30 Thoughts prompted by Bones

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Thought 7

Hebrews 11:22

By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.

In this renowned “faith chapter” we hear the last word on Joseph’s bones. We see that Joseph was sure of what he hoped for and certain of what he did not see. (Hebrews 11:1) There was no doubt in his mind that God would deliver on His promises, and so with total confidence he could leave instructions to be carried out many years in the future.

How strong is your faith? Do you believe God will deliver on the personal promises He has made to you? Remember than when the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, He told them to use what faith they already had! (Luke 17:5)

Pray for an increase in your faith, and the opportunity to use what you already have. Pray for your church to teach God’s word so that the members grow in faith.

Praise God for His promises, and that in Jesus they are all fulfilled.

Thought 8

Luke 24:39

Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.

Much of the New Testament seems to be saying “Jesus is real!” Paul, Peter and John in their letters all seem to be telling us that Jesus was no fairy story. Here, it is Jesus himself saying “I am real”. We can understand the natural fear of the disciples having witnessed the death of their leader, and not understanding the resurrection prophecies or power, even though Jesus had told them Himself that He would rise again.

Are we any different today? Do you really believe Jesus is alive and reigning today? Do you believe He has the power to appear to you, not as a ghost but as a real person?

Pray that He will reveal Himself to you afresh today. Pray for your doubts to be dealt with and banished.

Praise Jesus for His patience with you, and His willingness to take time to show you who He really is.

Thought 9

1 Kings 13:2

He cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD : “O altar, altar! This is what the LORD says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who now make offerings here, and human bones will be burned on you.’ “

This chapter has one of the strangest stories in the Bible, but it has much to teach us. Here we see the prophetic voice at work. The prophet whose name we don’t know, spoke to the altar. Do we understand the power of our words? Jesus told us to “speak to the mountain” (Mark 11:23) How often do we speak about our problems instead of addressing them directly? Try speaking to your problem today in the name of Jesus and see what happens. Speak change into difficult situations, speak health instead of sickness, speak life instead of death.

Pray for the understanding and conviction that what we speak out will happen.

Praise God that He created by His word, and that He has given us the same creative power.