You Can't but God Can

   Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

   “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Genesis 41:15-16 NIV

This is giving God the glory. If you have ever wondered how to give God the glory, there you have it.

After Pharaoh told Joseph his dreams, Joseph explains the meaning. He didn't put on a show, he didn't make a spectacle of seeking the Lord for the interpretation, he just listened and spoke with the wisdom and authority God had given him. 

Now, we must remember the hardship and discipline the Lord had worked in Joseph's life up to this point. He was thrown in a cistern by his brothers and sold into slavery. As a slave he was falsely accused and further imprisoned. He went from a his father's favorite to servant, to prisoner serving other prisoners. When he was younger he had dreams of his family bowing down to him. In chapter 41 he listens to Pharaoh's dream and bows to God by as the one who gives the dreams, firmly decides the matter, and gives the answers Pharaoh wants to hear. 

I think he became humble. Joseph learned that the gifts and abilities he had were given by God and the wisdom he was given was God working in and through him. Joseph knew exactly who he was before God. Knowing who he was before God enabled him to stand before Pharaoh and boldly speak the truth. We may not be called to speak before Pharaoh, a president or king, but, when we are called upon to speak the wisdom God has given us, we can speak it in humility and confidence, giving God the glory. 

SERIOUSLY THOUGH.../ Titus 2:7-8

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Titus 2:7-8

When I was just out of high school I attended Calvary Chapel's Bible School. It was at that time a very intense one semester course. Most of the teachers were in their mid to late twenties. At one point they kind of got into an unofficial competition of who could tell the best joke to "introduce" a lesson. At one point one of them got convicted because it became a distraction and took away from focusing on what they were supposed to be teaching and then  all became a bit more serious. Humor is a good, God given gift, but, it should not become the focus rather than the truth of the gospel. 

In my life I am concerned as a husband, father, coach and Scout parent/leader that my life shows integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech. What I say, how I say things and how I follow through with what I say is a direct reflection on my faith because my faith is shown by what I do. I can not tell my wife I love her yet be with someone else. I can not say I love my children yet give all my attention and time to other things. I, by faith, through the grace and power of Christ,  seek to live for Christ. 

We can with the Apostle Paul can be, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

Father, thank you that you are always faithful, even when we fall short. Strengthen us to live with integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech. Praise be to you in us today!

ACTIONS TEACH: Titus 2:7-8

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." 

Titus 2:7-8

One thing about teaching kids is that they pretty much know if you actually care or not. They aren't afraid to tell you either. I think that what is truly in your heart comes out in your actions. You can hold your tongue or sort of control what comes out of your mouth and you can even be very deliberate with what you do, but, the attitude with which you do things often unveils your heart.

You know, your wife and kids know you too. They see you when you are at your best and worst, ready or not. Since our actions speak louder than words we "say" a lot more than we speak. They needs to be a sameness to what we say and do.

What we are supposed to teach is godliness. That can only be done if we are reading the Bible and trying to live by faith. We aren't talking about perfection, we are talking about faith. Faith trusts God for mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Faith looks to God to provide for our daily bread. Those daily acts of faith set the example and demonstrate with integrity godliness in action.

Father, help us to live by faith and to be examples of integrity and faith. Praise be to you in us today!

GAIN WITH HONESTY: I Timothy 3:8

There is a law for contractors that you are not allowed to pay for job B with money from job A. The law is there because people see large amounts of money and think it would be all right if they just spent a bit on a new truck or new car or whatever. I saw many an up and coming contractor fall prey to the temptation to borrow from job B to pay for job A because they spent the money from job A already. I saw one man go from one of the top contractors to swimming in ponds at golf courses for lost golf balls. It was that bit of greed that got him.

"Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain."              I Timothy 3:8 

Remember, making a lot of money is not evil. Making it dishonestly is evil. My father had a business partner that he met through church once. They were going to build and sell some spec homes (houses built on the speculation that someone will buy them once they were built). My dad put up some of the money to buy land and sold the homes. Dad actually sold a few dozen homes before they were even built. As they started building the homes the partner started buying new cars and trucks and all kinds of things. The problem is he was using the money that was designated to pay for building materials to pay for the cars and trucks and stuff. The partner ended up fleeing the area and leaving my dad with a huge problem of promised homes. Dad dealt with it, honestly. 

As a husband and father, like a church leader, I must not be someone who is pursuing financial gains dishonestly. If I do, I put my family in danger. I need to be a person who seeks to act honestly in all things. Paul says to stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around you waste (Ephesians 6:14). The soldiers belt would sort of hold the uniform together. Truth holds a lot of things together. 

Seek to live honestly. God will bless that. You will be at peace.

Father, help us to seek to provide for our families with honesty and integrity. Praise be to you in us today!