Food for Thought
For the week of November 20, 2005
(Questions and Scriptures for further study) _____________________________________________________
1. This week we saw the power in Joseph’s Right Responses despite the confusing and challenging situations in which he found himself. Moses also faced some tough challenges spelled out in Hebrews 11:24-29. Read the passage and then write down some modern day equivalents to the challenges he encountered. Are there any you can personally relate to?
Hebrews 11:24-29
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. [25] He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. [26] He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. [27] By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. [28] By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
[29] By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. [NIV]
2. When things don’t work out the way they’re supposed to, it can become increasingly difficult to continue doing the right thing anyway. Below are some verses that reveal a very different way of looking at life than most of our world would. After reading each verse, jot down how it differs from the way most of the world lives and thinks.
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. [NIV]
Psalm 112:6
Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever. [NIV]
Psalm 25:14
The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them. [NIV]
Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry; [NIV]
Isaiah 32:17
The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. [NIV]
Isaiah 51:7
"Hear me, you who know what is right,
you people who have my law in your hearts:
Do not fear the reproach of men
or be terrified by their insults. [NIV]
4. Understanding who God is and how personally He is engaged in our lives is important in learning to both wait and win well. Use Psalm 33:12-22 as a prayer guide during this Thanksgiving week to help you thank God for who He is, how He cares for you, and how He gives hope to all of us who commit our lives to Him.
Psalm 31:12-22
I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery.
[13] For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side;
they conspire against me
and plot to take my life.
[14] But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, "You are my God."
[15] My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
[16] Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
[17] Let me not be put to shame, O Lord,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
and lie silent in the grave.
[18] Let their lying lips be silenced,
for with pride and contempt
they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
[19] How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.
[20] In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from the intrigues of men;
in your dwelling you keep them safe
from accusing tongues.
[21] Praise be to the Lord,
for he showed his wonderful love to me
when I was in a besieged city.
[22] In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight!"
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help. [NIV]
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