Posts filed under ‘israel’
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 4
Sometimes, it is very difficult for us as Christians to accept the circumstances that we find ourselves in through no fault of our own. I’m not talking about having to deal with problems we create for ourselves. I’m talking about those things that happen that affect us that we did not see coming. If God loves us, will never forsake us and will always remain with us, when things happen that we do not expect, is it logical to say that those things just “happened” or took us or God by surprise? We want to ask “where is God?” when in point of fact, He never left and is creating circumstances that might appear negative but they have His purposes in mind. What are those purposes? They are always to do two things. First, they are refine us and recreate the character of Jesus within us. Second, they are designed to always give God glory.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 3
Joseph undoubtedly learned a great deal of patience through these situations and gained much wisdom. I’m sure he was scared and at times, probably overcome with fear (imagine if you were accused of sexually harassing someone and you knew it to be untrue, yet you were not believed and went to prison for it). Over time, as Joseph trusted God, God did provide and He brought Joseph through these difficult situations.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 2
The obvious message for us as Christians is to do the same thing in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Isn’t this why Paul was able to say in Philippians 4:10-14 that regardless of the situation, he learned to be content? That’s something I bet we can all learn to do better, myself included, don’t you think?
It takes a great deal of faith and trust in Almighty God. It should be something we pursue and can only happen when we truly let go and trust the Lord for His outcome, in spite of way things look to us.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 1
One parallel we can make between Joseph and Jesus is that just as Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, Jesus also was sold by his own fellow Jews. Joseph had done nothing morally wrong that warranted him being treated so badly. It’s even possible that as a 17-year-old young man, the things he said to his brothers and father were not done in a bragging way as previously mentioned, but possibly in a very innocent way. It would be natural for people listening to these things to take umbrage or to become very jealous if their hearts were not right with God.
The New Age Reveals Satan’s Intentions, Pt 1
I’ve always found it fascinating that more Christians are not at least aware of the belief system and tenets that undergird the New Age movement. While what we do not know can’t necessarily harm us, it can deprive us of the specific maneuvers that Satan employs in his attempts to advance his own kingdom on this earth (allowed by God). As Paul says we are not to be unwise to the wiles of the devil (2 Corinthians 2:11). It makes sense, doesn’t it, to know how the enemy works and the devices he employs?
Hebrews 4: What is the “Rest” Mentioned?
We’re all tempted to be discouraged and to throw in the towel. We seem to fight ourselves and our desires to continue serving God or doing what we really want to do. I’ve been there. You’ve probably been there too. This is why the NT writers emphasized persevering so much. It’s not that we can lose salvation. It’s that we have to work against our sin nature, which tries desperately to continue to control us. We must persevere in ignoring the dictates of that sin nature. It is not easy continuing to live the Christian life. It is made more difficult because we are constantly fighting against our sin nature’s desire to stop serving God.
God of All Comfort
God is the God of all comfort. He longs to comfort us, but this does not mean that “bad” things will never happen to us, does it? No, it does not and implies that “bad” things will happen. God never promises to keep bad things away from us. He allows them for a very important reason, which we’ll get to in a moment. In fact, He comforts His children who undergo various types of trials and problems in this life, whether in the secular, political, or personal realms.
Micah Explains True Religion in One Short Verse
Micah also states that we should “love kindness.” What does that mean? It means we should endeavor to be kind to all people and by its very nature, it means that we put our own wants and needs on the back burner. You cannot be concerned about how others “feel” if you are concerned primarily with yourself. To be kind means to always think in terms of how the other person feels. What’s happening with them? What are they having to deal with? How can I make their life easier?
Continue Reading September 26, 2018 at 10:15 AM Leave a comment
Daniel Chapter 11, Part 1
Before I get into that chapter, I’d like to point out something. There are several schools of thought related to the entirety of the book of Daniel, including chapter eleven. As with everything else biblical, critics have come out of the woodwork to either downplay, attempt to negate, or even change the way they want us to look at this eleventh chapter of Daniel. In a broad brush stroke, some of the “concerns” these so-called higher critics have is applied to the entire book of Daniel, not just specific chapters, like chapter eleven.
What’s Your Level of Commitment?
Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel had spent decades living for God. By the time they got to Babylon, it was firmly embedded in their thinking and outlook. They could no more set aside their obedience to God than they would drink muddy, putrid water. There was no question about their direction. They were all in for God regardless of the cost.
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