Genesis 11 - Outline

v1-4

The people all had the same language, and they started the first "space program," to build the world's first skyscraper, to reach all the way up to heaven. They tried to make a name for themselves so they wouldn't be scattered all over the world.

v5-9

The Lord scattered people anyway. He "gave the gift of tongues" for the first time :-) and limited people by causing them all to speak different languages.

v10-26

the generations of Shem

v27-32

the generations of Terah, where Abram came from

Genesis 40 - Outline

v1-4

Joseph ended up in charge of two of Pharaoh's officers in the prison

v5-8

the two officers had dreams, and Joseph knew that help to interpret the dreams would come from the Lord

v9-13

the butler's dream meant good news, that he would be Pharaoh's butler again

v14-15

Joseph told his innocence and asked for assistance

v16-19

the baker's dream meant bad news, that he would be executed a terrible way

v20-22

the dreams came true in 3 days, just like Joseph had interpreted

v23

after all that, the butler forgot to speak up for Joseph

peace & good cheer despite trouble

John 16

v33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Lord Jesus told us the truth about the trouble that's going to happen to us. However, we can have peace and good cheer because of Him, because of His Word that He's spoken to us, and because He has overcome the world.

Next time we're troubled (in tribulation), let remember the things the Lord has spoken to us, and how He got the victory on the cross. Then we can have peace and be of good cheer.

Proverbs 23 - Key

v17,18

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

This isn't really a warning against doing sinful things, as much as it is about our hearts. Instead of having an envious heart, we should have the fear of the Lord.

We could be upset when we see other people doing sinful things and it doesn't seem like there's justice. Instead of having that upset heart, we should fear the Lord and trust in Him because we have His promise. We have hope for a good future that we won't miss out on.

Application

When I get upset because of sinners, I'll remember this promise that I have a hope and a good future.

Proverbs 23 - Summary

warnings about eating with:

v1-3

rulers

v6-8

"evil-eyed people"

v20-21

gluttons

v29-35

warnings about what drunkenness is like

v27-28

warnings about what a prostitute is like

v4-5

the fleetingness of riches

child training:

v9, 12, 19, 22-23, 26

the importance of loving and listening to good advice, with your ears, your eyes, and your heart

v13,14

correct corporal punishment is needful, not harmful

v15-16, 24-25

if the children are righteous and wise, the parents will have joy and gladness

v10-11

the redeemer of the fatherless

v17-18

the hope in a reward for the righteous

Genesis 10 - mighty before the Lord

Outline

v1-5

the descendants of Japheth

v6-20

the descendants of Ham:

v8-9

Nimrod, the mighty hunter before the LORD

v10-12

present day Iraq:

v10

Babel

v11-12

Ninevah

v15-18

all of the groups of "Ites" from the Canaanites in the general area of present day Israel

v21-31

the descendants of Shem

v25

Peleg, in his days was the earth divided

Key v11-12

Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,

And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same [is] a great city.

Asshur was credited with building several huge cities. I've been thinking about how real men work hard, and that was definitely something that would take a lot of hard work.

Application

I'll work diligently.

Genesis 39 - Key

v12

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Joseph was willing to suffer the painful loss of sinful comfort and pleasure. He made a sacrifice, and even left his clothes behind. He wasn't too concerned about the results, even though his boss got furious with him and threw him into prison.

Sometimes we can feel so weak, powerless, and helpless against sinning. We might think, How did I fall into that so easily, when I really didn't want to? I didn't even think about it. It must be impossible for me to avoid. But other times, we can often recognize little moments of decision, where we're completely free to do what's right, if we really want to. That's when we need to make those right decisions, and that's how we'll escape those sins.

At a time like that, Joseph had the strength of heart and willpower to run from temptation. We should do the same.

Application

Sometimes I have, moments of decision, when I'm trying to redeem the time, like to stop watching videos when I should be doing my work, or to get up on time in the morning when I feel like sleeping in. In those moments of decision, the Lord prompts me that I have the full knowledge that what I'm doing is wrong, and the full ability to do what's right if I really want to. If I keep doing it then, I know it'll be deliberate sin, and I'll have no excuse. That's when I'll work on being like Joseph and running from temptation.