Podcast appearances and mentions of Jeff Struecker

Welcome back to the studio.  This is My Day of Play, where you're taken into the real events and actions of how it happens long before the process of editing or cleaning up.  The original purpose of these episodes was to give my broadcasting students something to edit, to practice with and to call their own.  Then I realized that you are just as important.  Share the reality of how it really went.  We begin things with NewNations chief Washington anchor Leland Vittert. Then we're off to conversation with producer Rich Hull and U.S. Army chaplain Jeff Struecker from the documentary Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey And we'll wrap things up with Alan Rudolph director of the newly restored version of Breakfast  Of Champions starring a very young Bruce Willis.  This is My Day of Play.  Completely unedited in the way of meeting the wizard behind the curtain.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Big Idea: The rescue mission was a triumph!Galatians 1:3-5I. Rest despite the battle around youGalatians 1:3Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ…II. Restored despite weakness inside youGalatians 1:4…who gave himself for our sins…III. Rescued despite the evil before youGalatians 1:5…to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father. To him be the glory forever and ever. AmenNext Steps: Believe: I need to be rescued from myself. Become: I will rest despite the battle around me. Be Sent: I will tell someone I've been rescued.Discussion Questions: Was there a time when your life was in danger? How were you rescued?Who stepped in during tough times to help you out?What does it feel like to need rescue?  What is your strongest emotion after being rescued?Can you repay a rescuer?  Explain your answer.Who do you know that needs a helping hand right now?What battle is still happening around you or inside you this week?Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you peace this week. 

Big Idea: Dad's love is different.1 Corinthians 4:14-21I. He challenges you out of your comfort zone.1 Corinthians 4:14-15I'm not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don't have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.II. He corrects you when you get off track.1 Corinthians 4:16-17Therefore I urge you to imitate me. This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.III. He calls out your sass.1 Corinthians 4:18-21Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?Next Steps: Believe: I surrender my heart to God the Father today. Become: I want to show God's heart to someone this week.Be Sent: I will invite someone to sit with me next Sunday.Discussion Questions: What do you most remember about your dad?  How has your dad's guidance shaped your faith?What specific teachings did your dad instill in you that impact your worldview today?In what ways did your dad's actions reflect his faith, and how did that influence you?Can you recall a moment when your dad's support helped you through a spiritual challenge?Do you see your dad's influence on how you live out your faith today?Pray for the Holy Spirit to allow us to demonstrate humility this week. 

Big Idea: Now Hiring:1 Corinthians 4:1-13I. Stewards to struggle against prejudice…1 Corinthians 4:1-5A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful. It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don't even judge myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. So don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.III. …to be slandered for faithful service…1 Corinthians 4:6-7Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn't receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn't received it?III. …and to suffer like the scum of the earth!1 Corinthians 4:8-13You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us—and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone's garbage.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to replace my selfish heart today.Become: Sign me up!  I'm willing to suffer as King Jesus did for me.Be Sent: I will be a spectacle to someone far from Jesus this week.Discussion Questions: What is your #1 trait for a great leader? Explain your answer. What resources has God given you stewardship?Give an example of how to display humility without calling attention to yourself. Do you have a weakness that God wants to use for his glory?How did you respond the last time you were mistreated?Is there any reward that would make a life of suffering worthwhile?  Explain your answer.Pray for the Holy Spirit to make you a spectacle to someone who needs Jesus this week. 

Big Idea: Will your life leave a dent on Hell?1 Corinthians 3:10-23I. Quality that passes the toughest test 1 Corinthians 3:10-13According to God's grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one's work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one's work.II. Setting your faith on fire 1 Corinthians 3:14-15If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire. III. Which way to the sanctuary?1 Corinthians 3:16-17Don't you yourselves know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and that is what you are.IV. Fooling no one but yourself 1 Corinthians 3:18-20Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool so that he can become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness; and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are futile.V. You have everything when you have Christ1 Corinthians 3:21-23So let no one boast in human leaders, for everything is yours—whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come—everything is yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.Next Steps: Believe: Today, I place my life in Jesus's hands. Become: I will spend my time and energy on what matters for eternity.Be Sent: I will live out my faith at work or school this week.Discussion Questions: What happens if you throw paper in a fire?  What happens if you throw silver in a fire?Will the most precious parts of your life survive a house fire? Explain your answer. Why should you “go' to church when the Holy Spirit lives inside you?How can it be possible for people to “deceive themselves” about their own faith?What part of your faith is missing in your life?What measure do you use to ensure that your life will leave an eternal impact?Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you how to impact eternity this week.  

Big Idea: You can't buy running shoes for your hands and knees.1 Corinthians 3:1-91. Only babies crawl on hands and knees  1 Corinthians 3:1-4For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, because you are still worldly. For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not worldly and behaving like mere humans? For whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not acting like mere humans?2.    Are you walking with God if you're still crawling?1 Corinthians 3:5-9What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's coworkers. You are God's field, God's building.Next Steps: Believe: I want to start my walk with Jesus today.Become: I need Jesus to help me deal with some worldly ways this week. Be Sent: I will work with God to push back darkness this week.Discussion Questions: Rate your spiritual maturity on a scale of 1-10. What would it take for your maturity to grow by 1 point next week?What mark of spiritual maturity are you working on right now?What role do your efforts play in your spiritual maturity? What roles does the Holy Spirit play in your spiritual maturity?Since you're God's field, what kind of crop is growing in your heart right now?  Explain your answer. Pray for the Holy Spirit to grow your faith more this week.

Big Idea: Can you read the mind of Christ?1 Corinthians 2:10-16I. Connecting with God at the spiritual level. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, since the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except his spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.II. Choosing which spirit you're following.1 Corinthians 2:12-14Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. But the person without the Spirit does not receive what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.III. Knowing that you know him.1 Corinthians 2:15-16The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, and yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. For who has known the Lord's mind, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.Next Steps: Believe: I need to meet the Holy Spirit for the first time. Become: I will get to know the Holy Spirit more this week. Be Sent: I want people to see the Holy Spirit at work in me this week.Discussion Questions: Who do you know more than anyone else in the world? Can you read their mind?On a scale of 1-10, how much deeper did your relationship with Jesus grow last week?Describe what makes you different than every other person on earth.Are all people spiritual?  Is it possible that some are not at all spiritual? Explain your answer. How certain are you that you know the mind of Christ?Name someone who is following the wrong spirit?Pray for that person by name this week. 

Big Idea: Only the Holy Spirit can translate the wisdom of the cross. 1 Corinthians 2:1-9I. He shouts its message through weakness. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God's power. II. He hides its message from the wise. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God's hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory.III. He reveals its mystery to those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:8-9None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived— God has prepared these things for those who love him.Next Steps: Believe: I realize my need for the cross today.Become: I will look only to the cross to fill my heart this week.Be Sent: I will explain God's mystery to someone this week.Discussion Questions: In your own words, describe God's reason for sending Jesus to the cross. When did you first realize your need for God's forgiveness?  Who helped you understand your need for the cross?What part did you play in God's predestination?Have you ever tried to explain to someone their need for salvation who doesn't view themselves as a sinner? What was their response?What is the minimum level of maturity required for someone to understand the message of the cross?What measure do you use to determine if a sermon is powerful?Pray for the Holy Spirit to remind us of the cross daily this week.

Big Idea: Is faith merely a crutch for weak people?1 Corinthians 1:26-31I. Embrace the demotion1 Corinthians 1:26-27Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. II. Kill your pride 1 Corinthians 1:28-29God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, so that no one may boast in his presence.III.    Make Jesus famous1 Corinthians 1:30-31It is from him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption —in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to give me new life today.  Become: I need the Holy Spirit to help kill my pride this week. Be Sent: I will put Christ's strength on display this weekDiscussion Questions:  How would you respond to someone who claims that faith is a crutch for weak people?  How often did you reflect on yourself compared to thinking about God yesterday? Provide a ratio.  In which areas of your life are you most likely to take pride?  How can you surrender that area of your life to Christ?  Does boasting in Christ mean you cannot feel good about your successes?  When did you have the opportunity to make Christ famous last week? How did it go? Pray for the Holy Spirit to teach us humility this week. 

Big Idea: No one wants to ride in a car with fighting children. 1 Corinthians 1:10-17I. We have a common family.  1 Corinthians 1:10Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction. II. We can't allow factions.1 Corinthians 1:11-16For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by members of Chloe's people, that there is rivalry among you. What I am saying is this: One of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in Paul's name? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say you were baptized in my name. I did, in fact, baptize the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't recall if I baptized anyone else.III. We all share the same mission1 Corinthians 1:17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect.Next Steps: Believe: I want to become part of the family of God today. Become: I repent of spreading lies or gossip today.Be Sent: I will serve Christ's mission this week.Discussion Questions: Did your family fight a lot?  If so, over what reasons?Since there is no division in the trinity, where does division among God's children originate?Do denominations honor God?  Explain your answer.Who did you last argue with about faith?Define gossip?  Is it a sin?  Are you guilty of gossip if you fail to stop it when you hear it?What happens to the time, energy, and resources when factions develop in the church?Pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you humility with other Christians. 

Big Idea:God can grow saints in any soil.1 Corinthians 1:1-9I.Every plant starts from a seed.1 Corinthians 1:1Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and Sosthenes our brother:II.Every saint starts from a sinner. 1 Corinthians 1:2-3To the church of God at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.III.Every strong tree starts from a struggling sapling.1 Corinthians 1:4-9I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in him in every way, in all speech and all knowledge. In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to transform me from a sinner to a saint. Become: I will allow the Holy Spirit to grow me toward Christ's likeness this week. Be Sent: I will put my faith on display this week.Discussion Questions: Describe the goal to which God wants to grow you. How did you grow this week? Do strong winds prevent trees from growing?  Do you look, act, and think more like a saint this week than last?Who started your growth as a follower of Christ?Name someone who you believe needs to grow in their faith. Pray for the Holy Spirit to use you to encourage their faith this week. 

Big Idea: Become humble or be humbled: which is more painful? Romans 9:30-33 I. Righteous through humble submission crushes… Romans 9:30-31 What should we say then? Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained righteousness—namely the righteousness that comes from faith. But Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not achieved the righteousness of the law. II. religious through human struggle ultimately!  Romans 9:32-33 Why is that? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written, Look, I am putting a stone in Zion to stumble over and a rock to trip over, and the one who believes on him will not be put to shame. Next Steps: Believe: I repent of my religious efforts and receive Jesus today. Become: I will surrender my troubles to Jesus this week. Be Sent: I will have my 1 Corinthians 11:1 conversation this week. Discussion Questions: Describe humility.  On a scale of 1-10, how humble would you rate yourself?  Does rating yourself automatically lower your humility rating? (Meaning, does talking about humility make you less humble?) How do you remain humble in a society that rewards pride? Is pride a sin?  Explain your answer using Scripture. What is the last great book you read about humility?  Pray for the Holy Spirit to allow us to demonstrate humility this week. 

Big Idea: Duty will either shape or shake your faith! Luke 6:46-49 I. Worship is worthless without Lordship Luke 6:46 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good. II. Stress will test your foundation Luke 6:47-48 I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn't shake it, because it was well built. III.  There's no safety where the ground shakes.  Luke 6:49 But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great.” Next Steps: Believe: I've been standing on the wrong foundation. Today, I need Jesus to change my life. Become: I will practice my bible reading every day this week. Be Sent: I will show an unshakable faith this week. Discussion Questions: Did you experience any stresses that tested your faith this week? What is your Bible reading habit (explain how and when you read)? How did you apply your Bible study last week? Did you have the chance to live out your faith today? If so, explain. Have you witnessed someone whose faith collapses due to life's storms? Do you know anyone claiming to love Jesus but not living by His teachings? Pray for the Holy Spirit to place someone on your heart for discipleship.

Big Idea: You have no home without the Corner Stone! 1 Peter 2:1-8 I. Getting milk from a stone 1-3 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good. II. God only builds from this stone  4-6 As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God—you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and honored cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame. III. You can't avoid this stone.     7-8 So honor will come to you who believe; but for the unbelieving, The stone that the builders rejected— this one has become the cornerstone, and A stone to stumble over, and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word; they were destined for this. Next Steps:  Believe: I need to become a newborn in Christ today. Become: I need to grow up into my salvation today. Be Sent: I offer myself as a sacrifice to God this week. Discussion Questions:  Was Jesus a stumbling block for your friends or neighbors last week? If so, explain.  What was your spiritual sacrifice to God last week? Be specific.  How can we assist each other in offering an acceptable sacrifice this week?  What is one thing you will eliminate from your life this week?  How will you do that?  Did the church influence your identity last year? Explain.  What actions did you take to be a better living stone for Jesus's church last week?  Pray for the Holy Spirit to help us demonstrate our faith before unbelievers this week.

Big Idea: Praying as Spiritual Warfare. Daniel 10:10-14 When prayers shoot straight to the heart of God. Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my hands and knees. He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I'm saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling. “Don't be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the last days, for the vision refers to those days.” I. Do spiritual work through passionate prayer 2 Corinthians 10:3–6              We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient. II. Do spiritual warfare through persistent prayer Lk 18:1-8  Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. “There was a judge in a certain town who didn't fear God or respect people. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.' “For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.' ” Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” III. Be a spiritual warrior through powerful prayer Rev 12:11  They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death. Next Steps:  Believe:  I prayed for Jesus to change me for the first time today. Become: I will lay open my soul before I pray this week.  Be Sent:  I will pray for one person every day this year.  Discussion Questions:  Who prayed for your soul before Jesus saved you? What was the last prayer that God answered for you? Can you describe how you engaged in spiritual warfare last week? Have you ever given up on your prayers because they didn't seem to make a difference? On a scale of 1-10, how passionate have your prayers been lately? Who will you pray for every day this year? Vow to pray for one soul this year.

Big Idea: The roots of God's tree grow so deep that no storm can topple it. Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. I. Jesus gives his strength amid conflict The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.  Romans 16:20 II. Jesus will settle your concerns “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful.  John 14:17 III. Jesus offers security amid chaos  Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Next Steps:  Believe:  I need Jesus to give me his peace today. Become: I will rest in Jesus's supernatural peace this week.  Be Sent:  I will be a person of peace this week.  Discussion Questions:  What does peace in your personal life look like? Provide 1-2 specific examples.  How can you nurture God's peace during times of conflict?  How does the biblical concept of peace differ from merely lacking war?  How can you make time for peace in your busy holiday schedule?  What is one action you can take to promote peace in your neighborhood this week?  In what ways was your faith stronger than your challenges last week? Pray for the Holy Spirit to make you a person of peace for someone in chaos this week.

Big Idea: Our son will serve as our brother and become our Father. Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. I. Our Son, the source II. Our Brother, the sample III. Our Father, the savior Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to save me from my sins today. Become: I will spend a few minutes focusing on my relationship with Jesus each morning.  Be Sent: I will serve someone like Jesus served this Christmas. Discussion Questions:  What is the most important Christmas tradition your family passed on to you? How will you focus your thoughts and your family on Christ this Christmas? In what way did you model your life after Christ yesterday?  What area of your relationship with Christ would you like to work on this week?  What influenced God to give you his greatest gift on the first Christmas? How can you let your community know about the love of Jesus this week? Pray for your relationship with Jesus to grow deeper this Christmas season. 

Big Idea: An Almighty King must be greater than your mighty problems.  Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. I. More mighty than your greatest enemy  Isaiah 9:4 For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as you did on the day of Midian. II. Mighty enough to make an extraordinary future Isaiah 9:5 For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. III. Might that lasts for ageless eternity Isaiah 9:7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this. Next Steps:  Believe: Today, I surrender my soul to the Almighty King. Become: I will turn my problems over to my Almighty Father. Be Sent: I will spread the word of my God Almighty this week. Discussion Questions:  If you could have more strength in one area of your life, what would it be?  Why? On a scale of 1-5, how well do you turn your troubles over to our Almighty Father?  What would you do with it if you had all power for one day? Do you find it hard to focus on eternity when facing pressing challenges today?  Explain your answer.  What is your greatest struggle this week? How did you rely on God's strength this week? Pray for the grace to trust the Holy Spirit when facing challenges this week.

Big Idea: Wise leaders are awesome… foolish leaders make your life awful. Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:1 I. Glory from gloom Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. II. Honor from humility But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. III. Light from darkness  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. Next Steps:  Believe: I will start following King Jesus today.  Become: I will follow the Holy Spirit entirely this week.  Be Sent: I will push back darkness in my city this week. Discussion Questions:  Who is the wisest person in your life?  What set them apart as wise in your eyes? Have you worked for a boss who negatively impacted the team? What are some examples of foolish leadership? How do you communicate your frustration with a foolish coach or teacher? Many people quit the team or company of a foolish leader. Why do others stay? How do you remain professional when working for a foolish boss? Pray for the faith to follow the Holy Spirit more closely this week. 

What does it take to be truly unbeatable as a follower of Jesus? In this episode of "Courageous Christianity with Richard Mendelow," join the host, Colonel Richard J. Mendelow (Ret) and his wingman Christy Mendelow as they welcome Jeff Struecker—a former Army Ranger, pastor, author, and host of the “Unbeatable” podcast. Jeff's inspiring story of faith and courage, including his role in the mission featured in "Black Hawk Down," challenges us to rethink what it means to stand boldly with Christ. How do you find peace in life's hardest battles? What's the cost of staying silent in a broken world? Discover how to draw strength from Christ to face life's toughest battles. It's not about avoiding the fight—it's about standing firm in faith. Step into the battle with courage and conviction. Tune in to hear how! If you'd like to learn more about or support Courageous Christianity with a donation and help in our efforts to equip Christian warriors for the spiritual battlefield, please visit CourageousChristianity.today. Courageous Christianity is a public non-profit ministry with a mission to equip Christian men for the spiritual battlefield in order to glorify God and create godly change. We give voice to the Courageous Christianity ministry with “Courageous Christianity with Richard Mendelow,” a weekly radio show and podcast that explores the intersection of our faith and the secular world. There are several ways you can get involved with our mission: Add this podcast to your library, rate it, and review it. Share this and all episodes with those who will benefit. Donate to help keep us on the air and sustain our ongoing efforts to provide teaching and resources to help men grow in their faith, become better leaders in their families, churches, and communities, and impact the world for Christ.  Every contribution ensures that our mission and voice continue to resonate far and wide, reaching and empowering more Christian men than ever before. To catch all previous episodes, to learn more, or to donate, visit CourageousChristianity.today. God bless and Semper fi!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Idea: Passing the torch takes steady hands.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 50:15-26 I. Hand off what God handed to you. 15-21 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.” So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers' transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.' Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when their message came to him. His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don't be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.   II. Thank God for the faith that was handed to you. 22-23 Joseph and his father's family remained in Egypt. Joseph lived 110 years. He saw Ephraim's sons to the third generation; the sons of Manasseh's son Machir were recognized by Joseph.   III. Only hand off what's most important.   24-26 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will certainly come to your aid and bring you up from this land to the land he swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” So Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath: “When God comes to your aid, you are to carry my bones up from here.” Joseph died at the age of 110. They embalmed him and placed him in a coffin in Egypt. Next Steps:  Believe: I need to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will show gratitude to those who shared Jesus with me. Be Sent: I will present my faith to someone this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Who handed you their faith? How did this happen? Who are you actively handing your faith to this week? Read Matthew 5:14.  What happens to a city that has no light?  What happens to a world without a gospel presence? If you could only pass one thing to your family and friends, what would it be? Did anyone encourage your faith this week? Have you thanked someone who influenced your faith this week? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone to pass your faith. 

Big Idea: Jesus turns a funeral into a birthday.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 50:1-14 I. The distance of death hurts. 1-6 Then Joseph, leaning over his father's face, wept and kissed him. He commanded his servants who were physicians to embalm his father. So they embalmed Israel. They took forty days to complete this, for embalming takes that long, and the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. When the days of mourning were over, Joseph said to Pharaoh's household, “If I have found favor with you, please tell Pharaoh that my father made me take an oath, saying, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me there in the tomb that I made for myself in the land of Canaan.' Now let me go and bury my father. Then I will return.” So Pharaoh said, “Go and bury your father in keeping with your oath.” II. We grieve differently. 7-11 Then Joseph went to bury his father, and all Pharaoh's servants, the elders of his household, and all the elders of the land of Egypt went with him, along with all Joseph's family, his brothers, and his father's family. Only their dependents, their flocks, and their herds were left in the land of Goshen. Horses and chariots went up with him; it was a very impressive procession. When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wept loudly, and Joseph mourned seven days for his father. When the Canaanite inhabitants of the land saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a solemn mourning on the part of the Egyptians.” Therefore the place is named Abel-mizraim. It is across the Jordan.   III. Go any distance to honor a dying wish. 12-14 So Jacob's sons did for him what he had commanded them. They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased as burial property from Ephron the Hethite. After Joseph buried his father, he returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone with him to bury his father. Next Steps:  Believe: I want to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will live for eternity this week.  Be Sent: I will show others that Jesus lives this week. Group Discussion Questions:  What makes funerals so painful? Have you ever spoken during a funeral?  If so, what did you say? Has death changed your family's dynamics?  Why? Read John 11:33.  What touched Jesus so profoundly? Are you attempting to live out someone's last words to you?  If so, explain.  What would your last words be to your family and friends? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus more on eternity tomorrow. 

Combat chaplains wear uniforms, but carry no weapons. And their service can involve the ultimate sacrifice. For nearly 250 years, in every battle throughout our nation's history, they've been there...quietly supporting soldiers while bullets flew by. Perhaps more than any other profession, diversity is their unique and inspirational strength because, while they may be Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, or Buddhist, when they're on the front lines of combat, they support and stand-up for soldiers of all faiths...and no faith.When the remains of prisoner-of-war and Army combat chaplain Emil Kapaun (perhaps the Vatican's next saint) are identified after 70 years, much of our nation is captivated by their journey home. As a younger former chaplain unexpectedly embarks on his own journey to greet them, he becomes inspired by the untold stories of the 419 U.S. military chaplain heroes who've given their lives for this unique calling. As the paths of these combat chaplains from different eras finally collide, we're reminded how the profound weight of history and the immense power of love can converge to produce a life-changing healing.Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey marks the first-ever co-production between Hollywood and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. It is notable for having Pope Francis grant the filmmakers a rare preview at The Vatican, followed by sneak previews at the Army's iconic Fort Knox, the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Big Idea: Only the Gospel creates flourishing from failure!  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 43:13-33 I. The conditions of flourishing. 13-21 Zebulun will live by the seashore and will be a harbor for ships, and his territory will be next to Sidon. Issachar is a strong donkey lying down between the saddlebags. He saw that his resting place was good and that the land was pleasant, so he leaned his shoulder to bear a load and became a forced laborer. Dan will judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan will be a snake by the road, a viper beside the path, that bites the horse's heels so that its rider falls backward. I wait for your salvation, Lord. Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels. Asher's food will be rich, and he will produce royal delicacies. Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.   II. The fruit of flourishing. 22-27 Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine beside a spring; its branches climb over the wall. The archers attacked him, shot at him, and were hostile toward him. Yet his bow remained steady, and his strong arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, and blessings of the breasts and the womb. The blessings of your father excel the blessings of my ancestors and the bounty of the ancient hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers. Benjamin is a wolf; he tears his prey. In the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the plunder.”   III. The length of flourishing. 28-33 These are the tribes of Israel, twelve in all, and this is what their father said to them. He blessed them, and he blessed each one with a suitable blessing.Then he commanded them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my ancestors in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hethite. The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hethite as burial property. Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried there, Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried there, and I buried Leah there. The field and the cave in it were purchased from the Hethites.” When Jacob had finished giving charges to his sons, he drew his feet into the bed, took his last breath, and was gathered to his people. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to forgive my failures this week.  Become: I will enjoy God's goodness, no matter my circumstances. Be Sent: I will help someone flourish this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Describe the basic elements of human flourishing in your own words. Who is the greatest example of flourishing that you know? Does God define flourishing in the same way as the human definition?  Explain your answer.  Are you flourishing if you're not emotionally or spiritually healthy? What impact do relationships have on a person's flourishing? Can you flourish without contributing to someone else's life? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you flourish in the Gospel this week. 

This past Sunday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, and Ryan Brown from Open Doors US talks about their work with believers who are being persecuted for their faith. Christian Briggs leads Hard Asset Management, INC, and offers thoughts on how the global finance world is greatly anticipating the outcome of the election. Finally, and interview with director Rich Hull and chaplain Jeff Struecker on a new film on veterans.

Big Idea: Forget being blessed - focus on being a blessing.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 49:1-12 I. Squandered future. 1-4 Then Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather around, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the days to come. Come together and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel: Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and the firstfruits of my virility, excelling in prominence, excelling in power. Turbulent as water, you will not excel, because you got into your father's bed and you defiled it—he got into my bed.   II. Swords of fury. 5-7 Simeon and Levi are brothers; their knives are vicious weapons. May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For in their anger they kill men, and on a whim they hamstring oxen. Their anger is cursed, for it is strong, and their fury, for it is cruel! I will disperse them throughout Jacob and scatter them throughout Israel.   III. Son of favor. 8-12 Judah, your brothers will praise you. Your hand will be on the necks of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the kill. He crouches; he lies down like a lion or a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah or the staff from between his feet until he whose right it is comes and the obedience of the peoples belongs to him. He ties his donkey to a vine, and the colt of his donkey to the choice vine. He washes his clothes in wine and his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk. Next Steps:  Believe: I want to be accepted into God's family today.  Become: I want to live a life that blesses God this week.  Be Sent: I will bless someone far from Christ this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Have you ever compared your gift with someone else's? How did you feel after the comparison? Has the Holy Spirit shown you someone He wants you to bless? If so, how? How did it impact your self-perspective when someone blessed you unexpectedly? Blessing someone often doesn't require money. How can your skills or talents bless others in need? Is it easy to identify someone who needs God's blessing if you don't feel blessed by God lately? Explain your answer. What is one way you can look for someone to bless this week? Ask the Holy Spirit to shift your focus to someone else this week.

Combat chaplains wear uniforms, but carry no weapons. And their service can involve the ultimate sacrifice. For nearly 250 years, in every battle throughout our nation's history, they've been there...quietly supporting soldiers while bullets flew by. Perhaps more than any other profession, diversity is their unique and inspirational strength because, while they may be Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, or Buddhist, when they're on the front lines of combat, they support and stand-up for soldiers of all faiths...and no faith.When the remains of prisoner-of-war and Army combat chaplain Emil Kapaun (perhaps the Vatican's next saint) are identified after 70 years, much of our nation is captivated by their journey home. As a younger former chaplain unexpectedly embarks on his own journey to greet them, he becomes inspired by the untold stories of the 419 U.S. military chaplain heroes who've given their lives for this unique calling. As the paths of these combat chaplains from different eras finally collide, we're reminded how the profound weight of history and the immense power of love can converge to produce a life-changing healing.Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey marks the first-ever co-production between Hollywood and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. It is notable for having Pope Francis grant the filmmakers a rare preview at The Vatican, followed by sneak previews at the Army's iconic Fort Knox, the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Big Idea: God doesn't promote based on seniority. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 48:1-22 I. Jesus offers an unexpected future. 1-7 Some time after this, Joseph was told, “Your father is weaker.” So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed. Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me. He said to me, ‘I will make you fruitful and numerous; I will make many nations come from you, and I will give this land as a permanent possession to your future descendants.' Your two sons born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt are now mine. Ephraim and Manasseh belong to me just as Reuben and Simeon do. Children born to you after them will be yours and will be recorded under the names of their brothers with regard to their inheritance. When I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way, some distance from Ephrath in the land of Canaan. I buried her there along the way to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). II. Jesus invites unworthy children into his family. 8-12 When Israel saw Joseph's sons, he said, “Who are these?” And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons God has given me here.” So Israel said, “Bring them to me and I will bless them.” Now his eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought them to him, and he kissed and embraced them. Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, but now God has even let me see your offspring.” Then Joseph took them from his father's knees and bowed with his face to the ground.   III. Jesus gives unearned blessings. 13-20 Then Joseph took them both—with his right hand Ephraim toward Israel's left, and with his left hand Manasseh toward Israel's right—and brought them to Israel. But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger, and crossing his hands, put his left on Manasseh's head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. Then he blessed Joseph and said: The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all harm— may he bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow to be numerous within the land. When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim's head, he thought it was a mistake and took his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's. Joseph said to his father, “Not that way, my father! This one is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know! He too will become a tribe, and he too will be great; nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a populous nation.” So he blessed them that day, putting Ephraim before Manasseh when he said, “The nation Israel will invoke blessings by you, saying, ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.' ” IV. Jesus offers an underserved legacy. 21-22 Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you back to the land of your fathers. Over and above what I am giving your brothers, I am giving you the one mountain slope that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.” Next Steps:  Believe: I want to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will trust God's hand on me this week.  Be Sent: I will push back darkness this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Do you work in a job where they hire family members?  If so, are people suspicious of promotions? What qualities do you think are most important to reward (promote)? Have you ever been passed over for a promotion?  If so, how did you handle it? Have you ever worked for someone who was promoted beyond their capabilities?  What was it like working for them? If you had several children, what would you look for in the one who takes over the family business? What criteria does God use to promote his children?  Back your answer up using Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus on your family's faith tomorrow. 

Big Idea: You will give away what no one can take from you.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 47:13-31 I. Your fortune and future. 13-17 But there was no food in the entire region, for the famine was very severe. The land of Egypt and the land of Canaan were exhausted by the famine. Joseph collected all the silver to be found in the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan in exchange for the grain they were purchasing, and he brought the silver to Pharaoh's palace. When the silver from the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan was gone, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die here in front of you? The silver is gone!” But Joseph said, “Give me your livestock. Since the silver is gone, I will give you food in exchange for your livestock.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for the horses, the flocks of sheep, the herds of cattle, and the donkeys. That year he provided them with food in exchange for all their livestock. II. Your time and toil. 18-26 When that year was over, they came the next year and said to him, “We cannot hide from our lord that the silver is gone and that all our livestock belongs to our lord. There is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. Why should we die here in front of you—both us and our land? Buy us and our land in exchange for food. Then we with our land will become Pharaoh's slaves. Give us seed so that we can live and not die, and so that the land won't become desolate.” In this way, Joseph acquired all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh, because every Egyptian sold his field since the famine was so severe for them. The land became Pharaoh's, and Joseph made the people servants from one end of Egypt to the other. The only land he did not acquire belonged to the priests, for they had an allowance from Pharaoh. They ate from their allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land. Joseph said to the people, “Understand today that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh. Here is seed for you. Sow it in the land. At harvest, you are to give a fifth of it to Pharaoh, and four-fifths will be yours as seed for the field and as food for yourselves, your households, and your dependents.” “You have saved our lives,” they said. “We have found favor with our lord and will be Pharaoh's slaves.” So Joseph made it a law, still in effect today in the land of Egypt, that a fifth of the produce belongs to Pharaoh. Only the priests' land does not belong to Pharaoh. III. Your dying desires. 27-31 Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the region of Goshen. They acquired property in it and became fruitful and very numerous. Now Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 17 years, and his life span was 147 years. When the time approached for him to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor with you, put your hand under my thigh and promise me that you will deal with me in kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt. When I rest with my ancestors, carry me away from Egypt and bury me in their burial place.” Joseph answered, “I will do what you have asked.” And Jacob said, “Swear to me.” So Joseph swore to him. Then Israel bowed in thanks at the head of his bed. Next Steps:  Believe: Today, I give my soul to King Jesus.  Become: I will focus on things of eternally importance this week.  Be Sent: I will help someone see the value of their soul. Group Discussion Questions:  1. Can you put your dying wish in one sentence? 2. What would you like others to say was your greatest contribution in life after you're gone? 3. What would you use to measure the value of your life? 4. Can a person's soul be bought or sold?  Explain your answer.  5. Read Matthew 13:44-16. a. What is the common price in both stories?  b. Does it look like the farmer and the merchant are sad about the price of the treasure? c. What do these stories teach about our time and energy this week? 6. Pray for the wisdom to focus your energy on eternity this week. 

Big Idea: Only Jesus can create a life brighter on the inside than the outside. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 47:1-12 I. Life is more than a nice home. 1-4 So Joseph went and informed Pharaoh: “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in the land of Goshen.” He took five of his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh asked his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants, both we and our ancestors, are shepherds.” And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to stay in the land for a while because there is no grazing land for your servants' sheep, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.” II. Life is more than a great job. 5-6 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have come to you, the land of Egypt is open before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They can live in the land of Goshen. If you know of any capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”  III. Life is more than health and old age. 7-10 Joseph then brought his father Jacob and presented him to Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many years have you lived?” Jacob said to Pharaoh, “My pilgrimage has lasted 130 years. My years have been few and hard, and they have not reached the years of my ancestors during their pilgrimages.” So Jacob blessed Pharaoh and departed from Pharaoh's presence. IV. Life is more than food on the table. 11-12 Then Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's family with food for their dependents. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to give me new life today.  Become: I will live for Jesus's glory this week.  Be Sent: I will offer someone life this week. Group Discussion Questions:  What is the ultimate goal of your life? How closely do your efforts today match the goal of your life? Do you know someone who has regretted how they lived their life? Can any career serve your ultimate goal in life? Explain.  What does age have to do with fulfilling your ultimate goal in life? If life is more than just possessions and providing the necessities, why do we spend so much time and energy on these two areas? Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the power to live for Jesus's glory this week. 

Big Idea: Why family reunions are always weird. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 45:16-46:34 I. Every family has issues. 45:16-28 When the news reached Pharaoh's palace, “Joseph's brothers have come,” Pharaoh and his servants were pleased. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and go on back to the land of Canaan. Get your father and your families, and come back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you can eat from the richness of the land.' You are also commanded to tell them, ‘Do this: Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your dependents and your wives and bring your father here. Do not be concerned about your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.' ” The sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had commanded, and he gave them provisions for the journey. He gave each of the brothers changes of clothes, but he gave Benjamin three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothes. He sent his father the following: ten donkeys carrying the best products of Egypt and ten female donkeys carrying grain, food, and provisions for his father on the journey. So Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Don't argue on the way.” So they went up from Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They said, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. But when they told Jacob all that Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to transport him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. Then Israel said, “Enough! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go to see him before I die.” II. There's no distance too far for family. 46:1-7 Israel set out with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba, and he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. That night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” he said. And Jacob replied, “Here I am.” God said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you back. Joseph will close your eyes when you die.” Jacob left Beer-sheba. The sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their dependents and their wives. They also took their cattle and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan. Then Jacob and all his offspring with him came to Egypt. His sons and grandsons, his daughters and granddaughters, indeed all his offspring, he brought with him to Egypt. III. You can't pick your family name. 8-27 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt—Jacob and his sons: Jacob's firstborn: Reuben. Reuben's sons: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. Simeon's sons: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. Levi's sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Judah's sons: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. Issachar's sons: Tola, Puvah, Jashub, and Shimron. Zebulun's sons: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. These were Leah's sons born to Jacob in Paddan-aram, as well as his daughter Dinah. The total number of persons: thirty-three. Gad's sons: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. Asher's sons: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. Beriah's sons were Heber and Malchiel. These were the sons of Zilpah—whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah—that she bore to Jacob: sixteen persons. The sons of Jacob's wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt. They were born to him by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, a priest at On. Benjamin's sons: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. These were Rachel's sons who were born to Jacob: fourteen persons. Dan's son: Hushim. Naphtali's sons: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. These were the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel. She bore to Jacob: seven persons. The total number of persons belonging to Jacob—his direct descendants, not including the wives of Jacob's sons—who came to Egypt: sixty-six. And Joseph's sons who were born to him in Egypt: two persons. All those of Jacob's household who came to Egypt: seventy persons. IV. Only one family that lasts forever. 28-34 Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to prepare for his arrival at Goshen. When they came to the land of Goshen, Joseph hitched the horses to his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, threw his arms around him, and wept for a long time. Then Israel said to Joseph, “I'm ready to die now because I have seen your face and you are still alive!” Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's family, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh, telling him, ‘My brothers and my father's family, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. The men are shepherds; they also raise livestock. They have brought their flocks and herds and all that they have.' When Pharaoh addresses you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?' you are to say, ‘Your servants, both we and our ancestors, have raised livestock from our youth until now.' Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to Egyptians.” Next Steps:  Believe: I need to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will become part of a group this week.  Be Sent: I will invite someone into my life this week. Group Discussion Questions:  When was your last family reunion?  What did the shirts look like? Is your family reunion worth traveling to?  Explain your answer. How do you handle family conflicts during family reunions?  How do you stay positive when dealing with difficult family members How can you pass on family values at a reunion? Explain. Is it easy to involve multiple generations at a reunion?? Pray for Jesus to show you someone who he wants in his family this week. 

Big Idea: The bedrock bottom of your pit is God's Mercy.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 44:1-45:15 I. Mercy is undeserving. 1-17 Joseph commanded his steward, “Fill the men's bags with as much food as they can carry, and put each one's silver at the top of his bag. Put my cup, the silver one, at the top of the youngest one's bag, along with the silver for his grain.” So he did as Joseph told him. At morning light, the men were sent off with their donkeys. They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Get up. Pursue the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Isn't this the cup that my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wrong!' ” When he overtook them, he said these words to them. They said to him, “Why does my lord say these things? Your servants could not possibly do such a thing. We even brought back to you from the land of Canaan the silver we found at the top of our bags. How could we steal silver or gold from your master's house? If it is found with one of us, your servants, he must die, and the rest of us will become my lord's slaves.” The steward replied, “What you have said is right, but only the one who is found to have it will be my slave, and the rest of you will be blameless.” So each one quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it. The steward searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. Then they tore their clothes, and each one loaded his donkey and returned to the city. When Judah and his brothers reached Joseph's house, he was still there. They fell to the ground before him. “What have you done?” Joseph said to them. “Didn't you know that a man like me could uncover the truth by divination?” “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed your servants' iniquity. We are now my lord's slaves—both we and the one in whose possession the cup was found.” Then Joseph said, “I swear that I will not do this. The man in whose possession the cup was found will be my slave. II. Mercy is uncompromising. 18-34 The rest of you can go in peace to your father.” But Judah approached him and said, “My lord, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are like Pharaoh. My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?' and we answered my lord, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy's brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother's sons left, and his father loves him.' Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him to me so that I can see him.' But we said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father. If he were to leave, his father would die.' Then you said to your servants, ‘If your younger brother does not come down with you, you will not see me again.' “This is what happened when we went back to your servant my father: We reported to him the words of my lord. But our father said, ‘Go again, and buy us a little food.' We told him, ‘We cannot go down unless our younger brother goes with us. If our younger brother isn't with us, we cannot see the man.' Your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. One is gone from me—I said he must have been torn to pieces—and I have never seen him again. If you also take this one from me and anything happens to him, you will bring my gray hairs down to Sheol in sorrow.' “So if I come to your servant my father and the boy is not with us—his life is wrapped up with the boy's life—when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hairs of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Your servant became accountable to my father for the boy, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will always bear the guilt for sinning against you, my father.' Now please let your servant remain here as my lord's slave, in place of the boy. Let him go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the grief that would overwhelm my father.” III. Mercy is overwhelming. 45:1-15 Joseph could no longer keep his composure in front of all his attendants, so he called out, “Send everyone away from me!” No one was with him when he revealed his identity to his brothers. But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and also Pharaoh's household heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But they could not answer him because they were terrified in his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please, come near me,” and they came near. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt. And now don't be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. “Return quickly to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: “God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. You can settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you, your children, and your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and all you have. There I will sustain you, for there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you, your household, and everything you have will become destitute.” ' Look! Your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin can see that I'm the one speaking to you. Tell my father about all my glory in Egypt and about all you have seen. And bring my father here quickly.” Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept on his shoulder. Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept, and afterward his brothers talked with him. Next Steps:  Believe: I need God's mercy for the first time today.  Become: I will face my pit to find God's mercy.  Be Sent: I will reach down into someone's pit this week. Group Discussion Questions:  When did someone last show you mercy?  Explain. Do you believe some people don't deserve mercy? Why or why not?  How does mercy impact your mental health?  In what situations do you think it's most important to show mercy?  Do you find it easier to show mercy to people closest to you- or just acquaintances?  To whom do you need to offer mercy this week? Plead with the Holy Spirit to help you feel a sense of God's mercy again this week.

Big Idea: Grace requires you to declare your guilt. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 43:1-34 I. You can't avoid it.  1-14 Now the famine in the land was severe. When they had used up the grain they had brought back from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little food.” But Judah said to him, “The man specifically warned us, ‘You will not see me again unless your brother is with you.' If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. But if you will not send him, we will not go, for the man said to us, ‘You will not see me again unless your brother is with you.' ” “Why have you caused me so much trouble?” Israel asked. “Why did you tell the man that you had another brother?” They answered, “The man kept asking about us and our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?' And we answered him accordingly. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother here'?” Then Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me. We will be on our way so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our dependents. I will be responsible for him. You can hold me personally accountable! If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, I will be guilty before you forever. If we had not delayed, we could have come back twice by now.” Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balsam and a little honey, aromatic gum and resin, pistachios and almonds. Take twice as much silver with you. Return the silver that was returned to you in the top of your bags. Perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also, and go back at once to the man. May God Almighty cause the man to be merciful to you so that he will release your other brother and Benjamin to you. As for me, if I am deprived of my sons, then I am deprived.”   II. There's no detour around it. 15-25 The men took this gift, double the amount of silver, and Benjamin. They immediately went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his steward, “Take the men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they will eat with me at noon.” The man did as Joseph had said and brought them to Joseph's house. But the men were afraid because they were taken to Joseph's house. They said, “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time. They intend to overpower us, seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.” So they approached Joseph's steward and spoke to him at the doorway of the house. They said, “My lord, we really did come down here the first time only to buy food. When we came to the place where we lodged for the night and opened our bags of grain, each one's silver was at the top of his bag! It was the full amount of our silver, and we have brought it back with us. We have brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don't know who put our silver in the bags.” Then the steward said, “May you be well. Don't be afraid. Your God and the God of your father must have put treasure in your bags. I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. The steward brought the men into Joseph's house, gave them water to wash their feet, and got feed for their donkeys. Since the men had heard that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph's arrival at noon.   III. Only through guilt can you get to grace. 26-34 When Joseph came home, they brought him the gift they had carried into the house, and they bowed to the ground before him. He asked if they were well, and he said, “How is your elderly father that you told me about? Is he still alive?” They answered, “Your servant our father is well. He is still alive.” And they knelt low and paid homage to him. When he looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother that you told me about?” Then he said, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” Joseph hurried out because he was overcome with emotion for his brother, and he was about to weep. He went into an inner room and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.” They served him by himself, his brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who were eating with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, since that is detestable to them. They were seated before him in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest. The men looked at each other in astonishment. Portions were served to them from Joseph's table, and Benjamin's portion was five times larger than any of theirs. They drank and became drunk with Joseph. Next Steps:  Believe: I need God's grace for the first time today.  Become: I need God's grace all over again today.  Be Sent: I will be an agent of grace this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Describe the last act of grace you received.  How did it make you feel? Did you have to admit your guilt last week? Why is grace often described as a gift? Which is the stronger emotion- guilt or grace? Explain your answer.  Do ongoing struggles hinder your ability to embrace God's grace fully? Does God ever tire of offering his grace?  Explain your answer from Scripture.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you feel free from grace this week. 

Big Idea: You can't outrun guilt.   In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 42 I. We're all guilty of something. 1-6 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you keep looking at each other? Listen,” he went on, “I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us so that we will live and not die.” So ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he thought, “Something might happen to him.” The sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, for the famine was in the land of Canaan. Joseph was in charge of the country; he sold grain to all its people. His brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. II. Guilt will always catch up with you.   7-17 When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan to buy food,” they replied. Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said to them, “You are spies. You have come to see the weakness of the land.” “No, my lord. Your servants have come to buy food,” they said. “We are all sons of one man. We are honest; your servants are not spies.” “No,” he said to them. “You have come to see the weakness of the land.” But they replied, “We, your servants, were twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no longer living.” Then Joseph said to them, “I have spoken: ‘You are spies!' This is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one from among you to get your brother. The rest of you will be imprisoned so that your words can be tested to see if they are true. If they are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!” So Joseph imprisoned them together for three days. III. It's a beast when guilt comes back around.    18-26 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “I fear God—do this and you will live. If you are honest, let one of you be confined to the guardhouse, while the rest of you go and take grain to relieve the hunger of your households. Bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be confirmed; then you won't die.” And they consented to this. Then they said to each other, “Obviously, we are being punished for what we did to our brother. We saw his deep distress when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this trouble has come to us.” But Reuben replied, “Didn't I tell you not to harm the boy? But you wouldn't listen. Now we must account for his blood!” They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them. He turned away from them and wept. When he turned back and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and had him bound before their eyes. Joseph then gave orders to fill their containers with grain, return each man's silver to his sack, and give them provisions for their journey. This order was carried out. They loaded the grain on their donkeys and left there. IV. There's only one person who can take away your guilt.    27-38 At the place where they lodged for the night, one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver there at the top of his bag. He said to his brothers, “My silver has been returned! It's here in my bag.” Their hearts sank. Trembling, they turned to one another and said, “What has God done to us?” When they reached their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them: “The man who is the lord of the country spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying on the country. But we told him, ‘We are honest and not spies. We were twelve brothers, sons of the same father. One is no longer living, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.' The man who is the lord of the country said to us, ‘This is how I will know if you are honest: Leave one brother with me, take food to relieve the hunger of your households, and go. Bring back your youngest brother to me, and I will know that you are not spies but honest men. I will then give your brother back to you, and you can trade in the country.' ” As they began emptying their sacks, there in each man's sack was his bag of silver! When they and their father saw their bags of silver, they were afraid. Their father Jacob said to them, “It's me that you make childless. Joseph is gone, and Simeon is gone. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything happens to me!” Then Reuben said to his father, “You can kill my two sons if I don't bring him back to you. Put him in my care, and I will return him to you.” But Jacob answered, “My son will not go down with you, for his brother is dead and he alone is left. If anything happens to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hairs down to Sheol in sorrow.” Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to remove my guilt today.  Become: I will live guilt-free this week.  Be Sent: I will graciously help someone find freedom this week. Group Discussion Questions:  What is your first response when someone claims you are guilty? Should we point out other's guilt?  Explain your answer. Can you make the pain of guilt worse by trying to hide it? How often do you remind God of your guilt? Should we try to hide our guilt from the people that we love? Did you live this week like you were free from the weight of guilt?  Explain your answer.  Ask the Holy Spirit to remove the burden of guilt this week. 

Jeff Struecker teaches on 2 Kings 5 in this Military Appreciation Chapel, using the example of Naamen to show how Christians can exercise humility and grace to represent Christ in halls of power.

Big Idea: Jesus's plan is far beyond your wildest dreams. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 41:37-57 I. Your efforts could never produce God-sized results.   37-45 The proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants, and he said to them, “Can we find anyone like this, a man who has God's spirit in him?” So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you are. You will be over my house, and all my people will obey your commands. Only I, as king, will be greater than you.” Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “See, I am placing you over all the land of Egypt.” Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, clothed him with fine linen garments, and placed a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, and servants called out before him, “Make way!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh and no one will be able to raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt without your permission.” Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah and gave him a wife, Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest at On. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt. II. Your palace is the place where God planted you.   46-52 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph left Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt. During the seven years of abundance the land produced outstanding harvests. Joseph gathered all the excess food in the land of Egypt during the seven years and put it in the cities. He put the food in every city from the fields around it. So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance—like the sand of the sea—that he stopped measuring it because it was beyond measure. Two sons were born to Joseph before the years of famine arrived. Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest at On, bore them to him. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh and said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and my whole family.” And the second son he named Ephraim and said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” III. You're part of God's mission to rescue the world.   53-57 Then the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every land, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. When the whole land of Egypt was stricken with famine, the people cried out to Pharaoh for food. Pharaoh told all Egypt, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.” Now the famine had spread across the whole region, so Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. Every land came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, for the famine was severe in every land. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today. Become: I will wait for God's perfect timing in my life. Be Sent: I will follow the Holy Spirit to push back darkness. Group Discussion Questions:  When was the last time you felt like you were part of something very important? If God has all power, why does he invite broken humans to be part of his mission for the world? Have you ever tried to work hard to “help God” out? What percentage of your prayers asked for God's glory in your community last week? Have you ever waited for God to change your circumstances before you started to serve him? Are you absolutely certain of your role in God's plan for humanity? Explain your answer. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to push back darkness tomorrow.

Big Idea: Transparency is the only way for people to see Jesus in you! In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 41:1-36 I. Have a faith that leaves a lasting impression.   1-8 At the end of two years Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, when seven healthy-looking, well-fed cows came up from the Nile and began to graze among the reeds. After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside those cows along the bank of the Nile. The sickly, thin cows ate the healthy, well-fed cows. Then Pharaoh woke up. He fell asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and good, came up on one stalk. After them, seven heads of grain, thin and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up. The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, full ones. Then Pharaoh woke up, and it was only a dream. When morning came, he was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. II. Have the character to give away the credit.   9-14 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I remember my faults. Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guards. He and I had dreams on the same night; each dream had its own meaning. Now a young Hebrew, a slave of the captain of the guards, was with us there. We told him our dreams, he interpreted our dreams for us, and each had its own interpretation. It turned out just the way he interpreted them to us: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.” Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and they quickly brought him from the dungeon. He shaved, changed his clothes, and went to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said about you that you can hear a dream and interpret it.” “I am not able to,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” III. Have the courage to speak hard truths.   15-32 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when seven well-fed, healthy-looking cows came up from the Nile and grazed among the reeds. After them, seven other cows—weak, very sickly, and thin—came up. I've never seen such sickly ones as these in all the land of Egypt. Then the thin, sickly cows ate the first seven well-fed cows. When they had devoured them, you could not tell that they had devoured them; their appearance was as bad as it had been before. Then I woke up. In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain, full and good, coming up on one stalk. After them, seven heads of grain—withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind—sprouted up. The thin heads of grain swallowed the seven good ones. I told this to the magicians, but no one can tell me what it means.” Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Pharaoh's dreams mean the same thing. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years. The dreams mean the same thing. The seven thin, sickly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind are seven years of famine. “It is just as I told Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt. After them, seven years of famine will take place, and all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten. The famine will devastate the land. The abundance in the land will not be remembered because of the famine that follows it, for the famine will be very severe. Since the dream was given twice to Pharaoh, it means that the matter has been determined by God, and he will carry it out soon. IV. Have the integrity to be a trusted voice.   33-36 “So now, let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this: Let him appoint overseers over the land and take a fifth of the harvest of the land of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. Let them gather all the excess food during these good years that are coming. Under Pharaoh's authority, store the grain in the cities, so they may preserve it as food. The food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine that will take place in the land of Egypt. Then the country will not be wiped out by the famine.” Next Steps:  Believe: I want Jesus to clean my sins today. Become: I will trust Jesus with my future this week. Be Sent: I will give Jesus public credit for my success. Group Discussion Questions:  When was the last time you had the chance to lie but didn't? Why not? How open and vulnerable were you with friends last week? How close are you to someone who isn't transparent? Would you rather hear advice from a distant expert or a totally honest novice? Explain your answer. Do you work in an environment that values honesty? Explain. What are some challenges you've faced when trying to be transparent in a professional setting? Pray for the courage to be transparent this week.

Big Idea: Forgotten doesn't mean forsaken. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 40:1-23 I. God is always faithful.   1-7 After this, the king of Egypt's cupbearer and baker offended their master, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guards in the prison where Joseph was confined. The captain of the guards assigned Joseph to them as their personal attendant, and they were in custody for some time. The king of Egypt's cupbearer and baker, who were confined in the prison, each had a dream. Both had a dream on the same night, and each dream had its own meaning. When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they looked distraught. So he asked Pharaoh's officers who were in custody with him in his master's house, “Why do you look so sad today?” II. God cannot forget.   8-15 “We had dreams,” they said to him, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don't interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph: “In my dream there was a vine in front of me. On the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, its blossoms came out and its clusters ripened into grapes. Pharaoh's cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand.” “This is its interpretation,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. In just three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position. You will put Pharaoh's cup in his hand the way you used to when you were his cupbearer. But when all goes well for you, remember that I was with you. Please show kindness to me by mentioning me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison. For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing that they should put me in the dungeon.” III. God will not forsake.   16-23 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was positive, he said to Joseph, “I also had a dream. Three baskets of white bread were on my head. In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” “This is its interpretation,” Joseph replied. “The three baskets are three days. In just three days Pharaoh will lift up your head—from off you—and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh from your body.” On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, he gave a feast for all his servants. He elevated the chief cupbearer and the chief baker among his servants. Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position as cupbearer, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand. But Pharaoh hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had explained to them. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. Next Steps:  Believe: I need to be forgiven by Jesus for the first time today. Become: I will trust God even when I don't see his plan this week. Be Sent: I will point someone struggling to Jesus with the week. Group Discussion Questions:  How do you maintain your trust in God's plan during challenging times? Do you question God's love when you're being treated unfairly? Have you seen evidence of God's plan unfolding in your life? How do you remind yourself to trust in God's perfect plan, especially when things don't go as expected? Can you share examples of times when you trusted God's plan and saw positive outcomes? What advice would you give to someone struggling to trust in God's plan for their life? Ask the Holy Spirit for strength to trust God's plan this week.

Big Idea: Jesus goes with you into the pit. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 39:1-23 I. Jesus is in control over the pit.   1-7 Now Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guards, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he did successful, Joseph found favor with his master and became his personal attendant. Potiphar also put him in charge of his household and placed all that he owned under his authority. From the time that he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house because of Joseph. The Lord's blessing was on all that he owned, in his house and in his fields. He left all that he owned under Joseph's authority; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. II. Temptation is waiting for you in the pit.   7-10 Now Joseph was well-built and handsome. After some time his master's wife looked longingly at Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.” But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master's wife, “with me here my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has put all that he owns under my authority. No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do this immense evil, and how could I sin against God?” Although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her. III. The pit can always get deeper.   11-20 Now one day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there. She grabbed him by his garment and said, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his garment in her hand, he escaped and ran outside. When she saw that he had left his garment with her and had run outside, she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “my husband brought a Hebrew man to make fools of us. He came to me so he could sleep with me, and I screamed as loud as I could. When he heard me screaming for help, he left his garment beside me and ran outside.” She put Joseph's garment beside her until his master came home. Then she told him the same story: “The Hebrew slave you brought to us came to make a fool of me, but when I screamed for help, he left his garment beside me and ran outside.” When his master heard the story his wife told him—“These are the things your slave did to me”—he was furious and had him thrown into prison, where the king's prisoners were confined. So Joseph was there in prison. IV. Don't lose hope in the pit.   21-23 But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor with the prison warden. The warden put all the prisoners who were in the prison under Joseph's authority, and he was responsible for everything that was done there. The warden did not bother with anything under Joseph's authority, because the Lord was with him, and the Lord made everything that he did successful. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to pull me out of my pit of sin. Become: I am in a pit. I need Jesus's presence in my pit. Be Sent: I will be Jesus's hands to someone in a pit this week. Group Discussion Questions:  When was the last time you were in a pit? Did anyone show up to help you or sit with you in the pit? How did your time in the pit affect your relationship with God? How do you identify God's favor on someone's life? In your opinion, is temptation more powerful in the pit? Have you ever suffered even though you did the right thing? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to face the pit with hope.

Big Idea: No faith is too weak; no family is too wicked for God. Matthew 1:1-3a This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar). In the Beginning: Judah Genesis 38:1-30 I. Things go wrong from the start.   1-5 At that time Judah left his brothers and settled near an Adullamite named Hirah. There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua; he took her as a wife and slept with her. She conceived and gave birth to a son, and he named him Er. She conceived again, gave birth to a son, and named him Onan. She gave birth to another son and named him Shelah. It was at Chezib that she gave birth to him. II. Wickedness runs in the family.   6-11 Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. Now Er, Judah's firstborn, was evil in the Lord's sight, and the Lord put him to death. Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother's wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and produce offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his, so whenever he slept with his brother's wife, he released his semen on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. What he did was evil in the Lord's sight, so he put him to death also. Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father's house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He might die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father's house. III. Don't frolic with foreign faith.   12-18 After a long time Judah's wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to Timnah to his sheepshearers. Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” So she took off her widow's clothes, veiled her face, covered herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that, though Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. He went over to her and said, “Come, let me sleep with you,” for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. She said, “What will you give me for sleeping with me?” “I will send you a young goat from my flock,” he replied. But she said, “Only if you leave something with me until you send it.” “What should I give you?” he asked. She answered, “Your signet ring, your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. IV. Why would God choose this family?   19-30 She got up and left, then removed her veil and put her widow's clothes back on. When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get back the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. He asked the men of the place, “Where is the cult prostitute who was beside the road at Enaim?” “There has been no cult prostitute here,” they answered. So the Adullamite returned to Judah, saying, “I couldn't find her, and besides, the men of the place said, ‘There has been no cult prostitute here.' ” Judah replied, “Let her keep the items for herself; otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send this young goat, but you couldn't find her.” About three months later Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law, Tamar, has been acting like a prostitute, and now she is pregnant.” “Bring her out,” Judah said, “and let her be burned to death!” As she was being brought out, she sent her father-in-law this message: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.” And she added, “Examine them. Whose signet ring, cord, and staff are these?” Judah recognized them and said, “She is more in the right than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not know her intimately again. When the time came for her to give birth, there were twins in her womb. As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand, and the midwife took it and tied a scarlet thread around it, announcing, “This one came out first.” But then he pulled his hand back, out came his brother, and she said, “What a breakout you have made for yourself!” So he was named Perez. Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread tied to his hand, came out, and was named Zerah. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to wash away my wickedness. Become: I need the Holy Spirit to make my faith stronger. Be Sent: I will not let my past prevent me from pushing back darkness. Group Discussion Questions:  Is it okay to learn about other faiths without damaging your own faith? Has one bad decision led to a series of terrible consequences in your life? Have you ever been ashamed of your weak faith? Have you ever tried to help God by taking matters into your own hands? When did you realize that your family didn't deserve God's grace? Do you believe God couldn't use you because of mistakes in your past? Pray for the courage to push back darkness despite your mistakes and failures.

Big Idea: The crushing weight of God's will. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 37:1-36 I. Joseph's pride and dad's joy burned his brothers.   1-5 Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. These are the family records of Jacob. At seventeen years of age, Joseph tended sheep with his brothers. The young man was working with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives, and he brought a bad report about them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was a son born to him in his old age, and he made a long-sleeved robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him. Then Joseph had a dream. When he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. II. Your dreams and God's dreams might be wildly different.   6-11 He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: There we were, binding sheaves of grain in the field. Suddenly my sheaf stood up, and your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” “Are you really going to reign over us?” his brothers asked him. “Are you really going to rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and what he had said. Then he had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun, moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He told his father and brothers, and his father rebuked him. “What kind of dream is this that you have had?” he said. “Am I and your mother and your brothers really going to come and bow down to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind. III. If evil worked the first time, does that prove it will work again?   12-20 His brothers had gone to pasture their father's flocks at Shechem. Israel said to Joseph, “Your brothers, you know, are pasturing the flocks at Shechem. Get ready. I'm sending you to them.” “I'm ready,” Joseph replied. Then Israel said to him, “Go and see how your brothers and the flocks are doing, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the Hebron Valley, and he went to Shechem. A man found him there, wandering in the field, and asked him, “What are you looking for?” “I'm looking for my brothers,” Joseph said. “Can you tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” “They've moved on from here,” the man said. “I heard them say, ‘Let's go to Dothan.' ” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan. They saw him in the distance, and before he had reached them, they plotted to kill him. They said to one another, “Oh, look, here comes that dream expert! So now, come on, let's kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal ate him. Then we'll see what becomes of his dreams!” IV. The dreamer tumbles down the rabbit hole.   21-36 When Reuben heard this, he tried to save him from them. He said, “Let's not take his life.” Reuben also said to them, “Don't shed blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but don't lay a hand on him”—intending to rescue him from them and return him to his father. When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped off Joseph's robe, the long-sleeved robe that he had on. Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty, without water. They sat down to eat a meal, and when they looked up, there was a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic gum, balsam, and resin, going down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come on, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh,” and his brothers agreed. When Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph to Egypt. When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. He went back to his brothers and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?” So they took Joseph's robe, slaughtered a male goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. They sent the long-sleeved robe to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it. Is it your son's robe or not?” His father recognized it. “It is my son's robe,” he said. “A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has been torn to pieces!” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” And his father wept for him. Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guards. Next Steps:  Believe: I need to start a relationship with Jesus today. Become: I will turn to Jesus when the world turns against me. Be Sent: I will speak up when I face evil this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Have you ever had a dream from God? Have you ever had your dreams crushed by circumstances out of your control? If so, explain. Was there a time when your family turned against you? How closely do your will and God's will align? Have you ever been criticized for sharing the truth? When was the last time you tried to stop something evil from happening? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you surrender to God's will this week.

Big Idea: Jesus always delivers on his promises even when we don't deserve it. In the Beginning: Jacob Genesis 36:1-43 I. You will be fruitful and multiply.   1-8 These are the family records of Esau (that is, Edom). Esau took his wives from the Canaanite women: Adah daughter of Elon the Hethite, Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite, and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath bore Reuel, and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These were Esau's sons, who were born to him in the land of Canaan. Esau took his wives, sons, daughters, and all the people of his household, as well as his herds, all his livestock, and all the property he had acquired in Canaan; he went to a land away from his brother Jacob. For their possessions were too many for them to live together, and because of their herds, the land where they stayed could not support them. So Esau (that is, Edom) lived in the mountains of Seir. II. You will father many nations.   9-19 These are the family records of Esau, father of the Edomites in the mountains of Seir. These are the names of Esau's sons: Eliphaz son of Esau's wife Adah, and Reuel son of Esau's wife Basemath. The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz. Timna, a concubine of Esau's son Eliphaz, bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These are the sons of Esau's wife Adah. These are Reuel's sons: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These are the sons of Esau's wife Basemath. These are the sons of Esau's wife Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon: She bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah to Edom. These are the chiefs among Esau's sons: the sons of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, chief Korah, chief Gatam, and chief Amalek. These are the chiefs descended from Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Adah. These are the sons of Reuel, Esau's son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, and chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs descended from Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Esau's wife Basemath. These are the sons of Esau's wife Oholibamah: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, and chief Korah. These are the chiefs descended from Esau's wife Oholibamah daughter of Anah. These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs. III. Seir, who?   20-30 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs among the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom. The sons of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Timna was Lotan's sister. These are Shobal's sons: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. These are Zibeon's sons: Aiah and Anah. This was the Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness while he was pasturing the donkeys of his father Zibeon. These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah. These are Dishon's sons: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. These are Ezer's sons: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. These are Dishan's sons: Uz and Aran. These are the chiefs among the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah, chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan. These are the chiefs among the Horites, clan by clan, in the land of Seir. IV. Kings (and chiefs) will come from you.   31-43 These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom; the name of his city was Dinhabah. When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad reigned in his place. He defeated Midian in the field of Moab; the name of his city was Avith. When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place. When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates River reigned in his place. When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place. When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadar reigned in his place. His city was Pau, and his wife's name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred daughter of Me-zahab. These are the names of Esau's chiefs, according to their families and their localities, by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth, chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon, chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are Edom's chiefs, according to their settlements in the land they possessed. Esau was father of the Edomites. Next Steps:  Believe: I want to become part of God's family today. Become: I will trust God's promises this week. Be Sent: I will push back darkness this week. Group Discussion Questions:  How can family history help shape your identity? What family heritage would you like to pass on to the next generation? What family story or tradition most shapes your values? How can understanding family history strengthen family bonds? Is your family history tied to the land where you live? Explain. How can your family help shape the future of your community? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you inspire the next generation this week.

Big Idea: Only God Almighty can renew families. In the Beginning: Jacob Genesis 35:1-15 I. Fathers, lead family repentance.   1-3 God said to Jacob, “Get up! Go to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” So Jacob said to his family and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your clothes. We must get up and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to the God who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me everywhere I have gone.” II. Fathers, usher in family worship.   4-7 Then they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and their earrings, and Jacob hid them under the oak near Shechem. When they set out, a terror from God came over the cities around them, and they did not pursue Jacob's sons. So Jacob and all who were with him came to Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. Jacob built an altar there and called the place El-bethel because it was there that God had revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. III. Fathers, set your family's path.   8-15 Deborah, the one who had nursed and raised Rebekah, died and was buried under the oak south of Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bacuth. God appeared to Jacob again after he returned from Paddan-aram, and he blessed him. God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; you will no longer be named Jacob, but your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel. God also said to him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation, indeed an assembly of nations, will come from you, and kings will descend from you. I will give to you the land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac. And I will give the land to your future descendants.” Then God withdrew from him at the place where he had spoken to him. Jacob set up a marker at the place where he had spoken to him—a stone marker. He poured a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him Bethel. Next Steps:  Believe: I want to become part of God's family today.  Become: Today, I surrender my lesser gods to God Almighty. Be Sent: I will demonstrate that God is my Father this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Did your family have regular home worship? Was your view of God shaped by your father? Is God Almighty confronting areas of your life right now? Has God shown you his might recently? Did your father impact your life's course?  If so, explain. Do you know a father who is struggling to lead his family? Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead fathers and families this week.

Big Idea: God gets more glory when you trust Him than when you get revenge.    In the Beginning: Jacob Genesis 34: 1-31 I. Ignoring evil won't make it go away.        1-10 Leah's daughter Dinah, whom Leah bore to Jacob, went out to see some of the young women of the area. When Shechem—son of Hamor the Hivite, who was the region's chieftain—saw her, he took her and raped her. He became infatuated with Jacob's daughter Dinah. He loved the young girl and spoke tenderly to her. “Get me this girl as a wife,” he told his father. Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent until they returned. Meanwhile, Shechem's father Hamor came to speak with Jacob. Jacob's sons returned from the field when they heard about the incident. They were deeply grieved and very angry, for Shechem had committed an outrage against Israel by raping Jacob's daughter, and such a thing should not be done. Hamor said to Jacob's sons, “My son Shechem has his heart set on your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife. Intermarry with us; give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves. Live with us. The land is before you. Settle here, move about, and acquire property in it.” II. Don't use faith as a weapon.  11-17 Then Shechem said to Dinah's father and brothers, “Grant me this favor, and I'll give you whatever you say. Demand of me a high compensation and gift; I'll give you whatever you ask me. Just give the girl to be my wife!” But Jacob's sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully because he had defiled their sister Dinah. “We cannot do this thing,” they said to them. “Giving our sister to an uncircumcised man is a disgrace to us. We will agree with you only on this condition: if all your males are circumcised as we are. Then we will give you our daughters, take your daughters for ourselves, live with you, and become one people. But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”  III. Deceit is more dangerous than the sword.   18-23 Their words seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem. The young man did not delay doing this, because he was delighted with Jacob's daughter. Now he was the most important in all his father's family. So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and spoke to the men of their city. “These men are peaceful toward us,” they said. “Let them live in our land and move about in it, for indeed, the region is large enough for them. Let's take their daughters as our wives and give our daughters to them. But the men will agree to live with us and be one people only on this condition: if all our men are circumcised as they are. Won't their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let's agree with them, and they will live with us.” IV.      Riots don't accomplish revenge.    24-31 All the men who had come to the city gates listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and all those men were circumcised. On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and killed every male. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah from Shechem's house, and went away. Jacob's sons came to the slaughter and plundered the city because their sister had been defiled. They took their flocks, herds, donkeys, and whatever was in the city and in the field. They captured all their possessions, dependents, and wives and plundered everything in the houses. Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me, making me odious to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” But they answered, “Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?” Next Steps:  Believe: I need God to change my soul today.  Become: I will trust God to win my wars. Be Sent: I will engage evil in my community this week. Group Discussion Questions:  What is your first reaction when someone breaks your trust? Has your faith been tested after your salvation?  If so, did it make you question God? Is there a hurt in the past that you are asking God to avenge? Does it create the conditions for greater evil if we don't address it now?  Explain your answer.  How much time did you spend getting to know someone far from Jesus this week? If following Jesus doesn't prevent evil events here, then why bother? Ask the Holy Spirit for strength to trust God to avenge our hurts. 

Today on Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson concludes his riveting discussion with Black Hawk Down hero, Jeff Struecker about his book, The Road to Unafraid, and his experiences as a U.S. Army Major and Chaplain. As Americans, we must remember that brave soldiers ran through bullets and gunfire because they loved their brothers in arms more than they loved their own lives. Let us not forget, Jeff said, Our freedom is very cheap if it wasn't for that kind of love! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29

Philippians 4:7 says, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. It's one thing to read these words of the Bible, but another to believe them in the midst of war and facing imminent death. On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson talks with retired Major and Chaplain, Jeff Struecker about his 22-year career in the U.S. Army. You'll hear of Jeff's first encounter with Jesus, through the intentional outreach of his neighbors, and how God then led him to fight bravely for this country. On this special Memorial Day program, Chaplain Struecker gives God all the glory for the supernatural peace he experienced on the battlefields as a survivor of Black Hawk Down. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29

Big Idea: God's church is marching toward home.  In the Beginning: Jacob Genesis 33: 1-20 I. Worship is a weapon of warfare. 1-7 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two slave women. He put the slaves and their children first, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times until he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet him, hugged him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Then they wept. When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” He answered, “The children God has graciously given your servant.” Then the slaves and their children approached him and bowed down. Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down. II. Your property is temporary. 8-11 So Esau said, “What do you mean by this whole procession I met?” “To find favor with you, my lord,” he answered. “I have enough, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what you have.” But Jacob said, “No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from me. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing God's face, since you have accepted me. Please take my present that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have everything I need.” So Jacob urged him until he accepted. III. Pitch your tent before pagans. 12-20 Then Esau said, “Let's move on, and I'll go ahead of you.” Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and I have nursing flocks and herds. If they are driven hard for one day, the whole herd will die. Let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a pace suited to the livestock and the children, until I come to my lord at Seir.” Esau said, “Let me leave some of my people with you.” But he replied, “Why do that? Please indulge me, my lord.” That day Esau started on his way back to Seir, but Jacob went to Succoth. He built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock; that is why the place was called Succoth. After Jacob came from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at Shechem in the land of Canaan and camped in front of the city. He purchased a section of the field where he had pitched his tent from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred pieces of silver. And he set up an altar there and called it God, the God of Israel. Next Steps:  Believe: I need to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will live for eternity this week.  Be Sent: I will invite someone far from Jesus into my life. Group Discussion Questions:  What is the longest you've ever been away from home? Do you find it difficult to keep your focus on eternity?  Do you believe it's okay to build wealth and success here on earth, knowing it's just temporary? Can you have an equal hold on here and heaven simultaneously?  Explain.  Christians are accused of being too much like everyone else (don't care about heaven) - or not care at all about everyone else (don't care about here).  How did you do on that spectrum this week? Did you live out your faith before someone far from Jesus this week? If so, explain. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus more on eternity tomorrow. 

Big Idea: That's going to leave a scar. In the Beginning: Jacob Genesis 32: 24-32 I. You don't have to fight for what Jesus already offers you. 24-29 Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not defeat him, he struck Jacob's hip socket as they wrestled and dislocated his hip. Then he said to Jacob, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” he said. “It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he answered, “Why do you ask my name?” And he blessed him there. II. You don't have to fear what Jesus has already conquered for you. 30-32 Jacob then named the place Peniel, “For I have seen God face to face,” he said, “yet my life has been spared.” The sun shone on him as he passed by Penuel—limping because of his hip. That is why, still today, the Israelites don't eat the thigh muscle that is at the hip socket: because he struck Jacob's hip socket at the thigh muscle Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today. Become: I have let fear come between me and Jesus. Be Sent: I want people to see that I'm a person who has been with Jesus. Group Discussion Questions:  Do you have a regular habit of spending alone time with God? If God wants a close relationship with people, why can't we see his face and life? If Jesus has all the power, why couldn't win the wrestling match? Do you have to wrestle with God to get his blessing?  Explain your answer.  When was the last time that you struggled with God? Does your family have an important tradition influenced by faith? Pray for the Holy Spirit to shape us into Christ's likeness this week. 

Big Idea: Desperation makes you let go of everything else and hold on to Jesus with both hands. In the Beginning: Jacob Genesis 32:1-23 I. Jacob can't change his past 1-8 Jacob went on his way, and God's angels met him. When he saw them, Jacob said, “This is God's camp.” So he called that place Mahanaim. Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the territory of Edom. He commanded them, “You are to say to my lord Esau, ‘This is what your servant Jacob says. I have been staying with Laban and have been delayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and female slaves. I have sent this message to inform my lord, in order to seek your favor.' ” When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you—and he has four hundred men with him.” Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; he divided the people with him into two camps, along with the flocks, herds, and camels. He thought, “If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the remaining one can escape.” II.Jacob can't change his character 9-12 Then Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Go back to your land and to your family, and I will cause you to prosper,' I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. Indeed, I crossed over the Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps. Please rescue me from my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children. You have said, ‘I will cause you to prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to be counted.' ” III.Jacob can't change his consequences 13-23 He spent the night there and took part of what he had brought with him as a gift for his brother Esau: two hundred female goats, twenty male goats, two hundred ewes, twenty rams, thirty milk camels with their young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys, and ten male donkeys. He entrusted them to his slaves as separate herds and said to them, “Go on ahead of me, and leave some distance between the herds.” And he told the first one, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘Who do you belong to? Where are you going? And whose animals are these ahead of you?' then tell him, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And look, he is behind us.' ” He also told the second one, the third, and everyone who was walking behind the animals, “Say the same thing to Esau when you find him. You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.' ” For he thought, “I want to appease Esau with the gift that is going ahead of me. After that, I can face him, and perhaps he will forgive me.” So the gift was sent on ahead of him while he remained in the camp that night. During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two slave women, and his eleven sons, and crossed the ford of Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions. Next Steps:  Believe: Today, I've become desperate for Jesus for the first time. Become: I need the Holy Spirit to work on my character this week. Be Sent: I will walk with someone desperate this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Did you ever avoid the consequences for something you did wrong? When were you most desperate? Did you have anyone to walk with you in the middle of those circumstances? Why is desperation fertile soil to grow your faith? Can you change your character without external help?  Explain your answer.  Since we can't undo our past, what's the best way to handle our mistakes and failures? Pray for God to meet us in our desperation this week. 

Jeff Struecker is a friend of mine who served for 10 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment in positions ranging from Private to Platoon Sergeant. He also served another 10+ years as a US Army chaplain. Throughout his 23-year military career, Jeff has been awarded many commendations and decorations, including the Silver Star for Bravery in Combat. In addition, Jeff is the author of 6 books, founder of the Unbeatable podcast, lead pastor of 2 Cities Church in Columbus, GA, and is also a husband, father, and grandfather.On this episode of The RESGEN Giving Life Podcast, Jeff and RESGEN Founder Tom Henderson visit about:The people God placed in Jeff's life, at key moments, who led him to Christ.What it was like seeing a battle he fought in turned into the blockbuster movie Black Hawk Down.The peace and assurance the Holy Spirit gave him while on the battlefield.His transition from army ranger to army chaplain. What he is most proud of as he looks back on his military career.Simple things we can do to better help and care for our military veterans This is an excellent conversation I know will enjoy!The Giving Life Podcast: Conversations about being a man whose life in Christ gives life to others.Watch the video version on youtube - youtu.be/fo-_ZNgncYI More info about Restoration Generation - www.resgen.org