Miketz - Reading #4

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #4 - Genesis 41:53–42:18

My Thoughts:

Famine came to Canaan, to the Land. Who would think that Hashem would allow this? But, He did. But, He also put in place a plan to save them from starvation. And He used an important G-dly descendant of Abraham -- Joseph. Sometimes He does allow sad and horrible things to happen to His people. But, He always has the perfect plan to use the suffering for something good. We can be guaranteed of that. He is an Elohim of mercy and grace. And we love Him. Think of the times where you almost gave up. Where you suffered beyond what you thought capable. But, after it was all over you could see the hand print of Hashem over everything. It is just amazing. He never forsakes or leaves us!

Challenge: 

Timing. Sometimes life is about timing. It seems like Joseph was in the right place at the right time -- Hashem made it so. He was planted there to save his country, his people and his family. And Hashem equipped Joseph to know how to handle it all. Today’s challenge is to look at Hashem's timing in your life. Think about a time when you were at a loss, maybe even ready to give up -- when Hashem appeared and did a miracle. Or He used you to carry out a miracle, just like Joseph. When you remember this special situation, tell Hashem how grateful you are to Him and how much you love Him. When you start to remember His miracles it will encourage you to go on in your present situations in life. And to be sure to watch Him move, once more.

READING #4 - Genesis 41:53–42:18

41:53 The seven years of plenty, that were in the land of Egypt, came to an end. 54 The seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.” 56 The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Joseph opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 All countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

42 Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” 2 He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die.” 3 Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. 4 But Jacob didn’t send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with his brothers; for he said, “Lest perhaps harm happen to him.” 5 The sons of Israel came to buy among those who came, for the famine was in the land of Canaan. 6 Joseph was the governor over the land. It was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph’s brothers came, and bowed themselves down to him with their faces to the earth. 7 Joseph saw his brothers, and he recognized them, but acted like a stranger to them, and spoke roughly with them. He said to them, “Where did you come from?”

They said, “From the land of Canaan, to buy food.”

8 Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn’t recognize him. 9 Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land.”

Miketz - Reading #3

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #3 - Genesis 41:39–52

My Thoughts:

Names have meaning and can set your destiny. Look in verses 51 and 52; “Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For”, he said, “Elohim has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.” The name of the second, he called Ephraim; “For Elohim has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”” Clearly, his sons names have relevant and purposeful meanings -- as is played out in the future.

Names are important. What we name our children will carry with them and become a part of their identity for their whole life. Sometimes people will name their children after someone they know. It is really important that this is given careful thought. You may want to ask yourself if that person is kind, reputable, generous, G-dly, and fair. Do not name your child after someone just because it is cool at the time. 

Do some research. See what your own name means. See what your children’s names mean. Try to fit in the definitions with what Hashem has planned for you and for them. Throughout Scripture we see the meaning of names. Pay attention.

Challenge: 

Joseph’s last statement in this reading is that Hashem has made him fruitful during his affliction. How can we relate to that in today’s world? When we feel afflicted either in health, finance, emotions or spiritually -- can Hashem make us fruitful? That doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be rich like Joseph and have “influence”. Maybe it means that you can still be “fruitful” in displaying the love of Hashem during difficult times in your life. I challenge you today, that if you are going through a rough time to try and be “fruitful” by showing love and kindness to others around you. If you can do this (and it is possible that you are able), you will see the quality of your life improve dramatically. Give it a try.

READING #3 - Genesis 41:39-52

41:39 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because Elohim has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater than you.” 41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. 43 He made him ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh. Without you, no man shall lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

46 Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 In the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly. 48 He gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities. He stored food in each city from the fields around that city. 49 Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped counting, for it was without number. 50 To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For”, he said, “Elohim has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.” 52 The name of the second, he called Ephraim; “For Elohim has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

Miketz - Reading #2

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #2 - Genesis 41:15–38

My Thoughts:

I really believe we all have a “calling”. We have a purpose to fulfill by Hashem in our lives. He can’t “force” us to receive our callings, but He sure will equip us to carry them out! Joseph had a calling. He was to save that part of the world from starvation. He was to help Pharaoh to make a plan and execute it very carefully. And we know that this did happen. What if Joseph had been unwilling or scared to reveal all this to Pharaoh? After all, he could have made the recommendation and interpretation and the Pharaoh could have rejected it all. Failure can sometimes stop us from doing something Hashem has called us to do. Don’t walk in fear, trust in Hashem!

Challenge: 

Take a moment to reflect on what Hashem has “called” you to do. Are you living out your “calling” or are you afraid to step into it. I challenge you today to make a decision to try out what you have been called to do. Pray first of course and ask Hashem for the steps to get there. If you are already walking in your calling, then I challenge you to encourage someone else to walk in theirs. Maybe they have been afraid -- you can pray for them and give them confidence to pursue it. You will be blessed for sure.

READING #2 - Genesis 41:15–38

41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. Elohim will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”

17 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, “In my dream, behold, I stood on the brink of the river; 18 and behold, seven fat and sleek cattle came up out of the river. They fed in the marsh grass; 19 and behold, seven other cattle came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ugliness. 20 The thin and ugly cattle ate up the first seven fat cattle; 21 and when they had eaten them up, it couldn’t be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the beginning. So I awoke. 22 I saw in my dream, and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, full and good; 23 and behold, seven heads of grain, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads of grain. I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”

25 Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dream of Pharaoh is one. What Elohim is about to do he has declared to Pharaoh. 26 The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one. 27 The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted with the east wind; they will be seven years of famine. 28 That is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. Elohim has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29 Behold, seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt are coming. 30 Seven years of famine will arise after them, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land, 31 and the plenty will not be known in the land by reason of that famine which follows; for it will be very grievous. 32 The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by Elohim, and Elohim will shortly bring it to pass.

33 “Now therefore let Pharaoh look for a discreet and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt’s produce in the seven plenteous years. 35 Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and store grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 The food will be to supply the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; so that the land will not perish through the famine.”

37 The thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of G-d?”

Miketz - Reading #1

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #1 - Genesis 41:1–14

My Thoughts:

Does Hashem speak to us through dreams? I think he does. He was speaking something really important to Pharaoh and although he didn’t understand it, he sought help to get some interpretation. Little did he know that Hashem was going to use this dream to save literally thousands of lives (from starvation). Joseph was there and gave him the prophecy. Sometimes, it is all about paying attention. Paying attention to dreams and also what Hashem is doing in our lives. And it’s also about seeking help when we need it. Who knows, it could save a life!

Challenge: 

Think about something in your life that you could use some help with. Then reach out to an appropriate person and ask them for help. And in the reverse, if someone else needs help -- be there for them. Sometimes we are just afraid to ask, and we are also timid to help others. But as we learn in today’s reading -- our asking for help from someone could be profound. Even if it is just to interpret a dream.

READING #1 - Genesis 41:1–14

41 At the end of two full years, Pharaoh dreamed, and behold, he stood by the river. 2 Behold, seven cattle came up out of the river. They were sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. 3 Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river. 4 The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke. 5 He slept and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good. 6 Behold, seven heads of grain, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 8 In the morning, his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all of Egypt’s magicians and wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh.

9 Then the chief cup bearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults today. 10 Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, with the chief baker. 11 We dreamed a dream in one night, he and I. Each man dreamed according to the interpretation of his dream. 12 There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. He interpreted to each man according to his dream. 13 As he interpreted to us, so it was. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”

14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh.

Miketz - Week #10

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Zechariah 2:14-4:7

Luke 24:13-2

1.1 First reading — Genesis 41:1–14

1.2 Second reading — Genesis 41:15–38

1.3 Third reading — Genesis 41:39–52

1.4 Fourth reading — Genesis 41:53–42:18

1.5 Fifth reading — Genesis 42:19–43:15

1.6 Sixth reading — Genesis 43:16–29

1.7 Seventh reading — Genesis 43:30–44:17

Vayeshev - Reading #7

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled

Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Shabbat Reading #7 - Genesis Chapter 40

My Thoughts: 

Today’s reading is all about dreams. Dreams that are so important that they predict life and death for two people. We all dream, some of us remember them, some do not. The most important thing is that if you have a distinct dream that you pray about it. Ask Hashem to interpret it for you. If it is about someone you know, it may be He wants you to pray about it. It could be a warning, or a prophetic message. What I am trying to say is -- pay attention! Your dreams could really be important and affect your future and those around you!

Challenge: 

In order for Joseph to interpret the two dreams, he had to stand up and say that he could do it (with Hashem’s help), And he began simply by asking them why they were so sad. How many times do you see someone or know someone that looks sad and you don’t ask. Maybe it’s someone you know is going to complain. So, it’s easier to disregard them. I have done that. 

I remember my next door neighbor always wanting to talk to me. It was always when I was getting in or out of my car in some hurry. Sometimes I would listen but often I would just say a quick “hi” and go. One time she was out in her driveway and I felt like Hashem was telling me to go over and listen to her. So, I did. I listened to her and showed her I cared. I am so glad I did. Because right after that she dropped dead from a brain aneurysm. It was my last time to be nice to her. 

Today, if someone crossed your path that looks sad, ask them why? And listen. Take time to minister Hashem’s love to those around you. It’s very very important.

Shabbat Reading #7 - Genesis chapter 40

40 After these things, the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cup bearer and the chief baker. 3 He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he took care of them. They stayed in prison many days. 5 They both dreamed a dream, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the cup bearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison. 6 Joseph came in to them in the morning, and saw them, and saw that they were sad. 7 He asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”

8 They said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.”

Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to Elohim? Please tell it to me.”

9 The chief cup bearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “In my dream, behold, a vine was in front of me, 10 and in the vine were three branches. It was as though it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters produced ripe grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.”

12 Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days. 13 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head, and restore you to your office. You will give Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, the way you did when you were his cup bearer. 14 But remember me when it is well with you. Please show kindness to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house. 15 For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head. 17 In the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”

18 Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head from off you, and will hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from off you.” 20 On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants, and he lifted up the head of the chief cup bearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. 21 He restored the chief cup bearer to his position again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; 22 but he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 Yet the chief cup bearer didn’t remember Joseph, but forgot him.

THIS WEEK’S HAFTARAH:

My Thoughts: 

Today’s reading is about Hashem’s prophets. Some of you may believe that prophecy has ended long ago, that the only prophets are those written about in Scripture. Others may believe that Hashem speaks to man today. There are many “prophets'' that speak through the internet, through conferences and churches. How do we know that they have really heard from Hashem? Maybe look at their “fruit”. Research and see if their previous prophecies have come true -- or are coming true. Pray and ask Hashem if they are for real. I do think it is something we should pay attention to.

Challenge: 

Do you ever feel like Hashem has spoken something special to you? That He has a “word” for someone you know, or that He is asking you to do something special? My challenge to you today is to take a risk. Go forward and do what you think He says, see what happens. Or if it is something you are supposed to tell someone, do it. Just pray and see what happens. It could be very important and relevant. It could be a super blessing. I can tell you this, if you don’t go forward and it is from Hashem, you will regret it for the rest of your life.

Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8

2:6 Hashem says:

“For three transgressions of Israel, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have sold the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals; 7 They trample on the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and deny justice to the oppressed; and a man and his father use the same maiden, to profane my holy name; 8 and they lay themselves down beside every altar on clothes taken in pledge; and in the house of their Elohim they drink the wine of those who have been fined.

9 Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above; and his roots from beneath. 10 Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. 11 I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites. Isn’t this true, you children of Israel?” says Hashem.

12 “But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘Don’t prophesy!’ 13 Behold, I will crush you in your place, as a cart crushes that is full of grain. 14 Flight will perish from the swift;

and the strong won’t strengthen his force; neither shall the mighty deliver himself; 15 neither shall he stand who handles the bow; and he who is swift of foot won’t escape; neither shall he who rides the horse deliver himself;

16 and he who is courageous among the mighty will flee away naked on that day,” says Hashem.

3 Hear this word that Hashem has spoken against you, children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “I have only chosen you of all the families of the earth. Therefore I will punish you for all of your sins.” 3 Do two walk together, unless they have agreed? 4 Will a lion roar in the thicket, when he has no prey?

Does a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing? 5 Can a bird fall in a trap on the earth, where no snare is set for him? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when there is nothing to catch? 6 Does the trumpet alarm sound in a city, without the people being afraid? Does evil happen to a city, and Hashem hasn’t done it?

7 Surely Hashem Adonai will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets, 8 The lion has roared. Who will not fear? Hashem Adonai has spoken. Who can but prophesy?

THIS WEEK’S APOSTOLIC SCRIPTURE:

My Thoughts: 

Today's readings are about dreams. Joseph has a life changing dream from Hashem. He is to accept Mary as his wife and not disregard her. And not only that but in his dream he is told that she will give birth to the Mashiach - the long prayed for Messiah. What an incredible blessing that must have been to him. I wonder if he had a hard time believing this was true? But, maybe his faith in Hashem was so strong he was willing to believe and to accept.

Challenge: 

How strong is your faith in Hashem? If He came to you in a dream or sent an angel to you and told you the Mashiach was returning would you believe Him? I think Joseph must have had incredible faith. Take some time today to think about your own faith. How can you make it stronger? Are you spending enough personal time with Hashem and getting to know Him and trust Him? Ask Him today to build your faith in Him -- confess your sins and admit you need help with this. Then when He shows Himself to you in some unique way -- you can believe it truly is Him!

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Yeshua HaMashiach was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly. 20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of Hashem appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall name Him Yeshua, for it is He who shall save his people from their sins.”

22 Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Hashem through the prophet, saying,

23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child,

    and shall give birth to a son.

They shall call His name Immanuel,”

    which is, being interpreted, “Elohim with us.”Isaiah 7:14

24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of Hashem commanded him, and took his wife to himself; 25 and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named Him Yeshua.

Vayeshev - Reading #6

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled

Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Reading #6 - Genesis 39:7–23

My Thoughts: 

There it is again in verse 23 “...because Hashem was with him; and that which he did, Hashem made it prosper.” We read about how Hashem is with Joseph and how He prospers him. Even when he is sent to prison! It really doesn’t matter where you are, Hashem will meet you there and be faithful. Sometimes in the hardest of times, it is only because of Hashem that we are able to endure. But, it requires us to be obedient and faithful, to be close to Him. He is always there for us, we just need to seek Him.

Challenge: 

If you are not happy at work, in your relationship, or suffering from poor health -- today I challenge you to make the very best of your situation. That is what Joseph did! He was cast off from his brothers, sold into slavery, taken to be a servant, betrayed by a woman and thrown in prison. Yet, he rises above it all and does his best to reflect the love and grace of the almighty Hashem. Others see the light of Hashem in him and respect him. This ends up in promotion and prosperity -- and many blessings. Try to reflect Hashem’s love today to others around you, even if you are in the hardest of times! The joy of Hashem is your strength!

Reading #6 - Genesis 39:7–23

39:7 After these things, his master’s wife set her eyes on Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.”

8 But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am, and he has not kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against Elohim?”

10 As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn’t listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. 12 She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!”

He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside. 13 When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside, 14 she called to the men of her house, and spoke to them, saying, “Behold, he has brought a Hebrew in to us to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. 15 When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.” 16 She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. 17 She spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me, 18 and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”

19 When his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” his wrath was kindled. 20 Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody. 21 But Hashem was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there, he was responsible for it. 23 The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because Hashem was with him; and that which he did, Hashem made it prosper.