Like Joseph, we need to realize that God—not ourselves—is the Creator, engineering events that form us into what He wants us to become.

God puts everyone in the Body as He sees fit. We should be thankful for the role God is preparing us for rather than try to leapfrog to a higher position like Helel.

The Bible contains seven instances - in Isaiah and Revelation - of God declaring Himself to be 'the First and the Last' or 'the Beginning and the End.'

Jesus Christ is the only secure Foundation upon which we can build to weather storms. The Church of God is built upon Christ, the Prophets, and the apostles.

Jesus, Joseph, David, and Abraham all endured considerable trials before they qualified for their offices. We must make our calling and election sure.

We are not aimlessly wandering, but are on a God-guided pilgrimage. The circuitous route ensures our safety, just as it did for the ancient Israelites.

Greek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.

We live daily in uncharted territory, but the sobering account in Numbers provides a roadmap, establishing God's pattern of judging our pilgrimage conduct.

Are we ready to sacrifice as was Moses, realizing that our precious calling is far more than the imaginary quest of Don Quixote?

We must avoid following the negative examples of our forbears. We have been enlisted into spiritual warfare on three fronts: the heart, the world, and Satan.

By accepting the guidance of the Shepherd, we are taught to avoid the cup of wrath and have the cup of blessings overflow in that pasture.

We must trade our impulsive and capricious carnal natures for a controlled, sacrificing nature, imitating Christ in an intimate, expanding relationship.

James was not called during His ministry, but may have received his calling when Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John, a non-family member.