So You May Know

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord.”

Exodus 10:1-2 NIV

Here's the bottom line: we may not understand the depths of free will, choice and all that doctrinal stuff, but, the desired end of it all is that we may know that He is the Lord. God's ways are not always discernible to us. We are  finite created beings. The Lord, is infinite and eternal, the everlasting one. 

The Lord was showing Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and the Israelites that He was the Lord. At first it didn't seem that great to the Israelites because they just had to make more bricks with less straw. Then, as the plagues progressed they saw how God protected them. I am sure it was quite a site to look over from Goshen and see the rest of Egypt infested with gnats and locus, darkness. 

The point is that God shows himself Sovereign and faithful in many different ways. It's not our choice, except to live by faith. Sometimes we need to just watch and see what God is doing. Crazy things may be happening around us, but God is still the Lord and working his will as he so chooses. 

You Intend, God Intends

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 

Genesis 50:20 NIV

I think most of us have quoted Romans 8:28 that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him", but few have been able to say it and with grace like Joseph after going through what he did. 

Nothing hurts more than family. People may hurt you, but when your brother or sister does something, that can leave a scar. Joseph's brothers tried to kill him, but, ended up selling him as a slave! Just put yourself in Joseph's place for a minute. Imagine looking up from that cistern and hearing them argue about what to do with you. They finally pull you out, only to find yourself sold as a slave. Then, your masters wife tries to seduce you and you get falsely accused of attempting to rape her because she's mad you rejected her. Next, you interpret a few dreams but the dreamers forget to tell anyone about you. But God had not forgotten Joseph. 

Joseph tells his brothers flat out that even though they meant harm, he knew God intended it for good. First, think about Potiphar's wife. If Potiphar, the captain of the guard, had believed Joseph tried to "make sport' of his wife he probably would of killed him. So, instead of being killed Joseph was just placed in prison. And you know the rest. He ends up second to Pharaoh, trusted by Pharaoh to run the nation.

Now the amazing thing is that when he sees his brothers, he sees them through the eyes of grace and forgiveness, knowing that God used all things to work salvation through even their betrayal. In verse 17 we are told that "Joseph wept" (sound familiar?). He wept because God's grace had worked in his heart to allow him to forgive and love his brothers. God always intends salvation. 

Where does God have you that even though others may have hurt you, God intends salvation? 

Two Sides of Gracious Sovereignty

   And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

   “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 

Genesis 45:5-8 NIV

There's two very different perspectives here. One from Joseph's position and the other from his brothers experience. Joseph had worked out the "why me" issues but his brothers were stuck on the "why did I do that", "if only I had" questions. Both perspectives, both experiences are covered by the gracious sovereignty of God.  

Maybe you are like me and there are a few choices, sins even, that you made that you honestly wish you hadn't made. I would be surprised if you weren't the recipient of the result of someone else's choices and actions. Some more harmful than others. "But God.." Those two words flip everything around, turning what is meant for harm into what was good, very good. This is a wonderful example of God sovereignly working all things out for good. Don't you think it is amazing that God shows us both sides; Joseph who really didn't do anything and his brothers who definitely sinned? 

In the end God worked out salvation for Joseph, his brothers and his father. So, I wonder what "salvation" God has planned for you and I? 

Father, you are Sovereign Lord, Almighty Father. You work all things out for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purposes. We are yours. Graciously work in our lives and bring salvation through us. 

Out of the Pit, Into the Pot

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 

Genesis 39:2 NIV

Joseph was thrown into a cistern, sold into slavery and ended up as a slave to the captain of Pharaoh's guard. And the Bible says, "The Lord was with Joseph." I have to tell you, it would be very difficult for me to be thrown into a cistern and sold into slavery, by my brothers, and think that God was with me. 

I think that it is interesting that we are not told what Joseph thought and felt during that whole experience. What we are shown is that the Lord was with him, sovereignly moving, directing Joseph's path, even though it just seemed he was moving from bad to worse. He went from the pit into slavery in Potiphar's house. Yet, the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord is with you.

Maybe you haven't been thrown into a cistern, literally, but, you have been taken out of a good situation and placed into a bad one. So often, in every kind of working environment office politics wreak havoc on peoples lives. It can be very confusing and disheartening. But, we as Christians belong to God and he is Sovereign over all things, even little people trying to build and defend their little kingdoms. God is with you. He will work what he wants in and through your life. He is faithful and will do it. 

God, Reign in Us Today

Lord, the truth is you reign. Open our eyes to see you enthroned and exalted. Reign in our marriages, families, and jobs. Be glorified in us today. Grant us skill, wisdom and success. Reign in us.

God Created You

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

   to receive glory and honor and power, 

for  you created all things,

   and by your will they were created 

   and have their being.”

Revelation 4:11 NIV

Remember you are part of all things that God created. 

God created you.

By his will you were created.

And by his will you continue to have your being.

You are not an after thought. You are not an insignificant part of the kingdom of God. If you are still here, God still wants to work in and through your life. Be looking. Be aware. Be ready. Be willing. Be thankful.

Never Fear, the Lord is Near

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: 
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
   I am your shield,
   your very great reward. ”

Genesis 15:1 NIV

Abram had just fought a battle and refused a reward from the king of Sodom. The LORD assured him with two truths. First, that he was Abram's shield and secondly that he was Abram's reward. The Lord understood Abram's fear. The LORD did chastise him for being afraid. He just assured Abram of his protection and provision. 

As Christians we will fight a lot of battles. Sometimes after a victory we may feel a bit tired and vulnerable. God assures us that he will continue to shield us and he himself will be are very great reward. 

Let's ask a couple of questions. Did God continue to protect Abram? Yes. Did God continue to provide for Abram? Yes. Can we trust God to protect us and provide for us? Yes, yes we can. So, if you've been through a trial or had to make some tough decisions remember that like Abram God will shield you and reward you. 

Above All

God is above all. 

He is the Rock of our salvation.

   the Great God

   the Great King.

Today as you fight the good fight, remember that what ever you are dealing with, whatever the obstacle or the enemy; God is above all gods. 

Word of the Day: Most High, God is Most High

Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Psalms 83:18 NIV

The truth is that God is Most High over all the earth. Even our present circumstances, situation and predicament. 

Father, open our lives to see you as Most High in our lives. You know the battles we are in and the foes we face each day. Strengthen us to fight the good fight in your strength. Reign as the Most High in us today!

Word of the Day: Strength

My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart
   and my portion forever.

Psalms 73:26 NIV

Let's be real. Sometimes we fail. That's not an excuse or an alibi, that just a reality. We may be surprised by it, but God is not. Like David, we can look to God to be the strength of our heart. You may be failing physically and you may be getting down. Remember, God is the strength of your heart. 

"if we are faithless,

   he will remain faithful,

   for he cannot disown himself." II Timothy 2:13

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God is with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Word of the Day: Sovereign Lord

For you have been my hope, 
   O Sovereign Lord,
   my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you;
   you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
I have become a sign to many;
   you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
   declaring your splendor all day long.

Psalms 71:5-8 NIV

Remember, whatever you are going through today, wherever you are at, God is Sovereign Lord. He knows the end from the beginning and nothing can stop him from completing what he began in you. He is faithful and will complete you. 

Use a Big Measure

“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 

Mark 4:24 NIV

Pay attention. Listen up. 

"With the measure you use"... 

Consider: What is the measure, of the gifts that God has given you, that you are using at this time of your life? That is a very simple question. 

The meaning of this verse is very profound. If you want God to work in your life, you need to step out in faith and serve in some way. For me, this is a direct hit between my eyes. I need to use a greater measure. 

The promise is that Christ says, he will measure out to us what we use and more. Do not be afraid to serve. Do not be afraid to offer anyone the grace of God. 

Lord Jesus Christ, help us measure out and use all that you have given us. Open our eyes today to see what you have before us. Praise be to you in us today!

How Has God Been Your Fortress?

God is my fortress. 

I had a pretty tough day on Friday. But, the truth is that God is my fortress. He has shown himself to be my fortress in the past in similar situations. I thought the opportunity for a position I applied for was gone but a week later I was offered one within five minutes of my home. God has been and he will be my fortress.

No Matter Where You Go, There He Reigns.

God reigns over the nations;

   God is seated on his holy throne.

Psalm 47:7

This truly a remarkable statement, an amazing truth. God reigns. Not only does God reign, he reigns over the nations. Think of Israel, a country whose people often found themselves in the midst of turmoil. Little Israel vs. Egypt. Israel verses Babylon. Israel under the Medes and the Persians. For the most part, a bunch of tyrants. These are the times that the Sons of Korah would have written this Psalm. 

Today we live in a world of great unrest. I'm pretty confident that a least a few of you may work for a tyrant. But, God reigns. He is seated on his throne. I don't know what the unrest is in your life. I have no clue about the exact measure of your trials, but I do know that the Bible says that God reigns, and is seated on the throne. I also know that Jesus is there, interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25).

Whatever you are going through, God reigns and he is seated on his throne and Christ is interceding on your behalf!

The LORD Most High Over...

The Psalm for today is Psalm 47. I like to take word from the Psalm I am reading each day that expresses God's nature. I try to remember that word throughout the day when I am feeling anxious or stressed. "The LORD Most High" is the phrase of the day. God is the LORD Most High. 

What am I encountering today that I need to remember that God is the LORD Most High over? What are you encountering today that you need to remember that God is LORD Most High over? 

Whatever you are struggling with, whether it be within yourself or outside yourself, God reigns and he is the LORD Most High over even that. 

What Does God Want Your Eyes to See?

You will see it with your own eyes and say, 'Great is the LORD - even beyond the borders of Israel!" Malachi 1:5 

I believe that God wants to doing something in each of our lives. I know he wants to reveal himself to us and to remake us into the image of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I know he promises that if we seek him we won't go hungry. 

The question is: What does God want to show you with your own eyes? 

Are You Letting Your Hands Be Strong?

As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13

If you channel surf you will definitely come across some fitness coach promising that if you use their system you will lose weight and feel better. Self-help programs can aid you to lose some weight and feel better about yourself to some degree. But, they all share the same weakness. Self. 

That is what makes the grace of God so powerful. Grace is built upon the Sovereignty and faithfulness of the Almighty God. His promise is to save us and make us a blessing.  If you lift weights you should have a partner who acts as your spotter. Sometimes when you need just a little help they will pull up on the bar just a bit to help you finish the set. 

The grace of God is where he does a lot more than pull us up a little bit to bring us through. Because we know that we can let our hands be strong, we can act in faith without fear. You see, having a spotter allows you to try as hard as you can without fear that you will be halfway through a lift and your arms will give out and the weights will fall back on you. Let your hands be strong. Don't be afraid to fail. Be a blessing. Be strong in the Lord!

Has God Relented?

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

Jonah 3:10 (NIV)

If I honestly look at my life right now I know there are a few times I probably, with the gracious Sovereign hand of God, have been delivered from self-destruction. 

God wants us to turn to him. He longs to show us compassion, to forgive us and restore us to himself. Even if the circumstances are less than perfect, the Father is concerned with our reconciliation. Remember, the message to the Ninevites was delivered by a reluctant messenger who hated the people he was speaking to. God is concerned with our response to him. 

Take a moment and ask yourself if God has relented from sending destruction in your life lately...

Do You See God's Faithfulness?

Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
   you who have done great things. 
Who is like you, God?
Though you have made me see troubles,
   many and bitter,
   you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth 
   you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor 
   and comfort me once more. 
I will praise you with the harp 
   for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
   Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy 
   when I sing praise to you—
   I whom you have delivered.
My tongue will tell of your righteous acts day long,
   for those who wanted to harm me 
   have been put to shame and confusion.
Psalms 71:19-24  (NIV)

Thank you, Father, that even though I have been through some pretty tough times (every heart knows it's own sorrow), you have mercifully and faithfully brought me through. Praise be to you!

Verses of the Week

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
   I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. 
   I will build you up again, 
   and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.
Again you will take up your timbrels
   and go out to dance with the joyful.
Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria;
   the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit.
Jeremiah 31:3-5 (NIV)

“Hear the word of the Lord, you nations;
   proclaim it in distant coastlands:
‘He who scattered Israel will gather them
   and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’
For the Lord will deliver Jacob
   and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
Jeremiah 31:10c-11 (NIV)

“I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning:
‘You disciplined me like an unruly calf,
   and I have been disciplined.
Restore me, and I will return,
   because you are the Lord my God.
Jeremiah 31:18c (NIV)

Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:26-27 (NIV)

“ ‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. 

Jeremiah 33:6-8 (NIV)