February 4, 2010
Genesis 41-42; Matthew 12:1-23
As our family has read the story of Joseph it has occurred to me that God didn't just magically change Joseph's position. It came through excellence and the wisdom God gave him to interpret dreams. The excellence came from hard work on Joseph's part. The favor probably came in all actually mostly from the excellent work ethic of Joseph. The divine part, however, was Joseph's ability to interpret dreams. Both the works of Joseph and the faith of Joseph got him promoted.
What works have you displayed in order to receive favor in your life? Faith without works is dead. If Joseph had been a lousy worker, no one would have paid attention to his dreams.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Are you tired? Worn out? Burnt out on religion?
February 3, 2010
Genesis 39-40; Matthew 11
Have you ever thought that it was to hard to follow Christ? He promises that it is not! We only grow tired when we allow our relationship with God to become routine. Marriage is hard when we allow it to become routine. Relationships are difficult when we allow them to become mundane.
But how do we keep vibrant and alive relationships? "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Was is difficult for Jesus to live for His Father? No, because He lived (and died) to please the Father, not Himself. We can live freely and lightly when we live only to please our Father. The things which cause frustration and irritation melt away. After all, are they things that really matter anyway? Even if they are, can you imagine Jesus or God getting upset at the things we do?
If you are tired and worn out, take a look at how Jesus did what He did and endeavor to copy His behavior. Spend time with Him. You'll feel as light as a feather.
Genesis 39-40; Matthew 11
Have you ever thought that it was to hard to follow Christ? He promises that it is not! We only grow tired when we allow our relationship with God to become routine. Marriage is hard when we allow it to become routine. Relationships are difficult when we allow them to become mundane.
But how do we keep vibrant and alive relationships? "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Was is difficult for Jesus to live for His Father? No, because He lived (and died) to please the Father, not Himself. We can live freely and lightly when we live only to please our Father. The things which cause frustration and irritation melt away. After all, are they things that really matter anyway? Even if they are, can you imagine Jesus or God getting upset at the things we do?
If you are tired and worn out, take a look at how Jesus did what He did and endeavor to copy His behavior. Spend time with Him. You'll feel as light as a feather.
Finding yourself
February 2, 2010
Genesis 36-38; Matthew 10:21-42
It is a very common feeling for teens, and for that matter all of us, to feel as though we haven't "found ourselves". The Message Bible says, "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."
It is quite the paradox. We find ourselves when we lose ourselves. When we lose our identity in Christ and chose to entirely identify with Him, that is when we truly find ourselves. Not when we discover our destiny, or when we find our major for college, or when we determine our occupation.
How do we do this? When we seek first His kingdom, we set aside our desires. Our greatest desire is to please the Father - more than anything we could want. Determine to lose yourself in Christ, not just today, but everyday. You will find your determined purpose in this practice!
From the kids
Joy couldn't believe how dumb Joseph was to share his dream with his brothers, until I reminded her how often she says things that are imprudent!
Genesis 36-38; Matthew 10:21-42
It is a very common feeling for teens, and for that matter all of us, to feel as though we haven't "found ourselves". The Message Bible says, "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."
It is quite the paradox. We find ourselves when we lose ourselves. When we lose our identity in Christ and chose to entirely identify with Him, that is when we truly find ourselves. Not when we discover our destiny, or when we find our major for college, or when we determine our occupation.
How do we do this? When we seek first His kingdom, we set aside our desires. Our greatest desire is to please the Father - more than anything we could want. Determine to lose yourself in Christ, not just today, but everyday. You will find your determined purpose in this practice!
From the kids
Joy couldn't believe how dumb Joseph was to share his dream with his brothers, until I reminded her how often she says things that are imprudent!
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