Category: Genesis

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Doing the Hard Things

How many times did I/have I complained about the work that was laid out for me to do each day? I’m retired now, but just a few years back I was getting up and heading off to work each day like many of you. Somedays I would go with excitement and anticipation and others would find me complaining and grumbling.

Not a good scenario for someone who said they were a Christian and wanted to honor the Lord.

“In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master.” Colossians 3:23 ERV

A few days ago I gave you a recap on the life of Joseph. This morning’s Bible reading was Genesis 39. It starts out with Joseph being sold to Potiphar. Look what it says:

“The Lord helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian.

3 Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph and that the Lord helped Joseph be successful in everything he did. 4 So Potiphar was very happy with Joseph. He allowed Joseph to work for him and to help him rule the house. Joseph was the ruler over everything Potiphar owned. 5 After Joseph was made the ruler over the house, the Lord blessed the house and everything that Potiphar owned. The Lord also blessed everything that grew in Potiphar’s fields. The Lord did this because of Joseph.” Genesis 39:2-5 ERV

Imagine this, a seventeen year old had been handed over to slave traders by his brothers. Now those traders sold him to the captain of the guard in Egypt. There were many slaves who took care of Potiphar’s possessions but it didn’t take long for him to notice Joseph and promote him to man who ruled Potiphar’s house. Why?

The Lord was with Joseph!

Profound comment. However, the Lord is with us too. Why then is it we don’t see the same results that Joseph saw? Could it be our attitudes? We haven’t been sold into slavery but we are under authority in the workplace. We need to honor and respect those who have authority over us. We need to work diligently, not complain or gossip about our bosses. We need to honor the Lord!

So what happens when we do our job right, have a good attitude, go the extra mile and our co-workers lie about us and try to get us in trouble?

“She told her husband the same story. She said, “This Hebrew slave you brought here tried to attack me! 18 But when he came near me, I screamed. He ran away, but he left his coat.”

19 Joseph’s master listened to what his wife said, and he became very angry. 20 So Potiphar put Joseph into the prison where the king’s enemies were held, and that is where Joseph remained.” Genesis 39:17-20 ERV

The backbiting and persecution we feel at work really can’t be any worse than this. Joseph was accused of rape by a spiteful woman who was married to Joseph’s boss. He wasn’t fired; he was thrown in prison. How do we keep a good attitude when something that unfair happens? We take our example from Joseph, we trust God and go on.

Even when we are forced to be in a situation that isn’t of our own making we can trust the Lord to bring good things to us.

“The Lord was with Joseph and continued to show his kindness to him, so the commander of the prison guards began to like Joseph. 22 The commander of the guards put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners. Joseph was their leader, but he still did the same work they did. 23 The commander of the guards trusted Joseph with everything that was in the prison. This happened because the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:21-23 ERV

Joseph served with humility. He definitely didn’t slack off or become offended by his situation. He kept doing all he knew to do to serve the Lord and the Lord showed him kindness and caused him to succeed.

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:3-6 NLV

It’s easy to trust God when things are going good and all seems right with the world. The real test of our faith comes when things don’t go as planned and things somehow go awry. I’m sure it wasn’t in Joseph’s plan to be sold into slavery. Yet, he continued to honor the Lord with each step.

Honoring the Lord by keeping a right attitude is hard. I know because I often fail. When I do, I ask the Lord to forgive me. Then I get up in His strength and go forward with new determination.

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

I can do the hard things in life because He gives me the strength!

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God Is In Control

I am really enjoying reading through Genesis and following the events that took place in Abraham’s life. His story is filled with adventure. His faith and trust in God is bold and dynamic.

In my reading this morning the Lord comes to Abraham with a request of paramount portion. Isaac, the son God promised, had been born and was probably about twelve years old at this time.

“Some years later God decided to test Abraham, so he spoke to him.

Abraham answered, “Here I am, Lord.”

2 The Lord said, “Go get Isaac, your only son, the one you dearly love! Take him to the land of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sacrifice him to me on the fires of an altar.” 3 So Abraham got up early the next morning and chopped wood for the fire. He put a saddle on his donkey and left with Isaac and two servants for the place where God had told him to go.” Genesis 22:1-3 CEV

The thing I find amazing about this record of events is we don’t see Abraham trying to bargain or negotiate with what the Lord is telling him. He is obedient without delay or hesitation. He gets up the next morning, makes preparation and leaves.

Here is a Abraham, a man who is approximately 112 years old. He has a pre-teen son and two servants and is headed to the wilderness. They travel for three days when Abraham sees the mountain where God has instructed him to go.

“Three days later Abraham looked off in the distance and saw the place. 5 He told his servants, “Stay here with the donkey, while my son and I go over there to worship. We will come back.” Genesis 22:4-5 CEV

There is no worry, no fear in Abraham’s comment to his servants. He is confident in the promise that God had given him many years earlier. God told him he would have a son and his descendants would be many. Abraham isn’t the only one walking by faith in this story. Isaac demonstrates great faith in his father and in God.

“Abraham put the wood on Isaac’s shoulder, but he carried the hot coals and the knife. As the two of them walked along, 7-8 Isaac said, “Father, we have the coals and the wood, but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?”

“My son,” Abraham answered, “God will provide the lamb.” Genesis 22:6-8 CEV

We have to remember these are real people with real emotions and this is a father who has waited for years to have a son. This son is the apple of his eye; the heir to all he possesses. Abraham is obedient to God, fully trusting Him to provide.

They get to the place of sacrifice and Abraham has Isaac help him build the altar, set the wood in place and then Abraham takes the next step and ties the hands of his son.

“The two of them walked on, and 9 when they reached the place that God had told him about, Abraham built an altar and placed the wood on it. Next, he tied up his son and put him on the wood. 10 He then took the knife and got ready to kill his son. 11 But the Lord’s angel shouted from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Here I am!” he answered.

12 “Don’t hurt the boy or harm him in any way!” the angel said. “Now I know that you truly obey God, because you were willing to offer him your only son.”

13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in the bushes. So he took the ram and sacrificed it in place of his son.

14 Abraham named that place “The Lord Will Provide.” And even now people say, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:9-14 CEV

The Lord will provide!

Those were the words that Abraham lived by. His first instruction from the Lord was “leave this land and go where I will show you”. Then there came the day that he and Lot separated their herds and went different directions. Lot took the better portion of grazing land but God provided and Abraham flourished. God promised to provide a son and now God provided a lamb.

The Lord provides.

“God tested Abraham’s faith. God told him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham obeyed because he had faith. He already had the promises from God. And God had already said to him, “It is through Isaac that your descendants will come.” But Abraham was ready to offer his only son. He did this because he had faith. 19 He believed that God could raise people from death. And really, when God stopped Abraham from killing Isaac, it was as if he got him back from death.” Hebrews 11:17-18 ERV

Abraham had faith that God was able to bring Isaac back to life. He knew that God would provide. As far as I know, none of us have ever been through such a test of faith. The circumstances in our lives seem small compared to what Abraham experienced. However, each day we have the opportunity to put our faith in God and say like Abraham, God will provide.

“Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him.” Hebrews 11:6 ERV

Faith is believing God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. It pleases Him when we trust that He is in control!

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Make A Request

I hope you don’t mind but we are going to spend some more time with Abram this morning. There’s so much that we can learn from his relationship with the Lord. Yesterday we focused on his obedience. Today we’ll look at the beginning stages of his friendship with God.

“It happened as the Holy Writings said it would happen. They say, “Abraham put his trust in God and he became right with God.” He was called the friend of God.” James 2:23 NLV

There are several mentions throughout the Bible where Abram is referred to as God’s friend. I love that! God wants us to have relationship with Him; not only is He our heavenly Father but He also desires that we become friends. Friendship takes time to develop, a true friendship is built on trust. God wanted Abram to trust Him and have confidence in what He said.

I would really like to encourage you to take time to read Genesis chapters twelve through twenty-five. This is the account of the one hundred year relationship between God and Abraham. In chapter 15 of Genesis, Abram has just returned from rescuing his nephew, Lot, who was captured in battle. Here is what the Lord says to Abram.

“After all these things happened, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. God said, “Abram, don’t be afraid. I will defend you and give you a great reward.”

2 But Abram said, “Lord God, there is nothing you can give me that will make me happy, because I have no son. My slave Eliezer from Damascus will get everything I own after I die.” 3 Abram said, “You have given me no son, so a slave born in my house will get everything I have.”

4 Then the Lord spoke to Abram and said, “That slave will not be the one to get what you have. You will have a son who will get everything you own.”

5 Then God led Abram outside and said, “Look at the sky. See the many stars. There are so many you cannot count them. Your family will be like that.”

6 Abram believed the Lord, and because of this faith the Lord accepted him as one who has done what is right.” Genesis 15:1-6 ERV

The Lord told Abram that He would protect him and give him a great reward. Many people would be very excited to hear the words “great reward”. It didn’t seem to faze Abram, he was already a very wealthy man. Abram told God that the thing he desired most was to have a son. God heard his friend’s heart and made him a promise that he and his wife would receive the thing they desired most.

King David had that same confidence in his relationship with the Lord.

“Trust in the Lord, and do good. So you will live in the land and will be fed. 4 Be happy in the Lord. And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Give your way over to the Lord. Trust in Him also. And He will do it.” Psalm 37:3-5 NLV

This type of relationship with the Lord isn’t exclusive to people who lived long ago. Jesus was teaching to the people of His day and giving them instruction on trusting God and believing in His word. Here’s what He said.

“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. 9 Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? 10 Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? 11 As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

Did you notice that Jesus points out the loving relationship that His Father wants to have with us, His children? He desires to give us good things just like He did with Abram. He wants us to trust Him and He wants us to ask.

Before I end today’s blog I’ll get you reacquainted with a man I’ve introduced you to before. This man was there that day when Jesus was teaching on the hillside. There was a multitude of people but this man stood out in the crowd. He was a leper. He had to be segregated from all the others. He was considered unclean and couldn’t have human contact. When Jesus came down the mountain, this man who heard Jesus say “ask and you will receive”, walked up to Jesus, risking all, and he asked.

“As Jesus came down the mountain, he was followed by large crowds. 2 Suddenly a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus. He said, “Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to.”

3 Jesus put his hand on the man and said, “I want to! Now you are well.” At once the man’s leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:1-3 CEV

Every time I read this it brings tears to my eyes. This man, who was an outcast, had probably gone years without anyone touching him. No hugs or handshakes, no pats on the back, no physical contact, no expressions of love and kindness UNTIL Jesus reached out and touched him and showed him the Father’s love.

The Bible doesn’t tell us of anyone else in that crowd asking Jesus for something but this man heard the Word of God and asked. Just like Abram, this leper believed that God would keep His word and so he asked for what his heart desired. He was healed and Abram received the promise of a son.

I’m not sure what you are needing but I do know that God’s Word is still true. He loves us as much as He loved Abram and the leper. He wants us to have the relationship of Father/child and the closeness of trusted friends.

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

Don’t be like the people in the crowd who walked away and didn’t act on what Jesus had said. Be like the leper and Abram and ask!

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Get Ready!

I’m doing something this year that I haven’t done in a number of years. I am using a Daily Bible Reading plan and when the year is complete I will have read through the Bible. Most of the time I pick a book in the Bible to read and study. Then I add to that a chapter from Proverbs and also from Psalms. This way I read through multiple books in the Bible each year but I don’t necessarily make it through the whole Bible. I’m excited about accomplishing this.

This morning I was reading about Abram. God asked Abram to go to a new land and then He promised to bless him there.

“The Lord said to Abram: Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will bless you and make your descendants into a great nation. You will become famous and be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless anyone who blesses you, but I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you.[a

4-5 Abram was seventy-five years old when the Lord told him to leave the city of Haran. He obeyed and left with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and slaves they had gotten while in Haran.” Genesis 12:1-5 CEV

Abram was an ordinary man. We aren’t told that he had any great talents or abilities. He was a descendant of Shem, one of Noah’s sons but other than that we don’t know much about him. We really have no insight as to why God chose him. What we do know is he was obedient when the Lord spoke to him.

That is my heart’s desire! Lord, when you speak I want to be quick to obey. I don’t want to try and force my own agenda. I don’t want to hold a committee meeting to see if this is the right time, place or financially feasible; I just want to willing obey.

“4 You bless all of those who trust you, Lord,  and refuse to worship idols or follow false gods. 5 You, Lord God, have done many wonderful things, and you have planned  marvelous things for us. No one is like you! I would never be able to tell all you have done.

6 Sacrifices and offerings are not what please you; gifts and payment for sin are not what you demand. But you made me willing to listen and obey. 7 And so, I said, “I am here to do what is written about me in the book, where it says, 8 ’I enjoy pleasing you.
Your Law is in my heart.’” Psalm 40:4-8 CEV

Abram was not a perfect man. He had his shortcomings and failures but God used him because He was obedient. All of the people that God used in the Bible were men and women just like us. They came up short in life; some had temper issues, some had problems with pride, others had moral failings and still others felt they were too insignificant to be used.

But what God saw was men and women who loved Him and were willing to be obedient. They had a desire to know God and make His word their first and final authority.

When Jesus came and started his preaching ministry He told the people the same thing. He gave them, and us, instruction on right living. He had a lawyer ask him what was the most important law that God wanted us to keep. I think he was startled by what Jesus said.

“One of them was an expert in the Jewish Law. So he tried to test Jesus by asking, 36 “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:35-40 CEV

When we love God with all our heart we want to obey Him. We want to please Him. We don’t do this to earn His love; we do it in response to His love, it’s unconditional. God desires to provide for us and to bless us.

“Be faithful in obeying the Lord your God. Be careful to keep all His Laws which I tell you today. And the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 All these good things will come upon you if you will obey the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NLV

Our motive for obeying the Lord shouldn’t be to get His blessings. No, that motive is called greed. But when we obey with hearts filled with love, the Father’s blessings fall on us. As we live in willing obedience we are blessed.

Get Ready!

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Responding to “If”

Have you ever gotten trapped in the maze of “what if”? At one point or another I think we all have. There are all sorts of “if” questions; some are personal, others are intellectual or career oriented and others are more philosophical.

What if: I were taller, smarter, my nose were smaller…What if: I had continued with college, become a doctor instead of a plumber…What if: there is life in outer space. And then there are the what if’s that are related to Scripture.

In yesterday’s blog, we saw how Satan used one of those what if’s in the garden with Adam and Eve. He introduced an element of doubt into Eve’s thinking. Did God really say? What if He doesn’t want you to be as smart as He is?

“4 But the snake said to the woman, “You will not die. 5 God knows that if you eat the fruit from that tree you will learn about good and evil, and then you will be like God!” Genesis 3:4-5 ERV

When we begin to study the Bible and see what God says to us Satan will try to use the same tactic on us.

What if: God isn’t real, He’s just a myth, His Word isn’t true, there is no heaven or hell, you don’t need faith. All of these are doubting thoughts that I have had at one point or another.

When these thoughts occur the first thing we should do is realize we aren’t the only ones having them. Christians who came before us and millions who come after us will all be plagued with thoughts of doubt.

How do we deal with doubt? I’m glad you asked. As always, Jesus is our perfect example.

“ Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to a desert. There He was tempted by the devil. 2 Jesus went without food for forty days and forty nights. After that He was hungry. 3 The devil came tempting Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to be made into bread.” 4 But Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man is not to live on bread only. Man is to live by every word that God speaks.’”

5 Then the devil took Jesus up to Jerusalem, the holy city. He had Jesus stand on the highest part of the house of God. 6 The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. It is written, ‘He has told His angels to look after You. In their hands they will hold You up. Then Your foot will not hit against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to the devil, “It is written also, ‘You must not tempt the Lord your God.’”

8 Again the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain. He had Jesus look at all the nations of the world to see how great they were. 9 He said to Jesus, “I will give You all these nations if You will get down at my feet and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to the devil, “Get away, Satan. It is written, ‘You must worship the Lord your God. You must obey Him only.’” 11 Then the devil went away from Jesus. Angels came and cared for Him.” Matthew 4:1-11 NLV

There are three important “if” issues in these verses. Satan questions the deity of Christ, “If you are the Son of God”. Satan is a crafty enemy, one we are incapable of defeating on our own. He came to Jesus when He was at one of his weakest moments. Jesus had been fasting for forty days and now He had begun to hunger.

The important thing to see is that Jesus didn’t react rashly in His weakness, instead He let God’s word answer for Him. The power to resist temptation came from God’s word. We will overcome our temptations the same way.

“So anyone who thinks they are standing strong should be careful that they don’t fall. 13 The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:12-13 ERV

In the second temptation the devil quoted Scripture to give his argument validity. Jesus didn’t take the bait; he didn’t need to prove who He was. He left that up to God, the Father. And He countered with Scripture.

Satan had been cast from heaven because he wanted to be greater than God. He coveted a position of honor. He wanted God’s Son to bow down at his feet.

” 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will go up to heaven. I will raise my throne above the stars of God. And I will sit on the mount of meeting in the far north. 14 I will go much higher than the clouds. I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 But you will be brought down to the place of the dead, to the bottom of the grave.” Isaiah 14:13-15 NLV

One more time Jesus used God’s word as a weapon and landed blows of defeat on His enemy. This time it was too much for the devil and he fled. This is what we need to do each and every time temptation comes.

” 4 We do not use those things to fight with that the world uses. We use the things God gives to fight with and they have power. Those things God gives to fight with destroy the strong-places of the devil. 5 We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:4-5 NLV

And here is what God gives us to fight with.

” 11 Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks…13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.

14 So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. 15 On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. 16 And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One. 17 Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.” Ephesians 6:11-18 ERV

Our sword in this battle is the word of God. It is sharp enough to cut all the “what if’s” out of our lives. We will be able to stand strong and never give up when we are standing on God’s word!

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A Promise Is A Promise

Let’s start the new year out with a strong reminder. Here it is. When God makes a promise He keeps it!

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change. If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

As many of you know this is my life verse. If this verse isn’t true then there is no reason to put our faith in any of the other verses in the Bible. I know that’s a strong statement but that’s the truth.

Look at it this way, if God could lie or change His mind after He says something how would we know what we could believe and what was subject to change? The other day I did a teaching on the solid rock foundation that we have in Christ. But if God can lie or change His mind then our foundation is as unstable as the sand on the beach when the tide recedes. We are doomed to fail.

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. And it fell with a loud crash.” Matthew 7:26-27 ERV

God is not a liar! His promises are true. They are more certain and absolute than anything else we can put our trust in. There was a time when Jesus’ ministry was being questioned. People thought He was trying to change the Old Testament laws. This was His response.

“Don’t suppose that I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning. 18 Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you that not even a period or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen.” Matthew 5:17-18 CEV

We live in a world where everything changes. “The experts say” that butter is harmful and so margarine was invented. Now margarine is harmful and butter is good. “They say” that we had to stop using paper bags in the grocery stores and so we started using plastic and that is now more harmful than paper production. Every day there is a new study with new and conflicting results.

But God…

“1See how much I love your instructions! Lord, I know your love is true, so let me live.
160 Every word you say can be trusted. Your laws are fair and will last forever.” Psalm 119:159-160 ERV

“Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word
 and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food.” Psalm 145:13-15 CEV

“Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8 ERV

There is no greater truth that I can impart than this, God’s word is true and He is worthy of our trust!

The very first thing that Satan did was get Adam and Eve to doubt God’s word and He’s been trying to get us to doubt His word ever since.

“The snake was the most clever of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. The snake spoke to the woman and said, “Woman, did God really tell you that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1 ERV

Make the commitment that this year that you will trust God and His word like never before. Each day find a promise in God’s word and live it.

“Lord All-Powerful, you are God. You have promised me some very good things, and you can be trusted to do what you promise.” II Samuel 7:28 CEV

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Has Life Been Tough?

I was talking to a friend the other day and life in 2018 has been particularly tough for him and his wife. It seems that time after time they have been hit with some pretty devastating circumstances.

As we talked he made mention of these verses and said they were really looking forward to what God was working on for them in 2019.

“Then Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you. 20 It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened. 21 So don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.’ And so Joseph said kind things to his brothers, and this made them feel better.” Genesis 50:19-21 ERV

These were Joseph’s comments to his brothers when they came to Egypt seeking to buy grain because of the great famine that had consumed the land. Some of you know the story but others might not be familiar so let me recap. It all starts in Genesis 37.

Joseph has eleven brothers but he is his father’s favorite. They all know this and they hate Joseph for it. To make matters worse, Joseph has several dreams which he tells to all the family. In these dreams he sees all his brothers and his father bowing down before him and giving him honor. (These dreams were from God.)

One day his brothers find him out in the desert tending sheep and they make a plan to kill him. He has one brother who wants to spare his life but still get rid of him so they sell him to some passing slave traders and Joseph is taken to Egypt. Joseph is 17 at the time. There he is purchased by a wealthy man who makes Joseph his house servant. The master of the home travels and his wife tries to seduce Joseph – he refuses her advances and it makes her mad. When her husband gets home she accuses Joseph of attempted rape and he is sent to prison.

But look at Joseph’s attitude.

“The Lord was with Joseph and continued to show his kindness to him, so the commander of the prison guards began to like Joseph. 22 The commander of the guards put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners. Joseph was their leader, but he still did the same work they did. 23 The commander of the guards trusted Joseph with everything that was in the prison. This happened because the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:21-23 ERV

While in prison Joseph meets two men who had served in pharaoh’s court, one was the baker and the other was his personal cup bearer. They had dreams that they couldn’t interpret and it worried them. Joseph explained the meaning of the dreams to them; one man would die and the other would be restored to the palace. Joseph asked the cup bearer to tell the pharaoh about him, he promised he would and then completely forget about Joseph. Two years later the pharaoh had a dream and no one could give him the meaning. Then…the servant remembered Joseph and told the king about him.

Joseph, not only, gave the king the meaning of the dreams but he also gave him instruction on how to keep his people from starving during the famine that was coming. God gave Joseph the wisdom and the plan which caused Egypt to prosper.

“Then Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, the king over everyone in Egypt, but no one else in Egypt can lift a hand or move a foot unless you say he can.” 45 Then Pharaoh gave Joseph another name, Zaphenath Paneah.] He also gave Joseph a wife named Asenath. She was the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in the city of On. So Joseph became the governor over the whole country of Egypt.

46 Joseph was 30 years old when he began serving the king of Egypt. He traveled throughout the country of Egypt.” Genesis 41:44-46 ERV

As a seventeen year old Joseph was sold into slavery and thirteen years later he was second in command over all of Egypt. Joseph never forget the dreams that God gave him; we never read that he became bitter nor were his motives fueled with hate. We can look at the names Joseph gave his sons and see the attitude of Joseph’s heart.

“Joseph named the first son Manasseh. He was given this name because Joseph said, ‘God made me forget all my hard work and everything back home in my father’s house.’ 52 Joseph named the second son Ephraim. Joseph gave him this name because he said, ‘I had great troubles, but God has made me successful in everything.'” Genesis 41:51-52 ERV

Now this brings us to Joseph meeting his brothers in Egypt. There were seven years of great harvest in Egypt and then started the seven years of famine. People came from many countries to Egypt because they were facing famine too. This is when Joseph’s father sent his brothers to buy grain for their family. Joseph recognized his brothers but they didn’t realize it was him.

I really hope you will take time to read the whole story from Genesis, chapter 37 to chapter 50. There are so many details that I have to skip over to get to the end of the story. Anyway, Joseph sends his brothers home with food but tells them if they want more they have to bring their youngest brother with them…They run out of food again and go back with the brother. That’s when Joseph reveals his true identity.

The brothers are frightened, thinking that Joseph will exact his revenge and either have them killed or send them away to starve. This is when Joseph tells them this:

“Yes, I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. 5 Don’t worry or blame yourselves for what you did. God is the one who sent me ahead of you to save lives.

6 There has already been a famine for two years, and for five more years no one will plow fields or harvest grain. 7 But God sent me on ahead of you to keep your families alive and to save you in this wonderful way. 8 After all, you weren’t really the ones who sent me here—it was God. He made me the highest official in the king’s court and placed me over all Egypt.” Genesis 45:4-8 CEV

Joseph was appointed second in the kingdom when he was 30 years old; there were seven good years of harvest and several years of famine before he was reunited with his brothers. He is now more than 40. He has spent half his life as a slave and yet his heart remains pure before God.

Joseph never quit trusting in God’s plan.

Again, let me ask you. Has 2018 been a difficult year filled with disappointment and hardship? I need you to consider the promises that God has made and trust Him to bring you through. What others have done to try and destroy you, God will use for good and bring you through victoriously.

“We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan.” Romans 8:28 NLV

Move forward with confidence in God’s provision!

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Thankful for Choice

As you begin to think about tomorrow’s feast is your mouth already watering?

Which to choose? Turkey, ham, yams, mashed potatoes, pumpkin or pecan pie, I know, you want a little bit of everything don’t you?

The freedom to choose or as some phrase it, free will, is something that we can all be grateful for. Imagine how boring life would be if there was no variety. What if every vehicle was a Ford and each dress was blue? All houses were Cape Cod style and the only college degree to attain was one in Physics. All flowers were red and all dogs were beagles.

No choice, no choice at all.

If that isn’t an appealing idea then you should be thanking God right about now. He is the one that established free will. In the Garden of Eden He created a large variety of fruit bearing trees and God told Adam he could pick from any tree he wanted but one.

“The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden to work the soil and take care of the garden. 16 The Lord God gave him this command: “You may eat from any tree in the garden. 17 But you must not eat from the tree that gives knowledge about good and evil. If you eat fruit from that tree, on that day you will certainly die!” Genesis 2:15-17 ERV

Now some may think that God was unfair to restrict Adam from the tree that would give him knowledge of good and evil. Far from it. God’s desire was that Adam would only know good; God didn’t want him knowing about evil. God also knew that choice would separate them because God can’t have relationship with evil; man’s relationship with God would die, it would be spiritual death.

We do a similar thing with our children. We tell them “play with all these toys but don’t touch the stove, it’s hot and you’ll get burned”. So many good and wonderful things to do and play with, just choose the good.

Adam made a choice and God didn’t usurp his will. God’s desire is that we love Him and obey His word by our free will. He wants a relationship with us not a robotic obedience.  So, God gave another instruction on choice.

“ I call heaven and earth to speak against you today. I have put in front of you life and death, the good and the curse. So choose life so you and your children after you may live. 20 Love the Lord your God and obey His voice. Hold on to Him. For He is your life, and by Him your days will be long. You will be allowed to live in the land the Lord promised to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLV

Freedom to choose life or death, blessing or curse and then God seemed to say, in case you’re not sure which one to choose, let me give you a hint – choose life.

God has also made a choice. He has chosen us to be His sons and daughters. He doesn’t want  anyone to miss out on His goodness. His love extends to everyone.

“Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. 5 God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.

7-8 Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding, 9 and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways.” Ephesians 1:4-9 CEV

“My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. 2 Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:1-2 ERV

God has made His choice; He has chosen us. Now we have the freedom to choose. He wants to be our choice but He won’t force His will on us.

“He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him. He gave this to those who put their trust in His name. ” John 1:12 NLV

I wholeheartedly recommend choosing God and the wonderful life that He has planned for us.

I’m so thankful for the gift of choice. My choice is to receive God’s gift of life!

 

 

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New Beginnings

It’s Monday! Yes, the weekend passed quickly and it’s time for a new week beginning now.

I must admit I was tempted to head back to bed after I finished my first cup of coffee. But then who would write the blog…

Did you see last night’s moon? I don’t know what it looked like where you are but here it is almost full and the sky was filled with lots of cotton puff clouds. It was that way this morning too.

Each new day reminds me that the Lord is into new beginnings. The sun always rising and setting – the tide always bringing the waves in and out – our God always was, is and always will be. He promises that each morning He will have new ways to show us His love and His mercy.

“We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal!” Lamentations 3:22-23 ERV

Everything on earth has a beginning and an end. There is only One who is eternal. He has no beginning and no end and He is ever present – always there, when we call upon Him and when we ignore Him, He is present. The Bible starts with “In the beginning GOD” and it ends the same way.

“Listen, I am coming soon! I will bring rewards with me. I will repay everyone for what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13 ERV

When we enter through those “pearly” gates we will have life eternal and we will live forever in heaven with Almighty God. Jesus tells us that “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me.”

And

“for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Those of us who believe in Christ as Savior have already started living the eternal life. There is so much more to our lives than this physical existence and it is our life in Christ. An abundant life where we draw from God’s love, mercy, grace and goodness each and every day.

Yes, today is Monday and maybe you don’t want to go back to work or school, just remember that the giver of life, abundant life, eternal life, has filled us with that life today and we can be victorious over every work of the enemy.

We can also bring life to those we work with because we take the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Enjoy this day, it’s a new beginning!

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Waiting & Expecting

Do you dread waiting? Do these thoughts lodge in your thinking? Is it ever going to happen; why do I have to wait so long; I might as well give up and do something else, etc.


When we are waiting for God’s provision and His promises to be fulfilled it should fill us with excitement and anticipation, much the same as a pregnant woman waiting to give birth, waiting to hold her child for the first time.  It should be similar to the child waiting to go to the circus or on a special fishing trip with Grandpa.

Each day we are one day closer to the expected goal, our hopes are high!

Waiting for one of God’s promises to be visible starts with hope and grows into faith.

“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see. 2 God was pleased with the people who lived a long time ago because they had faith like this.” Hebrews 11:1-2

Waiting is what Abraham did for 25 years. Waiting for God’s promise to come to pass in the birth of a son, Abraham was excited!

“There was no hope that Abraham would have children, but Abraham believed God and continued to hope. And that is why he became the father of many nations. As God told him, “You will have many descendants.” 19 Abraham was almost a hundred years old, so he was past the age for having children. Also, Sarah could not have children. Abraham was well aware of this, but his faith in God never became weak. 20 He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. 21 Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he promised.” Romans 4:18-21

Joseph knew  God had made him a promise that he would rule over his brothers and that they would bow before him. He held on to that promise. However, he first experienced being sold into slavery, serving in a foreigner’s house, being falsely accused of rape. He was imprisoned and forgotten.

Eventually he was called before Pharaoh and exalted to second in command in all of Egypt. He experienced all of this with hope and without bitterness. Hope that the promise God made him would be kept.

“So Joseph said to his brothers again, “Come here to me. I beg you, come here.” When the brothers went to him, he said to them, “I am your brother Joseph. I am the one you sold as a slave to Egypt. 5 Now don’t be worried. Don’t be angry with yourselves for what you did. It was God’s plan for me to come here. I am here to save people’s lives. 6 This terrible famine has continued for two years now, and there will be five more years without planting or harvest. 7 So God sent me here ahead of you so that I can save your people in this country. 8 It was not your fault that I was sent here. It was God’s plan. God made me like a father to Pharaoh. I am the governor over all his house and over all Egypt.” Genesis 45:4-8

Jesus discounted the pain and anguish of dying on the cross and becoming sin for all mankind by looking past it to see what God had promised – the salvation and restoration of man in relationship to God.

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:2-3

Nothing I have ever had to wait for compares with the depth of these examples.

We have the ability to replace dread with expectation; frustration with hope and disappointment with peace. We are one day closer to seeing God’s promise fulfilled.

Be joyful, be excited because God is doing a mighty work and He can be trusted to keep His word!

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