May 15
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Don't ForgetHave you ever noticed that you tend to forget God whenever things are going so well for you in life? I've noticed this in my own life; when I have what I need, and get things I don't need, and am "fat and happy," then I tend to forget God. It's when life gets hard that I tend to turn back to God and ask, "Why?" The instruction to the Israelites was for them not to forget God when they enjoyed the blessings of a land they did not work...when they were "f… Read more »
May 12
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Our God is Close...but We Must Take CareThe God we serve is close to us...He hears us when we call to Him. Yet, we have work to do as well...the passage teaches that we must take care of ourselves; that we must keep our souls diligently. We cannot forget the things we have seen God do in our lives. We must tell our children of them. These two things go hand-in-hand. Our God is close and He hears us. And there are times when that won't seem true. And this is when we must "keep our souls" and remember God's histo… Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution The Mantle of LeadershipYou can hear Moses beginning the process of handing the torch of leadership off to Joshua, who would lead the people after Moses' death. It's intentional and clear. Leaders--we must be the same way with our young proteges. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Fear of God vs. Fear of ManIt's interesting to me when the fear of men trumps our fear of God. I've been guilty of this; my first thought goes to people...and usually after, then I begin to think about God. The Israelites nearly missed out on the Promised Land because they feared the inhabitants...the fear was misplaced, and it cost them dearly. Read more »
Apr 6
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution RemindersI think it's cool that God allows for, and encourages, us to have reminders around us of his commandments and reminders for us to be holy. What kinds of reminders do you use in your life? Read more »
Feb 28
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Complete ObedienceSometimes, as we read this, we think to ourselves, "Why all the detail?" But the phrase that keeps coming to the surface is, "as the Lord had commanded, so had they done it." These things were done in complete obedience to God...in every detail. Is the same true for my life? Read more »
Feb 21
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution We Have Christ's Spirit in UsJust this thought is amazing to me...Paul states that the Spirit of God knows God's thoughts. And we have that very Spirit living in us. Thus, we are able to know the thoughts of God. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution To Just Know Christ CrucifiedWhat would it look like to know ONLY Christ and him crucified? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Paul's BaptizingI think it's interesting that Paul only baptized a few in the Corinthian church...that means that the majority of the baptisms were performed by someone other than Paul. He planted the seeds...other watered them...others reaped the harvest. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution What Sets the People ApartMoses understands...and we should too...that it was God's presence with His people that made them distinct from all other people. We have the Holy Spirit inside of us...to set us apart...to make us different from everybody else on the face of the earth. We are truly a "World of Differents." Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Moses, a Friend of God & Leadership LessonsDespite all of Moses' failings and inconsistencies, he was a friend of God. He spoke with Him face to face, as though a friend. Moreso, in this passage we see the faithfulness of Joshua. Joshua was learning the best keys of leadership from Moses...the first great lesson would be that he must rely upon His God as he led the people. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution The Importance of RestAbove all...you shall keep my Sabbath. God places an immense importance upon rest. We would do well to honor his desires. Read more »
Feb 5
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Cherishing SinGod won't listen if we cherish sin in our hearts. For most of us, that's the only place we really can cherish sin...because we can hide it in our hearts; if you cherish it externally, people will know! Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution 14 daysI think God wanted the Israelites to keep the lamb for 14 days so they could grow attached. Thus, when the sacrifice took place, it would be personal. And they wouldn't just be going through the motions. As something of a pre-cursor to Christ...his sacrifice meant something as well. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Action VerbsThe people "cried" for rescue...God "heard" their groaning...God "remembered" his covenant...God "saw" the people...and God "knew." Read more »
Jan 30
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution How Many Times?I wonder how many times Jesus has called upon me to do something, but I've slept through it. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution IronicIt's ironic to me that Joseph was concerned about the blessing on the firstborn over the others...considering his history! Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution The PromiseHere, already, God promises to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Egyptians someday. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution More GraceThis is a cool, almost unnoticeable sign of grace. Even though you have sinned against me, leave your old life behind, for I have a better life for you here. Read more »
Jan 26
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Joseph's PromotionJoseph getting screwed by Potiphar and his wife led to his being #2 in command over all of Egypt. Another amazing picture of God's fingerprints all over our circumstances. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Pointing to GodJoseph is quick to tell everyone that God is the one working in him. He takes no credit. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution Bad SituationJoseph finds himself here in a bad situation...around Potiphar's wife with "none of the men of the house" present. I don't doubt Joseph's integrity...I am sure he didn't mean to put himself in that situation. But, as we can see with Potiphar's wife coming onto Joseph, nothing good can come from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution IntegrityJoseph does not lie with Potiphar's wife because he wanted to honor his boss-man and moreso, his God. Read more »
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution False RighteousnessIn light of all Judah has done that is less than righteous, he demands that Tamar be burned for her immorality. What a glimpse into his character...and moreover, this becomes Jesus lineage! Read more »
Jan 22
-
mynameisbrandon added a text contribution A TestimonyThe Psalmist says he waited on God, he prayed to God...and God took him out of a life of destruction and danger. He gave him a new life of strength and security. He gave him a new song of praise to sing to God. AND...the people saw this and feared the Psalmists God and put their trust in Him. This shows us the testimonial power of a changed life. Read more »