Although the Israelites were living in the wilderness as a consequence of their choice to avoid taking possession of the “Promised Land” (Canaan), God continued to love them and provide for their needs. The Israelites sent a messenger to the King of the Amorites, requesting permission to pass through their territory, promising to stay out… Read More »
Canaan – “The Promised Land”
God provided a path, for the Israelites, from a life of hardship and servitude under the Egyptian government to a land that was favorable for sustaining life. A land that would enable the Israelites to reflect God’s presence and power. God told the Israelites to go in and possess the land. The Israelites wanted a… Read More »
Moses – Defended by God
God saw that Moses was a humble man as he performed his duties of leading the Israelites from Egypt through the wanderings in the wilderness. Miriam and Aaron (the sister and brother of Moses) were critical of Moses’ choice of a wife. The criticism of their brother extended to the special relationship between God and… Read More »
Moses – Loving God and Others
On Mount Sinai God provided Moses with what is often called the “Ten Commandments”. The first four state how to love God. The last six state how to love others. A right relationship with God and others results in a joy that sometimes is the opposite of our circumstances. [Bible: Exodus 20:1-17]
Moses – The Caregiver
God provided Moses with qualities that enabled him to be a caregiver and leader for the Israelites as they left Egypt and journeyed toward the “Promised Land” (Canaan). Although, the Israelites were unwilling to obey God, by taking possession of the “Promised Land”, God continued to love them and provided for their needs as they… Read More »
Moses and the Burning Bush
After years of shepherding the flocks of his father-in-law, Jethro, Moses was on the far side of the wilderness, near the mountain of Horeb, when he saw a bush that was burning; but was not consumed. Out of curiosity he approached the bush, to get a better look. As he drew nearer, God spoke to… Read More »
Moses – God’s Miracle Baby
Born into an Israelite family and destined to be killed along with all Israelite male babies, Moses was placed into a basket among the reeds along the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter spotted the basket and its contents when she went to the Nile to bathe. The older sister, of Moses, (Miriam) asked if the princess… Read More »
Joseph the Dreamer
Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, was gifted by God with visions of future events. Jacob was more than willing to share his visions with his brothers, who were less than impressed. On one occasion, his brothers saw an opportunity get rid of an inconvenient problem by selling Joseph to a caravan of traders on… Read More »
Jacob Meets Rachael
It was love at first sight. As soon as Jacob met Rachael, at the well, he knew this was the person he wanted to spend his life with. After fourteen years of working for Rachel’s hand in marriage, they were married. Meanwhile, God prospered Jacob by greatly enlarging his flocks. When Jacob returned to his… Read More »
Isaac Takes a Bride
Isaac’s father, Abraham instructed his servant to go to the land of his ancestors; and, by God’s guidance, arrange for a bride for his son. When Abraham’s servant arrived in Nahor, at the community well, he prayed for God to send His choice of maidens to the well and offer to water the camels. Before… Read More »
