Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 43-45; Matthew 12:24-50

In Chapter 45 of Genesis, Joseph is preparing his brothers for their return trip to Canaan to get their father, Jacob, and their families and ride out the rest of the 7 year famine in the land of Egypt. No doubt all these changes would be troublesome for these humbled brothers. Perhaps on the way back they might lose heart or be overcome by their fears of Joseph's wrath against them. In verse 24 we read:

24 So he sent his brothers away, and they departed; and he said to them, "See that you do not become troubled along the way."

The word for "troubled" is "ragaz and Strong's Hebrew Dictionary says:

7264 ragaz (raw-gaz'); a primitive root; to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear): KJV-- be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth.

God may be saying to some of you right now, "The way may be rough and filled with danger and discouragement - but don't lose it - I will see you thru!"

See that you not become troubled along your way! As God had a plan for Jacob and his son's, so He has a plan for you and I. Don't lose it or throw in the towel because the way is hard. Keep walking close to your Lord as you traverse your own route which one day will end up in Heaven.

Ps 116:5-9
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.
7 Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

On the home front, Joyce had 4 pretty good days in a row this week. This evening she got a little sick but overall she is managing her pain better and has been eating better.

At church we have had prayer meetings every nite this week. God has been stirring the hearts of many in our body. Join us tomorrow nite (Friday) if you can as we continue our week of prayer and focus on our missionaries and foreign churches and ministries we support.

Blessings!

Pat