“Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh; because he said: God made me forget all my painful work in my father's house. And he called the name of his second son, Ephraim; for he said, God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” [1]
Joseph experienced God’s favor, so much so that he gave his sons names to reflect his gratitude towards God. His own brothers betrayed him and made him suffer greatly. But God turned what was meant for evil into a blessing for Joseph. God’s blessing during the latter days of Joseph’s life far outweighed the pain and afflictions that came to him from his family when he was young.
Brothers and Sisters, trust in the Lord. Keep serving Him. Keep loving Him. The Lord will turn the tide on evil one’s work to destroy you. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” [2] “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” [3]
Jesus wants us to enjoy God’s blessings. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” [4]
[1] Genesis 41:51-52
[2] 1 John 3:8
[3] Romans 8:28
[4] John 10:10
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
Monday, January 23, 2017
SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Jesus taught His disciples the following in regards to the wealthy religious leaders of their time: “They (the self-centered religious leaders) bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. All their works they do for to be seen of men. They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their [prayer] garments. They love the finest rooms at feasts, and the highest seats in gathering places. [They love] greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi [honorable names]. But be not called Rabbi: for ONE is your MASTER, even CHRIST; and ALL you ARE BROTHERS. And call no man your father upon the earth: for ONE is your FATHER, which is in heaven. Neither be called masters: for ONE is your MASTER, even CHRIST. But he that is greatest among you shall be your SERVANT. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” [1]
To follow Christ and to lead others to do the same is to be a servant leader. To follow Christ is to embody the ministry of God’s undeserved grace and sacrificial love to the world. This is what the ancient prophets did, they actually embodied God’s love for sinners.
[1] Matthew 23:4-12
To follow Christ and to lead others to do the same is to be a servant leader. To follow Christ is to embody the ministry of God’s undeserved grace and sacrificial love to the world. This is what the ancient prophets did, they actually embodied God’s love for sinners.
[1] Matthew 23:4-12
Monday, January 16, 2017
Peace Not Strife
There is so much strife in our world and so little peace. Let us look to the Word of God to strengthen our resolve to be peacemakers. Our Lord Jesus said. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” [1]
JACOB
Jacob was born into strife. The Lord told his mother (Rebekah) before Jacob was born that his older brother (Esau) would serve him. [2] While Rebekah supported Jacob in his leadership calling; his father, Isaac, preferred Esau. By no means, did Esau want to serve Jacob. He planned to kill him after their father died.
Jacob’s father-in-law, Laban, kindled more strife in his life. Laban gave Jacob his older daughter, Leah, in marriage after Jacob worked seven years for Laban’s younger daughter Rachel. After that, Laban made Jacob work an additional seven years to marry Rachel. Thus, Jacob had two sisters for wives. They both strove to be the most-loved wife of Jacob by bearing children for him. They even gave their servant girls to Jacob so he could have children by them.
The children of Leah and her servant hated Rachel’s son Joseph. Jealousy drove them to sell Joseph to human traffickers.
The good news in Jacob’s story for us is that God can glorify His name through us even if we grew up in a home full of strife. God can still accomplish His purposes for us in spite of us and in spite our backgrounds by His Spirit.
SOLOMON
By the inspiration of God, Solomon wrote: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” [3] “A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” [4] “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” [5] “Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.” [6] “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” [7] “He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.” [8] “Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease.” [9] “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” [10] “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” [11] “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” [12] “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” [13]
THE APOSTLE PAUL
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” [14] “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” [15] “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” [16] “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [17] “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” [18] “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” [19] “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” [20]
JAMES THE BROTHER OF JESUS
According to James the Brother of Jesus, selfish desires of the flesh are the roots from which wars spring up: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” [21] “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” [22] “Be at peace among yourselves.” [23] “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” [24] “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” [25]
THE APOSTLE PETER
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” [26]
THE PROPHETIC LAMENT FOR LACK OF PEACE
David lamented, “My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” [27] Jeremiah lamented, “Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent for interest, nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me.” [28] Jeremiah’s deep love for people set him at odds with them because they were opposing God.
QUOTE FROM “The Imitation of Christ by Thomas รก Kempis”
“Peace is ever with the humble man, but in the heart of the proud there is envy and continual wroth (anger).”
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, You gave up Your Son to save us from perishing. Lord Jesus Christ, You died to remove our sins to make way for the Holy Spirit to live in us. Holy Spirit, You who live in us, empower us to live at peace with one another for the glory of God. In Jesus’ I pray. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 5:9
[2] Genesis 25:23
[3] Proverbs 10:12
[4] Proverbs 15:18
[5] Proverbs 16:28
[6] Proverbs 17:1
[7] Proverbs 17:14
[8] Proverbs 17:19
[9] Proverbs 22:10
[10] Proverbs 26:20
[11] Proverbs 26:21
[12] Proverbs 28:25
[13] Proverbs 29:22
[14] Romans 12:18
[15] Romans 14:17
[16] Romans 14:19
[17] Romans 15:13
[18] Romans 15:33
[19] Romans 16:20
[20] 1 Corinthians 14:33
[21] Colossians 3:15
[22] 1Thessalonians 5:13
[23] 1Timothy 2:1-2
[24] Hebrews 12:14
[25] James 4:1
[26] 2 Peter 3:13-14
[27] Psalm 120:6-7
[28] Jeremiah 15:10
JACOB
Jacob was born into strife. The Lord told his mother (Rebekah) before Jacob was born that his older brother (Esau) would serve him. [2] While Rebekah supported Jacob in his leadership calling; his father, Isaac, preferred Esau. By no means, did Esau want to serve Jacob. He planned to kill him after their father died.
Jacob’s father-in-law, Laban, kindled more strife in his life. Laban gave Jacob his older daughter, Leah, in marriage after Jacob worked seven years for Laban’s younger daughter Rachel. After that, Laban made Jacob work an additional seven years to marry Rachel. Thus, Jacob had two sisters for wives. They both strove to be the most-loved wife of Jacob by bearing children for him. They even gave their servant girls to Jacob so he could have children by them.
The children of Leah and her servant hated Rachel’s son Joseph. Jealousy drove them to sell Joseph to human traffickers.
The good news in Jacob’s story for us is that God can glorify His name through us even if we grew up in a home full of strife. God can still accomplish His purposes for us in spite of us and in spite our backgrounds by His Spirit.
SOLOMON
By the inspiration of God, Solomon wrote: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” [3] “A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” [4] “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” [5] “Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.” [6] “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” [7] “He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.” [8] “Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease.” [9] “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” [10] “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” [11] “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” [12] “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” [13]
THE APOSTLE PAUL
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” [14] “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” [15] “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” [16] “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [17] “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” [18] “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” [19] “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” [20]
JAMES THE BROTHER OF JESUS
According to James the Brother of Jesus, selfish desires of the flesh are the roots from which wars spring up: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” [21] “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” [22] “Be at peace among yourselves.” [23] “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” [24] “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” [25]
THE APOSTLE PETER
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” [26]
THE PROPHETIC LAMENT FOR LACK OF PEACE
David lamented, “My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” [27] Jeremiah lamented, “Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent for interest, nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me.” [28] Jeremiah’s deep love for people set him at odds with them because they were opposing God.
QUOTE FROM “The Imitation of Christ by Thomas รก Kempis”
“Peace is ever with the humble man, but in the heart of the proud there is envy and continual wroth (anger).”
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, You gave up Your Son to save us from perishing. Lord Jesus Christ, You died to remove our sins to make way for the Holy Spirit to live in us. Holy Spirit, You who live in us, empower us to live at peace with one another for the glory of God. In Jesus’ I pray. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 5:9
[2] Genesis 25:23
[3] Proverbs 10:12
[4] Proverbs 15:18
[5] Proverbs 16:28
[6] Proverbs 17:1
[7] Proverbs 17:14
[8] Proverbs 17:19
[9] Proverbs 22:10
[10] Proverbs 26:20
[11] Proverbs 26:21
[12] Proverbs 28:25
[13] Proverbs 29:22
[14] Romans 12:18
[15] Romans 14:17
[16] Romans 14:19
[17] Romans 15:13
[18] Romans 15:33
[19] Romans 16:20
[20] 1 Corinthians 14:33
[21] Colossians 3:15
[22] 1Thessalonians 5:13
[23] 1Timothy 2:1-2
[24] Hebrews 12:14
[25] James 4:1
[26] 2 Peter 3:13-14
[27] Psalm 120:6-7
[28] Jeremiah 15:10
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Stay In The Narrow Way
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.” [1]
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [2]
“Lord Jesus, please forgive us for the times we chose the broad way. Please graciously keep us on the narrow path that leads to eternal life.”
[1] Matthew 7:13-14
[2] 1 Peter 2:1-3
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [2]
“Lord Jesus, please forgive us for the times we chose the broad way. Please graciously keep us on the narrow path that leads to eternal life.”
[1] Matthew 7:13-14
[2] 1 Peter 2:1-3
Monday, January 9, 2017
An Anchor for Our Soul
“It is impossible for God to lie. So we flee for refuge to God. We have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have a sure and steadfast anchor for our soul, because we know that He gave His Son for us.” [1]
Our hope is an anchor for our soul, firm and secure. Our anchor reaches not to the bottom of the sea but to Christ who loves us and gave His life for us. Christ conquered death. He lives! He intercedes for us.
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”
We have an anchor! We have hope! We have stability in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are grounded firmly in the Savior’s love.
[1] Paraphrase of Hebrews 6:18-19
Our hope is an anchor for our soul, firm and secure. Our anchor reaches not to the bottom of the sea but to Christ who loves us and gave His life for us. Christ conquered death. He lives! He intercedes for us.
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”
We have an anchor! We have hope! We have stability in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are grounded firmly in the Savior’s love.
[1] Paraphrase of Hebrews 6:18-19
Sunday, January 8, 2017
What Faith in Christ Looks Like
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation; and uphold me with Your free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Your ways; and sinners shall be converted unto You.” [1]
What does a clean heart, a Holy Spirit-life look like?
A clean heart, a Holy Spirit-life believes God’s Word and acts on it.
“And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of cerebral palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their FAITH said unto the sick of the palsy; ‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.’ And he arose, and departed to his house.” [2]
“She said within herself, ‘If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.’ But Jesus turned Him about, and when He saw her, He said, ‘Daughter, be of good comfort; your FAITH has made you whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.’” [3]
“And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus said unto them, ‘Believe that I am able to do this?’ They said unto Him, ‘Yea, Lord.’ Then touched He their eyes, saying, ‘According to your FAITH be it unto you.’ And their eyes were opened.” [4]
“And He (God) brought him (Abraham) forth abroad, and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if you be able to number them:’ and he said unto him, ‘So shall your seed be. And he (Abraham) BELIEVED in the Lord; and He (God) counted it to him (Abraham) for righteousness.” [5]
FAITH receives God and Christ His Son, and all HE has done and would do for us.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” [6]
FAITH means to transfer all one’s confidence from self to GOD and to His SON JESUS CHRIST. God honors such FAITH.
[1] Psalm 51:10-12
[2] Matthew 9:2, 7
[3] Matthew 9:21-22
[4] Matthew 9:28-30
[5] Genesis 15:5-6
[6] Psalm 51:17
What does a clean heart, a Holy Spirit-life look like?
A clean heart, a Holy Spirit-life believes God’s Word and acts on it.
“And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of cerebral palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their FAITH said unto the sick of the palsy; ‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.’ And he arose, and departed to his house.” [2]
“She said within herself, ‘If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.’ But Jesus turned Him about, and when He saw her, He said, ‘Daughter, be of good comfort; your FAITH has made you whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.’” [3]
“And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus said unto them, ‘Believe that I am able to do this?’ They said unto Him, ‘Yea, Lord.’ Then touched He their eyes, saying, ‘According to your FAITH be it unto you.’ And their eyes were opened.” [4]
“And He (God) brought him (Abraham) forth abroad, and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if you be able to number them:’ and he said unto him, ‘So shall your seed be. And he (Abraham) BELIEVED in the Lord; and He (God) counted it to him (Abraham) for righteousness.” [5]
FAITH receives God and Christ His Son, and all HE has done and would do for us.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” [6]
FAITH means to transfer all one’s confidence from self to GOD and to His SON JESUS CHRIST. God honors such FAITH.
[1] Psalm 51:10-12
[2] Matthew 9:2, 7
[3] Matthew 9:21-22
[4] Matthew 9:28-30
[5] Genesis 15:5-6
[6] Psalm 51:17
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Your Heavenly Father shall Provide for You
“Why are you cast down O my soul and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” [1]
God is the health our blessed facial expressions.
“…If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat, or what shall we drink or, wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [2]
The Heavenly Father promises to meet our earthly needs. Therefore, we are free to focus on His Kingdom and His righteousness.
[1] Psalm 42:11
[2] Matthew 6:30-34
God is the health our blessed facial expressions.
“…If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat, or what shall we drink or, wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [2]
The Heavenly Father promises to meet our earthly needs. Therefore, we are free to focus on His Kingdom and His righteousness.
[1] Psalm 42:11
[2] Matthew 6:30-34
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Guided Down Good Paths by God
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” [1]
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” [2]
“Lord Jesus, I respect You as Him through whom all things exist and hold together. You are the only one that can bring me into the King Heaven. Please do guide me in Your paths all my days. It is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”
[1] Psalm 23:1, 3
[2] Proverbs 4:18, 26-27
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” [2]
“Lord Jesus, I respect You as Him through whom all things exist and hold together. You are the only one that can bring me into the King Heaven. Please do guide me in Your paths all my days. It is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”
[1] Psalm 23:1, 3
[2] Proverbs 4:18, 26-27
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