Weekly Guide ：Week 4
February 18, 2018
Question
How did God increase Jacob’s offspring as God has promised?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The story of Jacob’s 12 sons, the ancestor of the Israel’s 12 tribes.
-
Jacob started off from where He met God and went to stay with his uncle Laban. Laban tricked Jacob to marry Leah. God blessed Jacob with increased wealth and offspring.
-
Even with trickery, people cannot change God’s promise. God always faithfully lead those who lean on Him, however sinful they might be, onto the righteous path.
Meditation: My Story
-
Identity - Leah was not as pretty as her sister and wasn’t loved as much by her husband. But God blessed Leah and she moved her focus from her husband to God. What does this remind me? Where’s my value and worth?
-
Walk with God - Jacob learned a lot about God and grew in faith during the 12 years he worked for Laban. Have I ever been treated unfairly in my own career and life? How did God lead me to know him deeper? How did my relationship with God grow in prayer?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did God change Jacob, the son of promise?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Jacob’s change and meeting with Esau.
-
Jacob was full of fear as he went toward home. But God wrestled with him and changed him. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel and he reconciled with his brother Esau.
-
God changes people when they lost all hopes.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - Jacob tried to reconcile with Esau through his own way. But was full of fear when he heard Esau had come with 400 people. He tried to hold onto God under this desperate situation and God removed Jacob’s power, changed and blessed him. Under what kind of situations do I try to hold onto God? How does God bless me? Think back and remember what God has done for me. Have I grown to know Him more?
-
Integrity - Jacob’s life had changed completely after this. He became humble and submissive when met with Esau. How did God change my life through my experiences?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What became of Jacob and his family?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
The character of Jacob’s sons and death of Jacob.
-
Jacob’s daughter Dinah was defiled by Shechem when she went visit the women of the land. Her brothers deceived and killed all Shechem’s men while they were still in pain, looted their city, took their women and children. This horrific act put Jacob’s family in great danger. Jacob listened to God to purify his entire family and moved back to Bethel.
-
God wants to set apart His people from the world.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - Dinah put herself in danger. Her brothers caused much suffering through their fleshly rage and revenge. Jacob saw his inadequacy in leading his family. He therefore followed God’s will and purified his entire family to serve only the one true God. How does this story remind me of my own responsibilities in raising my family?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What was God’s plan for Isaac’s other son Esau?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
The ninth segment of Adam’s family history. Realization of God’s promise to Esau.
-
Esau is Edom. Edom was ruled by Kings before Israelites. The sons of Edom were living in the promised land but Esau took them to Seir. Jacob’s sons except Benjamin were all born outside of the promised land but he lead them back to it.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Esau was strong and Jacob was weak on the surface. However, God’s blessing is not superficial nor material. When leading my family to follow Lord, what is my focus?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did God continue with His plan through Jacob’s sons?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Jacob’s sons sold their brother Joseph to Egypt foreshadows God’s redemption plan. Genesis 38 is an important chapter of Jesus’ lineage . Tamar was one of the few women recorded in the history. Her faith humbled and ashamed Judah.
-
God proceeded with His salvation plan through the jealousy of Jacob’s sons as well as Tamar’s faith.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - Although Tamar followed the tradition to give her husband an offspring, but God was still pleased with her faith. Judah also admitted that Tamar was more righteous. How does Tamar’s faith encourage me?
-
Integrity - Driven by Jealousy, Joseph’s brother sold him to Egypt. Jealousy came from unsatisfied heart of comparison. How do I practice “Love is not Jealousy” and apply that to my life?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What happed after Joseph was sold to Egypt?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
The story of Joseph after he was sold to Egypt.
-
Joseph became a slave, was lured, framed, and jailed. But God was with him the whole time.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - God was by Joseph’s side during difficult time. But this does not mean he would not be persecuted by the sinful world. Ask God to help me realize what is the real meaning of “Walking with God”.
-
Integrity - When faced temptations, Joseph tried to refuse and elude, but had to run away when he was unable to hide anymore. Joseph kept himself clean and had peace in his heart even though he was framed. What is my weakest point facing all the temptations of the world? What have I learned from Joseph’s example?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How does the Gospel of Mark start?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God’s Story
+ The Gospel of Mark starts with Jesus’ identity and the events while He preached.
+ John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus’ mission which was already written in the Book of Isaiah.
+ God’s voice from heaven proclaimed Jesus as His son. Jesus withstood the temptations from Satan.
+ In Capernaum, Jesus drove out the impure spirit, healed the sick, and cleansed the leper.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** – The leper said to Jesus: “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus cleansed him. Do I have faith in God where if He is willing He shall accomplish? Is there anything I need to pray to God with this kind of faith? Let me pray and thank God for His grace and ask for His mercy.
+ **Fidelity** – They left their nets and followed Jesus right away when He called Peter and Andrew. Do I often follow Jesus’ calling and will? Is there anything I still have a firm grip on and unable to let Jesus take control?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What power did Jesus display and what were the Pharisees’ hostilities against Jesus?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God’s Story
+ Five incidents and the hostilities from Pharisees and teachers of the law are depicted in this section.
+ The events are not in chronological order and each contains an important message from Jesus.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** – As the Pharisees were hostile against Jesus, I might encounter in my service those who are hostile and have to take a stance for my belief. What can I learn from Jesus’ attitude and His way of treating those who were against Him?
+ **Fidelity** – Jesus said He did not come to call the righteous but the sinners. What does this reveal to me? How am I treating the sinners around me? Am I capable of loving them as Jesus does? Why?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were people's reactions to Jesus?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus appointed the twelve to be with Him and to be sent out to preach.
+ Whoever does God's will is His brother and sister.
+ The parable of sower is to teach all to listen and to act.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Jesus said those who do God's will are His brothers, sisters, and mother. We are a member of Jesus' family for our faith in Him. Am I living a life as God's children? What is impeding my being identified as such?
+ **Integrity** - Are the troubling thoughts of worldly worries, deception of money, or personal desires blocking the way of God to make my life unfruitful? Pray and ask God to help me remove the thoughts of these troubling matters.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are Jesus' true identity and capability?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus is the Lord of Heaven and Earth.
+ He calms storm and sea and controls the demons of the spiritual world.
+ He healed woman who bled for twelve years and brought back to life Jairus's daughter.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Are we scared like the disciples in the storms of life? Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith to face the challenge and ride the tempest of the day.
+ **Integrity** - When she realized what was done on her, the woman who suffered bleeding came fell in front of Jesus trembled with fear, told Him the truth. Do I fear God and being humble in front of Him? Is there anything I shall give thanks to Him today?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did the disciples not understand about Jesus?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus sent out the twelve to preach. Jesus had compassion on the crowd as sheep without shepherd.
+ The disciples still did not understand and had doubt about Jesus' identity and the miracles He performed.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The disciples cried out and thought He was a ghost when they saw Jesus walking on the lake. Do I know my savior Lord Jesus Christ? Do I still doubt His ability?
+ **Integrity** - Jesus said, "It is what comes out of a person that defiles them." Do I have any evil thoughts that need to be extinguished by God? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to light up every nooks and crannies of my heart.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Jesus reveal His identity?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ In Caesarea Philippi, Peter said to Jesus "You are the Messiah." Jesus predicted His death and resurrection for the first time.
+ The price to pay for being a disciple is to deny themselves and take up their crosses and follow Jesus.
+ Jesus went up to a high mountain and transfigured. He stood with Moses and Elijah.
+ Disciples couldn't drive out the demon from a possessed boy revealed the unbelieving generation.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Peter's spiritual life seemed to have fallen to bottom of the valley when Jesus predicted his denials compared to the time he proclaimed Him as the Messiah. Is my spiritual life high on the peak of the mount or in the bottom of the valley? Am I following God's will or my own desires?
+ **Identity** - Jesus taught us to deny ourselves and take up our crosses to follow Him as the only way to receive true life. That is, we need to give up ourselves to gain ourselves. What do I need to give up today? What have I received already?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Jacob's descendants increase as God promised?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The story of Jacob's 12 sons, the ancestor of the Israel's 12 tribes.
+ Jacob started off from where He met God and went to stay with his uncle Laban. Laban tricked Jacob to marry Leah. God blessed Jacob with increased wealth and offspring.
+ Even with trickery, people cannot change God's promise. God always faithfully lead those who lean on Him, however sinful they might be, onto the righteous path.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Leah was not as pretty as her sister and wasn't loved as much by her husband. But God blessed Leah and she moved her focus from her husband to God. What does this remind me of? Where's my value and what is my worth?
+ Walk with God - Jacob learned a lot about God and grew in faith during the 12 years he worked for Laban. Have I ever been treated unfairly in my own job and life? How did God lead me to know Him deeper? How did my relationship with God grow in prayer?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God transform Jacob, the son of promise?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jacob's transformation and meeting with Esau.
+ Jacob was full of fear as he went toward home. But God wrestled with him and transformed him. God changed Jacob's name to Israel and he reconciled with his brother Esau.
+ God changes people when they lose all hopes.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Jacob tried to reconcile with Esau through his own way. But was full of fear when he heard Esau had come with 400 people. He tried to hold onto God under this desperate situation and God removed Jacob's power, changed and blessed him. Under what kind of situations do I try to hold onto God? How does God bless me? Think back and remember what God has done for me. Have I grown to know Him more?
+ **Integrity** - Jacob's life had changed completely after this. He became humble and submissive when met with Esau. How did God change my life through my experiences?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What became of Jacob and his family?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The character of Jacob's sons and death of Jacob.
+ Jacob's daughter Dinah was defiled by Shechem when she went visit the women of the land. Her brothers deceived and killed all Shechem's men while they were still in pain, looted their city, took their women and children. This horrific act put Jacob's family in great danger. Jacob listened to God to purify his entire family and moved back to Bethel.
+ God wants to set apart His people from the world.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Dinah put herself in danger. Her brothers caused much suffering through their fleshly rage and revenge. Jacob saw his inadequacy in leading his family. He therefore followed God's will and purified his entire family to serve only the one true God. How does this story remind me of my own responsibilities in raising my family?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was God's plan for Isaac's other son Esau?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The ninth segment of Adam's family history. Realization of God's promise to Esau.
+ Esau is Edom. Edom was ruled by Kings before Israelites. The sons of Edom were living in the promised land but Esau took them to Seir. Jacob's sons except Benjamin were all born outside of the promised land but he lead them back to it.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Esau was strong and Jacob was weak on the surface. However, God's blessing is not superficial nor material. What is my focus when I lead my family to follow the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God continue with His plan through Jacob's sons?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jacob's sons sold their brother Joseph to Egypt foreshadows God's redemption plan. Genesis 38 is an important chapter of Jesus' genealogy. Tamar was one of the few women recorded in the lineage. Her faith humbled and ashamed Judah.
+ God proceeded with His salvation plan through the jealousy of Jacob's sons as well as Tamar's faith.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Although Tamar followed the tradition to give her husband an offspring, but God was still pleased with her faith. Judah also admitted that Tamar was more righteous. How does Tamar's faith encourage me?
+ **Integrity** - Joseph's brother sold him to Egypt driven by their jealousy. Such jealousy came from the dissatisfaction brought forth by comparison. How do I practice "Love is not Jealousy" and apply that to my life?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened after Joseph was sold to Egypt?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The story of Joseph after he was sold to Egypt.
+ Joseph became a slave, was tempted, framed, and jailed. But God was with him the whole time.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Joseph prospered and succeeded in everything because God was by his side during difficult time. But this does not mean he would not be persecuted by the sinful world. Ask God to help me realize what is the real meaning of "Walking with God."
+ **Integrity** - When faced temptations, Joseph tried to refuse and elude, but had to run away when he was unable to hide anymore. Joseph kept himself clean and had peace in his heart even though he was framed. What is my weakest point facing all the temptations of the world? What have I learned from Joseph's example?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses