Author: dgould77

“Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.” v11-12
Moses tried to make sure no one was watching before he killed the Egyptian. But as it turned out, someone did see, and Moses had to flee the country. Sometimes we mistakenly think we can get away with doing wrong if no one sees or catches us. Sooner or later, however, doing wrong will catch up with us as it did with Moses. Even if we are not caught in this life, we will still have to face God and his evaluation of actions.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

?Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, ‘Look, the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than we are. We must make a plan to keep them from growing even more. If we don’t, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country.’
So the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves. They appointed brutal slave drivers over them, hoping to wear them down with crushing labor. They forced them to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king.” v1:8-11
New King, New Laws, New Baby! The freedom the Israelites once had with Joseph has now been turned into slavery upon his death. They are being worked over by the eygptians, who are fearful of their ability to out number them. Things seem tense and laws are being passed to kill baby boys. Sounds pretty crazy! Its times like these that we are bale to see God in a big way. He seems to step into our chaos and provide guidance and deliverance. When things get tough, do i remain faithful or faithless? When things are chaotic, do I invite God into the situation, or try to do it on my own?

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

“Then Jacob called together all his sons and said, “Gather around me, and I will tell you what will happen to each of you in the days to come.” v1
Jacob blessed each of his sons and then made a prediction about each one’s future. The way the men had lived played and important part in Jacob’s blessing and prophecy. Our past also affects our present and future. By sunrise tomorrow, our actions of today will have become part of the past. Yet they will already have begun to shape the future. What actions can you choose or avoid that will positively shape your future?

Taken form the NLT Life Application Study Bible

“Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, ‘Out, all of you!’ So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace.” v1-2
Although Joseph’s brothers had wanted to get rid of him, God used even their actions to fulfill his ultimate plan. He had sent Joseph ahead to preserve their lives, save Egypt, and prepare the way for the beginning of the nation of Israel. God is Sovereign. His plans are not dictated by human actions. When others intend evil toward you, remember that God is still in control, “You intended to harm me but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so i could save the lives of many people.” 50:52

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

“So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. 34For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn’t bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!”
Joseph wanted to see if his brothers’ attitudes had changed for the better, so he tested the way they treated each other. Judah, the brother who stepped forward with the plan to sell Joseph, now stepped forward to take Benjamin’s punishment so Benjamin could return to their father. This courageous act convinced Joseph that his brothers had dramatically changed for the better.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

But the famine continued to ravage the land of Canaan. When the grain they had brought from Egypt was almost gone, Jacob said to his sons, ‘Go back and buy us a little more food.’” v1-2
Jacob and his sons had no relief from the famine. They could not see God’s overall plan of sending them to Egypt’s storehouses. If you are praying for relief from suffering or pressure and God is not bringing it as quickly as you would like, maybe He has something better in store than that immediate request?

Taken from the NLT Life Application Bible

“When Jacob heard that grain was available in Egypt, he said to his sons, ‘Why are you standing around looking at one another? I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise we’ll die.’” v1-2
Sounds like a family reunion! Little did the brothers know that they would be seeing the brother they thought was dead. Joseph could have easily said no to his brothers and sought revenge. Or he could help his brothers and family in their time need. How do you respond to people that have wronged you, but now need help? Do you allow them to suffer, or do you lend a helping hand?

Taken from the NLT Life Application Bible