er 23, 2008! Willie Nelson wrote that song, 'Funny how time slips away.', back in the early 1960's. He actually wrote many songs that became big hits including the one that pretty much defined Patsy Cline, 'Crazy'. But time does seem to slip away, but I assume most of you have noticed that. Today is one of those days that starting out I feel like I'm in one of those shots where all the cars are crossing the finish line and you have to use a photograph to see who won. We'v
e all seen those pictures taken of moving action that come out blurred. Well, that's the roller coaster ride we've been on lately. I'm not complaining because we know that God is working all things out according to His plan and for our good as we identify ourselves as those who love Him and wear the badge of being His very own called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) We would be foolish to do what some do in projecting a life without issues, problems, troubles or trials. The key is to be found in Christ and He will be with us wherever we go and whatever we go through.Last evening the brother speaking at our Wednesday night Bible study used the life of Joseph 
as his subject. Joseph was the favored son of his dad, Jacob. His dad went out of his way to show this favor including giving Joseph a special coat that indicated Joseph's position of honor and authority within the family. The brothers did not like this at all. When the opportunity came they threw Joseph into a pit, an abandoned well, and then put animal blood on his special coat and told their father that Joseph had been attacked and killed. Joseph was sold into Egypt, therefore, he had gotten out of that first pit, made up of envy and hatred. He became elevated as a purchased slave of a very important man in Egypt. However, this man's wife wanted the handsome Joseph to be her love toy and he refused. She lied on Joseph and he went to prison, back into a pit brought on by the vengeance of a lying woman. In the 
prison Joseph was once again elevated and became administrator of the prison. After giving an accurate interpretation of a dream to an incarcerated dignitary, the man was set free and promised to make certain that Joseph was remembered. But, the man forgot and Joseph continued in the pit, this time a pit of bein
g forgotten. Eventually he was released and because God was with him he was able to rise to the position of second in command to the Pharaoh himself. Later, he showed mercy and forgiveness towards his brothers, thereby avoiding the pit of bitterness and revenge. And, it could go on and on. (You can read this fascinating story when you go back to the beginning, the Book of Genesis.)
as his subject. Joseph was the favored son of his dad, Jacob. His dad went out of his way to show this favor including giving Joseph a special coat that indicated Joseph's position of honor and authority within the family. The brothers did not like this at all. When the opportunity came they threw Joseph into a pit, an abandoned well, and then put animal blood on his special coat and told their father that Joseph had been attacked and killed. Joseph was sold into Egypt, therefore, he had gotten out of that first pit, made up of envy and hatred. He became elevated as a purchased slave of a very important man in Egypt. However, this man's wife wanted the handsome Joseph to be her love toy and he refused. She lied on Joseph and he went to prison, back into a pit brought on by the vengeance of a lying woman. In the 
prison Joseph was once again elevated and became administrator of the prison. After giving an accurate interpretation of a dream to an incarcerated dignitary, the man was set free and promised to make certain that Joseph was remembered. But, the man forgot and Joseph continued in the pit, this time a pit of bein
g forgotten. Eventually he was released and because God was with him he was able to rise to the position of second in command to the Pharaoh himself. Later, he showed mercy and forgiveness towards his brothers, thereby avoiding the pit of bitterness and revenge. And, it could go on and on. (You can read this fascinating story when you go back to the beginning, the Book of Genesis.)Pretty good lesson for a Wednesday night, don't you think? Some pits we dig for ourselves. We go into others because of the actions of others. Some of the pits we find ourselves in seem to come from out of the blue but we all, that's right, every single one of us, will face these kinds of challenges in our lives, period, end of story, no exceptions. God knew about the famine coming and how that Joseph would be the man He would use to save th
at part of the world and most especially His chosen people, the descendants of Abraham. Joseph didn't know about all these things and he could not control what happened to him but he could do something about how he responded to what happened to him. And, that's about all you and I can do today. We can't always change the circumstances that cause us to be down in the pit looking up for help. But we can keep on believing, trusting, serving, and being faithful to God because His plan will ultimately set us free from all the pits we end up having to struggle with. To be honest, I not only enjoyed that lesson but it also spoke to my heart. I almost wasn't th
ere to hear it. Why? It was a very stormy night and I was way too busy, too much on my plate, I had things to do and people to see. However, I am so glad I went because I needed to hear from God in the way that He only speaks whenever we attend a service together as a local body of believers. Yeah, that's right. He does speak in a special way whenever we meet and He joins us in our meeting. That's one reason I harp on encouraging people to find themselves in their local Church meeting place, fellowshipping, worshipping, and most importantly, hearing from God! Amen. Have a great day and may God bless us all! ....More later.
at part of the world and most especially His chosen people, the descendants of Abraham. Joseph didn't know about all these things and he could not control what happened to him but he could do something about how he responded to what happened to him. And, that's about all you and I can do today. We can't always change the circumstances that cause us to be down in the pit looking up for help. But we can keep on believing, trusting, serving, and being faithful to God because His plan will ultimately set us free from all the pits we end up having to struggle with. To be honest, I not only enjoyed that lesson but it also spoke to my heart. I almost wasn't th
ere to hear it. Why? It was a very stormy night and I was way too busy, too much on my plate, I had things to do and people to see. However, I am so glad I went because I needed to hear from God in the way that He only speaks whenever we attend a service together as a local body of believers. Yeah, that's right. He does speak in a special way whenever we meet and He joins us in our meeting. That's one reason I harp on encouraging people to find themselves in their local Church meeting place, fellowshipping, worshipping, and most importantly, hearing from God! Amen. Have a great day and may God bless us all! ....More later.
No comments:
Post a Comment