when the turning point, as with most of my life journey maturation I cannot pinpoint moment, hour, day, week, or year . . . nor do I care to, for knowing calendar is not necessary . . . blessedly arriving at this day to His glory is!!
  How deliverance happened I can explain. He gave instruction and equipping. Never in a straight line, but I believed, I followed. A major strenuous exercise was when I did not practice humility, God humbled me.
  Could I return within those fortress walls? Indeed so, for it is always a single simple step to make. To remain in His rest I must stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made me free, and not again agree to be held with the bygone yoke of bondage. (Gal.5:1)

EBB4

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

DELIVERANCE FROM STRONGHOLDS WITHIN AND WITHOUT

DELIVERANCE FROM STRONGHOLDS WITHIN AND WITHOUT
Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Romans [GW] 12:1-3 Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers.
2Corinthians 10:3-5 Of course we are human, but we don't fight like humans. The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people's defenses, that is, their arguments and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil's strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God's approval as your breastplate. Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also take salvation as your helmet and the word of God as the sword that the Spirit supplies. Pray in the Spirit in every situation. …

  I’ve been asked to write about strongholds, something that is very real in life whether trapped in or outside of and attacked from fortress walls.
  Interesting, though much is said therein about the topic, “strongholds” is used only one time in God’s Word. In some translations it is rendered “fortresses”. Either way we must note that it is plural, multiples.
  Examining His Word we see the truth that:
·         As Christians, though born-again, we are still very much human with all possible that our flesh encompasses.
·         We are not to attempt assault or dismantle of fortresses in our own strength.
·         God provides the armor, weapon, and tactic. God’s ways are contrary (Isa.55:8) to mans’ arrogant philosophies, strategies, and action plans. (1Cor.2:1-26; Eph.6:10; Col.2:6-10; Heb.4:9-12)
·         God’s provision shows us that He wants strongholds destroyed.
·         Our pride, unforgiveness, embracing worrisome situations, unrealistic expectations of others and more such stumbling can hinder or obstruct destruction of strongholds.
  Actually, deliverance from flood or Egypt or strongholds is no different; if we trust the Word and comply with His conditions, we will be delivered.

EBB4

Monday, September 26, 2016

SUMMING UP SOUND DOCTRINE ON GOD'S DELIVERANCE

SUMMING UP SOUND DOCTRINE ON GOD’S DELIVERANCE
Monday, September 26, 2016

2Chronicles 7:14-15 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
1Corinthians 10:12-15 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no
temptation [G3986 πειρασμός; peirasmos; pi-ras-mos' From G3985; a putting to proof (by
experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication
adversity: - temptation, X try. ]taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will
not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak
as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
James 4:1-12 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. [Jam.1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.]Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth [to condemn] his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

  As absolute Omnipotent Sovereign Jehovah, God can deliver individuals, families, community, or nation from dire situation whether circumstance self-made or otherwise. But will He? Is His deliverance a matter of “Name it and claim it!”—our simply asking and escape falls in our lap sans any compliant effort(s) on the part of the petitioner? Please take note that:
a.       The Master’s plans (will) are His overarching priority. Jesus above all others exemplified this. (Lk.22:42; Jn.4:34; 5:30; 6:38; Mt.26:36; Mk.14:32)
b.      We have individual and/or corporate option to trust Him and participate (the word is not “support”) in His plans. (Josh.24:15; Lk.11:2; search “follow me” in the Gospels)
c.       In almost every Biblical record of God’s deliverance He presented the conditions of how-to involving trust and active compliance. (Teach me: Please feel free to show me otherwise examples from God’s Word.)
d.      Sans trust and compliance we remain and additionally suffer God’s resistance and/or being devoured. (Jam.4:6-8; 1Pet.5:6-10)
e.      Our need for deliverance may come as a surprise to us. (Did Noah foresee his need?)
  Can God deliver? Yes!  Will He deliver in every case? What does the Word tell us?

EBB4

Sunday, September 25, 2016

COULD MORE HAVE SURVIVED?

COULD MORE HAVE SURVIVED?
Sunday, September 25, 2016

  A few days ago I asked you if you thought more people could have escaped death, and lived on the ark planned by God and built by Noah?
  Yes, they could have. Then as ever there’s the option to believe or not believe and be delivered eternally.
EBB4

  

Friday, September 23, 2016

GOD'S MIRACULOUS DELIVERY OUT OF EGYPT

GOD’S MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE OUT OF EGYPT
Friday, September 23, 2016

The Second Book of Moses; EXODUS
1Corinthians 15 [NLT … let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory. [Isa.25:8]
 O death, where is your victory?
 O death, where is your sting?”
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

  The Egyptian Jews grew from the few to the many. Knowing the politics of man it doesn’t take much imagination as to resultant solution of threat management with added benefits in economics. History echoes with “Something must be done! Our country is now filled with Jews. They’re everywhere!” So the Egyptian populace readily accepted a Homeland Security & Public Works Building Department with vast bureaucratic powers. Then Pharaoh ordered further control edict of genocide by abortion to curtail population growth among the national lower ranked culture.
  As with God hearing our groaning today, He heard the enslaved Jew, but responded according to His plan in His good time. (Note Gal.4:4) The 80 years of preparation of Moses for godly leadership was part of the Jew’s 430 years (12:41) awaiting God’s deliverance from their dilemma. (Rom.8:22-39; especially note verses 28 & 36 in relation to today’s DT.)
  Moses willingly enlisted, right? Nope, he was quite reluctant . . . until he experienced God’s anger at his lack of trust evidenced in his arguing against God’s directive. Once given staff of authority and Aaron’s tongue, Moses asked Jethro or permission to leave. (A courtesy, or was he hoping for a “My father-n-law says I can’t go.” to bring back to Jehovah?)
  Then there was Moses presenting to Jewish officialdom God’s Word of deliverance of from and what to. Imagine a big issue of trust of murderer Moses returning after 40 years living on the lam to tell his elders what God had spoken to him, though not to them. Of course my being a latter day elder, I would have readily seen and accepted Moses and plan as obviously from Jehovah God. Really?
  Jumping ahead past the plagues, miracles, demands, judgments, and the first passover we find the enslaved Jews standing on the border of God’s deliverance. At this moment I can in my head hear the song “Now is the hour when we must say goodbye …”
  The deliverance trek went quite well initially. I can envision myself sitting around that first night’s campfire singing O HAPPY DAY and boastfully agreeing “We sure showed them, didn’t we!?!!” Then was heard the thundering of hooves, rumbling of panzer chariots, and clanking of weaponry . . . soon accompanied by the roar of terrified grumbling dissent from those that had trusted Moses, God, or God and Moses, or simply wanted to escape slavery of Egypt for a better life and/or to find themselves. All of this happening while their human leader stood before them with stick of wood in hand saying “Fear not, be still and see the salvation of the Lord that He will show you this day.”
  By now you are at 14:15 and noticed that in spite of reassuring the people, Moses too was stressed to distraction awaiting God’s next direction.
  “Forward march!” says God’s leader standing before us, and left foot off we step out on dry land,  hand in hand with children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren clutching our precious stuff, eyeing a wall of water on right and left. Are we now feeling the confidence, the blessed assurance, and delightfully looking forward to the next challenge to trust our Lord?
  Will the challenge be in the form of soon being led to a place of undrinkable waters, or into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan, or _________ ? As life in Egypt is, the challenges from within (self), others, Satan, or God will come until once and for all we are delivered. (1Cor.15:55) And then, of course, there’s the unknown period of waiting. (2Pet.3:8)

EBB4

GOD'S MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE INTO EGYPT

GOD’S MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE INTO EGYPT
Thursday, September 22, 2016

Joseph said to his guilt-ridden fearful conniving brothers “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father's house. Joseph lived 110 years.” ESV Genesis 50:20-22

  We much prefer to think of deliverance being according to our standards – sans laborious conditions or discomfort. But then God’s ways are not very often man’s ways. (Isa.55:8-9) God seldom provides an ark in outright fashion. God often provides the work plans to build an ark. Being a lazy-as-I-dare fellow, I much prefer my way rather than His Way. My preference being with AC and lots of Valencia’s combo pizza with ice cold cherry coke on tap.
  As a matter of fact, my loafing on couch being entertained by Andrew Lloyd Weber’s version, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, of Joseph’s story is much easier than thoughtfully reading 20 chapters in the Bible.
  Consider the record of God’s route of moving Joseph to Egypt as pathfinder for and later prime minister to His chosen people. (Duet.7:6; 14:2) Joseph’s journey was anything but conveyance by chariot pulled by prancing steeds. And once there, well, you know the rest of the story.
  If not: Genesis 30:22; 37: 1-36; 39:1 thru 50:26.

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