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Welcome to my blog: I intend to share heartfelt writing about anything that comes to mind. |
| Week 2 1 Genesis 32:13-24 - Jacob prepares to meet Esau 2 Genesis 32:25-33 - Jacob wrestles with the angel 3 Genesis 33 - Jacob and family arrives and settles in Canaan 4 Genesis 34 - Dinah, Joseph's sister is raped 5 Genesis 35:1-7 - Jacob and family moves to Bethel 6 Genesis 35:8-15 - Rachel's nurse died and God reinforces the covenant with Isreal Day one: Scripture - Genesis 32:13-24 Observations - What observations did you make while reading this passage? Are there any word definitions you needed to look up? Are there any words, phrases, verses, themes, etc... that stand out to you? Jacob is still afraid of his brother after being away for 20 years. He sends servants and gifts in bands to go meet Esau before him and his family in hopes to butter him up before he gets there. Then he splits his family into two different parts because he is afraid Esau will kill his family as well because he stole his blessing and birthright so many years before. This had to have been a very stressful move for Jacob. He had just faced his Father-in-law and parted ways with him, and now he had to face his brother. All of this conflict had been brought about because of dishonesty. I think his actions shows some regret also for his previous actions. Application - How does this apply to my life? What can I learn from this? What virtues, principles, or ideas are represented here? Deceit and dishonesty cause breaches in relationships that can last for many years. Prayer - Say a prayer. Day two: Scripture - Observations - What observations did you make while reading this passage? Are there any word definitions you needed to look up? Are there any words, phrases, verses, themes, etc... that stand out to you? Application - How does this apply to my life? What can I learn from this? What virtues, principles, or ideas are represented here? Prayer - Say a prayer. Day three: Scripture - Observations - What observations did you make while reading this passage? Are there any word definitions you needed to look up? Are there any words, phrases, verses, themes, etc... that stand out to you? Application - How does this apply to my life? What can I learn from this? What virtues, principles, or ideas are represented here? Prayer - Say a prayer. Day four: Scripture - Observations - What observations did you make while reading this passage? Are there any word definitions you needed to look up? Are there any words, phrases, verses, themes, etc... that stand out to you? Application - How does this apply to my life? What can I learn from this? What virtues, principles, or ideas are represented here? Prayer - Say a prayer. Day five: Scripture - Observations - What observations did you make while reading this passage? Are there any word definitions you needed to look up? Are there any words, phrases, verses, themes, etc... that stand out to you? Application - How does this apply to my life? What can I learn from this? What virtues, principles, or ideas are represented here? Prayer - Say a prayer. Day six: Scripture - Observations - What observations did you make while reading this passage? Are there any word definitions you needed to look up? Are there any words, phrases, verses, themes, etc... that stand out to you? Application - How does this apply to my life? What can I learn from this? What virtues, principles, or ideas are represented here? Prayer - Say a prayer.  |
| Summary of Week one's Bible study: It is clear that Leah and Rachel struggled with each other. Leah wanted the love of her husband and Rachel wanted children. Leah was having children while Rachel had their husband's love. The significance that I could find in birthing many children is that children were considered a blessing from God. It also states that God opened Leah's womb and closed Rachel's because Jacob hated Leah while he loved Rachel. This shows some of the consequences of favoritism. Favoritism will be a theme in our study of Joseph's life as you will see. The definition of his name, Joseph, means "He will add" and the rood word means to add; to increase. Rachel believed God would give her another son. Apparently, Jacob lived with Rachel because in one of the verses, it talks about when Leah had another son, she had thought maybe he would then live with her. In those days, the maid conceived and gave birth, and their child was considered the children of their master. I have read in some commentaries where the maids of Rachel and Leah were considered concubines. However, the scriptures directly say they gave them to Joseph as another wife. However, they were still a maid/slave. It appears that Rachel did not fully trust God for her children until after she had Joseph. She tried all kinds of things to cure her infertility. She wanted Jacob to give her children. His response was to ask her if he was in God's place. She used mandrakes which were at that time a medicinal practice for infertility. She also used her maid which 2 sons were born from. Sadly, Rachel dies while giving birth to Joseph's younger brother, Benjamin. God ultimately gave her children when he was ready and in his timing. Joseph would have been around the age of 6 when his brother Benjamin was born and his mother died. God also in his sovereignty ended up causing the Messiah to descend from Leah, the hated wife, through Judah and the priestly line of Moses and Aaron through her son Levi. (478) Author IconMail Icon brought up a couple good points in our discussion too. Is it possible that God is always choosing the youngest instead of the oldest or the least favored in this line as a picture of Christ since he is considered the second Adam? Also, in this line of descendants, there are many examples of sin and God's sovereignty in the life of these people. Could the ten commandments be more of a reprimand as opposed to just rules to follow? Since the law is supposed to be what lets us realize we need Christ, these 10 commands reveal the sin in us because we are not able to obey the law perfectly. Only Jesus could do that. We then had a great discussion on Justification and regeneration based upon these thoughts. When we use deceit as a way to get what we want in life, it causes ill feelings from those around us. The relationship with Laban and his sons were not as they were before. Joseph would have witnessed this family tension. He would have been around 5 or 6 when the family fled from Laban to return to Jacob's family. Rachel stole her father's images, false gods. Rachel obviously was not just worshiping the god of Jacob's family. She was worshiping other gods. I wonder if this brings new significance back to the mandrakes too. Was there some kind of ceremonial ritual performed with them? I wonder what religious rituals or practices Joseph witnessed from his mother as a small child. Looking into some study Bibles' notes and commentaries notes, Laban apparently used some sort of divination to know that he had been blessed for Jacob's sake. He also was warned in a dream by the God of Isaac, Jacob's father, that he shouldn't harm Jacob when he was chasing after him. God had intervened on Jacob's behalf and saw how he was treated by Laban. God still took care of him even during this time. I am thinking his actual conversion experience/ commitment to the God of his father didn't happen until later when he wrestled with the Angel of the Lord. Deceit leads to distrust. Distrust leads to tension and confrontations in a relationship. Be careful what you threaten also. Our words and our actions can cause problems for us in the future if they are not done through the spirit and will of God. I think at this point it is obvious that Laban and Jacob were wanting to come to blows had God not intervened. So, they make an agreement to make peace and to not see each other again. God would be their witness. Before Laban left Jacob, he kissed his family goodbye. This would have been the last time Joseph had seen his maternal grandfather and mother's side of the family. Was verses nine through twelve in chapter 32 Jacob's sinner's prayer? Jacob was afraid and greatly distressed when he heard that his brother Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men with him. He was so troubled that he divided his family and possessions in 2 in hopes that if Esau attacked them, then at least half of them could escape and be saved from Esau's wrath. Right before this, he had been met by a host of angels. I wonder if Joseph also saw these angels. Humility comes with true repentance. Jacob had deceived Esau 20 years earlier and had fled from him for his life. Now he had come back with his family, and was still afraid after all these years that Esau would kill him and his family for what he had done all those years ago. We are still seeing consequences of his deceitfulness. |
 Take UP Your Cross Did I forget to send a prompt? I could have sworn I sent one.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
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Have fun with these words: serendipity, sparkle, ramble, facts, ghosts, harness, and couch. As I look out the hotel window, the city lights seem to sparkle. I sit down on the couch as the ghosts of my past seem to haunt me. My mind seems to ramble through all the facts that got me here today and somehow it was all a simple case of serendipity. Hmm! This could be a great start to a mystery novel. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  What are your thoughts about Tik Tok ban? Is this the beginning of a new trend where apps are being banned because of politics? We already have books being banned. What's next? God only knows what these politicians are thinking, and he is the only one who wants to know at times. I think it's getting ridiculous. The only thing that stays the same is everything changes. |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: How are you able to receive correction? Do you receive it well? Why or why not? Well, I am sure I have my moments just like anyone else. However, I do try to be open to receiving correction. You have to be able to receive correction in order to make improvements. Prayer prompt: Pray for those living with disabilities, that they would be surrounded by a loving community who can support them in the ways that they need. Dear God, Please, help those who struggle with living with disabilities. Help them to find the help and support that they need. Let them be surrounded by a loving community also. In Christ's name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Did you make New Year goals? How are you doing with the goals now that we're halfway through the month? What do you think is it easier to make year goals or monthly goals? Or have a healthy balance of both? I think it's good to have a healthy balance of both. I did make some goals for the new year but am struggling with motivation and emotional issues this year. I am definitely experiencing a different and difficult phase in life right now. I can't completely explain it. It is just different. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have fun with these words: sudden, tepid, intervention, brown, despised, gateway, and creature. Sometimes I love to do these and other times, I am just really not in the mood. This is one of those times that I am just really not in the mood. Although, this sounds kind of sci-fi/fantasy-ish. It's strange how inspiration strikes at the oddest moments sometimes. "All of a sudden, the creature burst through the gateway and despised the brown, tepid water that lay in front of it. The only intervention was the sword I was wielding at my side." |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Do you have healthy habits? How important do you think they are biblically speaking? I need to develop some healthy habits. Biblically speaking, I believe we are supposed to take care of ourselves. We should take care of our own body like it is the temple of God. Prayer prompt: Pray for expectant mothers that they would have healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries. Dear God, Please help expectant mothers to stay healthy during their pregnancies and have a safe delivery. In Christ's name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Do you have a fire escape plan, a plan for what if my home is on fire? After seeing all the fire damages in the LA area has put me into planning mode so I'm asking you if you've considered the worst case scenario? I always try to be aware of possible escape routes such as windows and weapons to use in public surroundings and at home. I have been through some things in my life, and it tends to make you hyper-aware of everything. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt: "The business of life is the acquisition of memories in the end that's all there is." Carson Downton Abbey Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. Well, it depends on your religion if you believe this quote or not to be true. I personally, as a Christian, do not believe that. I believe in life after death. I believe in a greater purpose. I would hate to only live for memories and to only become a memory. What would be the point of existence if that is all I have to look forward to being? |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Do you interact daily with God? Yes! Prayer is second nature to me. I went through a period in my life where I didn't talk to God. I struggled with it. It was hard to not call on my higher power and lonely too. I think my relationship with God definitely fills a void in my life. Prayer prompt: Pray for those who are unemployed and struggling to find a job. Dear God, Please help those who are unemployed and struggling to find a job to find the job they seek. And help them financially in the meantime and provide their needs. In Jesus' name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Write about hope. Hope is a very large subject matter. There are many things that can be said of hope. What do you put your hope in? What is hope? What do you hope for? These are only 3 possible questions that can be asked of hope. There are many more. Never lose hope is a popular statement. The Bible says hope deferred is a sorrow of heart but when the desire comes it is like a tree of life or something to that effect. I personally put my hope and faith in God. Did you know that faith and hope go hand in hand? The Bible's definition of Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen. That's kind of a deep thought, I think. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt:"I really try to enjoy life and have joy with what I do." Tim Tebow Let this quote inspire your writing today. If you are able to get a career or job that you enjoy, you are truly blessed. Not everyone is so fortunate. On the other hand, Joy is a choice. Happiness is a choice. No, we don't have to be happy about everything and every circumstance, but we don't have to stay in a state of unhappiness either. We must process the negativity and then let it go as soon as possible. It will only destroy or slay us if we hang onto it. |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Are you able to see the good that comes from bad situations? I don't always see it right away, but I trust God to fulfill the promises in his word. His word tells me that all things work together for good, and I believe it. There are times in life that I can look back and see how a bad situation worked out for the greater good in the end too. Prayer prompt: Pray for students who are deciding what to do with their lives after school. Dear God, Lead young people and students who are trying to decide what to do with their lives after they are done with school in the way that is right for them. Help them to make the right decisions about their future. In Jesus' name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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I inhale the essence of... If you are where I live, you inhale a lot of dust and pet dander. I can't seem to clean it up fast enough. I try to take time to inhale the essence of Christ everyday by reading the Bible, studying it, and praying daily. I also love to inhale the essence of peace and quiet. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt: Night Dreams "I dream of painting and then I paint my dream." Vincent Van Gogh Have you ever written anything based on a night dream, and do you ever wonder what your dreams are trying to tell you? I have actually written about one in my portfolio here on WDC.
I believe some dreams can be very prophetic and they can reveal truths to us if we are willing to pay attention. |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Do you often find yourself being quick to judge others while minimizing your own mistakes? What can you do to improve your negative tendencies? I think we can all find ourselves minimizing our own short comings rather we intend to do so or not. I know that I do it sometimes without thinking about it. I try not to do that, but sometimes I think pride gets the best of me. I just have to be honest with myself about it. I try not to judge others, but I know this happens too. To some extent, we need to be able to judge in a way that makes an assessment of others to know how to interact with them. However, there are those times when I find someone who annoys me and I probably tend to be more critical towards them. I think changing this behavior begins with making myself more aware of it when it occurs. Once I am aware of it, I can repent and ask God to help me not to do it anymore. It definitely requires a lot of prayer on my part. Prayer prompt: Pray that orphaned children would find a safe and loving home. Dear Heavenly Father, You are a father to the fatherless. Please, help orphaned children to find a safe and loving home. Keep them safe in the meantime and protect them from evil. In Christ's name, amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Write a story or poem about January. January, the first month of the year, Is always celebrated with lots of cheer. New hope and goals are made As the previous year now fades. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt: Your Imagination "My imagination makes me human and makes me a fool; it gives me all the world and exiles me from it." Ursula K. Le Guin What are your thoughts on this quote and to what extend does your imagination play a role in your writing? My imagination plays a huge role in my writing, especially my fiction. My imagination can definitely take me places I don't want to go too. On the other hand, it can be a tremendous help in problem solving. |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Write about unanswered prayers in your blog today. I think sometimes we all experience what we perceive to be unanswered prayers. I personally believe that God answers all prayers with a yes, no, or wait. The no's and the wait's are often what are mistaken for prayers gone unanswered. Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. I think this verse says a lot for this topic especially when we live in a fast paced, I want it now kind of world. Prayer prompt: Pray for the foster system, that it might be improved, and serve the children to the best of their abilities. Dear God, I pray for those in the foster care system. Let the system be improved and serve the children that need it the way they need to be served. Keep those kids safe and improve their situations quickly. In Jesus name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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If you could change anything about yourself physically what would you change? Why? I think I would give myself a little more butt. I have a flat one. LOL ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I realize that my life might not have been exactly the life I thought it was. But isn’t that the way for all of us? How much do we share ― even with our closest loved ones ― and how much did I keep hidden? How much was left unsaid across almost half a century? What about you, have you ever had these thoughts or similar ones? Will someone wonder what you've left unsaid? I think some people will wish I left some things unsaid. LOL I can be painfully blunt at times. I am always wondering what will be thought of me after I am gone. I hope that I have made the world a better place with my presence. Of course, there will be things that I had wanted to do that didn't get done. I used to think that I wanted to live my life without regrets, but then I realized that regrets are sometimes part of a life well-lived and lived to the fullest. They aren't the kind of regrets that say I wish I had done something. They are the kind that say, I wish I hadn't done that. It's the kind of regret that you learn from, the kind where you wish you had known before what you know now. I hope that makes sense. |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Do you have a tendency to self-sabotage? I think I do sometimes unintentionally. I know I can be very hard on myself. Sometimes, I am my own worst critic. Prayer prompt: Pray for those affected by the wildfires in California, USA. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you would help them get the wildfires under control in California. I pray for those who are losing their belongings and for those who are losing loved ones and pets. Help them to recover quickly from the devastation. In Christ's name, AMEN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Have fun with these random words: thirteen, mistakes, frequency, radical, abundant, grinch, and koalas. The Grinch stole the radical koalas from the zoo for the frequency of their mistakes and the abundant confusion regarding what people wanted for Christmas. All thirteen times, the Grinch had been blamed for the chaos that ensued. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blog City: Dear December, Please take your weather back. This is not what I ordered for the new year. Let this quote inspire your entry today. Dear December, Please, take your weather back. This is not what I ordered for the new year. I think you are a bit confused. There are people who wanted the cold and snow for Christmas, but please note that Christmas has now passed and we no long want the snow. Please, take it back. I am returning it to sender. Thanks, Marvilla |
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