So last week in Genesis we read that:
1. God tells Joseph that he will reign over his family.
2. Brothers decide to kill him but instead sell him into slavery.
3. Joseph is sold a second time as a slave to a high ranking family in Egypt.
What happens next is more apparently sad news:
"Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there." (Genesis 39:1)
Joseph was sold as a slave. That's pretty awful news for Joseph. He doesn't have rights. He is now property. He is owned. But,
"The LORD was with Joseph..." (Genesis 39:2)
How often do we look at the first verse of a chapter in our lives and forget that there's more than one verse? As believers, many times we seem to focus on the negative aspect of a situation and forget, "The Lord is with..."
We read the first part, (bad news) but we forget the main part (God is here).
I read the other day, "Jesus plus nothing equals everything."
Do you believe that? Jesus plus nothing equals everything.
Joseph gets sold into slavery. But becomes successful in his master's house.
Potiphar, Joseph's owner, becomes very successful and blessed because,
"The Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake..."
God was with Joseph in his slavery and Joseph gets put in charge of all of Potiphar's house. He makes decisions for everything. He's in charge. He's the man.
Then more bad news. Joseph had the same problem I have,
"Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance."
LOL I'm just kidding. But the Bible does say that. Joseph was a good looking dude.
So good looking in fact that Potiphar's wife decides that she wants to sleep with Joseph. Joseph refuses. She tries over and over for a time and he still refuses.
Eventually, she accuses him of trying to seduce her (which is a lie) and Potiphar gets very angry at Joseph and throws him in prison. Which is where are story picks back up this week.
Joseph is in prison and two of the King's (Pharaoh's) servants gets put in prison with him. The servants have two dreams and Joseph interprets them for them: one servant will eventually get restored to his post and the other will be hanged.
Eventually, the two servants get out of jail and go back to work for Pharaoh.
Joseph has been in prison for about 10 years at this point when the Pharaoh has a dream that no one can interpret. One of the servants who was in prison with Joseph remembers that Joseph can interpret dreams and tells the king,
"When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, we dreamed on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own interpretation. A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each man according to his dream. And as he interpreted to us, so it came about. I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged." (Genesis 41:10-13)
So Pharaoh sends for Joseph to be brought out of jail and to him to interpret his dream. Joseph shaves and showers to get the prison stank off and is brought to the king. Pharaoh asks if Joseph can tell him what his dream means. Joseph says that he can't, but that God can and will.
Pharaoh tells him the dream and Joseph interprets it and Pharaoh is pleased. So much so in fact that Pharaoh appoints Joseph as the main leader in Egypt, answering only to Pharaoh in authority.
So Joseph goes from slave, to prisoner, to interpretor, to Prime Minister in this section of Scripture.
What happens next is incredible, but we'll have to wait until next time.
peace,
bryce
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday March 13, 2011
1 Corinthians 5 & 6
Stand UP!
Today’s reading covers a Christian’s responsibility for standing up for the principles Jesus laid down for us. In our walk through life, we all can account for an occurrence where we noticed another Christian was saying or performing behavior that was blatant sin or was contradictory to the Lord’s will. How often have we intervened “in the correct manner”? How often have we wondered if we had the “credentials” to confront these believers? How often do we consider how our inaction affects the body of the church? These were the pressing issues Paul addressed in chap 5 and chap 6; as he confronted the incestuous behavior of a member of the church and Christians not elevating themselves to build up the body of the church.
In chap 5, Paul first admonished the believers for allowing an incestuous behavior to occur. One of the issues, Paul was already dealing with was the Corinthians’ spiritual immaturity. He urged for the offender to be removed from the church and handed over to Satan. This action would cause the believer to cease his wrong doing and repent; whether if it was through isolation or afflictions from his sinful behavior. Inevitably he would return to Christ. Why is it important that we act? Paul illustrated through the example of yeast that the smallest allowance of flagrant sin will cause confusion, a lack of spiritual development and church division. As the body of Christ, we are to lift one another up through prayer, encouragement and fellowship. As with Paul, it is up to all of us to help maintain the body and one way to accomplish this is by disassociating with those who would seek its destruction.
In looking at chap 6, Paul deals with smaller behaviors that may cause a division of the body. He starts with reprimanding the believers for utilizing the secular world to decide disputes. In an effort to increase their spiritual maturity, Paul elevates the role of a believer as he stated, they will judge the world and even the angels. Paul wanted to make clear that by engaging in legal pursuits, believers were subjecting themselves to world decisions, engaging in selfish behavior and distracted Christians from building each other up. To conclude this message, Paul reemphasized the various sins that Christians must avoid. He especially stressed their need to flee from sexual immorality. He wanted the readers to know that our bodies are temples for God that was bought with the blood of Jesus.
In April, Northwoods will host a family conference that will focus on purity. As with these two chapters, it is vital that we comply with Paul’s directions to address flagrant sin and behaviors that may cause believers to stumble. It is our responsibility to STAND UP for principles outlined by Jesus Christ.
Stand UP!
Today’s reading covers a Christian’s responsibility for standing up for the principles Jesus laid down for us. In our walk through life, we all can account for an occurrence where we noticed another Christian was saying or performing behavior that was blatant sin or was contradictory to the Lord’s will. How often have we intervened “in the correct manner”? How often have we wondered if we had the “credentials” to confront these believers? How often do we consider how our inaction affects the body of the church? These were the pressing issues Paul addressed in chap 5 and chap 6; as he confronted the incestuous behavior of a member of the church and Christians not elevating themselves to build up the body of the church.
In chap 5, Paul first admonished the believers for allowing an incestuous behavior to occur. One of the issues, Paul was already dealing with was the Corinthians’ spiritual immaturity. He urged for the offender to be removed from the church and handed over to Satan. This action would cause the believer to cease his wrong doing and repent; whether if it was through isolation or afflictions from his sinful behavior. Inevitably he would return to Christ. Why is it important that we act? Paul illustrated through the example of yeast that the smallest allowance of flagrant sin will cause confusion, a lack of spiritual development and church division. As the body of Christ, we are to lift one another up through prayer, encouragement and fellowship. As with Paul, it is up to all of us to help maintain the body and one way to accomplish this is by disassociating with those who would seek its destruction.
In looking at chap 6, Paul deals with smaller behaviors that may cause a division of the body. He starts with reprimanding the believers for utilizing the secular world to decide disputes. In an effort to increase their spiritual maturity, Paul elevates the role of a believer as he stated, they will judge the world and even the angels. Paul wanted to make clear that by engaging in legal pursuits, believers were subjecting themselves to world decisions, engaging in selfish behavior and distracted Christians from building each other up. To conclude this message, Paul reemphasized the various sins that Christians must avoid. He especially stressed their need to flee from sexual immorality. He wanted the readers to know that our bodies are temples for God that was bought with the blood of Jesus.
In April, Northwoods will host a family conference that will focus on purity. As with these two chapters, it is vital that we comply with Paul’s directions to address flagrant sin and behaviors that may cause believers to stumble. It is our responsibility to STAND UP for principles outlined by Jesus Christ.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Saturday, March 12
Today's reading wraps up our reading of the book of Matthew (26-28). And it focuses us in on the plot to kill Jesus, Jesus' annointing and betrayal, the institution of the Lord's Supper, Peter's denial, Christ's death and resurrection, and still more. There is a whole lot packed into these three chapters and I want to just look at a small but greatly important portion.
As the middle school minister at NorthWoods, we have been studying the Gospel message for the past several weeks with the students. I have realized during this time how much Christians too often turn the Gospel into something it's not. And so that is what I would like us to look at...the Gospel message. In chapter 27-28, we see the Gospel message laid out for us. Christ died for our sins (verses 45-50), He was buried (verses 57-60), and His resurrection (ch 28:1-10). Here in all it's simplicity is the Gospel message that can change lives! The Gospel message wasn't just meant to be discussed every Easter but was meant to be received, shared, and shared some more all year long.
Also found within these chapters was the institution of the Lord's Supper. Tomorrow at both campuses we will be having the Lord's Supper. This is a time of remembrance. I want to encourage everyone to not only remember what the Lord has done for us by way of the Gospel message but to also take the time too reflect on how this sacrifice has and is impacting our lives. Are we sharing this amazing message with those around us? Have we received this amazing gift? Does the teachings of God saturate every aspect of our daily lives?
As the middle school minister at NorthWoods, we have been studying the Gospel message for the past several weeks with the students. I have realized during this time how much Christians too often turn the Gospel into something it's not. And so that is what I would like us to look at...the Gospel message. In chapter 27-28, we see the Gospel message laid out for us. Christ died for our sins (verses 45-50), He was buried (verses 57-60), and His resurrection (ch 28:1-10). Here in all it's simplicity is the Gospel message that can change lives! The Gospel message wasn't just meant to be discussed every Easter but was meant to be received, shared, and shared some more all year long.
Also found within these chapters was the institution of the Lord's Supper. Tomorrow at both campuses we will be having the Lord's Supper. This is a time of remembrance. I want to encourage everyone to not only remember what the Lord has done for us by way of the Gospel message but to also take the time too reflect on how this sacrifice has and is impacting our lives. Are we sharing this amazing message with those around us? Have we received this amazing gift? Does the teachings of God saturate every aspect of our daily lives?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Thursday, March 10th
I love symphonic band music. (Nerd alert!!) Most people probably do not know that about me. I spent years of my life playing in punk and metal bands (that’s a different blog for a different day) but few things get me stirred up like a great piece of symphony. I especially like the music of David Holsinger. Holsinger is a composer with a signature sound. He is the master of what I call the “build up and release.” In one particular piece entitled “To Tame the Perilous Skies,” Holsinger creates a musical tension of different voices all calling out their various melodies with great power. The tension builds to a crescendo until; the bottom just drops out. All that remains is a sustained chord in the high woodwinds. To me it always sounds like a voice of truth singing out in triumph over all the voices whose purpose is only to unsettle the soul. However, it is the tension that makes the “release” that much more beautiful; that much more heart stopping and memorable.
I liken much of Job chapter 19 to those last few moments in “To Tame the Perilous Skies.” Job lets each of the voices sing out; each one creating a dissonance against the other. For the first 7 verses Job highlights the bad theology of his three companions. Then verses 8 through 12 are a harsh melody in which Job lets his heart “sing out” towards God. Job is hurt and does not hide it. Then Job layers on a counterpoint in which he cries out about how this situation has affected his relationship with others. He is a stranger and an unknown man to all who see him. All those voices… all those emotions… all building towards a release. And what will be that release? Rage towards God? Denial of His power? Giving up on life or on his relationship with Jehovah? No… it’s verse 25. “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth.” It’s voice of truth that silences all other “melodies and instruments.” It is the exhale.
Unfortunately for Job the “symphony” is not yet done. Truth has sung out strong; but lies are still trying steal the show. Zophar the Naamathite conducts those twisted thoughts on God in chapter 20. Zophar follows suite with his other friends in applying what they believe about God, to Job’s situation. Keeping in mind that Job’s “situation” is one that started in the heavens and its purpose has not yet been revealed.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Isaiah 51 give us three incentives for obeying the voice of the Lord. The first incentive is found in verses 1-3 and states that if God could make a great nation from one barren couple (Abraham and Sarah), then he can revive any barren situation. The second incentive is found in verses 4-6 and states that the truth of the Lord is going out to the nations with a saving power that will outlast the universe. In short our salvation is forever. The third incentive is found in verses 7-8 and states that although the servants of the Lord are reviled, they will also be eternally vindicated.
Isaiah 52 reminds us that we are to be sharing the "good news." Sharing our faith and witnessing to the lost is beautiful to the Lord. Unfortunately most believers have not experience this truth. Sharing our faith needs to become a priority in every believer.
Isaiah 53 deals with Jesus the Messiah and Suffering Servant. Words like: borne our griefs, carried our sorrows, stricken, afficted, wounded, crushed, oppressed, and bore our sins are found in this chapter. It is a chapter that every believer needs to read three or four times a year to be reminded of what Jesus did for us.
Isaiah 55 reminds us that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and we should be a people of joy.
As you read these chapters, search your heart and ask the Lord for direction. Then ask what are these verses saying to me?
Isaiah 52 reminds us that we are to be sharing the "good news." Sharing our faith and witnessing to the lost is beautiful to the Lord. Unfortunately most believers have not experience this truth. Sharing our faith needs to become a priority in every believer.
Isaiah 53 deals with Jesus the Messiah and Suffering Servant. Words like: borne our griefs, carried our sorrows, stricken, afficted, wounded, crushed, oppressed, and bore our sins are found in this chapter. It is a chapter that every believer needs to read three or four times a year to be reminded of what Jesus did for us.
Isaiah 55 reminds us that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and we should be a people of joy.
As you read these chapters, search your heart and ask the Lord for direction. Then ask what are these verses saying to me?
Psalm 27, 28, 29
Some theologians believe Psalm 27 was written in 2 parts. Verses 1-6 when life was good and David felt God was answering His prayers. Verses 7-12 when David felt God was hiding from Him and life had become difficult. And then, verses 13-14 when he put the 2 parts together. Just like David, we too have good days and bad days - but when we experience the bad days or longer periods of bad days, we must remember the times we have felt his faithfulness. Just as David remembered in Psalm 27:14 - we must wait for the Lord, because one day he will give us help. If we believe this, it will make us strong.
In Psalm 28 we hear David crying out for no other help but for God to hear him and answer. Messiah was a term that was used to describe the King in that day and then later on, it meant God's special servant and last of all, JESUS. In verses 1-5 we hear David's prayer for help and continuing in verses 6-9 we see the praise and thanks to God for His answer to prayer and help.
Linda doesn't like storms at all, but I love a night that is full of lightning, thunder and pouring rain. In Psalm 29 a large storm is happening and David not only sees the storm that is actually happening in his presence, but he sees and is awestruck at God's power and majesty. The lightening, thunder, rain and winds.
We need to remember that God has our life, secure in Him. And he is the same God that displays His power and glory all around. So next time you're in a storm - stop and see God.
In Psalm 28 we hear David crying out for no other help but for God to hear him and answer. Messiah was a term that was used to describe the King in that day and then later on, it meant God's special servant and last of all, JESUS. In verses 1-5 we hear David's prayer for help and continuing in verses 6-9 we see the praise and thanks to God for His answer to prayer and help.
Linda doesn't like storms at all, but I love a night that is full of lightning, thunder and pouring rain. In Psalm 29 a large storm is happening and David not only sees the storm that is actually happening in his presence, but he sees and is awestruck at God's power and majesty. The lightening, thunder, rain and winds.
We need to remember that God has our life, secure in Him. And he is the same God that displays His power and glory all around. So next time you're in a storm - stop and see God.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tuesday March 8, 2011
The Book of Ruth is extrememly different than the Book of Judges. There is not more blood and guts; instead there is love, romance and a picture of the faithfulness and love of the Lord. In chapter 1, the story begins with a famine and this Israelite family moves to Moab for food but in the meantime while in Moab the father of the family dies along with the two grown sons leaving three widows. Naomi, the mother of the family, encourages her daughter-in-laws to stay behind in Moab and one does but the other reveals a deep love and commitment for Naomi. So deep of a love that when Naomi sees it that she simply says nothing but allows her to come with her. Ruth has entered the scene of this grand story. This commitment to Naomi had to have been a great encouragement as Naomi goes back to Bethlehem she is not traveling alone but has someone who is bearing the burden of life with her.
In Chapter 2, there are to "chance happenings" that happen within the first five verses: first, Ruth goes out to get grain for her and Naomi and she happens to come across the field of Boaz, a strapping - good looking fella who is related to her in such a way that he would be a possible legal Kinsman redeemer, or in other words a future mate and second Boaz "happened" to see Ruth and she evidently thought she was a knock out. Boaz saw not simply her outward beauty but her inward beauty as he understood the way that she had treated her mother-in-law Naomi and he made sure that he took "extra" care of her in the field.
In Ruth 3-4, we see that Naomi turns into eharmony as she tells Ruth where to go in order to come into contact with Boaz and she gives specific direction in how to reveal her interets in Boaz. Boaz communicated his interest in Ruth and the need in going after a kinsman redeemer that is closer in relation to Ruth than what he is to make sure that he could redeem, marry, Ruth without being against the law. Boaz goes to the kinsman redeemer that is closer than he but the kinsman redeemer finds out that the price is too high to pay. Boaz thereby is able to pay the price for Ruth and they end the story getting married with God blessing them with children. I notice that the book starts with famine and death but it ends with a marriage and the blessing of children
In Chapter 2, there are to "chance happenings" that happen within the first five verses: first, Ruth goes out to get grain for her and Naomi and she happens to come across the field of Boaz, a strapping - good looking fella who is related to her in such a way that he would be a possible legal Kinsman redeemer, or in other words a future mate and second Boaz "happened" to see Ruth and she evidently thought she was a knock out. Boaz saw not simply her outward beauty but her inward beauty as he understood the way that she had treated her mother-in-law Naomi and he made sure that he took "extra" care of her in the field.
In Ruth 3-4, we see that Naomi turns into eharmony as she tells Ruth where to go in order to come into contact with Boaz and she gives specific direction in how to reveal her interets in Boaz. Boaz communicated his interest in Ruth and the need in going after a kinsman redeemer that is closer in relation to Ruth than what he is to make sure that he could redeem, marry, Ruth without being against the law. Boaz goes to the kinsman redeemer that is closer than he but the kinsman redeemer finds out that the price is too high to pay. Boaz thereby is able to pay the price for Ruth and they end the story getting married with God blessing them with children. I notice that the book starts with famine and death but it ends with a marriage and the blessing of children
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