Today's Passage: Exodus 23-24
During the course of my life, I have often been around people that cause me to think to myself, "God has extraordinarily blessed them." It seemed to me that their lives were in perfect order and that God chose to bless these people in a great way in which everything goes their way. Their lives were going so great that it almost was enough to cause jealousy, and wonder why God cannot do the same in my life. That is pretty much the case here in Exodus 23-24 for Moses. We have the privilege of looking at a 'snapshot' of his life in which everything seems to be going his way. Moses was the only one who was able to approach and worship God closely. Moses then told the people what God said and they were ecstatic! He built an altar and then spent forty days with God on the mountain. It is quite easy to look at Moses and wonder, "Why is my life not filled with such perfection and blessings like Moses?"
Fortunately, we have a bigger picture of Moses and his relationship to his people and God. The times were not so perfect as we see here in these two chapters. Moses would continue to question God and his decisions, and the people would constantly doubt God's provisions and Moses' leadership. Moses had the privilege of being a key player in the covenant being confirmed and establishing God's law. God chose his servant to establish order and law to the people. Moses was able to do great things for God, but it can be seen here that Moses was simply following the calling of God. Moses had no great gift, in fact he had some flaws that may have even prevented him from being in a leadership position in contemporary times. However, the greatness of God comes pouring out of this passage, as well as the opportunity for man to worship the Creator. We may choose to intentionally worship our Creator and how He has worked out His plan for generations through people like Moses.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 19
Jesus' directions on divorce are very important and if nothing else should provide a very real consideration to the level of commitment required in marriage. For today's blog, however, I would like to focus on the story of the rich young ruler.
We all have probably heard this story at one time or another; personally I can't even count the number of times I have heard a sermon podcast or seen a t-shirt with some part of this story depicted in it. Somehow the lesson in the story still rings true for all of us. This story has little really to do with the fact that the man was rich or a ruler. The real root of this lesson is: Are you and I willing to discard everything in our lives to follow Jesus?
The youth just got done with a lesson on becoming selfless last night in Hack. We learned that being selfless is being submissive to both God and man. Elevating others to a higher level of worth than ourselves. That is all Jesus was asking the ruler to do: "just show me that I (Jesus) am more important than your possessions."
We all have "possessions" in our lives that we really enjoy. Sometimes they are physical possessions, but sometimes they are friends, hobbies or even jobs. If we aren't willing to give these up for Christ than we are in the same boat as the rich young ruler. We walk away sad that we aren't growing closer to God when the real culprit is us and our unwillingness to put Him first.
I'm going to challenge you this week to do something. Before you start your day, while you're brushing your teeth or getting dressed, just pray every day for God to show you what He would like you to give up for Him. If you are brave enough to follow through with it I know that He will bless you.
Jesus' directions on divorce are very important and if nothing else should provide a very real consideration to the level of commitment required in marriage. For today's blog, however, I would like to focus on the story of the rich young ruler.
We all have probably heard this story at one time or another; personally I can't even count the number of times I have heard a sermon podcast or seen a t-shirt with some part of this story depicted in it. Somehow the lesson in the story still rings true for all of us. This story has little really to do with the fact that the man was rich or a ruler. The real root of this lesson is: Are you and I willing to discard everything in our lives to follow Jesus?
The youth just got done with a lesson on becoming selfless last night in Hack. We learned that being selfless is being submissive to both God and man. Elevating others to a higher level of worth than ourselves. That is all Jesus was asking the ruler to do: "just show me that I (Jesus) am more important than your possessions."
We all have "possessions" in our lives that we really enjoy. Sometimes they are physical possessions, but sometimes they are friends, hobbies or even jobs. If we aren't willing to give these up for Christ than we are in the same boat as the rich young ruler. We walk away sad that we aren't growing closer to God when the real culprit is us and our unwillingness to put Him first.
I'm going to challenge you this week to do something. Before you start your day, while you're brushing your teeth or getting dressed, just pray every day for God to show you what He would like you to give up for Him. If you are brave enough to follow through with it I know that He will bless you.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 22
One of the things that really got to me on my trip to Israel last week was not a biblical moment but a political one. Very often in our travels, we either passed very near to or a few times across "The Fence." "The Fence", as it is called, is the boundary between the Palestinian areas of Israel and the rest of the country. There are checkpoints with armed guards, giant concrete walls with razor wire, lookout towers...a very imposing boundary indeed. It was very clear where you were supposed to be and where you were not...and also very clear were the consequences for violating those boundaries.
In our passage today, God is setting up a fence for the Israelites. This isn't a political boundary, but rather a spiritual one. The people obviously needed very clear rules to show them the boundaries between sin and holiness. As you read today, I'm sure you thought some of these things should have been obvious to the Israelites, but apparently, they really needed clarification in their lives.
God wants to protect us from the consequences of sin. His Word sets up these boundaries so that we know exactly where we should and should not go. These rules aren't there to keep us from having a life, but rather to let us live life abundantly. Let us praise God today that He loves us enough to show us the way!
One of the things that really got to me on my trip to Israel last week was not a biblical moment but a political one. Very often in our travels, we either passed very near to or a few times across "The Fence." "The Fence", as it is called, is the boundary between the Palestinian areas of Israel and the rest of the country. There are checkpoints with armed guards, giant concrete walls with razor wire, lookout towers...a very imposing boundary indeed. It was very clear where you were supposed to be and where you were not...and also very clear were the consequences for violating those boundaries.
In our passage today, God is setting up a fence for the Israelites. This isn't a political boundary, but rather a spiritual one. The people obviously needed very clear rules to show them the boundaries between sin and holiness. As you read today, I'm sure you thought some of these things should have been obvious to the Israelites, but apparently, they really needed clarification in their lives.
God wants to protect us from the consequences of sin. His Word sets up these boundaries so that we know exactly where we should and should not go. These rules aren't there to keep us from having a life, but rather to let us live life abundantly. Let us praise God today that He loves us enough to show us the way!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Today’s Passage: Exodus 21
This chapter marks the beginning of three chapters that deal primarily with establishing the legal system for Israel. While most of it may sound straight forward and somewhat unpractical for our daily life, I would suggest that we take a deeper look into the meaning and reasoning for some of the laws put into place.
I thought it interesting that the first laws dealt with buying Israelites as slaves. (Just a few chapters ago, God had brought His people from out of slavery in Egypt.) At any rate, although this may not seem directly applicable to us today (since we do not regularly purchase Jewish slaves), there is a lesson to be learned. Notice the slave was to only work for the master for six years, then be released after the seventh, unless the slave says, “I love my master” (vs 5) then he could server his master for a lifelong commitment. This may seem outrageous, but the lesson to learn is how the master treated his slave. The master must have showed great kindness and graciousness for the servant to want to serve for a lifetime. So, while we may not have slaves, some of us do have people that we manage or are over; thus, how are we treating them?
In the next couple of verses (7-11), God’s law shows a shift in viewing women. During this time, women did not have rights as they do today. However, we see here that God’s law called for the respect due them. Also, the text speaks of the necessity and clear establishment of capital punishment. God did not take too kindly to those who murdered. Furthermore, He required the punishment of those who murdered after premeditation. The list goes on. The remainder of the chapter deals with the wide varying issues that may have come up in the Israelite society.
What I was able to come away with after reading and perusing through the passage was the necessity of justice and integrity. Our God is a holy God, who calls for His follows to be holy as well. The laws in and of themselves never sufficed for the salvation of someone. Faith has always been the way. The laws serve to keep order in a sinful world.
The challenge for today: Inspect your life for an integrity issues. Are you able to come before the Holy God?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 19-20
I don't often find myself thinking or saying this, but in some ways, I'm jealous of the Israelites wandering in the desert. While their life was very difficult (and after seeing the wilderness with my own eyes last week, I can tell you it was way more difficult than I had imagined before), their relationship with God was so personal and intimate. Can you imagine what it would be like to follow God in a cloud of smoke or pillar of fire? Can you imagine feeding on manna and quail provided by the Lord? Or can you imagine, as our passage talks about today, seeing the glory of the Lord covering an entire mountain?
These two chapters remind me of the awesome nature of God's holiness. He is so holy that the people coulnd't set foot on the mountain...they could see God's holiness, but they couldn't be a part of it. Moses receives the Ten Commandments as God's way of bringing holiness to the people...or at least, moving them toward holiness.
Thanks be to God, that through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, holiness has come to man! I may not live in holiness all the time, but holiness now lives in me. I want to strive, as Peter says in I Peter 1, to "be holy because I (God) am holy." I want to honor the same Spirit that once engulfed a mountain that now is inside of me.
When is the last time you were amazed by God's holiness? Are you treating His Word with the same reverence the Israelites were commanded to treat this mountain? What about the Sabbath day...are you keeping it holy by giving it reverence and importance? God is truly awesome, and when we forget how awesome He is, we're heading down the same road the Israelites are about to take in a few chapters with the golden calf.
I don't often find myself thinking or saying this, but in some ways, I'm jealous of the Israelites wandering in the desert. While their life was very difficult (and after seeing the wilderness with my own eyes last week, I can tell you it was way more difficult than I had imagined before), their relationship with God was so personal and intimate. Can you imagine what it would be like to follow God in a cloud of smoke or pillar of fire? Can you imagine feeding on manna and quail provided by the Lord? Or can you imagine, as our passage talks about today, seeing the glory of the Lord covering an entire mountain?
These two chapters remind me of the awesome nature of God's holiness. He is so holy that the people coulnd't set foot on the mountain...they could see God's holiness, but they couldn't be a part of it. Moses receives the Ten Commandments as God's way of bringing holiness to the people...or at least, moving them toward holiness.
Thanks be to God, that through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, holiness has come to man! I may not live in holiness all the time, but holiness now lives in me. I want to strive, as Peter says in I Peter 1, to "be holy because I (God) am holy." I want to honor the same Spirit that once engulfed a mountain that now is inside of me.
When is the last time you were amazed by God's holiness? Are you treating His Word with the same reverence the Israelites were commanded to treat this mountain? What about the Sabbath day...are you keeping it holy by giving it reverence and importance? God is truly awesome, and when we forget how awesome He is, we're heading down the same road the Israelites are about to take in a few chapters with the golden calf.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 18
I think it would be really easy to spend four days on this passage and still not really get to everything it has. There is so much to take from this chapter that I encourage you to spend some extra time on it. For our time today, I really want to focus on the section about the lost sheep.
It is funny how God works with us sometimes, as this is really where I have been lately. I have really been feeling that God has been pressing on me to start having a passion for the lost sheep. I have allowed myself to really get in a routine and, for lack of a better term, a bubble. I go to work at a Christian university, then I go to school at the same Christian university, and then I come and spend time at our church. I am surrounded by sheep that are already found. God, however, has stirred my heart and told me that it is time to go looking for lost sheep.
I think we all get in a groove of doing our everyday schedule and we get our eyes focused on things and we forget to look for sheep who are wandering aimlessly as we pass them by. We have got to figure out how to slow down from our daily routine and start intentionally spending time looking for those who do not have Christ. I was reading a book last night for a paper and in it the author talks about the first time we really experience God. It made me think back to when I accepted that I needed a savior back in middle school. I had such a passion for God then that I had to tell my friends about the change. I was a lost sheep that was found, and all I wanted to do was find other lost sheep. I believed that God was big enough to change me and anyone else who heard about him.
I still believe that, but sometimes I do not act that way. I am sad to say that I think that passion I had as a teenager has dwindled. The good news is I have realized it and want to change. I want to have the passion and excitement that I had the day I first believed. Think of when you were the lost sheep, and then think of how amazing it was to be brought into the flock by Christ. We have to return to that excitement!
My prayer for you is the same prayer I pray for myself, that I would remember the passion that I had when I first joined the flock, so that I may have the passion to find others that need to be brought into the flock.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 16-18
At this point in the Moses saga I just get annoyed with the Israelites. I mean, are you kidding me? God just miraculously and majestically delivered them out of bondage in Egypt and they're complaining. Actually, they're not just complaining, they have the nerve to say they'd rather go back to slavery in Egypt because of the abundance of pots of meat. It's like the ten plagues never happened! Red Sea ring a bell? I love how God answers their "grumbling." He sends mysterious manna. Now, the manna came with its own set of clearly defined, easy to follow rules, but the Israelites couldn't even handle that. God amazingly provided just enough food for each person every day...no more, no less. During the week, two day old manna went bad, but on the Sabbath, it lasted for two days so that they would not have to break God's commands. Of course that didn't keep them from trying to gather too much, or from keeping leftovers when they weren't supposed to, or looking for it on the Sabbath. Up to this point, God's timing and God's provision have been nothing less than perfect and yet the Israelites don't seem to remember any of that.
Well, that's when my toes get stepped on a bit. I find myself so flabbergasted with the Israelites...and yet...I'm exactly the same. God has provided for me time and time again. He continuously protects me with his perfect timing. I can look back at my life and see how He has been at work, answering every prayer...maybe not the way I would have liked, but in a way that was part of his perfect plan. I can see clearly that his way did, in fact, end up being the best way and that my way would never have worked as wonderfully. And yet, I find myself questioning God and his timing and longing to go right back to Egypt. Back to a life that I know. It might not have been ideal, but at least I knew what to expect. What lesson does God have for me that, like the Israelites, I just can't seem to get. Is there something that is a constant struggle? Something that He has equipped me to fix and yet I continue to fumble with? What can I do today to show my trust in God and his perfect plan?
At this point in the Moses saga I just get annoyed with the Israelites. I mean, are you kidding me? God just miraculously and majestically delivered them out of bondage in Egypt and they're complaining. Actually, they're not just complaining, they have the nerve to say they'd rather go back to slavery in Egypt because of the abundance of pots of meat. It's like the ten plagues never happened! Red Sea ring a bell? I love how God answers their "grumbling." He sends mysterious manna. Now, the manna came with its own set of clearly defined, easy to follow rules, but the Israelites couldn't even handle that. God amazingly provided just enough food for each person every day...no more, no less. During the week, two day old manna went bad, but on the Sabbath, it lasted for two days so that they would not have to break God's commands. Of course that didn't keep them from trying to gather too much, or from keeping leftovers when they weren't supposed to, or looking for it on the Sabbath. Up to this point, God's timing and God's provision have been nothing less than perfect and yet the Israelites don't seem to remember any of that.
Well, that's when my toes get stepped on a bit. I find myself so flabbergasted with the Israelites...and yet...I'm exactly the same. God has provided for me time and time again. He continuously protects me with his perfect timing. I can look back at my life and see how He has been at work, answering every prayer...maybe not the way I would have liked, but in a way that was part of his perfect plan. I can see clearly that his way did, in fact, end up being the best way and that my way would never have worked as wonderfully. And yet, I find myself questioning God and his timing and longing to go right back to Egypt. Back to a life that I know. It might not have been ideal, but at least I knew what to expect. What lesson does God have for me that, like the Israelites, I just can't seem to get. Is there something that is a constant struggle? Something that He has equipped me to fix and yet I continue to fumble with? What can I do today to show my trust in God and his perfect plan?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 17
Have you ever just not taken something seriously? I'm sure that I'm the only one. I remember a time when I did not have the right perspective in a situation. In high school, I enjoyed playing sports, particularly basketball. I was fortunate enough to be on a talented and cohesive team that was known for winning. My junior year our team was in a tournament playing the championship game. We had won the title the previous year and were looking to go back-to-back. Our opponent was talented, and had one player who usually carried their team. We were a balanced team with 8 to 9 players who played numerous positions, which gave us the ability to bring players in and out during the game. For part of this memorable game, due to the foul situation of one of our players, I was placed defending their star player. While I knew he was good, I greatly underestimated his speed and ability, and overestimated my team's talent. It was that night our team lost the state championship in overtime by 2 points. Childish I know, but as a 16 year old it was highly disappointing. As I walked away from that game, I knew my problem: I underestimated their team, and in particular their star player. I did not take his talent seriously, and I paid the price.
This is similar to what is happening in Matthew 17. The disciples did not take God seriously and Jesus wanted to make a point to them. Jesus explained that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed then mountains could move. Jesus was not pointing to the power of the disciples, but he was showing the immense power of God, the creator of the heavens and earth. The disciples were not acknowledging who God was and His abilities to work in the world. Like my basketball story, the disciples were guilty of underestimating, only they underestimated God. The Scriptures are full of stories, parables, and teaching of the greatness of God. May we be reminded of the great God we serve and His ability to work in this world, and not underestimate what He can do!
Have you ever just not taken something seriously? I'm sure that I'm the only one. I remember a time when I did not have the right perspective in a situation. In high school, I enjoyed playing sports, particularly basketball. I was fortunate enough to be on a talented and cohesive team that was known for winning. My junior year our team was in a tournament playing the championship game. We had won the title the previous year and were looking to go back-to-back. Our opponent was talented, and had one player who usually carried their team. We were a balanced team with 8 to 9 players who played numerous positions, which gave us the ability to bring players in and out during the game. For part of this memorable game, due to the foul situation of one of our players, I was placed defending their star player. While I knew he was good, I greatly underestimated his speed and ability, and overestimated my team's talent. It was that night our team lost the state championship in overtime by 2 points. Childish I know, but as a 16 year old it was highly disappointing. As I walked away from that game, I knew my problem: I underestimated their team, and in particular their star player. I did not take his talent seriously, and I paid the price.
This is similar to what is happening in Matthew 17. The disciples did not take God seriously and Jesus wanted to make a point to them. Jesus explained that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed then mountains could move. Jesus was not pointing to the power of the disciples, but he was showing the immense power of God, the creator of the heavens and earth. The disciples were not acknowledging who God was and His abilities to work in the world. Like my basketball story, the disciples were guilty of underestimating, only they underestimated God. The Scriptures are full of stories, parables, and teaching of the greatness of God. May we be reminded of the great God we serve and His ability to work in this world, and not underestimate what He can do!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 14-15
The scene of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea has always been fascinating to me. The way that Moses describes that they crossed on DRY land with WALLS of water on either side of them, it's something that I can't really imagine without thinking of it as a cartoon.
Anyone who knows me pretty well, knows that I have a fear of open water (the ocean). There is just something about there being enough water below me to consume a boat that just creeps me out. Photos of sunken ships like the Titanic give me chills. So to imagine walls of water in excess of 800 feet on either side of me is unsettling. Then to add in the fact that before God parted the water through Moses there were 1200 plus Egyptian soldiers barreling toward the Israelites position and they had no other place to go. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place.
I can't even imagine what the Israelites were thinking when Moses raised his hands as an east wind started to blow and the waters parted. How long did it take for the shock to wear off before they started crossing? Were there people that said "there is no way I'm walking through that"? Or did everyone just say "that was cool... lets get out of here"?
The crazier thing to me is that God had all of that planned, and He made sure that Moses jotted it down so that you and I could read it today. Do you ever sit back and think how completely awesome God is? This story does it to me every time.
The scene of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea has always been fascinating to me. The way that Moses describes that they crossed on DRY land with WALLS of water on either side of them, it's something that I can't really imagine without thinking of it as a cartoon.
Anyone who knows me pretty well, knows that I have a fear of open water (the ocean). There is just something about there being enough water below me to consume a boat that just creeps me out. Photos of sunken ships like the Titanic give me chills. So to imagine walls of water in excess of 800 feet on either side of me is unsettling. Then to add in the fact that before God parted the water through Moses there were 1200 plus Egyptian soldiers barreling toward the Israelites position and they had no other place to go. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place.
I can't even imagine what the Israelites were thinking when Moses raised his hands as an east wind started to blow and the waters parted. How long did it take for the shock to wear off before they started crossing? Were there people that said "there is no way I'm walking through that"? Or did everyone just say "that was cool... lets get out of here"?
The crazier thing to me is that God had all of that planned, and He made sure that Moses jotted it down so that you and I could read it today. Do you ever sit back and think how completely awesome God is? This story does it to me every time.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 16
I'd like to focus on the later part of this chapter. Jesus first asks the disciples who others thought He was, then really brings it home by asking them who they believed He was. Peter really steps up here and declares his faith for Christ. It wasn't mere opinion, but truth. I love the fact that he just plainly states it and doesn't leave himself any wiggle-room. There's much to be admired here because we often have opportunities to declare the truth of Christ, even to other christians, yet we most often decide to take the easy way to avoid socially awkward moments.
Ending the chapter is Jesus talking about truly living for Him. The words were no doubt pretty confusing to the disciples. Sadly for me, due to the fact that I grew up hearing these words so often they often get brushed over. At first it seems easy enough to say that we take up the hard things in life and follow Christ, but then He goes on. Our lives are no longer ours. We must grasp the fact that we exist solely for Him. Our desire to live comfortable, easy, safe lives must die!
Satan has filled this world with hungers of every sort to tempt us. Hungers of lust, power, money and fame seem inviting, but it is a trap, although a very enticing one! It always looks good and harmless on the surface, but underneath that is sin, destruction and spiritual death. Let us all take these words of scripture to heart and yield to God's desires for us. Let us not forfeit our souls, but rather hunger and thirst for Him. He will always satisfy!
I'd like to focus on the later part of this chapter. Jesus first asks the disciples who others thought He was, then really brings it home by asking them who they believed He was. Peter really steps up here and declares his faith for Christ. It wasn't mere opinion, but truth. I love the fact that he just plainly states it and doesn't leave himself any wiggle-room. There's much to be admired here because we often have opportunities to declare the truth of Christ, even to other christians, yet we most often decide to take the easy way to avoid socially awkward moments.
Ending the chapter is Jesus talking about truly living for Him. The words were no doubt pretty confusing to the disciples. Sadly for me, due to the fact that I grew up hearing these words so often they often get brushed over. At first it seems easy enough to say that we take up the hard things in life and follow Christ, but then He goes on. Our lives are no longer ours. We must grasp the fact that we exist solely for Him. Our desire to live comfortable, easy, safe lives must die!
Satan has filled this world with hungers of every sort to tempt us. Hungers of lust, power, money and fame seem inviting, but it is a trap, although a very enticing one! It always looks good and harmless on the surface, but underneath that is sin, destruction and spiritual death. Let us all take these words of scripture to heart and yield to God's desires for us. Let us not forfeit our souls, but rather hunger and thirst for Him. He will always satisfy!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Today’s Passage: Exodus 12-13
The Old Testament is filled with many defining points in Israelite history. Today’s passage covers the happenings of the Lord’s provisioning of His people to escape the imprisonment of Pharaoh in Egypt. For those of us who grew up in Sunday school, you may recall this miraculous story. But, may I draw your attention to God’s imperative that the people REMEMBER their Lord’s “strong hand,” as He brought them out of Egypt. This phrase is repeated through the text.
Whenever I hear the word remember as a main point, I always think of the movie, “Remember the Titans.” Near the end of the movie, the coach emphatically tells the huddled team to make sure everyone REMEMBERS the Titans. That is what God is doing here in this major occurrence. A casual reading may have this story come off as a merely another “story of the Bible.” However, this was a defining point in Israelite history. They had been imprisoned for some 430 years. Then, after 9 previous plagues, God issues this final one. Today, Passover is still remembered by many people.
Since we are made in God’s image and have His Word, we can get to know and know God. In this historic event, God shows His sovereign hand and that He is not messing around (for lack of a better phrase). Chapter 12, verse 12 just got to me when reading this: “I will execute judgments: I am the LORD.” The next chapter (13) is commanding Moses and the people to institute a time for remembering what the LORD has done for them. They are to never forget the STRONG HAND of their LORD.
I am humbled and convicted when reading this today. The many times I struggle with remembering the Lord’s strong hand. Chapter 13, verse 21, says the LORD went before them. God does not come behind us or alongside us; He goes before us leading us along the way. Are you remembering the LORD’s strong hand?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 11
This is a far different Moses than the one in my blog last Friday. That Moses was fearful and defiant, arguing with God over the task ahead. This Moses now speaks with confidence to the people and does not hesitate when God tells him what to do next.
What's the difference? Experience. Moses has been used by God, and every time, God has done exactly what He said He would do. Nine times God said He would send a plague, and nine times a plague came from heaven. Surely Moses grew stronger and more confident each time God fulfilled a promise, to the point that he was certain this last plague would happen as well.
Take the time today to stop and remember all the times God has been faithful to you. How many times has God done something amazing...something only He can do? How many times has the hand of God been present in your life? Shouldn't that inspire the confidence to trust Him no matter what He asks or where He leads?
This is a far different Moses than the one in my blog last Friday. That Moses was fearful and defiant, arguing with God over the task ahead. This Moses now speaks with confidence to the people and does not hesitate when God tells him what to do next.
What's the difference? Experience. Moses has been used by God, and every time, God has done exactly what He said He would do. Nine times God said He would send a plague, and nine times a plague came from heaven. Surely Moses grew stronger and more confident each time God fulfilled a promise, to the point that he was certain this last plague would happen as well.
Take the time today to stop and remember all the times God has been faithful to you. How many times has God done something amazing...something only He can do? How many times has the hand of God been present in your life? Shouldn't that inspire the confidence to trust Him no matter what He asks or where He leads?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 9-10
One of my favorite things to do is play poker. Texas Hold'em is my favorite game. In the game there is a term, “pot committed.” When someone is “pot committed” they have put in enough chips throughout the hand that they really should just stay in and continue the hand. The problem with deciding whether you are pot committed or not is that there is no exact science. It is all based on your decision making skills. So more often than not someone will either fold when they were actually pot committed and should have just taken their chances to see if they could win, or they will stay in and end up putting way too many chips into a losing hand. In Hold'em you have several chances to fold and still save your chips. A great player knows when they are committed and when they need to get out.
Pharaoh seems like he is trying to figure out if he is pot committed or if he thinks he can beat God in heads up poker. The livestock would have been enough for me I think. God sends a plague on the cattle so that all of the Egyptian cattle die, but the cattle belonging to the Israelites are fine. At that point I cut my losses and say ok God you win. Pharaoh does not quite think the same way I do. He keeps on being stubborn and will not let the people go. As you read today, Pharaoh had five chances to decide that he could not win, but every time he was faced with the decision he thought that he still had a chance to beat the God of the Israelites. I am not sure if it was that he actually thought he could beat God or that he thought that the worst had passed and he could just endure the hardships. Either way, Pharaoh needs a lesson on when to fold his hand.
There is a great country song by Kenny Rogers called The Gambler, and my favorite line in it is, “You got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run.” I am not sure that Kenny thought about the Biblical implications of his song when he wrote it, but I think it is a great motto for us. I think we put ourselves in Pharaoh’s position more than we think. However, I do not think we are playing against God, but against temptation. If Pharaoh would have just folded against God in the first place maybe all that trouble would not have come to him and the Egyptians. For us, if we fold against temptation and say, “I cannot win this game on my own”, then maybe we will not have as much trouble either. We get on a streak of avoiding temptation and think we can keep on winning on our own, but unfortunately the house always wins. So in the words of Kenny Rogers, “Know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, but especially know when to run.”
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 15
We begin with the Pharisees once again taking issue with Jesus and his reckless regard to the law. They have a fit over the fact that the disciples did not wash their hands before eating, which, hygiene aside, broke Jewish custom. Jesus' response to them not only quiets the Pharisees, but also captures the essence of our relationship with God: He knows our hearts.
Jesus teaches that what goes into a man's mouth is not what makes him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth because it's from the heart. Various places in Scripture challenge us to consider what comes out of our mouths. These passages always strike a nerve because of how careless we can be with our words. Growing up, I never really thought I had a problem with this...compared to other people anyway. I mean, I didn't cuss so I'm good, right? I came to learn, however, that Jesus meant everything that comes out of my mouth. Am I too sarcastic? Do I always have something to complain about? Do I treat everyone I come in contact with respectfully? Do I have a tendency to gossip (and disguise it as something else)? Do I take every opportunity to be encouraging or helpful? Once I realized what Jesus was talking about, I realized that He would probably have some things to say about what comes from my mouth and ultimately what is inside my heart. Join me in considering the things that we say, how what we say reflects the contents of our hearts, and what Jesus might say to us if he heard everything we say in a given day (because he does).
We begin with the Pharisees once again taking issue with Jesus and his reckless regard to the law. They have a fit over the fact that the disciples did not wash their hands before eating, which, hygiene aside, broke Jewish custom. Jesus' response to them not only quiets the Pharisees, but also captures the essence of our relationship with God: He knows our hearts.
Jesus teaches that what goes into a man's mouth is not what makes him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth because it's from the heart. Various places in Scripture challenge us to consider what comes out of our mouths. These passages always strike a nerve because of how careless we can be with our words. Growing up, I never really thought I had a problem with this...compared to other people anyway. I mean, I didn't cuss so I'm good, right? I came to learn, however, that Jesus meant everything that comes out of my mouth. Am I too sarcastic? Do I always have something to complain about? Do I treat everyone I come in contact with respectfully? Do I have a tendency to gossip (and disguise it as something else)? Do I take every opportunity to be encouraging or helpful? Once I realized what Jesus was talking about, I realized that He would probably have some things to say about what comes from my mouth and ultimately what is inside my heart. Join me in considering the things that we say, how what we say reflects the contents of our hearts, and what Jesus might say to us if he heard everything we say in a given day (because he does).
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 7-8
I walk away from these passages usually with the same feeling every time: God is in control. Not only is God in control, but he also has a plan. In Exodus 7, God shows Moses how he will use Aaron, Pharaoh, and miracles. Then God begins the plagues to fulfill his plan. Every step of the way, God would guide Moses and often explain to Moses what to do in detail. Moses was not a particularly good speaker, so God gave him Aaron to be his mouthpiece. I'm just always amazed at the God we serve.
This passage reminds me of the discussion we had in Bible study on Sunday from Romans 12. We discussed how the Body of Christ works and how each one of us is gifted to serve God. This is seen here with Aaron and Moses, and how God gifted each one for a specific task. While there is much uncertainty in today's society due to economic problems, we can sit back and not worry because we serve the One who is in control. Our God who is in control has gifted each one of us to serve him. Each one of our gifts will build up the Body of Christ, and will be a witness to the world of how God designed the church. It is clear from the passage that God can use anything and anyone. If God can use plagues to fulfill his plan, then he can use anything!
I walk away from these passages usually with the same feeling every time: God is in control. Not only is God in control, but he also has a plan. In Exodus 7, God shows Moses how he will use Aaron, Pharaoh, and miracles. Then God begins the plagues to fulfill his plan. Every step of the way, God would guide Moses and often explain to Moses what to do in detail. Moses was not a particularly good speaker, so God gave him Aaron to be his mouthpiece. I'm just always amazed at the God we serve.
This passage reminds me of the discussion we had in Bible study on Sunday from Romans 12. We discussed how the Body of Christ works and how each one of us is gifted to serve God. This is seen here with Aaron and Moses, and how God gifted each one for a specific task. While there is much uncertainty in today's society due to economic problems, we can sit back and not worry because we serve the One who is in control. Our God who is in control has gifted each one of us to serve him. Each one of our gifts will build up the Body of Christ, and will be a witness to the world of how God designed the church. It is clear from the passage that God can use anything and anyone. If God can use plagues to fulfill his plan, then he can use anything!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 6
Have you ever tried to help someone that had lost all hope? We are in a time right now where we are going to be reaching out to people who have sadly, just accepted the situation that they are in. Those people will be some of the most challenging people God has ever asked you and I to speak with, but they will also be the people who are most in need of God's hope.
We know that Moses saw the task that God had given him as a tall order. He had lots of excuses why God shouldn't use him. But the bottom line was God did choose Moses and He has also chosen us as believers to stand up for and spread the hope of Jesus Christ. Many of us are just like Moses, we don't feel comfortable "sharing our faith". We tell God that we don't know the right words or that we see no reason for anyone to listen to us.
I find it interesting that we often fail to compare our own weaknesses to those of the people in the Bible. Moses faced a harder challenge than any of us have ever faced, yet God promises all of us that He has prepared the way for everything He asks us to do. We must never forget that even though our physical action of sharing what God is doing in our lives is one of the parts needed to lead someone to Christ. The most important part is God's power and spirit. God's power and spirit can overcome any barrier there might be in both the way that we communicate and in the way that someone hears the message.
God challenged Moses to communicate a message of hope to a group of people who thought there was no other way to live. He faced a communication barrier on his own behalf as well as closed hearts and broken spirits in the Israelites. God has given this story to us so that we can learn from Moses' situation and be encouraged. If Moses can communicate God's story of freedom and hope to all of Egypt, then we can definitely have a couple tough conversations with those around us.
People need hope especially in these times, and we as the church should be sharing the unmatched hope that is in Jesus Christ.
Have you ever tried to help someone that had lost all hope? We are in a time right now where we are going to be reaching out to people who have sadly, just accepted the situation that they are in. Those people will be some of the most challenging people God has ever asked you and I to speak with, but they will also be the people who are most in need of God's hope.
We know that Moses saw the task that God had given him as a tall order. He had lots of excuses why God shouldn't use him. But the bottom line was God did choose Moses and He has also chosen us as believers to stand up for and spread the hope of Jesus Christ. Many of us are just like Moses, we don't feel comfortable "sharing our faith". We tell God that we don't know the right words or that we see no reason for anyone to listen to us.
I find it interesting that we often fail to compare our own weaknesses to those of the people in the Bible. Moses faced a harder challenge than any of us have ever faced, yet God promises all of us that He has prepared the way for everything He asks us to do. We must never forget that even though our physical action of sharing what God is doing in our lives is one of the parts needed to lead someone to Christ. The most important part is God's power and spirit. God's power and spirit can overcome any barrier there might be in both the way that we communicate and in the way that someone hears the message.
God challenged Moses to communicate a message of hope to a group of people who thought there was no other way to live. He faced a communication barrier on his own behalf as well as closed hearts and broken spirits in the Israelites. God has given this story to us so that we can learn from Moses' situation and be encouraged. If Moses can communicate God's story of freedom and hope to all of Egypt, then we can definitely have a couple tough conversations with those around us.
People need hope especially in these times, and we as the church should be sharing the unmatched hope that is in Jesus Christ.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 4-5
So I'm reading along in chapter 4, then BAM!...there is verse 24. God was about to kill Moses now??? To say that I wasn't prepared for that would be a complete understatement. I needed to dig into this, there must be something I was missing...and there was! Here is an exert of a sermon that I recently read...'Before he could lead God's people, Moses needed to leave Midian behind him. He had left Midian physically and geographically, but his uncircumcised son bore witness to the fact that until verses 24-26, he and Zipporah had not yet left Midian behind spiritually. So for us: we need to leave our Midians behind us if we are to be a people wholly dedicated to the God who gave up his only begotten Son for us. We cannot be Christians . . . kind of, sort of, most of the time.'
Incredible! I must say it again...Incredible! This was a big 2x4 that just smacked me across the forehead. Most christians desire to do significant things for the kingdom, but get trapped by things that we don't want to let God control because it's not natural or easy. We give ourselves the easy way out by saying, 'well that's just the way I am.'
So here's the challenge, we must all leave our 'Midians' behind. Take time today and reflect on your relationship with God. Ask Him to open your eyes and your heart to see those 'Midians' that are in your life. Maybe it's a portion of scripture that you are struggling with, or it's a part of your past that keeps a grip on your heart. It could be a part of your job where it's easy to not have integrity or a part of your personality that won't be easy to change because it's been that way for your entire life. Whatever it may be, it has to go. Let us all keep pressing on for the goal of knowing God more intimately every single day of our lives.
So I'm reading along in chapter 4, then BAM!...there is verse 24. God was about to kill Moses now??? To say that I wasn't prepared for that would be a complete understatement. I needed to dig into this, there must be something I was missing...and there was! Here is an exert of a sermon that I recently read...'Before he could lead God's people, Moses needed to leave Midian behind him. He had left Midian physically and geographically, but his uncircumcised son bore witness to the fact that until verses 24-26, he and Zipporah had not yet left Midian behind spiritually. So for us: we need to leave our Midians behind us if we are to be a people wholly dedicated to the God who gave up his only begotten Son for us. We cannot be Christians . . . kind of, sort of, most of the time.'
Incredible! I must say it again...Incredible! This was a big 2x4 that just smacked me across the forehead. Most christians desire to do significant things for the kingdom, but get trapped by things that we don't want to let God control because it's not natural or easy. We give ourselves the easy way out by saying, 'well that's just the way I am.'
So here's the challenge, we must all leave our 'Midians' behind. Take time today and reflect on your relationship with God. Ask Him to open your eyes and your heart to see those 'Midians' that are in your life. Maybe it's a portion of scripture that you are struggling with, or it's a part of your past that keeps a grip on your heart. It could be a part of your job where it's easy to not have integrity or a part of your personality that won't be easy to change because it's been that way for your entire life. Whatever it may be, it has to go. Let us all keep pressing on for the goal of knowing God more intimately every single day of our lives.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Today’s Passage: Matthew 14
I’ve always wondered what it would have been like to been one of the people in the crowds that always seemed to follow Jesus. Would I have been a Jesus fanatic and followed Him everywhere? I do know this, that if I was able to, I definitely would not have had any doubt that he is in fact the son of God. In today’s passage, we read of a three major events: the beheading of John the Baptist, Jesus feeding over 5,000 people, and Jesus and Peter walking on water.
It has been a while since I have heard a sermon on Peter walking on water, so that is what stuck out to me in today’s passage. Typically the sermon is directed toward Peter’s radical side of asking to walk on water with Jesus and his quick loss of faith when on the water or in the midst of doing what He asked Jesus if He could do. These facts have many lessons for practical Christian living today. I think, how many times that I have prayed for something to happen, and when some “door” opened for the purpose of making that prayer a reality, I only had more doubt about how things were going to play out. And to think that Peter had Jesus right there in front of him! Oh how we can be a people of little faith.
But, I would like to focus our attention on Jesus. This entire chapter seems to point to Jesus actions. Whether this be in his praying for John the Baptist’s loss of life, feeding the five thousand, or walking on water; the entire chapter is focusing on Him. Take a look with me at verse 31, “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" While Peter was denying the laws of gravity and walking on water, he turned his attention off of Jesus onto the more imminent wind that probably was fiercely beating on him. Now I had to think, Jesus probably was well aware of the fact that the wind was blowing before He invited Peter to come out there with Him. So even to transport this lesson into today’s happenings, we can be sure of the fact that Jesus knows what’s going on and even knows what we will face ahead of time. We also can rest assured that He is not going to send us into something that we cannot handle, so long as we keep our focus on Him. The main point I wanted to point out though, is Christ’s first action when Peter cried out for help. Christ immediately reached out His hand. It does not say Christ rebuked Peter, or any other thing. Rather, Jesus acted to save Him.
It is a reassuring thing to know that the God of the universe is looking out for me and that He reaches out His hand in my times of little faith. Challenge for today: Where is your focus? Has it left Jesus to the trials and issues that come about every day?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 2-3
The first two chapters of Exodus tell the story of God's great provision for Moses. Three times his life could have ended...the faith of the Hebrew midwives changes history, the faith of his mother and sister keep him alive, and God's protection as he fled Egypt. You can talk all you want about "luck", but Moses had something so much greater: the hand of God was on his life.
That's what makes chapter 3 so amazing to me. Moses has been protected by God his entire life...never mind the fact he's talking to a burning bush that will not be consumed...AND hearing the voice of the Lord come from the bush explaining who He is and what He wants to do...and still argues with God. You can make it sound better by saying Moses wasn't confident or doubted his leadership ability, but the bottom line is this is a man who had been protected for this moment and is arguing with God in a face-to face meeting. That, my friends, is a bold move.
We might think to ourselves, "I would never argue with God! I know my place." But how many times have we heard God say "Go!" and we try to tell him all the reasons it won't work? How many times has God said, "I want to spend time with you!" and we answer with all the reasons we are too busy? How many times have we heard God say "Give!" and we tell him all the ways we can't afford to give right now? That, my friends, is just as bold a move as what Moses has done here.
Lucky for Moses (and for us), God is so patient. God answers his questions and encourages him in his weakness. I pray that God will be as patient with us, but more than that, I pray that we would have the courage to follow where God would lead without hesitation!
The first two chapters of Exodus tell the story of God's great provision for Moses. Three times his life could have ended...the faith of the Hebrew midwives changes history, the faith of his mother and sister keep him alive, and God's protection as he fled Egypt. You can talk all you want about "luck", but Moses had something so much greater: the hand of God was on his life.
That's what makes chapter 3 so amazing to me. Moses has been protected by God his entire life...never mind the fact he's talking to a burning bush that will not be consumed...AND hearing the voice of the Lord come from the bush explaining who He is and what He wants to do...and still argues with God. You can make it sound better by saying Moses wasn't confident or doubted his leadership ability, but the bottom line is this is a man who had been protected for this moment and is arguing with God in a face-to face meeting. That, my friends, is a bold move.
We might think to ourselves, "I would never argue with God! I know my place." But how many times have we heard God say "Go!" and we try to tell him all the reasons it won't work? How many times has God said, "I want to spend time with you!" and we answer with all the reasons we are too busy? How many times have we heard God say "Give!" and we tell him all the ways we can't afford to give right now? That, my friends, is just as bold a move as what Moses has done here.
Lucky for Moses (and for us), God is so patient. God answers his questions and encourages him in his weakness. I pray that God will be as patient with us, but more than that, I pray that we would have the courage to follow where God would lead without hesitation!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Today's Passage: Exodus 1
First let me say how excited I am about us finishing our first book together. I hope you got as much out of the book of Genesis as I did. I have found it so helpful to study together and get someone else’s view on the chapters of Genesis.
Today’s passage in Exodus reminded me that what God has planned, no man can destroy. God knows that Moses is the man he wants to use to lead his people out of
I think we have all heard the phrase, “A little hard work never hurt anyone.” The Israelites show that could not be truer. The Pharaoh thinks that he can simply labor them to death and that will stop the nation and God’s plan, but he is mistaken. In fact the Bible says the harder that they were worked, the more they multiplied.
Pharaoh gets more and more cruel as the chapter moves along. He talks to the midwives who help with the birth Israelite children and tells them to kill all the boys that are born. These midwives fear God more than man and do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. I think it is important to point out that God removed them from their position to protect them. They were faithful to God and not to Pharaoh and He saw it fit to give them households of their own.
Pharaoh tried to labor them into submission, then he tries to scare a small group of women into doing a terrible thing, and when that does not work he finally puts the decree into all the Israelite nation that if a son is born he must be thrown into the Nile. As we will see in the coming chapters this plan is unsuccessful as well.
When I look back at this chapter, I want to be like the Hebrew midwives. I want to look whatever is trying to get in the way of God’s plan in the face and tell it to get out of the way...and sometimes that may even mean that I have to tell myself to get out of the way. But I wonder how many times have I been Pharaoh? How many times have I seen what God was doing and wanted to do and tried to stop it? Ask yourself today what God is doing in your midst, and then ask are you being like Pharaoh and putting up walls to slow it down, or are you being like the midwives and jumping on the bandwagon. God will succeed, it is just a question of will we get to be apart of the success or will we look back and say I wish I would have done things differently. My prayer for us at BCCC is to be like the midwives.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 49-50
This month during "252" (children's Sunday Bible study), we are learning about the virtue of hope. The definition we are using for hope is "believing that something good can come out of something bad." Last week we were discussing some different situations that might seem bad at first, but then God makes it into something good. I threw out some examples that I thought they could relate to and invited them to think of some examples also. Well, these kids never cease to amaze me and last week was no exception. One of your children raises his hand and proceeds to describe why Joseph's life was a story of hope. He elaborated by explaining how God had made something amazing of Joseph's life even after he'd been so wronged by so many people. There is so much to learn from the insight of kids!
As Genesis comes to an end, so does the life of Joseph. He leaves behind quite a legacy of integrity, forgiveness, and hope. I can't imagine experiencing even a portion of the hardships Joseph endured and yet he continued to trust that God had a plan. He continued to extend grace upon the undeserving and he continued to maintain a life of integrity even when it went punished. How in the world was he able to do this?! I think it came down to his perspective on God's plan for his life:
This month during "252" (children's Sunday Bible study), we are learning about the virtue of hope. The definition we are using for hope is "believing that something good can come out of something bad." Last week we were discussing some different situations that might seem bad at first, but then God makes it into something good. I threw out some examples that I thought they could relate to and invited them to think of some examples also. Well, these kids never cease to amaze me and last week was no exception. One of your children raises his hand and proceeds to describe why Joseph's life was a story of hope. He elaborated by explaining how God had made something amazing of Joseph's life even after he'd been so wronged by so many people. There is so much to learn from the insight of kids!
As Genesis comes to an end, so does the life of Joseph. He leaves behind quite a legacy of integrity, forgiveness, and hope. I can't imagine experiencing even a portion of the hardships Joseph endured and yet he continued to trust that God had a plan. He continued to extend grace upon the undeserving and he continued to maintain a life of integrity even when it went punished. How in the world was he able to do this?! I think it came down to his perspective on God's plan for his life:
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
I encourage you to ask yourself how your attitude and maybe even behavior might change if you constantly considered the truth that God can make something good come out of something bad. And ask yourself what lessons you can learn from your kids!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 13
When you come to Matthew 13, you realize there is a lot of information there, and some of it can be quite confusing. Just in this one chapter there are 9 parables. Jesus taught during most of his ministry using parables. He did this for several reasons. The most important is that only the ones whom Jesus wanted to understand his teaching could do so. For example, often crowds and some religious people could not handle the truth of Jesus' teachings, so he would use parables. But for those whom Jesus wanted them to understand, he would then explain the meaning of the parable.
That is where we find ourselves in the beginning of Matthew 13. Here we have one of the few recorded parables that Jesus gives, and then interprets it for his, seemingly dull, disciples. How great would it be to hear Jesus teach this parable of the Sower, and then turn around and listen to Him explain it! The parable of the Sower is one of the more famous parables in Scripture. It is an encouraging and realistic look into the spiritual nature of human beings. Often the application point is that the people of God should always be the 'good soil,' so that we may be receptive to God's Word. While this is a true and significant application, this is not what I walked away with today. Rather, I saw the reality of ministry and evangelism in Jesus' day, as well as ours. Meaning that we cannot change the way people handle the truth. To be sure, we definitely come with love, and then present the truth (which Jesus' calls the Word of God, i.e. the Bible).
Everyday there are people who fit into these four categories of soil (path with birds, rocky soil, thorny soil, and good soil). Confidently, I realize that if people responded to Jesus and his ministry that way, why should we expect any different. Every believer is called to minister to this lost and dying world. When this happens we can be sure that some people will understand, some people will get excited and lose heart, some will give up when trouble comes, and others will accept the Word and live it out all of their days. We at Bear Creek cannot force anyone to be 'good soil.' All we can do is present the Good News, day in and day out. Our results will not be any different than Jesus' ministry. May we all continue to minister to those around us in the same way Jesus Christ did, with love and truth, and leave the rest to God!
When you come to Matthew 13, you realize there is a lot of information there, and some of it can be quite confusing. Just in this one chapter there are 9 parables. Jesus taught during most of his ministry using parables. He did this for several reasons. The most important is that only the ones whom Jesus wanted to understand his teaching could do so. For example, often crowds and some religious people could not handle the truth of Jesus' teachings, so he would use parables. But for those whom Jesus wanted them to understand, he would then explain the meaning of the parable.
That is where we find ourselves in the beginning of Matthew 13. Here we have one of the few recorded parables that Jesus gives, and then interprets it for his, seemingly dull, disciples. How great would it be to hear Jesus teach this parable of the Sower, and then turn around and listen to Him explain it! The parable of the Sower is one of the more famous parables in Scripture. It is an encouraging and realistic look into the spiritual nature of human beings. Often the application point is that the people of God should always be the 'good soil,' so that we may be receptive to God's Word. While this is a true and significant application, this is not what I walked away with today. Rather, I saw the reality of ministry and evangelism in Jesus' day, as well as ours. Meaning that we cannot change the way people handle the truth. To be sure, we definitely come with love, and then present the truth (which Jesus' calls the Word of God, i.e. the Bible).
Everyday there are people who fit into these four categories of soil (path with birds, rocky soil, thorny soil, and good soil). Confidently, I realize that if people responded to Jesus and his ministry that way, why should we expect any different. Every believer is called to minister to this lost and dying world. When this happens we can be sure that some people will understand, some people will get excited and lose heart, some will give up when trouble comes, and others will accept the Word and live it out all of their days. We at Bear Creek cannot force anyone to be 'good soil.' All we can do is present the Good News, day in and day out. Our results will not be any different than Jesus' ministry. May we all continue to minister to those around us in the same way Jesus Christ did, with love and truth, and leave the rest to God!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 47-48
I am just drawn to the first twelve verses of chapter forty-seven. The character of Joseph has always impressed me and this story just adds to it. When I read about him basically use his position to bless the brothers who sold him into slavery, it challenges me.
When I compare myself to Joseph, in the way that he dealt with people that treated him badly, I realize I don't even come close. In the past I have been known to say and think this about people that treat me badly: "they will have to come back by me one more time." As you might have guessed I did not intend for the next interaction with those people to be one where I showed much grace or forgiveness. We all have done this to some degree, whether it is ignoring that person in public, telling everyone we know about how awful that person is or worse retaliating in some other way. Yet the story of Joseph calls our attention to the fact that we should always be far more concerned with the well fare of others than seeking "justice" for our selves.
In the end justice should be left for God to decide. What the scriptures tell us we are called to do is to lookout for one and other and to share the love of Christ with everyone. So I challenge you this week if there is someone that you have resentment or hostility toward, maybe it's a family member, an old friend, a co-worker, an ex, whoever it is forgive them and release the hard feelings you have for them. God receives much glory when his word compels us to take these kind of actions.
I am just drawn to the first twelve verses of chapter forty-seven. The character of Joseph has always impressed me and this story just adds to it. When I read about him basically use his position to bless the brothers who sold him into slavery, it challenges me.
When I compare myself to Joseph, in the way that he dealt with people that treated him badly, I realize I don't even come close. In the past I have been known to say and think this about people that treat me badly: "they will have to come back by me one more time." As you might have guessed I did not intend for the next interaction with those people to be one where I showed much grace or forgiveness. We all have done this to some degree, whether it is ignoring that person in public, telling everyone we know about how awful that person is or worse retaliating in some other way. Yet the story of Joseph calls our attention to the fact that we should always be far more concerned with the well fare of others than seeking "justice" for our selves.
In the end justice should be left for God to decide. What the scriptures tell us we are called to do is to lookout for one and other and to share the love of Christ with everyone. So I challenge you this week if there is someone that you have resentment or hostility toward, maybe it's a family member, an old friend, a co-worker, an ex, whoever it is forgive them and release the hard feelings you have for them. God receives much glory when his word compels us to take these kind of actions.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 45-46
Out of the entire two chapters we read today, I want to pick out two verses and talk about their significance. Let's look in chapter 45 verses 7-8...
Like Brandon talked about yesterday, we can see God at work in Joseph's life. He seemed to have every right to do harm to his brothers, but what we see is God's plan being set forth. It's as if there are two things being done here...God is continuing to grow Joseph personally, and also accomplishing His own appointed plan for history. We've seen it with Abraham, Jacob, and now Joseph.
This is a major theological point in scripture. God never ceases to be at work in the lives of His people. It was God who provided for Jacob and his children during the famine. It was God who sent Joseph to Egypt! Consider these words from a book titled "Knowing God" written by J.I. Packer. He's writing about what the point of these stories in the Old Testament are..."These things are written for our learning, for the same wisdom that ordered the paths which God's saints trod in Bible times orders the Christian's life today. We should not, therefore, be too taken aback when unexpected and upsetting and discouraging things happen to us now. What do they mean? Simply that God in his wisdom means to make something of us which we have not attained yet, and he is dealing with us accordingly."
Take comfort in knowing that God, the same God that was written about in the Bible, is actively working in the lives of His people. He does not take naps or vacation or make mistakes, but rather He is constantly desiring to know you!
Out of the entire two chapters we read today, I want to pick out two verses and talk about their significance. Let's look in chapter 45 verses 7-8...
Like Brandon talked about yesterday, we can see God at work in Joseph's life. He seemed to have every right to do harm to his brothers, but what we see is God's plan being set forth. It's as if there are two things being done here...God is continuing to grow Joseph personally, and also accomplishing His own appointed plan for history. We've seen it with Abraham, Jacob, and now Joseph.
This is a major theological point in scripture. God never ceases to be at work in the lives of His people. It was God who provided for Jacob and his children during the famine. It was God who sent Joseph to Egypt! Consider these words from a book titled "Knowing God" written by J.I. Packer. He's writing about what the point of these stories in the Old Testament are..."These things are written for our learning, for the same wisdom that ordered the paths which God's saints trod in Bible times orders the Christian's life today. We should not, therefore, be too taken aback when unexpected and upsetting and discouraging things happen to us now. What do they mean? Simply that God in his wisdom means to make something of us which we have not attained yet, and he is dealing with us accordingly."
Take comfort in knowing that God, the same God that was written about in the Bible, is actively working in the lives of His people. He does not take naps or vacation or make mistakes, but rather He is constantly desiring to know you!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Today’s Passage: Genesis 43-44
The thought of repaying good for evil is difficult for anyone to do. In today’s passage, we see that Joseph was now in a position to where he could have very well taken all of his brother’s lives for any reason that he wanted. However, he spared his brothers and had forgiven them of the wrong they had done to him years earlier. It is one thing to forgive someone when they have wronged you, but it speaks even more when the extra mile is taken to help that person in their time of need.
When reading this passage, we learn the practical lesson of not repaying evil with more evil, but also taking a step back to see the larger picture, we can see God at work. There was a severe seven year famine that was hitting Egypt and God had purposefully placed Joseph in the position that he was in order to save the rest of Joseph’s family, of whom Benjamin was one of the brothers. I think it’s extremely difficult for us today to step back when someone has wronged us to attempt to see the bigger picture that God has in mind. For instance, maybe our kindness to the person who wronged us may lead them toward salvation.
I thought the story was rather interesting when Joseph tested his brothers. I mean, think with me for a moment. I was trying to think what was going on in Joseph’s mind when he was doing this. His brothers come from afar, not realizing who they were going to be asking food from. Then Joseph sends them out with an extra silver cup in their sacks, only to command one of his servants to track them down shortly after they left. It almost seemed that Joseph was trying to see whether or not his brothers had truly repented. We know that God was guiding Joseph, so we see here that he was being used by God to bring them to complete repentance. We see very clearly in the story when the servant who tracked them down and asked if they had it (the cup, all of the brothers said no. They said so in such confidence they went to the degree of saying that if found, the one who had it could be a servant of Joseph.
There is much that we can learn from today’s passage. Is there someone in your life that you have not forgiven for the wrong they have done to you? If so, you can do so today! God may desire to use you to help bring that other person to full repentance as well.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 12
If I were going to preach from this passage, I doubt that I would do so in its entirety...there are several very diverse accounts of the life of Jesus here. Because of my personal journey with Christ recently, I will focus on the first story (1-14) here today.
I've been thinking a lot about both the need for truth and love in the church and the conflict between the two. (As a side note, we will be looking at this very thing Sunday morning as we begin John 4) Jesus and his disciples were walking through a grain field and got hungry....no crime there, except this happened to be on the Sabbath. There were very strict religious laws about working on the Sabbath, and this act would have been considered "work." The Pharisees, looking for a way to discredit Jesus (and turn the attention back to themselves), jumped at the chance to say, "Look at them! Working on the Sabbath! They aren't even good, law-abiding Jews! No one listen to them!" They had no desire to love Jesus...just the desire to point out the flaws in others.
Why is it human nature to be so quick to point out the flaws in others, yet excuse the flaws we have personally? We all struggle with sin, but our personal sin can be explained away. "Well, you don't know my story." "I've just made some bad choices." "Things conspired to make me the way I am." Almost always, these things are true...we often fall into sin based on a series of circumstances and bad choices. Why, then, is that not our first thought of others? Why is it our nature to assume that someone else is, for lack of a better word, "bad'?
Jesus gives such a wonderful answer in two parts. First, He basically says, "You follow the law...well, I'm greater than the law. I AM the law." He then takes them to the synagogue...they probably thought they were lucky to find another trap, but didn't realize the trap was for them. They thought they could force Jesus to choose between truth (the law about working on the Sabbath) and love (his compassion for the man). Jesus correctly points out to the Pharisees that they wouldn't let a valuable animal perish because of the Sabbath...so He will not deny this valuable human being from his love. The man is healed...Jesus, as always, is correct...and the Pharisees are even more angry.
The law of the Sabbath was made so that people would honor God. Now, God is in their midst, and they are so focused on how to honor Him that they miss Him completely. They are so focused on truth that they miss love entirely. While we must...we must...stand for the truth of scripture, we must also never forget that the love God has for us must pour into a lost and dying world!
More on this Sunday morning at 11:01 a.m. at Bear Creek if you are interested!
If I were going to preach from this passage, I doubt that I would do so in its entirety...there are several very diverse accounts of the life of Jesus here. Because of my personal journey with Christ recently, I will focus on the first story (1-14) here today.
I've been thinking a lot about both the need for truth and love in the church and the conflict between the two. (As a side note, we will be looking at this very thing Sunday morning as we begin John 4) Jesus and his disciples were walking through a grain field and got hungry....no crime there, except this happened to be on the Sabbath. There were very strict religious laws about working on the Sabbath, and this act would have been considered "work." The Pharisees, looking for a way to discredit Jesus (and turn the attention back to themselves), jumped at the chance to say, "Look at them! Working on the Sabbath! They aren't even good, law-abiding Jews! No one listen to them!" They had no desire to love Jesus...just the desire to point out the flaws in others.
Why is it human nature to be so quick to point out the flaws in others, yet excuse the flaws we have personally? We all struggle with sin, but our personal sin can be explained away. "Well, you don't know my story." "I've just made some bad choices." "Things conspired to make me the way I am." Almost always, these things are true...we often fall into sin based on a series of circumstances and bad choices. Why, then, is that not our first thought of others? Why is it our nature to assume that someone else is, for lack of a better word, "bad'?
Jesus gives such a wonderful answer in two parts. First, He basically says, "You follow the law...well, I'm greater than the law. I AM the law." He then takes them to the synagogue...they probably thought they were lucky to find another trap, but didn't realize the trap was for them. They thought they could force Jesus to choose between truth (the law about working on the Sabbath) and love (his compassion for the man). Jesus correctly points out to the Pharisees that they wouldn't let a valuable animal perish because of the Sabbath...so He will not deny this valuable human being from his love. The man is healed...Jesus, as always, is correct...and the Pharisees are even more angry.
The law of the Sabbath was made so that people would honor God. Now, God is in their midst, and they are so focused on how to honor Him that they miss Him completely. They are so focused on truth that they miss love entirely. While we must...we must...stand for the truth of scripture, we must also never forget that the love God has for us must pour into a lost and dying world!
More on this Sunday morning at 11:01 a.m. at Bear Creek if you are interested!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 41-42
What patience Joseph has shown throughout his journey. He has been up and down and up and down again. He finally has a chance to speak to Pharaoh after being in prison two years after the cupbearer leaves. I think it would be easy to focus on Joseph in this passage and his gifts and faith. However, I want to look at a different side of the story that I think gets overlooked. Pharaoh shows a real faith and trust in God.
At the beginning of this chapter Pharaoh is seeking his advice from magicians and wise men. He looks to everyone besides God. Then, God provides someone to bring His message to Pharaoh. Joseph took the long way around the mountain to get to Pharaoh’s court. He had been through more than most of us will in a lifetime. When Pharaoh asks Joseph to interpret the dream, Joseph very quickly says that he cannot tell him what it means, but God can. God uses Joseph to tell Pharaoh that bad things are coming. It is at this point that Pharaoh has some choices to make. He can ignore the interpretation and go about his business or he can listen to God’s message and get ready. When I have read this passage before, I do not think that I have ever really focused on Pharaoh. I have always looked at Joseph and his courage to tell Pharaoh the truth of his dream.
Pharaoh chooses to believe Joseph and to prepare for the famine. What he does next is amazing and is an example for us. Pharaoh, a non-believer, is an example to us! He knows that bad times are coming and things are going to get rough and he can trust in his own strength and wisdom, or he can surround himself with Godly men and trust in God’s words. Remember, Joseph was very quick to say that it was not his power, but God’s that interpreted the dream, so it would seem clear that it was not his wisdom, but God’s that came up with the plan to prepare for the famine.
When we know that rough times are coming, we have two options: try and fight them out alone, or surround ourselves with Godly people and seek God’s wisdom with them. God’s wisdom trumps ours every time. When we are seeking God’s wisdom and have Godly people around us we stand a better chance of getting through the times of “famine.” I encourage you today to find some Godly people to surround yourself with and seek God’s counsel together. I know that you may not be experiencing a time of “famine” right now, but a pastor once told me that everyone is, either in a time of trouble, just coming out of a time of trouble, or preparing to go in to a time of trouble. This probably seems like a shameless plug for accountability, and it is, but if we are going to make it in this world we cannot do this alone.
What patience Joseph has shown throughout his journey. He has been up and down and up and down again. He finally has a chance to speak to Pharaoh after being in prison two years after the cupbearer leaves. I think it would be easy to focus on Joseph in this passage and his gifts and faith. However, I want to look at a different side of the story that I think gets overlooked. Pharaoh shows a real faith and trust in God.
At the beginning of this chapter Pharaoh is seeking his advice from magicians and wise men. He looks to everyone besides God. Then, God provides someone to bring His message to Pharaoh. Joseph took the long way around the mountain to get to Pharaoh’s court. He had been through more than most of us will in a lifetime. When Pharaoh asks Joseph to interpret the dream, Joseph very quickly says that he cannot tell him what it means, but God can. God uses Joseph to tell Pharaoh that bad things are coming. It is at this point that Pharaoh has some choices to make. He can ignore the interpretation and go about his business or he can listen to God’s message and get ready. When I have read this passage before, I do not think that I have ever really focused on Pharaoh. I have always looked at Joseph and his courage to tell Pharaoh the truth of his dream.
Pharaoh chooses to believe Joseph and to prepare for the famine. What he does next is amazing and is an example for us. Pharaoh, a non-believer, is an example to us! He knows that bad times are coming and things are going to get rough and he can trust in his own strength and wisdom, or he can surround himself with Godly men and trust in God’s words. Remember, Joseph was very quick to say that it was not his power, but God’s that interpreted the dream, so it would seem clear that it was not his wisdom, but God’s that came up with the plan to prepare for the famine.
When we know that rough times are coming, we have two options: try and fight them out alone, or surround ourselves with Godly people and seek God’s wisdom with them. God’s wisdom trumps ours every time. When we are seeking God’s wisdom and have Godly people around us we stand a better chance of getting through the times of “famine.” I encourage you today to find some Godly people to surround yourself with and seek God’s counsel together. I know that you may not be experiencing a time of “famine” right now, but a pastor once told me that everyone is, either in a time of trouble, just coming out of a time of trouble, or preparing to go in to a time of trouble. This probably seems like a shameless plug for accountability, and it is, but if we are going to make it in this world we cannot do this alone.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 11
The semester is in full swing at seminary. Papers and projects are due and midterms are happening. It makes Spring Break all the more appealing. It also makes Matthew 11:28-29 all the more appealing. Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him--everyone can relate to and find comfort in that. Then why is this often the last place I go when I'm weary and burdened?
This past weekend at Ladies' Retreat we discussed this very thing. The theme verse was Psalm 91:4 which says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." God is abundantly willing AND able to offer us this peace and protection...He tells us so numerous times in Scripture...so why on earth would I go anywhere else for it? Unfortunately, I do. This weekend, our speaker asked us if we go to "the phone or the Throne" in times of trouble. Yikes! That one stepped on my toes a little bit. All too often when I'm tired, frustrated, or stressed I pick up the phone. And that rarely does any good (plus, that paper's not writing itself while I'm chatting).
All of us know what it is to be weary and burdened. Today's passage coupled with Ladies' Retreat has really challenged me to evaluate where I turn during those times. Let's all strive to run to the only One who offers true rest!
The semester is in full swing at seminary. Papers and projects are due and midterms are happening. It makes Spring Break all the more appealing. It also makes Matthew 11:28-29 all the more appealing. Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him--everyone can relate to and find comfort in that. Then why is this often the last place I go when I'm weary and burdened?
This past weekend at Ladies' Retreat we discussed this very thing. The theme verse was Psalm 91:4 which says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." God is abundantly willing AND able to offer us this peace and protection...He tells us so numerous times in Scripture...so why on earth would I go anywhere else for it? Unfortunately, I do. This weekend, our speaker asked us if we go to "the phone or the Throne" in times of trouble. Yikes! That one stepped on my toes a little bit. All too often when I'm tired, frustrated, or stressed I pick up the phone. And that rarely does any good (plus, that paper's not writing itself while I'm chatting).
All of us know what it is to be weary and burdened. Today's passage coupled with Ladies' Retreat has really challenged me to evaluate where I turn during those times. Let's all strive to run to the only One who offers true rest!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 39-40
We all have people we look up to. There are people in our lives that have characteristics we want to have, and habits that we want to form. In this passage, Joseph is definitely a role model for me. Let's just look at a few things about Joseph in this passage: God found favor with him, he was handsome, well built, an interpreter of dreams, and had the full trust of Potiphar. Most of those we look up to are successful in their given field, similar to Joesph. God may even have blessed you with success in your given field.
People who have experienced success and influence know there is one thing that can always stop them in their tracks: moral failure. From David in the Old Testament to Bill Clinton in the White House, temptation is synonymous with success. Joseph was not immune to this temptation, but notice how he responded. Gen. 39:12 shows that Joseph literally ran from temptation. However, Joseph did not exactly get a congratulations party thrown for him because he fled temptation. Rather, he got put in jail.
One thing is for sure, temptation will come. The only variable is how we will respond. Remember there will not be an extravagant prize waiting for us every time we flee temptation. But, we like Joseph, must keep the proper focus. God is where we should fix our eyes. It is early in the week, and surely by Sunday you will have some type of temptation. It may be small, or it may be enormous. May we all be like Joseph, and focus on God this week!
We all have people we look up to. There are people in our lives that have characteristics we want to have, and habits that we want to form. In this passage, Joseph is definitely a role model for me. Let's just look at a few things about Joseph in this passage: God found favor with him, he was handsome, well built, an interpreter of dreams, and had the full trust of Potiphar. Most of those we look up to are successful in their given field, similar to Joesph. God may even have blessed you with success in your given field.
People who have experienced success and influence know there is one thing that can always stop them in their tracks: moral failure. From David in the Old Testament to Bill Clinton in the White House, temptation is synonymous with success. Joseph was not immune to this temptation, but notice how he responded. Gen. 39:12 shows that Joseph literally ran from temptation. However, Joseph did not exactly get a congratulations party thrown for him because he fled temptation. Rather, he got put in jail.
One thing is for sure, temptation will come. The only variable is how we will respond. Remember there will not be an extravagant prize waiting for us every time we flee temptation. But, we like Joseph, must keep the proper focus. God is where we should fix our eyes. It is early in the week, and surely by Sunday you will have some type of temptation. It may be small, or it may be enormous. May we all be like Joseph, and focus on God this week!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 38
Who said reading the Bible isn't exciting? This story is just as racy as any drama on TV today. I do find it interesting that the second chapter into the long story about Joseph is completely about one of the brothers who betrayed him.
I imagine that God's purpose behind this side story is to show us the side effects of living a life consumed by sin. Here is what I mean, Judah was one of the brothers who didn't like Joseph and ended up kidnapping him, throwing him into a pit, selling him into slavery and finally faking his death to cover it all up. Every aspect of this situation is tied up in selfishness, inhumanity and lies (aka sin). Fast forward to Judah's own family, specifically his three sons. Two of them God finds wicked and destroys them. This leaves only the youngest, Shelah. Which I find interesting since it was the youngest of Judah's siblings that he hated so much. Then to protect Shelah, Judah breaks the promise he made to Tamar and winds up being deceived by her.
Other religions would call this karma or bad luck, God just calls it the consequences of sin. It says in James 1:14-15: "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death", this is the progression of consequences that God wants us to understand. When sin goes unchecked it grows into an uncontrollable and deadly mess that we can't get out of on our own.
Living a life consumed by sin is dangerous, yet there are millions of people who honestly believe that they have no other choice but to live that way. We can never stress enough, how important it is for us to share with others the hope and freedom we have in Christ. You never know who is living with a secret and deadly mess in their life, while longing for there to be another way.
Who said reading the Bible isn't exciting? This story is just as racy as any drama on TV today. I do find it interesting that the second chapter into the long story about Joseph is completely about one of the brothers who betrayed him.
I imagine that God's purpose behind this side story is to show us the side effects of living a life consumed by sin. Here is what I mean, Judah was one of the brothers who didn't like Joseph and ended up kidnapping him, throwing him into a pit, selling him into slavery and finally faking his death to cover it all up. Every aspect of this situation is tied up in selfishness, inhumanity and lies (aka sin). Fast forward to Judah's own family, specifically his three sons. Two of them God finds wicked and destroys them. This leaves only the youngest, Shelah. Which I find interesting since it was the youngest of Judah's siblings that he hated so much. Then to protect Shelah, Judah breaks the promise he made to Tamar and winds up being deceived by her.
Other religions would call this karma or bad luck, God just calls it the consequences of sin. It says in James 1:14-15: "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death", this is the progression of consequences that God wants us to understand. When sin goes unchecked it grows into an uncontrollable and deadly mess that we can't get out of on our own.
Living a life consumed by sin is dangerous, yet there are millions of people who honestly believe that they have no other choice but to live that way. We can never stress enough, how important it is for us to share with others the hope and freedom we have in Christ. You never know who is living with a secret and deadly mess in their life, while longing for there to be another way.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 36-37
What's the saying...'hindsight is 20/20"? Often times in my life I do the same thing. Things happen that aren't so good and I look back and think...man, I wish I would've made a different choice because I know things would've been better for me now (but in the long run, it's exactly where I needed to be)! Joseph finds himself in a very similar situation. If only he hadn't gone to look for his brothers. If he had told his father he was busy doing something else, then he wouldn't have been sold into slavery!
Often times I overlook the fact that God is at work even in our troubles. I mentioned this a few weeks ago during Sunday Morning Bible Study. It's easy for us now to read the story of Abraham and Sarah and not understand why Sarah wanted Abraham to have a child with someone else. We have the luxury of knowing the end of the story, but she didn't. When we are right in the midst of hard times, we easily lose sight of God. We can easily feel abandoned, or feel like we have done something to mess this whole thing up. The good news is that we have a God who never leaves us.
Joseph was put through some extraordinarily difficult things in his life. Never once was he abandoned by God. Joseph didn't de-rail God's plan for him to one day become the governer of Egypt by going through rough patches. The encouragement that I draw from this is that even now, as Patti and I are facing some unexpected difficulties, God's right here! Things may not always be sunshine and roses, but God is at work in us. In these times, seek hard for Him!
What's the saying...'hindsight is 20/20"? Often times in my life I do the same thing. Things happen that aren't so good and I look back and think...man, I wish I would've made a different choice because I know things would've been better for me now (but in the long run, it's exactly where I needed to be)! Joseph finds himself in a very similar situation. If only he hadn't gone to look for his brothers. If he had told his father he was busy doing something else, then he wouldn't have been sold into slavery!
Often times I overlook the fact that God is at work even in our troubles. I mentioned this a few weeks ago during Sunday Morning Bible Study. It's easy for us now to read the story of Abraham and Sarah and not understand why Sarah wanted Abraham to have a child with someone else. We have the luxury of knowing the end of the story, but she didn't. When we are right in the midst of hard times, we easily lose sight of God. We can easily feel abandoned, or feel like we have done something to mess this whole thing up. The good news is that we have a God who never leaves us.
Joseph was put through some extraordinarily difficult things in his life. Never once was he abandoned by God. Joseph didn't de-rail God's plan for him to one day become the governer of Egypt by going through rough patches. The encouragement that I draw from this is that even now, as Patti and I are facing some unexpected difficulties, God's right here! Things may not always be sunshine and roses, but God is at work in us. In these times, seek hard for Him!
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