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. 

In the Battle Be True

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.

Revelation 2:12-13 NIV

We don't really know the strength we have in Christ until we need it. Like Peter, who felt like he had the strength, found out he didn't, then discovered in the end he did, we need to look to Christ and remain true to his name. That's where our strength is! 

I'm pretty sure that most of us feel like Satan lives in our city. And our TV's. Christians have become the scapegoats for society. According to the world if you recognize sin you are actually demonstrating prejudice and hate. That's America. In many parts of the world Christians have been and are being martyred.  It's obvious that the enemy is turning up the heat and attacking with increasing animosity. 

We don't know what each day will bring. We do know that even though there will be trials and tribulations that Christ has promised to never leave us or forsake us. I believe that the perfecting of our faith is about being Christlike, not comfortable. Being true to his name means never backing down in our faith. Don't worry about if you'll have strength. Trust Christ for the strength you need today. 

The Word of the Day: Mighty

The truth: The LORD on High is Mighty.

Whatever trial, tribulation or difficult (if not seemingly impossible) situation you are in: The LORD on high is mighty!

What you feel may be worry and confusion, but, remember God is Sovereign, he has unfailing love for you and he, the Lord on high is mighty!

Stand Strong and Battle On!

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:18 NIV

We are in a war. Some battles are longer than others. You might feel like you're in a WW1 trench warfare type extended battle. It will end. God will be victorious. 

In Paul's battles he was shipwrecked, beaten and left for dead. Yet, in the end, he could say that God would rescue him from every evil attack and bring him safely to his heavenly kingdom. 

Whatever the battles, the evil attacks, God will rescue you and bring into his heavenly kingdom. Stand strong and battle on!

Lord, Live Through Me Today

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Romans 14:7-8 NIV

Lord, use me today however you want. Open my eyes to see each moment of grace you want to come through me to others. Love through me today. 

God Hears

The poor will see and be glad—

   you who seek God, may your hearts live! 

The Lord hears the needy

   and does not despise his captive people.

Psalms 69:32-33 NIV

I've heard politicians tell us that they hear the needy. They don't care about anything besides getting re-elected. They promise everything, but deliver little, if anything. 

God is not like that. God hears. He does not need your vote. He does not need your money. He does not need your affirmation. He just needs your trust. 

He will not despise your prayer for help or ignore your cry for release from captivity. Call upon him. He will answer you in the day of trouble.