The Famine was Severe

‘He gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities. He stored food in each city from the fields around that city. Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped counting, for it was without number. ‘ Genesis 41:48-49

Spending time in nature

In our story today, Joseph had the task of gathering enough gran for Egypt to last seven years of famine. Today’s activity will help store up grain in our own lives. In today’s game, you’ll need several balls (Tennis balls, Ping Pong Balls, Golf Balls, Ball Pit balls) that can be grabbed easily by everyone in the family. If you can, try to get a dozen balls for each family member; if not, just get as many balls as you can. Put all the balls in a basket. You can either have someone read the below verses or write them on the balls and have the grabber look them up. Have the entire family form a large circle around the basket, leaving at least twelve feet between them and the balls. Each verse will have an action word in it; the player will have to perform the action, once they have, they grab a ball. Every few minutes, the caller will call out another verse. If the scriptures are on the balls, the players will have to look them up and do the “action” before they run and grab another ball. The goal is to get as many balls as possible and hide the verses away in your heart. The “clean-up” or bonus round can have memory verses you have been working on as a family or as individuals. With each verse you recite, you can bring a ball back. If someone ended up with more balls than the next person, they get to share more scriptures. These verses and thousands of others hidden away in your heart gives you a wave of peace here on Earth that can not be matched by any worldly thing.

  • Exodus 15:21
  • Job 30:12
  • Matthew 23:2
  • Psalms 68:16
  • Malachi 4:2
  • 2 Samuel 22:43
  • Galatians 5:16
  • 2 John 1:6
  • Jeremiah 51:38
  • Joel 3:13
  • Acts 27:43
  • Zechariah 2:9
  • Psalms 114:6
  • 1 Chronicles 16:9
  • Isaiah 11:8
  • Amos 6:4
  • Psalms 44:5
  • Job 41:19
  • 1 Peter 5:7
  • 1 King 3:14
  • Psalms 91:13
  • 2 Samuel 22:30
  • Psalms 119:3
  • Numbers 21:17
  • Psalms 139:5
  • Isaiah 22:19
  • Matthew 28:8
  • Revelation 14:15
  • Joshua 24:14
  • Ecclesiastes 3:4
  • Job 40:20
  • 1 Corinthians 9:24
  • Psalms 18:29
  • Isaiah 40:31
  • Job 48:33
  • Hebrews 12:1
  • Isaiah 58:1
  • Ecclesiastes 10:6
  • Deuteronomy 32:43
  • Luke 6:23
  • Ephesians 4:17
  • Luke 6:23
  • Joel 2:8
  • Galatians 5:7
  • Luke 5:3
  • Psalm 29:6
  • Malachi 4:2
  • Exodus 15:1

Tip

Knowing scripture helps us regain peace, a peace the world can not offer (John 14:27). He, Himself, is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). The God of 1 Corinthians 13 wants to put a new heart in us (Ezekiel 11:19). Memorizing scripture helps to fill this new heart.

Do Something Creative

For today’s craft, create a binder where you can keep all your favorite bible verses. With an Index Card Binder, decorate the cover how you would like, use thick packing tape across the artwork to keep it safe. Once the binder is decorated, write a few of your favorite bible verses on the index cards. Decorate the cards as you wich. Older children and adults can write down what the memory verse means in their life on the back. Continue to add to the binder as you come across new favorite memory verses. The Peaceful Mom recommended using Alphabet Index Dividers and categorizing the scriptures. The index cards you would turn to when you were angry would go under A. Creating a binder for your memory/favorite verses is an easy way to see how full of grain your storehouse is getting. I hope it gets so full that you will have to stop keeping records because it is beyond measure.

What you will need:

  • Index card binder
  • Index cards to fit binder
  • Hole punch
  • Stickers or artwork for cover
  • Clear Packing Tape to keep cover art work safe and in tack
  • (Optional) Dividers to fit binder

Family worship idea

For family worship, you’ll read Genesis chapter 41-42. The chapters talk about how Joseph went from being a prisoner to the second highest in the kingdom, and his first dream of the wheat bowing came true. Before you read the story, give everyone a ball of playdough and instruct them to mold the playdough into a replica of a storehouse/barn/granary to hold all the wheat gathered in Egypt. Be as creative as possible. Once you are done, there are several things you can talk about. The whole day has been dedicated to storing up the bread of life in our hearts. You can also talk about how Joseph gave the glory to God when he came before Pharoah. One point I will dwell on is, Joseph had his brother’s future in his hands. He could have easily denied them grain and kept them in prison for as long as he wanted. He wept when he knew the guilt they still carried after all these years. Joseph gave them the grain they needed to live. God freely gives us our daily bread, a life-giving bread. He freely gave us favor in the bread of life (Ephesians 1:6). Joseph did not take payment for the grain; he gave it freely. In this life, there is nothing we can actively do to buy or payback God. Our only win is to submit our lives to Him, to accept what He has freely given.

Personal thoughts

I think the idea of being able to buy salvation from God has been on my mind. God is never changing. He is the beginning and the end, The Alpha and the Omega. In Isaiah, The Father is petitioning us to come, come without money, come if you are thirsty, to just come (Isaiah 55:1, Again in Revelation 22:17). Jesus at the well told the woman she only had to ask for the gift, and He would give her living water (John 4:10-14). We are told repeatedly, we only have to ask; it will be given to us (Matthew 21:12 7:7, John 15:7, 1 John 3:22, Luke 11:9, 1 John 5:14-15, and so on). We were sold for nothing, and we will be redeemed without money (Isaiah 52:3). We began with God as He knitted us together (Psalm 139:13, Job 10:11, Colossians 2:2). He knows my end (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 193:16, Isaiah 46:10) and has paved the way for me to join Him in Heaven (John 14:6, John 3:16-17, Romans 8:32). What must I do to have eternal life (Matthew 19:16-26)? Keep the commandments. When Jesus spoke to the rich young ruler, He mentioned the second half of the law (except coveting). This half reminds us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus then asked the youth to join Him. This is His ask for us today. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” Titus 3:5-6. “‘What must we do, to be doing the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'” This too is a joy for me. God has literally done everything for me, all I have to do is believe in Him. With this belief comes a new heart, a heart that can love my neighbor, a heart that yearns for and misses God, a heart that is a safe place for the Holy Spirit to dwell. I can’t buy my salvation, because I have been bought. I can’t earn my salvation, because my works might cause me to boast. I can only love my God with all my heart, and my neighbor as myself, and both of these are fore filled when I believe in Him.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” says the Lord: “I will put my law in their inward parts, and I will write it in their heart. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ‘

Jeremiah 31:33

Additional Resources:

Where Joseph was Bound

‘The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. His master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did prosper in his hand. Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and Potiphar made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.’ Genesis 39:2-4

Spend time in nature

Joseph was assured in his ability to serve others in the name of God; he trusted in his footsteps and his ability to interpret dreams. He didn’t miss a chance to praise God or let others know where his heart’s focus was. For your nature activity, go for a walk. As you are walking, try to see things in nature you can praise God for. If you see someone walking their dog, praise God they have a companion. If you see a bird, praise God they can lift up their voice in a song even in the dead of winter. Try to spot the good we walk past every day. If you can leave behind something that will help bless someone else’s day. Try to find a GeoCache where you swap treasures. If you know, you can plant some seeds in public, sprinkle a few around so others can stumble upon them later. Hang a birdfeeder, or make a biodegradable one and leave it out for the birds to enjoy. Whatever you do, remember even simple things can bring joy to those around us.

Tip

Positive thinking has many benefits. One that cannot be ignored is it helps you find solutions to challenges you may be facing. When we focus on the negative, our brain has a single track. If we can, for a moment, or more, step away from the challenge and focus on something positive, the brain can process the situation. The positive affirmation doesn’t even have to be linked to the issue. It is like giving yourself a reset break.

Do something creative

This Sabbath create some mirror image paintings or if you are braver than me, an acrylic pouring painting. For the mirror image painting take a nice thick sheet of white paper and fold it in half. Open the paper and on one half randomly add small amounts of paint. Once you feel your painting has plenty of speckles fold the paper in half again and press the two sides together so the paint is transferred to the clean side of the paper. When you open your sheet you’ll have a random design. As you allow the paint to dry try to see if you can see an image coming out of the chaos. Once you find an image, use your paint brushes to trace it out and color it in. God might not be helping interpret what you painted the same way He helped Joseph interpret the dreams, but it’s still fun to exercise your imagination.

What you will need:

  • Thick white paper
  • Pourable paint
  • Paint brushes

Family worship idea

For worship, read Genesis 39 and 40. These chapters talk about how Joseph ended up in prison and what he did while he was there. If you haven’t finished your tie blanket, you can use this time to revisit it. If you have, use this time to refocus your mind and heart with praise. When we come up against temptation or hurtful individuals, it helps to remember you are loved beyond measure. As you read through the chapters, have the family create a collage of reasons to praise God. Have a stack of old magazines or print out dozens of pictures the family can use to represent reasons for praise. Glue the images to a sheet of paper and write messages of thanksgiving to God. If you would rather, the family can paint or draw their collage. Once you are done reading through the chapters, talk about how Joseph remained faithful even when things were hard. He kept his focus on doing everything to the glory of God, not because it was easy, but because the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love (Genesis 39:21).

Personal thoughts

Joseph was in prison because a single person accused him. Joseph tried to reason with the wife; he told her reasons why he would not betray Potiphar. In the end, he could not commit this sin to God. We are on earth because the opposer thought there was a better way than love. The only way he could prove his way was worth exploring was to lie. When Mrs. Potiphar saw she would not get her way, the only solution to Joseph’s rejection was to destroy the one person who knew the definitive truth. Her lie had just a touch of honesty mingled in it, so it was harder to question her statement. After all, she had the garment in hand, and there were probably witnesses that saw Joseph running and heard her lift up her voice. We live in a world where the facts can be shaded and greyed out with ease. There are witnesses who are smearing God’s character, starting with His law. Every way we measure ourselves is in the law. If the opposer can discredit one law he can bring God’s character into question. If he can convince us one law is flawed he can harm the soul (James 2:10). This is why it is so important to know the truth, not so you can beat the lie, but so you are not deceived. Potiphar didn’t fully believe his wife, had he, Joseph would have been killed. Instead of execution, Potiphar, the captain of the guard, had Joseph placed in prison. Even while he was in custody, in the house of the captain of the guard, Joseph helped the prisoners. Joseph did not want to be in prison, which becomes clear when he is asked the cupbearer to remember him. Yet for two more years, Joseph would work in the prison. Jesus’ character is on trial right now. He has sent The Comforter to move across the earth, searching for the heart that will open the door and let Him come in. God’s plan is that none would perish (John 3: 16), that all would have eternal life. God’s law is full of actions for us, not of ways to condemn others. There is not one commandment that starts with Your Neighbor Shall. Each law is how you measure your own actions. Each law is a reflection of a God that is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, and is not proud. Joseph would not waiver because he feared consequences; wavering put him in prison. Joseph stayed true to God because He loved God. 

Hiding His word in you ❤

‘Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehinnom. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. ‘

Matthew 10:28, 30-31

Additional Resources:

Love Thy Neighbor

”The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.’ Ecclesiastes 12:10-14

Spend time in nature

For an outside activity, see if you can walk on a tight rope. When we go to the park, it is unreal to see people making their way across tight ropes. I don’t have the balance. If you are like me and would rather stay a little closer to the ground, lay a board on the ground and try walking across it. You can also visit nearby playgrounds; there might be a beam you can use as a tight rope. Try balancing on several surfaces; can you find a log laying over a river. Look for other natural bridges or stepping stones. Be creative as you explore balancing in nature. If your stuck at home, lay down some tape or rods taped together. When God created the heavens and the earth, everything was perfectly balanced. Humans are not God. Being a Christian is not a tight-rope walk; it is more of a plowing motion. Humans direct their steps not by deciding they are good, but by focusing on Jesus. We need a compass to look forward to. Without a beacon, it is easy for our wondering heart to lead us astray. As you explore your balancing abilities, talk about where your focus is. When balancing, your focus is set on making sure your next steps are safe and secure. Walking with Jesus is the same. We don’t just start walking and hope we make it across some barrier. We lead our hearts keeping the focus on Christ. When a farmer is plowing a field, if they want straight lines, they focus on something that is ahead of them. They let a post or something stationary be their guide. Remember to let Jesus be your guiding post.

Tip

Balance training is a great way to be a better athlete. Having a strong core can also helps build speed and decrease pivoting time. As we maintain a balanced God filled life, it is easy to see how calibrating our compass helps us gain new perspectives through out the day.

Do something creative

Today’s lesson is about being a Christian who cherishes a life centered on loving God and loving your neighbor. In the States, Christians are being poor examples of the character of Jesus (1 Corinthians 13). Today’s creative activity is meant to encouraging loving our neighbor and leaving the judgment up to God (Psalms 82:8, 50:6, 75:7, Ecclesiastes 3:17, 1 Samuel 2:25, Job 21:22,1 Corinthians 5:13, Romans 2:16, and so many more). Today think of someone who needs to be reminded that they are loved. Secretly, or in-person, give them a gift to remind them they are loved. The gift can be anything you would like.

Gift suggestions:

  • A poem
  • A present
  • A meal
  • A Compliment
  • An outing
  • Time/listening

Family worship idea

For worship, give everyone two pieces of paper. First, write a special prayer for each person in the family; it can be anything. The prayer can be a short sentence or two. Divide the second sheet of paper into four to eight cards (depending on how many people you would like to pray for). Next, write a heartfelt, or prayerful, verse on each card. Mix the cards up and flip them over and write the name of a person you would like to pray for. Once all the cards are complete, flip them over again to show the verses. You can mix them or pray for the people in front of you. Now, read the Bible text and say a prayer for the person that was paired with it. Once everyone is done, talk about what the author of Galatians 6 meant when he called us to carry each other’s burdens. Suggested verses below:

  • Ephesians 1: 17-18
  • Philippians 1: 9-12
  • 2 Thessalonians 1: 11-12
  • 1 Peter 3: 8
  • Hebrews 6: 11-12
  • Psalms 119: 18
  • Psalms 90: 14
  • Romans 12:2
  • Philippians 4: 4-7
  • Ephesians 3: 16-19
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:5
  • Colossians 3:15
  • Hebrews 12: 1-2
  • Psalms 86: 11
  • Romans 6: 17-18
  • Romans 12: 9-12
  • Philippians 4:8-9

Personal thoughts

There are four ways to say love in the bible’s New Testament. When Jesus gives the “Two Great Commands” in Matthew, He asks us to Agapeseis our neighbor (Matthew 22:39). Agapeseis is to love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for, denotes the love of reason, or esteem. This commandment was, of course, pointing back to Leviticus. There, He asked us to “aheb” our neighbor as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). This “aheb” love is the same love Abraham had for Isaac. It is the love Rebekah had for Jacob and Jacob for Rachel. This love is the love we are asked to give to God. Honestly, when I started my plan, I was so angry that there are individuals claiming to be believers, that are being so hateful and destructive. I don’t want to be associated with them, at all. Over the last four years 2 Peter 2:21, has kept coming to mind. It would be better if these individuals didn’t call themselves Christians. They are causing possible believers to walk away from the bible. I started thinking about all the verses about fools and dogs (hence the banner, Proverbs 26:11 and 2 Peter 2:22 I’m so sorry). I was fuming and believed that they had a board in their own eye (Matthew 7:5) in the form of some idol worship for our president. I was judging hard, but I know God is the judge. He is the one who will rectify the wrongs. I am the one who is called to love my neighbor. To love my enemy (Matthew 5: 44-45), to feel compassion (Colossians 3:13), to stay calm (Matthew 12: 22-37, these are Christian acts. I still believe this group is pushing people away from salvation, but I also know that everyone is getting a chance to find their center. Above all else, I know these actions are part of the plan to bring us home.

Hiding His word in you ❤

‘But the house of Israel will not listen to you, for they will not listen to me; for all the house of Israel are obstinate and hard-hearted. Behold, I have made your face hard against their faces, and your forehead hard against their foreheads. I have made your forehead as a diamond, harder than flint. Don’t be afraid of them, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.” ‘

Ezekiel 3: 7-9

Additional Resources:

Joseph

‘Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.” ‘ Genesis 37:5-7

Spend time in nature

When Ruben went searching for Joseph, he didn’t know his brothers had already sold the younger brother to Ishmael’s descendants. Today try to put together a scavenger hunt that can represent Joseph, have each person take a photo with the found item (if you are hiding the items remind people to hide the object in a new place once they have found it and took their picture). What can you find in nature that can represent Joseph’s coat of many colors, or you can hide something to represent a the coat. See if you can find something that looks like, or hide, 11 stars. Can you find something that looks like a moon, and take a picture with the sun to your back. Is there a grain field or something that looks like a grain store house, or you can hid a beg of flour. Take a picture standing behind several trees that looks like a small jail cell. Can you find something that looks like a scale, or another household object Joseph might have used? Find, or hide, a scepter Joseph might have used as ruler. Finding a golden cup in nature, or even in the house, might be hard so find something that can represent a cup. No matter what you put on your scavenger hunt try to make it fun for the whole family.

Tip

Remember one great tool to have when participating in a scavenger hunt is the gift of great eye sight. One way to keep your eye safe when playing outside is to wear sunglasses.

Do something creative

For the Sabbath craft, create a dream catcher. The directions are difficult to simply explain. You’ll start by tacking the string to the hoop. Once the string is tacked to the hoop, loop the string around the hoop some distance from where it is tacked. Continue looping the string around the loop leaving just a small space between the last loop. Once the string is looped again and again and makes it back to the place where the string is tacked, start looping the string on a second row. Loop the string on the first row of string, keep looping the string and creating rows until your string runs out. You should have something that looks like a spiders web. As your adding rows you can add a bead occasionally for decoration.

What you will need:

  • A hoop
  • Yarn/ string
  • Beads (optional)
  • Feathers (optional)

Family worship idea

For worship, have the family create a tie blanket together. If you make a blanket the whole family can cozy up with, you’ll need two yards of two different fleeces. Line the two fleeces fabrics together and cut along the edge of the blanket to make fringe. The fringe should be about half an inch to an inch wide, depending on how big the blanket is going to be. As you read Genesis 37, have everyone else tie the fringes together. This is a short chapter, so the blanket might not be done by the end of worship. You can work on it during your daily worship or over the next few Sabbaths. Once you are done reading, visit about the beginning of Joseph’s life. Has anyone in the family ever had to protect someone they cared about by bringing their actions to a parent? Visit about how God wants us to be honest. Visit about how even when we are prosecuted for doing what is right, God will protect us.

Personal thoughts

My apologies, this week’s catalyst was meant to be a strong start to a new year, but the pain being encouraged is so heavy. When reading through Dinah’s and Tamar’s stories, I thought I would combine them. So I started reading about Joseph. His story is the whole story of salvation. He was once clothed in a robe of many colors, but it was stripped away. He was a slave as we are slaves to sin. Joseph’s tunic was dipped in the blood of a goat, Jesus’ robe was stained with the sins of mankind. Because He took our stained robe, we have life eternal. He was a prisoner just as we are prisoners. He was brought before the land’s ruler. Pharaoh passed judgment on Joseph and gave him a new name and rule over the kingdom. Throughout Joseph’s life, he did not stray from God’s commandments no matter his situation. He is an example for us today. Joseph’s story is filled with life lessons.

Hiding His word in you ❤

He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Proverbs 28:13

Additional Resources:

Unto us a Child is Born

‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only born Son of God.’ John 3:16-21

Spend time in nature

This Sabbath the outside activity is going to look like a trust activity. When putting Jesus at the center of our worship we can learn a lot from the shepherds who was at the baby Jesus’ birth. They were in the field, watching their flock by night. Legend has it these shepherds were in the field hoping for and praying for the Messiah to come. As their hearts were longing for the coming Christ, an angel of the Lord came to them with news their hope had come, their prayers had been answered. Today’s activity is a practice for our listening skills. For the shepherds to recognize the Messiah would be found wrapped in lambs skin they had to have listened to prophets who had been a sleep for over hundreds of years (1Samual 2:34, 2Kings 19:29 & 20:8, Isaiah 7:11,14). Our ears won’t have to travel back in time, we’ll just need a blindfold and some space. For the activity one person will be blindfolded, then one or two people will lead them about twenty feet away from your starting point. Next everyone will return to the starting point, but on the way back those who can see can only speak to the blindfolded person. Once the group returns to the starting point take turns being blindly led and safely guided back to the starting point. As a family discuss what listening techniques you used. Did you just listen to the voice or did you try to hear what their feet were doing? Or did you try to listen passed them to the sounds around you that were familiar to those you heard being led away from the starting point? Did you notice changes in tone? God has a single message to us, “His love is going to safe us; our love for God and others will seal us for when destruction comes.” He has many ways of communicating this message to us. He has the bible, nature, our parents, church leaders, angels, if we allow it, He will surround us with this message, we only need to pay attention and “listen” to what he is sharing with us.

Tip

To listen is not equivalent to hearing. To hear someone you have to focus on the speaker (keep your mind from wondering), give them “nonverbal” cues to show you are listening (eye contact), and encourage the speaker with questions. We can also hear by watching a persons body language or listening to the tone of their voice.

Do something creative

For the creative time, think of a simple task that can very easily be made impossible. Our task will be to open and eat an unwrapped Hershey’s kiss. Such an easy task, but it is made impossible with a single rule. No one will be able to use their hands, to unwrap the chocolate morsels. After some time of trying to unwrap the pieces of goodness, we’ll talk about we should not put limits on God. God not only has every appendage at His disposal. God has the ability to create everything from nothing, He is the Alpha and the Omega. God could raise stones to sing out loud and worship him. He has no limits. Matthew 19:26 If the stars will kneel before Him so will I.

What you will need:

  • Bag of Hershey’s kisses

Family worship idea

For family worship string white lights on the ceiling of your worship room. Everyone will sit on the floor in a circle wrapped in their favorite cozy blanket. If you feel reading by candle light will help set the tone, have a candle for each person. Read Isaiah 7:14-16, Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46-55, Luke 1:67-79, Luke 2: 1-20, Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 1:67-79 and Daniel 7: 13-14. When you’re all done talk about what Luke 1:76-79 means, how has Jesus prepared the way for the Lord? How has Jesus guided your feet into the way of peace and out of darkness? From the time Christ was born to a moment on the cross, God the father had a constant connection with Him. He saw the baby grow, witnessed His first steps, heard His first words. This was His only born Son. At Christ’s Baptism, what did the Father mean when He said He was proud of His Son? Will, we ever know the strength it must have taken to lower our child that low? To put them in such danger? I hope not.

Personal thoughts

When thinking about the birth of Christ there are so many things to revel in. What did the angels think when they saw their king as a humble infant? How many people went to see the Messiah after they heard the excitement from the shepherds? What thoughts of love must the tiny baby Jesus had when gazing up at His earthly parents? I hope I am like the shepherds. I hope that one day I am in the field where the harvest is plenty and the labors are few. I hope I am keeping watch over my flock. I hope I am watching with anticipation for the Messiah when I am surrounded by darkness. I don’t know when the savior of the world will return to earth but I hope the whole field is harvested. In the bible growers were meant to leave some corners of their fields unharvested, and anything they didn’t harvest passing through the field the fist time was to be left. This grain was meant for those who had nothing. The owner of the field would do this in obedience because he only had what God had given him. Where the harvest is full, God owns the whole entire field. Everything belongs to Him. There is room in God’s storehouse not only for the corners of the field that are meant for the humble and hungry. There is room for the laborers to bring in every dropped grain. The harvest will be so great, there will be grains as uncountable as the stars in the heavens. Once the darnel weeds are cast out all the wheat will be gathered into the barn. What a celebration that will be.

Hiding His word in you ❤

‘But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the mikveh of rebirth and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus the Messiah our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ‘

Titus 3:4-7

Additional Resources:

I Have Enough

‘He said, “Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.” ‘ Genesis 32:28

Spend time in nature

In nature, slow it down this week. Go to a park or for a nice hike and look for flocks of birds. See if you can capture a couple of images or videos of birds taking flight as a group. See how they move through the air with unbelievable synchronization. They don’t chatter or command as they move, that we know of. They communicate in some unheard way. Once you get home, take a few strips of paper and write down a couple of locations on your property. Put the strips of paper in a container and have a “guide” draw them out. Take turns guiding one another from one point, maybe the front door, to the drawn location. Think of different ways you can lead one another without speaking. In the story today, Jacob sent a message to his brother through another. Esau didn’t want to hear from the messengers and was intent on harming his brother. Still, Jacob was able to speak to Esau’s heart by sending the gifts before him.

Tip

People have had to communicate over rugged terrains, distances, lack of presents, and even generations. The human race has always been able to find a way. They may have started whistling, drumming, yodeling, or sending smoke signals to speak with someone over distances. Drawings can be found to warn of dangers when someone couldn’t be posted to tell every passer-by of what lays ahead. Images have also helped keep stories alive from generation to generation.

Do something creative

For the craft, create a family or individual banners. The Banner is to remind all who enter the house or a room that kindness is contagious. The Banner can say anything. If you need a little inspiration, read Genesis 32:10, 1 Kings 3:6, Job 6:14, or Hosea 11:4. Still don’t know what the Banner should say? Try using “Entering the kindness zone.” The Bible has many lessons on how kindness can change a situation. As Esau ran to meet his brother, he intended to cause Jacob harm. Legend has it that once Laban left Jacob at Galeed, he assigned his son to encourage Esau to take vengeance on Jacob. Esau was provoked by words and gathered 400 men and went to attack Jacob. After seeing all Jacob’s riches heart was changed. The Banner hanging over the door can serve as a subtle message to be kind when we enter the house or bedroom or whatever room it is hanging over. This assists us in becoming better siblings, parents, spouses, or sons and daughters. Cut out small “hearts” and write random acts of kindness on them. Put the “hearts” in a folder, or bucket, under the Banner. Once a week, the children can pick out a “heart” and practice being kind.

What you will need:

  • Butcher paper long enough to be strung across a door
  • Pencils and coloring pencils
  • Markers
  • Paints
  • Various crafting supplies (stamps, glue, construction paper, glitter (if you dare😧), and crayons)

Family worship idea

Before worship, take a couple of old socks, fill them with beads, beans, sand, any small particle. As you start the readings, tell everyone to hold their new weighted object up in the air until the story is finished. As you read, the particle-filled sock will start to become exhausting; everyone will most likely lower their arms. As their arms weary, have them lay down and place it over their eyes as you finish to read the story. The tiny weighted pad should be soothing over their eyes and be semi-calming. Read through Genesis 32 and 33. Esau was able to break away from Jacob’s control (Genesis 27:40). He expanded their father’s property, but he would leave it to Jacob. Like Lot and Abraham, the two brother’s herds would outgrow the land. Jacob, who is now Israel, could have come and demanded his blessings were returned to him, but he came with fear, with a pleading heart. Now the two brothers would find a way to grow together until a time when they would have to separate for the good of their flocks. Talk about how much joy Esau had when he saw his brother and new sisters and nephews and niece. Their reunion was such a blessing. The small weight can show how we too wrestle with God; we might take on a small part of our own salvation, but it can become heavy and hard to hold. Jesus asks us to take on His yoke (Matthew 16: 24-26). He reminds us that it is easy (Matthew 11:28-30). The small weight did not change, but by taking it out of our own hands and placing it over our eyes, the focus changes. When we look at the Cross, nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26).

Hiding His word in you ❤

For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12

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I Will Pass Through all Your Flock Today

Removing every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. This will be my hire. So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen. Genesis 30:32-33

Spend time in nature

Take a Sabbath walk along a trail where there are a variety of trees. Gather some sticks that would make great shepherd rods. If you have Plane Wood, Almond Wood, or Poplar Wood trees near, you can tell everyone they are using the same wood as Jacob. As you are walking, spot the precious creations of God, try to find the fingerprint of the creator. Once everyone has their stick, remove bark from the wood to create your own speckled and streaked rods. (We used a razor, younger children can paint the sticks or wrap them with thick cloth) As you remove the bark, talk about the life that once ran through the tree’s discarded limb. The roots of the tree seek out the water they might push over 200 feet through desert soils. The roots pull this water from the earth and distribute it throughout the entire tree. If the limb is broken and the flow of water is stopped, the tree still protects the remaining healthy limbs, but the broken or weak limbs can be thinned out. Remind them there will be a tree in heaven that will never be thinned. This tree will grow over the river of life and will produce a new fruit each month (Revelation 22:1-2). Try to imagine what this might look like.

Tip

In the Namibia desert, there is a tree given the name “The Shepherds Tree,” the benefits of this tree go far beyond cool shade for shepherds watching their flock. The roots of this tree have been measured to be as deep down as 230 feet.

Do something creative

For the craft this week, you might need to lay down an old sheet or painting tarps, depending on how far the paint splash might go. We just laid down some newspaper. With the canvas, lightly paint a dark background or a background that fades from one color to another. Take the old toothbrush and dip the bristles in white paint. Hold the brush over your canvas and move your fingernail down the toothbrush. This should cause a splattering over the canvas. On the dark background, the splatter can be made to look like stars. If you chose a different color pallet, try to use your imagination to create an image that fits. Start at 3:12 for ideas on creating a new starry night painting. Once you are done, talk about how even though the spots and streaks were random and created in chaos, you were able to make something so much better. God is creating something beautiful in your life, even though you are spotted and speckled. 

What you will need:

  • Canvas for everyone or a large one for the family
  • Various acrylic paints
  • Paint brushes (have one that is wide to help cover the canvas quickly)
  • Old tooth brushes/makeup brushes
  • Old newspaper/sheets to laydown

Family worship idea

For family worship, you will need a whiteboard/dry erase board and markers to go with it. As you are reading through Genesis 30: 25- Genesis 31, have the family write down all the things in the world that are not from God. Once you have read through the story, have the children erase each word/drawing from the whiteboard. You can talk about each erased item and remind them what God’s counterpart is to it. Once you have gone through each item, the board should be white. This is like our life; there are marks all over us that we can not see. Yet because of the blood of Jesus, one day we will be white as snow. Belief in the Father will cause us to be like a shining star. Though Jacob was blessed by God, he felt aversion from his in-laws. Once Jacob was on his way to the promised land, God had kept Laban from harming him. Jacob could have stayed where he was comfortable, but he longed to make the long journey home. One day we too will start our journey home, but it will be as a moment because our heart will travel with joy and excitement and relief.

Personal thoughts

This story is full of so many important lessons, but I was consumed with a small concept found early on in the story. Jacob laid claim to the speckled and spotted sheep (Luke 5:32, Mark 2:17). He separated the animals and put three days journey between Laban’s solid color sheep and goats and his streaked and spotted herds. There will come a time when Jesus, too, separates His people from the world (Matthew 25: 31-46, Matthew 3:12, Matthew 13:24-30). He will gather us all together, and in a moment (in the twinkling of an eye), He will lift us up (1 Corinthians 15:52). He passes through the people keeping an eye out for those who have painted the blood over the doorpost (Exodus 12:13-28). Just as Jacob passed through the flock examining the herd for spots and streaks, our shepherd is searching us for a contrite heart (2 Chronicles 16:9, Isaiah 57: 15 & 66:2, Psalm 51:17). He will take the broken, humble hearts and make them whole He will cause them to be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18, Psalms 51:7). Jesus takes our spots away and places them on Him (Zechariah 3:3-4) so that none would perish. We no longer belong to the prince of this world; we have been bought and paid for with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). Our life is not our own but belongs to Christ. Jesus chose the spotted; He did not come for the righteous (Luke 5:32). If we know we can overcome sin on our own merit, the Holy Spirit can’t do the work God sent them to do. It is good to be a nice person, but we must always remember that all have sinned, all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This doesn’t mean we activate Jesus’ life-giving power by sinning; it means from conception (Psalm 51:5), our heart’s desire is for self (Jeremiah 17:9). We will know believers by their actions (Matthew 7:15-20). Believers who are of the world and can’t see their need for a savior can be counted among those who are part of the world (Matthew 7:21-23). Even among the Israelites journeying to the promised land, there were two and a half tribes that chose not to enter the land. God came to cover our sin; it is our choice to allow Him to wash us. It is our choice to buy from Him what He is freely giving.

Hiding His word in you ❤

‘“Come now, and let’s reason together,” says the Lord: “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. ‘

Isaiah 1: 18

Additional Resources:

How Fortune

This time I will praise the Lord, He has looked at my affliction, I am so Fortunate, I am Happy, I have wrestled with mighty wrestling’s and have prevailed. God has made me forget all my toil. The Lord has heard that I am hated. Now my bridegroom will be joined to the bride. God has given me my reward, He has endowed me with a good dowry, He has taken away my reproach, the Son of the right hand.

Spend time in nature

In the story today, we begin to see the beginning of a promise started with Abraham. Jacob’s family is multiplied. For an outside (or inside) activity, take a spoon and scoop up some sand. Count the grains of sand one speck at a time. Or Wait till the stars are visible and count each star. There is no doubt this will become a tedious task for everyone in the whole family. Change the activity to creating art out of the sand (If you are inside, you can draw a scene on a sheet of white paper with glue and sprinkle the sand across the sticky glue). Sand art can be a drawing with a stick or even a sculpture. If you chose to count stars, play connect-the-dots (If you are doing this inside, buy as many glow in the dark stars you can and randomly stick them to the ceiling). See what different shapes you can make if you were to link the stars together. Once the activity has been shifted, talk about how God’s promise for His people. They will be greater than the stars in the sky or the sand in the sea. They will be uncountable. Remind your family they are among those counted in this promise, but God will call them by their own name He has chosen for them. They will not be just a piece of sand lost in the sea. God loves them so much, He knows the number of hairs on their head.

Tip

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it. ~Revelation 2:17

Do something creative

For the creative activity, host a talent show. Have each person stand in front of the family with a small performance. It can be anything they want. They can read a poem, present a painting, complete an acrobatic handstand, or just give a wink and a smile. This is to remind them they are unique in their earthly family, and they are unique in their heavenly family. If you can, create a small stage for the performers to let their light shine.

What you will need:

  • A string and sheet or something to make a curtain
  • A lamp with out the shade or something to make a spot light
  • A microphone and stand or something that looks like one

Family worship idea

For family worship, pull out the Legos. As you read Genesis 29 to Genesis 30:1-24 and Genesis 35:16-18. With each additional son, build a pillar. If you do not have Legos collect 36 stones and try making the pillars three stones high. Once you are done, you will have 12-Pillars, one for every tribe of Israel. Visit with the family about the gates of heaven (Revelation 21:12-14). These gates will be named after the sons born to Jacob (Ezekiel 48:30-34). One day a multitude greater than the sands of the sea will walk through these gates to join people from the beginning of time. As we continue to learn more about each pillar, we’ll see God’s mercy. At Mount Sinai, the descendants of the Pillars vowed to keep the commandments given to them by God. They forgot along the way what repentance was, but today we are blessed by their descendants. I hope you are excited to walk through the gate adorned with the name of a descendant of Jacob.

Personal thoughts

When reading through the chapters I kept returning to Verses 2 and 3 of chapter 29. These verses were highlighted blue, this meant at some point when I read the chapter I wanted to know more about them. “When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37). For out of that well they watered the flocks. “They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). The Stone on the well’s mouth was large. So practice and observe everything (the Scribes and Pharisees) tell you but do not do what they do for they do not practices what they preach. They tie up up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” (Matthew 23:4). ‘Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the stone from the door and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. ‘ (Matthew 28:2-3,5-6). Jacob was confused by the time of day the herds were gathered together, they should have been watered and eating during the middle of the day? The shepherds at the well told Jacob the sheep could not depart and scatter across the fields until the stone is rolled away and they drink some water. In my life the stone has been rolled away and I can freely drink from the lifegiving water that proceeds from the Son of God (John 4:14). I can also return to the fields that are so ready for harvest.

Hiding His word in you ❤

Moses wrote all the LORD’s words, then rose up early in the morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain, with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Exodus24:4

Additional Resources:

God Almighty Bless You

‘He dreamed and saw a stairway set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven. Behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac. I will give the land you lie on to you and to your offspring. Your offspring will be as the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your offspring, all the families of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 28:12-15

Spend time in nature

This should be fun to do near any body of water or just using a bucket filled with water. You will need a plastic bottle, cut the bottom off and remove the cap. Once you are at the body of water of your choice take turns using the bottle as a hearing aid. Put the bottom of the bottle in the water. Where the cap was place your ear. Listen to the sounds under the water. Try to see if you can identify any specific sounds. While one person is listening a family member can stand behind the listener and make noise under the water with different objects. See if the listener can identify the object. This is not as easy as it sounds so listening to each sound before making the noise in the water can help the listener narrow down the options they are listening for. You can take two knives and rub them together, or play a toy drum under the water, or move a cooking utensil along something with texture. Bring a straw and see what blowing a bubble sounds like under the water. When Jacob was asleep he was able to hear God’s promise loud and clear. The thought of sounds traveling through water clearly has not crossed my mind. Just as we are able to distinguish noises through the dense water, if we listen carefully we can hear and understand God speaking to us. As always have fun and explore the world around you.

Tip

The way water is made up sound is able to travel through water at a faster rate than through air. A dolphins whistles in less than ideal conditions can travel up to 2km. The frequency of their call can go much further in open water.

Do something creative

For todays craft, imagine what Jacob must have seen in his dream. If you dream you know the image is not always crystal clear, sometimes it is dim or blurry around the edges. Try to create the stairway to heaven scene with chalk and a few items that are flat and have different textures. Take your paper and lay it over a crumpled piece of tin foil, or a textured wall, or the kennel, or barred shelves. Rub the flat laying chalk along the paper to create your image, as you do you will see the high points of your textured item will come through clearer. Create the image by using several textured surfaces.

What you will need:

  • Paper
  • Various colored chalk
  • Various textured surfaces

Family worship idea

For worship read through Genesis 28. Before worship pin a string of lights from the ceiling to the floor. While you read have everyone decorate a paper doll of themselves, if they have time have them decorate a paper doll of their family and friends that are not worshiping with you. Once you are done reading use paper clips or clothes pins to fasten the paper dolls to the string of lights. Talk about Jacob’s dream. Talk about the promises God gave Jacob. He said He would be with Jacob, that Jacob’s decedents would move across the world, that all the families of the world will be blessed. In Mark 16 Jesus reminds the disciples to go to all the world with the good news death has lost it’s sting because Jesus is risen. Through the Great Commission families across the world are blessed, all nations might believe. I love the last promise the most, God promised Jacob would return to the land of his father, just as He promises we will one day be gathered together in heaven. Jacob spent time in Paddan Aram, but God was good to his word. Jacob returned to the promise land with children, livestock, servants, and wives. He left and went to Egypt, but his final resting place was in the promise land waiting to hear the voice of Jesus say rise.

Personal thoughts

Jacob was on his way to Paddan Aram to find a bride, this would be the third bride brought from a land surrounded by idol worshipers to the land promised to God’s people. Sarah started her marriage and commitment to Abraham in Paddan Aram, they journeyed together to Cannan. Rebekah was brought to Cannan by the masters servant. Rachel (and Leah) would personally journey to the land with Jacob, the one who not only walked with a covenant, he also had the blessing first received by Abraham. Adam and Eve started on Earth with God they painted Earth’s first memories in direct fellowship with God. They will journey to Heaven with God. Others found themselves risen from their graves the day Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27:52). The one who once came to Earth to serve God made a way for saints that had fallen asleep. One day all heaven will come to Earth to bring all who believe back to heaven. We will make the journey together as a single family, people from all nations and tongues, angels and creatures, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All will be united in a way that can not be captured in a song, or displayed in a painting, or imagined with a mortal mind. This moment will be the start of an eternal life for so many. Hearts will be made whole, tears will be wiped away, dreams will be realized, and promises will be fulfilled. What Jacob saw in his dream was a glimpse of a journey we will all take one day. In verse 17 Jacob was afraid, and delcared how awesome is this place. Both emotions are described the same way in Hebrew, to fear, to revere, to frighten. We don’t know what emotion we will experience when the door to heaven is plainly opened before us, but we do know it starts with a reverence for, and belief in, God the creator of heaven and earth.

Hiding His word in you ❤

‘For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls, it was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.” ‘

Romans 9:11-12

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Obey my Voice

‘He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said, “Behold, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed. God give you of the dew of the sky, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and new wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers. Let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you. Blessed be everyone who blesses you.” ‘ Genesis 27:27-29

Spend time in nature

My child collects sticks so we have a couple around the yard. This Sabbath try a little activity that helps develop hand eye coordination skills. Find some flexible sticks and tie the top to the bottom, with some strong string, to make a circle. If you already have a few rings around your house you can use them. The goal of this game will be to stand a few feet away from the stationary rings and spear through a stick through the center of the ring. The bigger the ring the easier. Once the children have mastered throwing the stick at a stationary item, see how well they do hitting their mark when the ring is rolling. I have seen this game done with a ring that was about as wide as an index finger and with the spear thrower twelve feet away from the target. The more times you play the game the better your aim will get. When becoming soldiers in God’s army we have a single sword, the Bible, the Bible helps us to focus on God. Through study each day we see who our creator is and the foundation of His character. No matter how fast the outside world is spinning keeping our eyes on Jesus keeps us grounded.

Tip

Hand-eye coordination helps children track the movements of their hands with their eyes, this is essential for reading and decoding. This is not the first time studies have found physical activity helps in brain development.

Do something creative

Have you decorated a Valentines’ Day Box? Today create a Blessings Box you can keep all year. Take the wooden boxes and paint them uniquely for each person, let their imagination guide their paintbrushes. It is very likely they won’t look perfect, but it is a box to represent them and it’s okay to have imperfections. Hopefully, they will get excited as they create the box and add pieces of their interests sprinkled throughout the artwork. The best part about making the box a little more durable is throughout the year parents can write how the child has been a blessing or prayers for them and secretly put them in the boxes. On a certain day gather together and open the blessing boxes and read the messages inside.

What you will need:

  • A small wooden box for each child/person
  • Non-washable paints
  • Various crafting items
  • Hot glue and glue gun

Family worship idea

Before worship bless each child with a blessing that is uniquely created just for them. Shower them with reasons you are proud of them, ways they are independent of their siblings, and the characteristics you love about them. For worship read through Genesis 27, when Isaac blesses Jacob. Jacob obtained the blessing through deceit. “That is how the moral life is. We learn by making mistakes. We live life forward, but we understand it only looking back. Only then do we see the wrong turns we inadvertently made. This discovery is sometimes our greatest moment of moral truth. For each of us there is a blessing that is ours. That was true not just of Isaac but also Ishmael, not just Jacob but also Esau. The moral could not be more powerful. Never seek your brother’s blessing. Be content with your own.” Chabad.org Each child is loved beyond our comprehension, they are loved for their good traits, and despite their faults. God loves them so much so He gave up His own Son so He could see your children in heaven, so they could taste from the Tree of Life.

Personal thoughts

Isaac was going blind and could not see who stood before him, so he took advantage of his other senses. Isaac felt Jacob, he smelled the trickster, he ate the venison, because he knew he couldn’t trust his eyes and the boy sounded like Jacob. Isaac knew the voices of his sons so he was determined to make sure he was blessing his beloved son, but it was by faith Jacob was blessed (Hebrews 11:20). When searching for God we also should implore everything we have. The wisest man to live once said, “I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind. For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” Ecclesiastes 1:13,17-18. The closer we draw near to God the closer our character will become to God’s. It is inevitable we will see those around us as God sees them. We will see the road well-traveled, wide and smooth, and see the folly it brings. Our vision will be changed. Isaac allowed his own desire to override what his ears were telling him. He was deceived, but only after he convinced himself Esau was the one standing in front of him. Sometimes we allow ourselves to believe a lie because it benefits us, but we should measure everything against the word of God. And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11: 6 (Psalm 105:3-4) (Isaiah 55:6-7) (Luke 13:24-25) (Amos 5:4-6)

Hiding His word in you ❤

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8

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