Title: What will happen to our children if we do not set the example but rather choose to live in Canaan.
S:Gen. 37:17-18 So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.
O:These brothers have not grown up with religious instruction or morals but rather in a heathen atmosphere. They have no conscience about killing their younger brother just because they are jealous of him. Just because the land is good in Canaan and in the area of Sheschem and good fertile soil - Jacob stays there just like his father did. But the cost to his family will be not worth the financial gain.
(A) What do we do just because it makes us a living and is convenient - do we also live in Canaan - and is our family affected. For me to live in God's country would be to be involved in the church and caring for the needs of others more so that my children can see that life is not narcissistic.
(P) Thanks for helping me commit to a little more at church - very small endeavor but a beginning. Also help me get some language courses. Must live by example - not in Canaan.
Title: The double standard
S: Gen 38:24 "Tamar is guilty of prostitution and as a result she is now pregnant. Judah said, "Bring her out and have her burned to death."
(O)There always seems to be a double standard in the old testament - okay for the man to have prostitutes or several wives and concubines but should a woman have anyone except her husband's brother if her husband dies than she is to be put to death. Judah thought he visited a prostitute but really he impregnated his daughter-in-law that should have been given to her dead husband's brother to carry on the family name. I see that the carrying on the family name is more important than anything but the thought of burning a woman for having sex but doing nothing to the man seems odd to me --- but this is a different time.
(A) So many countries treat women differently than we do in the western world. The people of Iran are afraid that western influence will turn their young girls into Britney Spears and we look at veiled women and think that they are completely downtrodden and need to be rescued. Jesus treated people equally however what other cultures do not realize is that not all people living in a Christian culture is a Christian.
(P)That women of other cultures will find out that embracing Christianity does not mean embracing immorality.
Luke 15
The parables - the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son.
(S) Luke 15:20 "So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."
(O) This is the story of the prodical son who goes off to seek his fortune in the sin of the world. I have 4 sons and I really understand this story - my husband and wait - just like this father for the return to you God but how much more do you wait -- for each one to come back to you.
(A) The verse about the son says "he came to his senses" - it is hard to watch the process of learning that you are God - the almighty and you are waiting for each son or daughter to "come to his senses". It is a good thing you are waiting.
(P)Bring them back please Lord.
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