Today, I want to recap a little about Joseph. We learned on Sunday morning that Joseph finished strong when he had every opportunity to simply quit. Here are a few of the highlights of the life of Joseph:
* Born eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob, the first son of Jacob’s favored wife Rachael, who had been barren for many, many years.
* As Rachael’s son, Joseph became the favorite son. This disparity created a great sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers.
* One day Joseph was sold into slavery to foreigners by his ten older brothers who hated him with a jealous hatred.
* Joseph spent years in slavery and prison in a foreign land.
* But Joseph never forgot his loyalty and his commitment to Jehovah, the covenant God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
* Although his hardships increased and lasted near twenty years, Joseph won the battles within himself and kept his faith.
* In the end Joseph became second ruler over all of the land of Egypt and saved his family from starvation and became a key player in the plan of God for the whole world.
* We remember Joseph best of all from his life scripture when he faced his brothers and had power over them to punish them for what they had done to him. He could have taken revenge but …
* Joseph saw a bigger picture than his painful past.
Genesis 45:5 "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Joseph realized that he had been chosen by God and that the things which had happened to him were for a greater purpose. Joseph realized that he had been chosen by God and that the things which had happened to him were for a greater purpose.
We too have been chosen … Jesus said it this way:
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
What do you think that you have been chosen for?
Do you think that the way you "Finish” has an impact on you being able to complete the task that you have been chosen for? Why?
Think about this today and talk to God about it. Have a great day!!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
MONDAY- Finish Strong
Welcome to Monday. I have had some of you ask about Nick Vujicic. If you remember, Nick was the young man in the video from the gathering. If you were not able to be at the gathering, I have attached the video below. This month is about finishing strong. So far in this series we have looked at some example of people in the Bible who started off great, but didn't finish strong. Sometimes it has terrible results. This week, we are going to go deeper into the question; "Will you finish strong?"
David said to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20 "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished."
Today, watch the video about Nick again. Ask yourself the question, will I finish strong? After you do that, spend some time talking to God about it.
David said to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20 "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished."
Today, watch the video about Nick again. Ask yourself the question, will I finish strong? After you do that, spend some time talking to God about it.
Friday, April 17, 2009
FRIDAY- WISDOM FROM PROVERBS
Good day! Welcome to Friday. Today we are going to do something a little different. First of all, find a Bible. Go ahead, look around for it and come right back. I'll wait for you to return.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Back? Good! OK, here is what we are going to do. Open your Bible to Proverbs chapter 8. Hold your place there. Now log out and go to a quiet place. If it is nice outside, go outside, if not, fine too. Just go somewhere you can be alone and where it is quiet. When you get there. Spend some time with God in prayer. Ask Him to be with you and to speak wisdom to you. After you have prayed, read Proverbs chapter eight. Yes, the whole thing. If any questions come to mind, write them down and bring them with you next Thursday. Enjoy this time! Now go!! Spend some time alone with God.
See you Sunday!!!
Dan
Back? Good! OK, here is what we are going to do. Open your Bible to Proverbs chapter 8. Hold your place there. Now log out and go to a quiet place. If it is nice outside, go outside, if not, fine too. Just go somewhere you can be alone and where it is quiet. When you get there. Spend some time with God in prayer. Ask Him to be with you and to speak wisdom to you. After you have prayed, read Proverbs chapter eight. Yes, the whole thing. If any questions come to mind, write them down and bring them with you next Thursday. Enjoy this time! Now go!! Spend some time alone with God.
See you Sunday!!!
Dan
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
THURSDAY: "Don't Waste Your Life-Wisdom From Proverbs"
Today, I want you to slowly read the following chapter in Proverbs. After every couple of verses, think about what this means to you. What is God trying to tell you in your own life?
Proverbs 13 (New International Version)
Proverbs 13
1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction,
but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,
but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.
3 He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A man's riches may ransom his life,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful is hard. [a]
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool exposes his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
20 He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues the sinner,
but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children,
but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food,
but injustice sweeps it away.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
Proverbs 13 (New International Version)
Proverbs 13
1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction,
but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,
but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.
3 He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A man's riches may ransom his life,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful is hard. [a]
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool exposes his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
20 He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues the sinner,
but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children,
but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food,
but injustice sweeps it away.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
WEDNESDAY: "Wisdom From Proverbs"
Do you feel wise today? Here is some inspiration to get us started:
Knowledge is horizontal. Wisdom is vertical; it comes down from above
Billy Graham
Don't expect wisdom to come into your life like great chunks of rock on a conveyor belt. Wisdom comes privately from God as a byproduct of right decisions, godly reactions, and the application of spiritual principles to daily circumstances.
Charles Swindall
Isaiah 50:4-5 (ncv)
"Every morning He wakes me. He teaches me to listen like a student. The Lord God helps me learn..."
James 3:13 (ncv)
"Are there those among you who are truly wise and understanding? Then they should show it by living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom."
Matthew 7:24 (niv)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Today, pray this prayer at least three times today and every day for the rest of the week. Write it down on a piece of paper and keep it with you:
"I seek wisdom, Lord, not as the world gives, but as you give. Lead me in Your ways and teach me from Your Word so that, in time, my wisdom might glorify Your kingdom and Your Son. Amen"
Knowledge is horizontal. Wisdom is vertical; it comes down from above
Billy Graham
Don't expect wisdom to come into your life like great chunks of rock on a conveyor belt. Wisdom comes privately from God as a byproduct of right decisions, godly reactions, and the application of spiritual principles to daily circumstances.
Charles Swindall
Isaiah 50:4-5 (ncv)
"Every morning He wakes me. He teaches me to listen like a student. The Lord God helps me learn..."
James 3:13 (ncv)
"Are there those among you who are truly wise and understanding? Then they should show it by living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom."
Matthew 7:24 (niv)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Today, pray this prayer at least three times today and every day for the rest of the week. Write it down on a piece of paper and keep it with you:
"I seek wisdom, Lord, not as the world gives, but as you give. Lead me in Your ways and teach me from Your Word so that, in time, my wisdom might glorify Your kingdom and Your Son. Amen"
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
TUESDAY: "WISDOM FROM PROVERBS"
Proverbs 1 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 1
The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Read the previous verses again. This time, pause after each verse and ask yourself these two questions: 1) What does this mean to me? 2) What is God trying to tell me as I read this.
Go ahead, read it.
Spend the next few minutes talking to God in prayer. Here are some thoughts to talk to Him about:
*Ask God to give you wisdom.
*Ask Him for wisdom to handle a particular situation in your life right now (be specific).
*Thank Him for His word.
See you tomorrow!!
Proverbs 1
The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Read the previous verses again. This time, pause after each verse and ask yourself these two questions: 1) What does this mean to me? 2) What is God trying to tell me as I read this.
Go ahead, read it.
Spend the next few minutes talking to God in prayer. Here are some thoughts to talk to Him about:
*Ask God to give you wisdom.
*Ask Him for wisdom to handle a particular situation in your life right now (be specific).
*Thank Him for His word.
See you tomorrow!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Monday- "Don't Waste Your Life"
A few months back, my wife (Julie) and I were waiting for a paticular movie to come out on DVD that we had been wanting to see for quite a while. I will spare you the name of the movie but we really wanted to see it. We missed it in the theatre so we were very excited when we heard that it would soon be coming out. The days leading up to the DVD release were crazy. We talked about it all the time and we even changed our whole family schedule so that we could watch it on "The DAY" that it came out. For that few weeks, it basically took over our lives. To make a long story short, the day finally came. I had the movie in my hand as I was heading home for the big event. As we sat down on the couch to start the show, I felt so happy. We had snacks, drinks, and most importantly, the movie. I was stoked!!! I felt my heart beating faster and faster as the opening titles started and then... reality. Not ten minutes into the movie we realized that this was going to be the.......dumbest movie that we had ever seen. In fact, after about 15 minutes into the movie, we turned it off.
As I sat there staring at a blank tv screen and with the faint smell of popcorn in the air, I realized something. I had just wasted a portion of my life that I would never get back. Why did I do that? What could I have used that time for instead? I had...wasted part my life.
So what about you? Have you spent time on things that turned out to be a waste?
The Bible warns us about wasting our life on things that don't matter. Today, read the following section of Proverbs. Listen to the advice given. What does it mean to you?
Proverbs 6
Warnings Against Folly
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have struck hands in pledge for another,
2 if you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,
3 then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. [a]
12 A scoundrel and villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
he always stirs up dissension.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
Have a good day, talk to you tomorrow!
As I sat there staring at a blank tv screen and with the faint smell of popcorn in the air, I realized something. I had just wasted a portion of my life that I would never get back. Why did I do that? What could I have used that time for instead? I had...wasted part my life.
So what about you? Have you spent time on things that turned out to be a waste?
The Bible warns us about wasting our life on things that don't matter. Today, read the following section of Proverbs. Listen to the advice given. What does it mean to you?
Proverbs 6
Warnings Against Folly
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have struck hands in pledge for another,
2 if you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,
3 then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. [a]
12 A scoundrel and villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
he always stirs up dissension.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
Have a good day, talk to you tomorrow!
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