Last 10 (Of Genesis) & First 10 (Of Exodus)

It is Wednesday morning.  I have just finished reading 20 chapters and I'm just starting on my second cup of coffee.  It is going to be a full day, but I'm looking forward to every moment of it.  Here are a few items to share:   1) INSIGHT- Joseph said to Pharaoh in Genesis 41:25 "And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one:  God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do." God granted Pharaoh insight into the future.  Now Joseph had to interpret the dream that gave him the insight, but God granted him insight. ( "what he is about to do".)  God also grants us insight.  Not through dreams, but through His Word, by His Spirit, through a Bible message preached or taught.  God gives us discernment and insight into situations.  We should be asking for wisdom to see these situations as they are and desire the insight and discernment that God grants to His children.  Show me Lord, guide me please!  Grant me Thy wisdom in situations I face each day.   2) SPICES, BUT NO BREAD- When Jacob sent his sons back to Egypt to buy grain, he had them go with the money that was in their bags, go with double money, and then take with them:  Gen. 43:11 "... take the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:"  They had the spices... just no bread!  They had the condiments, but not the main course.  When we go to Church, we need the bread of God's Word, not just the spices, not just the condiments.  The spices add a lot to the main dish, but they are empty without a main dish.  They are powder, and leaves, and seeds, and such that could not, would not fill anyones appetite.  So much of our services are like spices... they compliment the main dish... preaching... teaching...singing God's praises....giving to God.  These things are primary to a service... the rest are spices.  I like the spices, but I need the bread!   3. THE REWARDS OF GOD- God rewards obedience and kindness to His people.  Notice that in Exodus 1:21 the Bible says:  "And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses."  God rewarded the midwives because of what they did to the Israelites in helping them preserve their male children.  Now if God will reward non believers for actions of faith, will He not also reward His own children for acts of obedience that they carry out?  Sure He will!  Be aware of the blessings of God that desire to shower down upon you!   Well, that is all I have time for today.  Hope you have a blessed day!  Pastor Mike Mutchler