Dear Student of the Word,
I trust that your year is off to a good start and that you are in the Word in these first few days of 2008. I am already enjoying my time in Matthew and hope you are, too. If you get behind in these studies, don't panic and don't give up. Every entry is posted to my Bible study blog and you can go back and catch up when I don't send a study for a week or two due to my own schedule. No one study is every based on the previous study, and I purposely don't even base each day's devotional on any previous day. Each day and week stand alone, so you can access and study them as you have time. And of course each study is geared to help you apply the Word practically, with relevant questions in bold to hel you skim and access the questions more easily if that is all you have time to do.
This week's study continues the nativity story and I wrote:
2:21&22 – Joseph did not delay, to his credit. He brought his family back home to Israel and at first considered going back to the area of Judea. He was afraid because Herod’s son was reigning in his place and Joseph felt that Jesus could still be in danger. So what happened? He was warned in another dream! This was the fourth dream that we know of that directed Joseph’s steps. I am glad that Joseph paid attention to this dreams, aren’t you?
As I have stated earlier, guidance should not be a problem for the believer. If your heart is to know God’s will, God’s heart is to reveal it. One key principle in releasing this dynamic is found in John 7:17:
“If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17).
If you commit to do God’s will before you know what it is, then you will know His will. It’s that simple. If you reject your right to veto what God wants and commit to do it no matter what it is, then He will move heaven and earth to make sure you understand what it is.
How clear are you concerning God’s will right now? If you aren’t, then perhaps you haven’t made a total commitment. I urge you to tell God you will do whatever He wants and then trust that you will hear:
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does (James 1:5-7).
I promise that God will not allow you to be led astray if you ask Him with integrity and sincerity:
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:11-13).
Feel free to add your comments to this week's study. You can do this and find the studies to Corinthians, First Timothy and Mark's gospel on the site where this week's entry is posted. You can also go there to sign up to receive each week's study.
Download this week's study: Matthew Study 2.doc
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As we start a new year, I ask that you consider a contribution to my purpose work around the world. I offer these studies I write at no cost and will continue to do so. It would be most helpful if you would consider a gift if you have found benefit in my work as you walk out your own PurposeQuest. You can make a donation using a credit card by going to my website and using PayPal, or you can send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Thank you for helping me do the work that I was created to do.
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