The Vineyard- September 27, 2015

The Vineyard- September 27, 2015

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Genesis 42:1-38

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          God’s Will is Sovereign

o   Joseph’s brothers tried to fight against God’s will, to the extent that they sold their brother into slavery.  Have you ever tried to fight against God’s will for your life? 

o   What happens when we stop fighting God’s will for our life, and learn to embrace that will instead?

-          Blinded by Guilt

o   When society speaks of God, if often paints a picture of a God with a lightning bolt in one hand, waiting to zap the next person who messes up.  The world is fixated on a God of judgment.  How does our guilt cause us to see God mainly as a God who judges us?

o   How does the way we see God impact the way we perceive things?  If we only see a God of judgment, do we begin to see everything as God’s judgment?

o   Can guilt prevent us from seeing God’s desire to redeem us?

-          Paralyzed by Grief

o   Grief can overwhelm us to the extent that we are paralyzed emotionally and spiritually.  Jacob, having lost Joseph already, is afraid to do anything that might lead to the loss of Benjamin as well. 

o   How does our knowledge of Christ and his power over death console us in our grief, and encourage us when we are fearful?

o   How does the perfect love of Christ cast out fear?

Pray that God’s will for your life will be evident, and that you will have the courage and faith to embrace it. 

Ask God to relieve you of any guilt that may be blinded you to the Father’s love. 

Pray for those who grieve, that they will not be overwhelmed and fearful, but that the perfect love of Christ will reign in their hearts.