Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(1 P...  Read More

Even without his vibrant coat, Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 35:24), is one of the most colorful characters in the Old Testament. On the surface, each chapter of Joseph’s life is filled with one amazing story after the other. Below the surface, Joseph’s life is even more amazing when we consider how his life looks forward to Jesus. There are over 100 parallels between Joseph and Jes...  Read More

The personality and love of Jesus is like the largest and most beautiful diamond one could image with facets that are ever changing and ever increasing. It is impossible to fully grasp Who He is.However, throughout the Old Testament the Father gave hints through the lives of various Jewish people as to the kind of person the Savior would be and what would happen to Him. One of these people was Jos...  Read More

One of the most significant examples of the character of Jesus is the story of Joseph, son of the patriarch Jacob, in the book of Genesis. In fact, like Jesus, if history did not record the phenomenal occurrences in the life of Joseph, the Jewish nation (and lineage of Jesus) would not have happened.First, Joseph and Jesus were committed to lives of unblemished sacrifice and service. Jesus even re...  Read More

Congratulations on making it through the readings on Joseph. For the final week we will shift our focus to Jesus. This week’s devotions all help us to see how the life of Joseph was a powerful foreshadowing to the life of Jesus.  May your faith be strengthened! Hey guys! We serve in kids’ ministry, and Brad contacted us in July to ask us to write a devotional showing some of the connections betwee...  Read More

Finish well your small group semester by having a time to worship together, thanking God for all He has done in us over the past few weeks. Pray with and for one another. Laugh. Cry. Enjoy the fellowship we have in Christ and bless one another to live for the Lord. Make sure everyone is equipped with next step options for growth and service. • What are some connections to Jesus you have seen in th...  Read More

Forgiveness can sometimes feel like one of the hardest things to do. It’s actually harder than you think - it is IMPOSSIBLE without Jesus.In Genesis 44 we see Joseph’s brothers attempting to bargain with Joseph’s steward when it appears Benjamin has stolen a valuable cup. Of course, this was all a setup, but they didn’t know this at the time. Judah offers to take the place as Joseph’s servant if h...  Read More

“An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” - GandhiThen Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.(Genesis 45:1-2)Betrayal by those we love brings a ...  Read More

The story of Joseph reminds me so much of some of my life experiences. Joseph endured terrible things in his life, and yet God used it all for good.As a young man I spent many years trapped by drugs. I had a very God-fearing grandfather who taught me well, so I knew what God asked of me, but I chose to run with the wrong crowd. I landed in trouble with the law and was banished from Moultrie for ab...  Read More

If you have ever faced a disagreement with someone close to you that destroyed the relationship you once had, then you know what the “face of anguish” looks like. Every time you see them or think of the disagreement, you feel an inward pain and sorrow or, perhaps, anger. If neither of you makes an attempt at reconciliation, no matter whether the fault was yours, theirs, or both. You surely feel th...  Read More

When you focus on self, worldly factors interfere in your receipt of divine blessings. One such factor is complaining. It happens and is from the world! It is a “self” thing. Honestly, we all do it and often label it as “venting”. While it is acceptable to release your frustrations from time to time with a trusted friend or your spouse, how much is too much? Do you complain to the point of missing...  Read More

As you near the end of your time together, go ahead and start thinking through:1. What is a good way to finish well and celebrate?2. How can I help the people in my group take a next step?   (Refer to the Care Guide below). 3. What is next for me as a leader? Is there more work to be done with this group? • Is there anyone you need to seek out and ask for forgiveness?• Is there anyone you need to ...  Read More