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Category Archives: family
it’s a wonderful life
Job 42:7-17 Job’s restoration begins when God intercedes, and the first thing to be restored is his relationship with those three therapists. Job takes the upper hand and prays for them. This is more than simply a vindication of Job’s … Continue reading
Posted in compassion, dependence upon God, family, Job, relationship with God
Tagged Job 42
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ear of corn
Judges 12 The animosity that appeared to have been abated by Gideon in chapter 8 has reared its ugly head again. Now every time an Ephraimite seeks to cross over at the fords of the Jordon, he is met with … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, consideration of others, family, fellowship, love
Tagged Judges 12
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The next generation’s mission
Joshua 23-24 The final words of Joshua highlight the fact that missions is the choice and responsibility of each generation. The LORD will be faithful to us as long as we are faithful to him. Should we choose not to … Continue reading
a supporting walk
Numbers 7 After six chapters detailing the importance of the Levites work at the tabernacle, this chapter shows the support and contributions (six wagon loads) of all the tribes to that work. For 12 successive days, each tribe gives a … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, consideration of others, discipleship, family, fellowship
Tagged Numbers 7
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Joseph: permission for a funeral
Genesis 50:1-14 Joseph appeals to Pharaoh’s household for permission to go and bury his father outside Egypt. He makes it clear that he is doing this at the request of Jacob himself. Calvin asserts that this was Joseph’s way of … Continue reading
Jacob: blessing his sons, gathered to his people
Genesis 49. This passage reveals the strong connection that Jacob had with his sons. He knew them — their spiritual character. He had been given insight into their destiny. He also felt a spiritual connection with his loved ones who … Continue reading
the earthly family of heaven’s king
Matthew 1:1-17. The Gospel of Matthew is a great adventure story by which readers are confronted with the reality that they have been visited by an extra-terrestrial: heaven’s king, Jesus Christ. Matthew first encountered the king when he was called … Continue reading
Posted in ethnic Israel, family, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, plan of God
Tagged Matthew 1
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mission: facilitate order
Titus 1:5-16. The Cretans were not known for their honesty and trustworthiness. They were likely to fall for false teachings, and Paul warned Titus that the island had “many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers” (10). Titus was tasked … Continue reading
mission: display godly behavior
1 Timothy 3. Paul’s reason for giving qualification lists in this chapter is not simply administrative. He wants the churches to display proper conduct. The body of believers is the household (family) of God, the church of the living God, … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, family, holiness, integrity, ministry, self-control, works
Tagged 1 Timothy 3
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mission: pray in public
1 Timothy 2. Paul explains to Timothy those things that should be the hallmark of the church’s mission – things he should promote among the people and leaders of Ephesus. Of first importance is the ministry of public prayer. This … Continue reading
Posted in church, family, humility, ministry, prayer, self-control, worship
Tagged 1 Timothy 2
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Devotions 