Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Joseph - A Man of Great Faith and Hope
Genesis 39:20-21 - Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
Joseph did nothing wrong yet he was thrown into prison. He did not complain, but instead he adapted to that life and continued to wait upon the Lord. He had trust and faith that there was nothing happening to him outside the sight and hand of God. How would we measure up to this kind of mistreatment?
Genesis 40 - The King’s cupbearer and baker enrage the king and they end up in the prison where Joseph is serving time. While in prison they have dreams that need to be interpreted. God gives the interpretation to Joseph who in turn tells the cupbearer and baker the meaning of the dreams they had. Joseph told them that God provided dream and interpretation. The news to the cupbearer was that in three days he was going to be restored to the king’s service. The baker did not receive the same interpretation but instead he was told he would die by execution in three days.
The lesson for me today was what Joseph did and said during the interpretation to the cupbearer. Genesis 40:12 - “This is what it means,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. Within three days, Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.
Joseph enlisted the help of another man to help him in his plight. The cupbearer said he would help but forgot to do so for 2 years. Joseph did not complain or try to escape, but instead he remained faithful and hopeful. Joseph no doubt knew that God would provide for him in due time.
God provided a dream to Pharaoh and no one could interpret the dream. The cup bearer remembers Joseph and mentions the possibility for the king to call upon him to interpret the dream. Joseph is called from prison and after being cleaned up arrives before the king. The king tells Joseph that he heard Joseph could interpret dreams. Genesis 41:16 - “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
This is a great story of how faith and hope can carry us through times that seem to be unfair and unjust. Living with morality and total faith in God can carry us a long way over rough times. The lesson to me was how Joseph enlisted the help of another human. That human was placed in prison with Joseph and he recognized the potential of this person helping him out of the situation he found himself in. Joseph was moving toward a positive direction in finding a solution. When it appeared to fail he maintained faith and eventually God gave the dream that concluded in Joseph being called for interpretation. We likewise need to be willing to share the load of life with people that surround us. There is no reason to whine or insist. We need to be aware of the potential in others and allow God to work out the details of what he has in store for us. Things might seem confused and unanswered but we need to hold the faith and hope in God for He is the answer to all life and eternity.
Genesis 39:20-21 - Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
Joseph did nothing wrong yet he was thrown into prison. He did not complain, but instead he adapted to that life and continued to wait upon the Lord. He had trust and faith that there was nothing happening to him outside the sight and hand of God. How would we measure up to this kind of mistreatment?
Genesis 40 - The King’s cupbearer and baker enrage the king and they end up in the prison where Joseph is serving time. While in prison they have dreams that need to be interpreted. God gives the interpretation to Joseph who in turn tells the cupbearer and baker the meaning of the dreams they had. Joseph told them that God provided dream and interpretation. The news to the cupbearer was that in three days he was going to be restored to the king’s service. The baker did not receive the same interpretation but instead he was told he would die by execution in three days.
The lesson for me today was what Joseph did and said during the interpretation to the cupbearer. Genesis 40:12 - “This is what it means,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. Within three days, Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.
Joseph enlisted the help of another man to help him in his plight. The cupbearer said he would help but forgot to do so for 2 years. Joseph did not complain or try to escape, but instead he remained faithful and hopeful. Joseph no doubt knew that God would provide for him in due time.
God provided a dream to Pharaoh and no one could interpret the dream. The cup bearer remembers Joseph and mentions the possibility for the king to call upon him to interpret the dream. Joseph is called from prison and after being cleaned up arrives before the king. The king tells Joseph that he heard Joseph could interpret dreams. Genesis 41:16 - “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
This is a great story of how faith and hope can carry us through times that seem to be unfair and unjust. Living with morality and total faith in God can carry us a long way over rough times. The lesson to me was how Joseph enlisted the help of another human. That human was placed in prison with Joseph and he recognized the potential of this person helping him out of the situation he found himself in. Joseph was moving toward a positive direction in finding a solution. When it appeared to fail he maintained faith and eventually God gave the dream that concluded in Joseph being called for interpretation. We likewise need to be willing to share the load of life with people that surround us. There is no reason to whine or insist. We need to be aware of the potential in others and allow God to work out the details of what he has in store for us. Things might seem confused and unanswered but we need to hold the faith and hope in God for He is the answer to all life and eternity.
Labels: complaining, Faith, Help, Hope, Sharing, Wait
Our Great Teacher - The Holy Spirit
At church last Sunday the pastor talked about the wise men who came to give gifts to Jesus, the King of the Jews. What is really interesting is that as we listen to someone preaching Holy Scripture to us the Holy Spirit can instruct us. The same is true as we study Scripture ourselves in quiet study time. When we open our heart to receive a message, when we are attentive and take notes about the message, thoughts come to us. The more familiar we are with Scripture the more movement in thought. The written Word of God is timeless and instructive. Direct communication with God becomes a reality as our minds are open to what God is saying through His Holy Word.
Memorized Scripture is very important in our ability to hear God through the movement of the Holy Spirit. For instance, stress of life and adverse situations can begin to overwhelm and cause fear or stress. There are many verses that deal with what to do in stressful situations. In Isaiah 35:4 - say to those with fearful hearts, “ Be strong, do not fear ; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you.” Isaiah 41:10-13 - “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Who qualifies for hearing the Word of God through message and Scripture? Everyone who earnestly seeks the truth can qualify. Begin by praying. Ask God to reveal sin in your life that needs correction. Seek forgiveness, through the Shed Blood of Jesus. Ask God to walk with you daily. Read the Bible and get into a good Bible study. Ask God to guide you into the right relationships for growing in Him. Ask God to open your eyes and your ears so you can hear His call. Be persistent in your pursuit of God.
Father, let us never tire of truth. Guide us, speak to us, teach us and may we become a light to others. You promise to love and direct us. By faith we receive the promise. Amen
At church last Sunday the pastor talked about the wise men who came to give gifts to Jesus, the King of the Jews. What is really interesting is that as we listen to someone preaching Holy Scripture to us the Holy Spirit can instruct us. The same is true as we study Scripture ourselves in quiet study time. When we open our heart to receive a message, when we are attentive and take notes about the message, thoughts come to us. The more familiar we are with Scripture the more movement in thought. The written Word of God is timeless and instructive. Direct communication with God becomes a reality as our minds are open to what God is saying through His Holy Word.
Memorized Scripture is very important in our ability to hear God through the movement of the Holy Spirit. For instance, stress of life and adverse situations can begin to overwhelm and cause fear or stress. There are many verses that deal with what to do in stressful situations. In Isaiah 35:4 - say to those with fearful hearts, “ Be strong, do not fear ; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you.” Isaiah 41:10-13 - “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Who qualifies for hearing the Word of God through message and Scripture? Everyone who earnestly seeks the truth can qualify. Begin by praying. Ask God to reveal sin in your life that needs correction. Seek forgiveness, through the Shed Blood of Jesus. Ask God to walk with you daily. Read the Bible and get into a good Bible study. Ask God to guide you into the right relationships for growing in Him. Ask God to open your eyes and your ears so you can hear His call. Be persistent in your pursuit of God.
Father, let us never tire of truth. Guide us, speak to us, teach us and may we become a light to others. You promise to love and direct us. By faith we receive the promise. Amen
Labels: Holy Spirit, Message, Scripture, Thoughts, Word
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Humility and Pride
In recent days I was a party to a meeting that was uncomfortable for all involved. The meeting dealt with personal weakness and division. From this meeting I’ve asked Father God to help me understand more about myself in a way where I see the timber in my eye. My prayer is that God will constantly work out humility and love within me but still allow me balance in wisdom to help others. It is no secret the multiple failures we experience in life. To assume we have, by our own action, arrived over someone else is nothing but pride and anything but love. How then do we express loving correction without stepping over the line of humility?
Measured review of motive: Luke 18: 9 (NIV) To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: (Righteousness is from the Father and His love and sacrifice for me. I don’t want to assume a position in life where I am living in self righteousness. This will lead to destruction and damage the ability to share Kingdom with others. We all have weakness.)
Luke 18: 10-12 (Jesus tells a parable) “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ (The Pharisee had a lack of ability to see the self centered righteous condition of his heart. There is this attempt to psychologically place himself above sinners and the tax collector while the reality is his heart is no different or any less in need of the Savior. I need the Savior at all times for I am a fallen man in a fallen world. In spite of this, by Gods help, we can lovingly speak into others lives. Simultaneous to speaking into other lives I need to examine carefully my own.)
Luke 18: 13-14 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Father, please have mercy on me and on all who seek to serve you in Kingdom matters. May we be humble and prepared to love at all times. Forgive me for any selfish pride I’ve displayed. Heal any wound this action could have caused.)
Without a doubt pride will attempt to overtake us. Self will attempt to prioritize our goals if we fail to recognize our constant need to be on the alert.
In recent days I was a party to a meeting that was uncomfortable for all involved. The meeting dealt with personal weakness and division. From this meeting I’ve asked Father God to help me understand more about myself in a way where I see the timber in my eye. My prayer is that God will constantly work out humility and love within me but still allow me balance in wisdom to help others. It is no secret the multiple failures we experience in life. To assume we have, by our own action, arrived over someone else is nothing but pride and anything but love. How then do we express loving correction without stepping over the line of humility?
Measured review of motive: Luke 18: 9 (NIV) To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: (Righteousness is from the Father and His love and sacrifice for me. I don’t want to assume a position in life where I am living in self righteousness. This will lead to destruction and damage the ability to share Kingdom with others. We all have weakness.)
Luke 18: 10-12 (Jesus tells a parable) “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ (The Pharisee had a lack of ability to see the self centered righteous condition of his heart. There is this attempt to psychologically place himself above sinners and the tax collector while the reality is his heart is no different or any less in need of the Savior. I need the Savior at all times for I am a fallen man in a fallen world. In spite of this, by Gods help, we can lovingly speak into others lives. Simultaneous to speaking into other lives I need to examine carefully my own.)
Luke 18: 13-14 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Father, please have mercy on me and on all who seek to serve you in Kingdom matters. May we be humble and prepared to love at all times. Forgive me for any selfish pride I’ve displayed. Heal any wound this action could have caused.)
Without a doubt pride will attempt to overtake us. Self will attempt to prioritize our goals if we fail to recognize our constant need to be on the alert.
Labels: criticism, humility, Pride, self-righteousness, weaknesses
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Frustration / Complaining
It is very easy for us to complain about circumstances surrounding us. We complain about weather, health, economy, etc. We are all guilty of complaint. Frequently I complain about things that I can’t control or change. I try to be positive and upbeat but there are those times that life just seems to bring out the complainer in me. I’m committed to try and reduce this trend and do a better job of being upbeat.
Job is a book in the Old Testament. The book is about Job. God gave Satan the approval to try and turn Job against Him. Satan attacked Job with everything he had. Satan took away the life of Job’s children, his wealth, his health and then Satan tried to use Job’s wife against him. Job stood firm in the Lord but was caught up in listening to friends who thought the problems stemmed from something Job had done wrong. Although Job remained true to the Lord, he complained and wished he were never born. God listened to the counsel of the friends and all the complaining and then after a long while He Spoke to Job.
Job 38: 2 – 3 Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you will answer me.
How would we answer God if he were to ask us this question? Would we be proud of our behavior and thought pattern? Would we stand up nice and straight and be proud of all the time wasted in wonder and complaint?
God allows circumstances to surround us for correction, growth, maturing in faith and many other reasons. We need to take the position of faithfully looking to Jesus and knowing He is always with us. He knows our every need before we ask. He knows the future and is preparing us for just that. I need to stand as a man and be counted now. Lord what are you teaching me today and how might I learn the lesson of this circumstance. Lord, this is going to take a lot of practice but please guide me.
Father – please help us gain a better disposition and behavior – we believe you work all things for good because that is your promise for those who love you. For those who are called according to your purpose. We believe you are working out patience and humility in us. Please help us learn and grow by the circumstances we experience. Amen.
It is very easy for us to complain about circumstances surrounding us. We complain about weather, health, economy, etc. We are all guilty of complaint. Frequently I complain about things that I can’t control or change. I try to be positive and upbeat but there are those times that life just seems to bring out the complainer in me. I’m committed to try and reduce this trend and do a better job of being upbeat.
Job is a book in the Old Testament. The book is about Job. God gave Satan the approval to try and turn Job against Him. Satan attacked Job with everything he had. Satan took away the life of Job’s children, his wealth, his health and then Satan tried to use Job’s wife against him. Job stood firm in the Lord but was caught up in listening to friends who thought the problems stemmed from something Job had done wrong. Although Job remained true to the Lord, he complained and wished he were never born. God listened to the counsel of the friends and all the complaining and then after a long while He Spoke to Job.
Job 38: 2 – 3 Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you will answer me.
How would we answer God if he were to ask us this question? Would we be proud of our behavior and thought pattern? Would we stand up nice and straight and be proud of all the time wasted in wonder and complaint?
God allows circumstances to surround us for correction, growth, maturing in faith and many other reasons. We need to take the position of faithfully looking to Jesus and knowing He is always with us. He knows our every need before we ask. He knows the future and is preparing us for just that. I need to stand as a man and be counted now. Lord what are you teaching me today and how might I learn the lesson of this circumstance. Lord, this is going to take a lot of practice but please guide me.
Father – please help us gain a better disposition and behavior – we believe you work all things for good because that is your promise for those who love you. For those who are called according to your purpose. We believe you are working out patience and humility in us. Please help us learn and grow by the circumstances we experience. Amen.
Labels: complaining, frustration
