Reading Luke 1:1-20 (NLT) ~Introduction, The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. We started this podcast on New Year’s Day 2020 at Luke 2:42, and now finish the book at its beginning in this time of Advent. The righteous life being blessed with more life. Not being able to have children is not necessarily because of sin in your life. The special relationship between parents and their children. Turning hearts of fathers back to their children. Malachi 4:5&6.

Reading Genesis 50:14-26 (NLT) ~Joseph Reassures His Brothers, The Death of Joseph~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Viewing God as someone who is mad at us for something we’ve done in the past. God does not hold people in their sins, humans hold themselves there. God is ever leading us forward. Forgiveness is the way forward. Believing the promise of God and wanting to go with God’s family.

Reading Genesis 49:29-50:13 (NLT) ~Jacob’s Death and Burial ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Not judging what is happening when we are not a part of the experience. A significant display of the impact God had on the land of Egypt through Joseph’s life and family. Jacob wanting to be buried with his father and grandfather instead of with Rachel. More than anything else Jacob wants to be in the family of God.

Reading Genesis 49:13-28 (NLT) ~Jacob’s Last Words to His Sons ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Learning more about the characteristics of the twelve sons of Israel. Joseph being the favorite son of Israel, and how human favoritism falls short of God’s great love. How what we are know for can be a place of our Identity. Dying to human labels of our identities and embracing the identity of being a child of God. No one can speak to your identity better than the LORD your God.

Reading Genesis 49:1-12 (NLT) ~Jacob’s Last Words to His Sons ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jacob’s last words to his children following the blessings over Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob prophesying of the Messiah coming from Judah’s line. The contrast between Reuben and Judah stepping up as leaders. Trusting God, stepping out in faith loving God, trying to live to please God, treating people in a way pleasing to God, learning humility. We don’t need to figure it out, God is telling us plainly.

Reading Genesis 48:10-22 (NLT) ~ ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Manasseh being named to forget, and Ephraim being named for fruitfulness. The Kingdom of God is upside-down compared to how the world runs. The unlikely character being used by God. Jacob completing his journey of making God his everything. Walking with God and being shepherd by God. They all had their own journey  but  the amazing love, faithfulness, goodness and power of God in their lives.  

Reading Psalms 38:1-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David being in the tension and being overwhelmed with the consequences of sin. The Psalm ending with a plea though many Psalms include reminders of God’s faithfulness and protection. The physical afflictions and negative experiences experienced because of sin. The sin gap created between us and God because of our choice to turn away and God’s holiness not being a part of sin. God is Jealously in love with you.

Reading Genesis 47:28-48:9 (NLT) ~ Joseph’s Leadership in the Famine Cont., Jacob Blesses Manasseh and Ephraim~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jacob still grabbing hold, claiming Joseph’s children as His own. Instead of claiming the blessing he claims Joseph’s children to extend the blessing. Every bit of us is redeemed through faith. There is nothing we can do, God has done it all, we just need to receive the blessing. 

Reading Genesis 47:13-27 (NLT) ~ Joseph’s Leadership in the Famine~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The continued blessings of God to those who surrender. The desperation of the people willing to sell themselves into slavery. Joseph’s leadership caring for the people, not being oppressive. Being distracted by the famine may cause you to miss what God is doing. Being willing to give up everything for the love of God, and entering the blessing, receiving the provision and security.

Reading Genesis 46:26-47:12 (NLT) ~ Jacob’s Journey to Egypt Cont., Jacob’s Family Arrives in Goshen, Jacob Blesses Pharaoh~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jacob losing sight of the goodness of God and his ability to trust God in his inability to progress in the grieving process. I experience anxiety when I am unable to set all my fears at the feet of Jesus. Letting go of the things we cling to, dying to those things allows us to live. The extended blessing of God.