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Provision in Famine
Read Genesis 41:53-42:7
“And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands“ (v. 57).
The greatest leader in the greatest country did not have the power to foresee or wisdom to respond to the challenges his dreams foretold. One greater than Pharaoh had foreseen the coming events and had the man of His choice in place.
Joseph had already endured an emotional famine. In prison, he had demonstrated the ability to interpret dreams accurately and give counsel based on the interpretation. He also possessed leadership and managerial skills developed in spite of his circumstances. Now God was going to use Joseph to guide Egypt and Joseph’s own family through the severe famine.
The dreams of Joseph’s youth were coming true! Others had mocked his dreams, yet those dreams had brought him to the place and time where God intended to use him. What if Joseph had become discouraged and quit believing in the dreams God had given him? What if Joseph had looked at the circumstances of his life and decided God did not care and was not able to fulfill the dreams He had given?
What famine or difficult circumstance have you experienced? Allow God to use that experience to bless someone in need today! (LAD)
Thro’ days of toil when heart doth fail . . .
When dangers fierce your path assail . . .
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you.
— Civilla D. Martin
“God not only knows where He is taking you, but He also knows how to get you there!” (Roy Lessin).
This devotional is the Monday, January 11, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.
Lesson 7: The Nets Filled
Lesson 7 - January 17, 2016
Focus Text: John 21:1-14
Central Truth: True success comes through the abiding presence of Christ.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list at least three ways they can work in partnership with God.
Lesson Outline:
- Human Failure (John 21:1-4)
- Divine Assistance (John 21:5-11)
- Divine Provision (John 21:12-14)
Prayer: Lesson 6 – The Paralyzed Restored
Heavenly Father, bless our teachers as they explain how Christ performed miracles to give God glory and challenge their students to live for God's glory, rather than their own. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
What is your motive in praying?
The objective for today's lesson is: "By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify various improper motives people have in praying for miracles."
Discussion: What are some such improper motives in praying? (Feel free to add your comments below!)
5 Insights on Divine Healing From James 5
In "Doctrinal Discussion", Dr. Glenn McClure points out five insights on divine healing from James 5:14-20:
- The person who is sick must want the healing.
- The church leaders not only directed this request for healing to God, but also acknowledged that only God could bring it about.
- We must pray in faith; faith is a prerequisite for healing.
- We should not overlook those who are praying and the one for whom prayer is offered.
- We must consider the intensity of the prayer of faith.
For deeper explanation of these insights, please see your Adult Teacher's Insights, pages 37-38.
Why Jesus Was Impressed
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." (Mark 2:5)
In "Biblical Perspective", Dr. Gayle Woods writes:
Jesus and the crowd in the room heard the noise above them as the roof was dismantled. It was not long until sand and bits of mortar fell into the room. A cloudy haze filled the room as they watched in wonder. A hole appeared, revealing the sky above. The opening grew larger and larger until they saw the four men feverishly destroying the roof. Then the cot with the paralyzed man was lowered carefully into the room. Somehow people bunched closer together to allow for its intrusion into their midst. Jesus was impressed. It was the collective faith of the friends that impressed Jesus. They brought their friend for physical healing, but Jesus offered him much more. Jesus spoke to the need of his heart. Using a Greek term that was used affectionately, Jesus said, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Discussion: What one step can you take today to demonstrate a greater faith in Jesus?
Source: Miracles of Jesus: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 35.