Archives for 2024

Good morning,

David is a larger than life character in the Bible. A shepherd, warrior, musician, fugitive, king, adulterer, murderer, liar, repentant sinner, and sweet psalmist of Israel.

The next few weeks we will be looking at the people David interacted with. Goliath, Saul, Bathsheba, Nathan, and God. Then we will look at the consequences of his sin.

Each week we will begin with a bio of the individual interacting with David. Then the Biblical account.

Saul and David (1 Samuel 17:30-39)

30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.32 And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.38 And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.39 And David girded his sword upon his armor, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

David slays Goliath  (1 Samuel 17:40-51)

40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

David is a larger than life character in the Bible. A shepherd, warrior, musician, fugitive, king, adulterer, murderer, liar, repentant sinner, and sweet psalmist of Israel.

The next few weeks we will be looking at the people David interacted with. Goliath, Saul, Bathsheba, Nathan, and God. Then we will look at the consequences of his sin.

Each week we will begin with a bio of the individual interacting with David. Then the Biblical account.

David’s Bio

King David is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible. He is known for his bravery, piety, and leadership and is considered to be one of Israel’s greatest kings. David’s story begins with his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy, but he quickly rose to prominence when he defeated the giant Goliath with just a sling and a stone. He went on to become a trusted adviser to King Saul, but after Saul’s death, David was anointed as the new king of Israel.

David is known for his military conquests, including the capture of Jerusalem, which he made the capital of Israel. He also established a strong central government and made many reforms to help the people of Israel. However, David was not without his flaws. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then arranged for her husband to be killed in battle. Despite this, David is still revered for his devotion to God and his commitment to the people of Israel.

David is also known for his poetry and music. He wrote many of the Psalms in the Bible, which are still used in worship today. His music was said to be so beautiful that it could soothe King Saul’s troubled spirit.

Overall, King David’s legacy in the Bible is one of leadership, bravery, and devotion to God. His story inspires many and continues to be studied and admired by scholars and believers alike. (www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/david-in-the-bible/)

Goliath Bio

Goliath of Gath was a Philistine giant who was defeated by the young David in single combat, according to the Book of Samuel. The story signified King Saul’s unfitness to rule, as Saul himself should have fought for Israel. The phrase “David and Goliath” has taken on a more popular meaning denoting an underdog situation, a contest wherein a smaller, weaker opponent faces a much bigger, stronger adversary.

Goliath is believed to have been originally from Gath, which was one of the five Philistine cities. The city of Gath was also the hometown of the giant. The Anakim, a race of giants left over from the earlier Canaanite population, settled in Gath after Joshua drove them out of the Promised Land. (GotQuestions.org)

David vs. Goliath

Goliath defies Israel (1 Samuel 17:1-13)

Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.5 And he had a helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.2 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.13 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

David visits the army of Saul (1 Samuel 17:14-29)

14 And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp of thy brethren;18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.22 And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Saul and David (1 Samuel 17:30-39)

30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.32 And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.38 And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.39 And David girded his sword upon his armor, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

David slays Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40-51)

40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

Israel pursues the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:52-58)

52 And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents. 54 And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.55 And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.56 And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is.57 And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.58 And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.

Conclusion

King Saul fails to lead

Goliath defies God

The battle was spiritual

The battle was the Lord’s

God won the battle (He used David as His vehicle)

Next week we will see how David interacts with Saul.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

David is a larger than life character in the Bible. A shepherd, warrior, musician, fugitive, king, adulterer, murderer, liar, repentant sinner, and sweet psalmist of Israel.

The next few weeks we will be looking at the people David interacted with. Goliath, Saul, Bathsheba, Nathan, and God. Then we will look at the consequences of his sin.

Each week we will begin with a bio of the individual interacting with David. Then the Biblical account.

David vs. Goliath

Goliath defies Israel (1 Samuel 17:1-13)

Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.5 And he had a helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.2 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.13 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

David visits the army of Saul (1 Samuel 17:14-29)

14 And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp of thy brethren;18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.22 And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

David is a larger than life character in the Bible. A shepherd, warrior, musician, fugitive, king, adulterer, murderer, liar, repentant sinner, and sweet psalmist of Israel.

The next few weeks we will be looking at the people David interacted with. Goliath, Saul, Bathsheba, Nathan, and God. Then we will look at the consequences of his sin.

Each week we will begin with a bio of the individual interacting with David. Then the Biblical account.

David’s Bio

King David is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible. He is known for his bravery, piety, and leadership and is considered to be one of Israel’s greatest kings. David’s story begins with his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy, but he quickly rose to prominence when he defeated the giant Goliath with just a sling and a stone. He went on to become a trusted adviser to King Saul, but after Saul’s death, David was anointed as the new king of Israel.

David is known for his military conquests, including the capture of Jerusalem, which he made the capital of Israel. He also established a strong central government and made many reforms to help the people of Israel. However, David was not without his flaws. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then arranged for her husband to be killed in battle. Despite this, David is still revered for his devotion to God and his commitment to the people of Israel.

David is also known for his poetry and music. He wrote many of the Psalms in the Bible, which are still used in worship today. His music was said to be so beautiful that it could soothe King Saul’s troubled spirit.

Overall, King David’s legacy in the Bible is one of leadership, bravery, and devotion to God. His story inspires many and continues to be studied and admired by scholars and believers alike. (www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/david-in-the-bible/)

Goliath Bio

Goliath of Gath was a Philistine giant who was defeated by the young David in single combat, according to the Book of Samuel. The story signified King Saul’s unfitness to rule, as Saul himself should have fought for Israel. The phrase “David and Goliath” has taken on a more popular meaning denoting an underdog situation, a contest wherein a smaller, weaker opponent faces a much bigger, stronger adversary.

Goliath is believed to have been originally from Gath, which was one of the five Philistine cities. The city of Gath was also the hometown of the giant. The Anakim, a race of giants left over from the earlier Canaanite population, settled in Gath after Joshua drove them out of the Promised Land. (GotQuestions.org)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr gave his “I have a dream” speech on 28 August 1963. His dream was to see the unity of the black and white communities.

Joseph dreamed dreams in his day. God allowed him to interpret the dreams of others. His dreams caused his brothers to hate him and his father to rebuke him. Little did they know that those dreams would be fulfilled in their lifetime.

We will look at six dreams. Two are Joseph’s, two are prison, and two are Pharaoh’s. We will see how Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams saved both the nations of Egypt and Israel from a disastrous famine.

I HAVE A DREAM

And Joseph dreamed a dream… (Genesis 37:5)

Introduction 2 dreams: Joseph, Prison, Pharaoh

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41:15-36)

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Pharaoh’s first dream (Genesis 41:17-21)

17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well favored; and they fed in a meadow:19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favored and lean-fleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:20 And the lean and the ill favored kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

Pharaoh’s second dream (Genesis 41:22-24)

22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: 24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:25-36)

25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.27 And the seven thin and ill favored kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

Dream fulfilled (Genesis 42:6, 43:26, 44:14)

And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. (Genesis 42:6)

And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth. (Genesis 43:26)

And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph’s house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground. (Genesis 44:14)

What did we learn?

All dreams fulfilled

God is in control

Israel Egypt saved from drought

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr gave his “I have a dream” speech on 28 August 1963. His dream was to see the unity of the black and white communities.

Joseph dreamed dreams in his day. God allowed him to interpret the dreams of others. His dreams caused his brothers to hate him and his father to rebuke him. Little did they know that those dreams would be fulfilled in their lifetime.

We will look at six dreams. Two are Joseph’s, two are prison, and two are Pharaoh’s. We will see how Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams saved both the nations of Egypt and Israel from a disastrous famine.

Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:1-14)

First dream (Genesis 41:1-4)

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favored kine and fat-fleshed; and they fed in a meadow.3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favored and lean-fleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.4 And the ill favored and lean-fleshed kine did eat up the seven well favored and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. 

Second dream (Genesis 41:5-7)

5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.

No one able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41:8)

8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

Butler remembers Joseph (Genesis 41:9-14)

9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr gave his “I have a dream” speech on 28 August 1963. His dream was to see the unity of the black and white communities.

Joseph dreamed dreams in his day. God allowed him to interpret the dreams of others. His dreams caused his brothers to hate him and his father to rebuke him. Little did they know that those dreams would be fulfilled in their lifetime.

We will look at six dreams. Two are Joseph’s, two are prison, and two are Pharaoh’s. We will see how Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams saved both the nations of Egypt and Israel from a disastrous famine.

I HAVE A DREAM

And Joseph dreamed a dream… (Genesis 37:5)

Introduction 2 dreams: Joseph, Prison, Pharaoh

Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 37:2-11) (v 2,5,7,9,10)

These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Prison dreams (Genesis 40:1-23)

Dream prelude (Genesis 40:1-4)

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

Butler’s dream (Genesis 40:5-11) 

And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:11 And 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.

Joseph interprets the Butler’s dream (Genesis 40:12-15)

And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto 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 have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Baker’s dream (Genesis 40:16-17)

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bake-meats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.

Joseph interprets the Baker’s dream (Genesis 40:18-19)

And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.

Interpretations confirmed (Genesis 40:20-23)

And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership 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 did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:1-14)

First dream (Genesis 41:1-4)

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favored kine and fat-fleshed; and they fed in a meadow.3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favored and lean-fleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.4 And the ill favored and lean-fleshed kine did eat up the seven well favored and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. 

Second dream (Genesis 41:5-7)

5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.

No one able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41:8)

8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

Butler remembers Joseph (Genesis 41:9-14)

9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41:15-36)

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Pharaoh’s first dream (Genesis 41:17-21)

17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well favored; and they fed in a meadow:19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favored and lean-fleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:20 And the lean and the ill favored kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

Pharaoh’s second dream (Genesis 41:22-24)

22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: 24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:25-36)

25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.27 And the seven thin and ill favored kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

Dream fulfilled (Genesis 42:6, 43:26, 44:14)

And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. (Genesis 42:6)

And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth. (Genesis 43:26)

And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph’s house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground. (Genesis 44:14)

What did we learn?

All dreams fulfilled

God is in control

Israel Egypt saved from drought

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr gave his “I have a dream” speech on 28 August 1963. His dream was to see the unity of the black and white communities.

Joseph dreamed dreams in his day. God allowed him to interpret the dreams of others. His dreams caused his brothers to hate him and his father to rebuke him. Little did they know that those dreams would be fulfilled in their lifetime.

We will look at six dreams. Two are Joseph’s, two are prison, and two are Pharaoh’s. We will see how Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams saved both the nations of Egypt and Israel from a disastrous famine.

I HAVE A DREAM

And Joseph dreamed a dream… (Genesis 37:5)

Introduction 2 dreams: Joseph, Prison, Pharaoh

Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 37:2-11) (v 2,5,7,9,10)

These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Prison dreams (Genesis 40:1-23)

Dream prelude (Genesis 40:1-4)

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

Butler’s dream (Genesis 40:5-11) 

And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:11 And 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.

Joseph interprets the Butler’s dream (Genesis 40:12-15)

And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto 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 have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Baker’s dream (Genesis 40:16-17)

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.

Joseph interprets the Baker’s dream (Genesis 40:18-19)

And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.

Interpretations confirmed (Genesis 40:20-23)

And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership 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 did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

God is looking for us to grow in 2024. We ask ourselves, “Does God have a plan for us?” The answer is a resounding YES. What does God want us to do in 2024. This week we will learn some things that God wants us to do in 2024. As we study and meditate, God will help us develop a plan uniquely designed for each of us. 

Things God wants us to do in 2024 

7. Be ye merciful Luke 6:35-37 (v 36) 

³⁵ But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.³⁶ Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. ³⁷ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 

8. Be thankful 1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 (v 18) 

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.¹² And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;¹³ And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.¹⁵ See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.¹⁸ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit.²⁰ Despise not prophesyings.²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.²² Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

God is looking for us to grow in 2024. We ask ourselves, “Does God have a plan for us?” The answer is a resounding YES. What does God want us to do in 2024. This week we will learn some things that God wants us to do in 2024. As we study and meditate, God will help us develop a plan uniquely designed for each of us. 

Things God wants us to do in 2024 

5. Worship the Lord Revelation 4:8-11 (v 8, 11) 

 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.⁹ And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,¹⁰ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 

6. Obey God’s commands Genesis 12:1-4 (1, 4) 

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:² And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.⁴ So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com