Video Bible Lesson - Trusting God’s Timing (Genesis 40:14) By Lynette Kittle

1/2 Hour of God’s Power with Scott Ralls

5/29/2020

Trusting God’s Timing (Genesis 40:14)

By Lynette Kittle

“But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison” - Genesis 40:14Have you ever experienced feeling forgotten by someone who promised to keep in contact with you, or said they would recommend you for an opportunity, but then seemed to have disappeared and forgotten all about you?Scripture tells us about the extraordinary life of Joseph, a man who understood what it meant to be forgotten by others. Sold into slavery by jealous brothers who truly did want to forget all about him, their actions led to Joseph’s imprisonment.While serving time with fellow inmates, Joseph interpreted a dream for the chief cupbearer who was also imprisoned at the time. Joseph asked to be remembered by him when he was released. But, following a quick release, this inmate forgot all about Joseph’s assistance. Genesis 40:23 explains, “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.”So, was the cupbearer just a terrible person who purposely forgot Joseph? Was he a self-absorbed individual totally ungrateful for his help? Or, was his delay in remembering Joseph all in God’s timing? It’s a question we too may want to consider when it seems like we’ve been forgotten by someone we thought for sure would remember us.Genesis 41:1-13, describes what followed. After two full years had passed, the chief cupbearer’s boss, the Pharaoh, had a dream that he didn’t understand. When all his advisors and consultants couldn’t interpret the troubling dream for him, the chief cupbearer had an “aha” moment where he remembered Joseph.This “aha” moment led to Joseph being called before Pharaoh to interpret his dream, an act that led to his release from prison and being placed into a high position within the kingdom (Genesis 41:41).Although forgotten throughout his life by others, God didn’t ever forget Joseph, working through his life in remarkable ways (Acts 7:9-10).Like Joseph, when we have felt forgotten by others, we can take comfort in knowing God remembers us. We can also trust God is at work in our lives, whether by way of those we are hoping will think of us, or through those who may surprise us.I have a family member who was praying and asking God for a job, when friends who were thousands of miles away, ones he hadn’t been in contact with for years, “just happened” to be looking through a box that brought him to mind.In thinking of him, they had an “aha” moment, where they felt prompted to contact him in consideration for an upcoming opening at their organization. In calling to reconnect with him, they discovered he was looking for a job, which led to his being hired for the position.So, whenever we’re feeling forgotten by others, we can choose to trust God hasn’t forgotten us. We can believe He has a plan for our lives and will bring us to the minds of those who know us, in His perfect timing and according to His will.Who has God brought to your mind recently? Anyone you haven’t thought about in years? Take time to consider why you’re thinking of them, and ask God if He is prompting you to reach out to them.

#Jesus, #Christian, #Bible, #Salvation, #Heaven, #God, #HolySpirit

Same Terms

Streams in the Desert

I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father. (John 15:15)

Years ago there was an old German professor whose beautiful life was a marvel to his students. Some of them resolved to know the secret of it; so one of their number hid in the study where the old professor spent his evenings.

It was late when the teacher came in. He was very tired, but he sat down and spent an hour with his Bible. Then he bowed his head in secret prayer; and finally closing the Book of books, he said,

“Well, Lord Jesus, we’re on the same old terms.”

To know Him is life’s highest attainment; and at all costs, every Christian should strive to be “on the same old terms with Him.”

The reality of Jesus comes as a result of secret prayer, and a personal study of the Bible that is devotional and sympathetic. Christ becomes more real to the one who persists in the cultivation of His presence.

Speak thou to Him for He heareth,
And spirit with spirit will meet!
Nearer is He than breathing,
Nearer than hands and feet.
—Maltbie D. Babcock

A Godly Response to Criticism.....Dr. Charles Stanley

A Godly Response to Criticism

Dr. Charles Stanley

Proverbs 15:31-33

No one likes criticism, but encountering some is inevitable, so we need to learn how to respond in a godly way. Although you might be tempted to become defensive or angry, remain calm and listen. The words may hurt, but great benefits come to those who carefully consider what is said.

If we refuse to accept reproof, we'll limit our potential for Christlike character development and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come through difficult experiences. If God allowed the situation, you can be sure that He wants to use it in transforming you into His Son's image. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered with kindness or harshness, your goal should always be to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord. Remember that you are responsible only for how you handle yourself, not for how the other person is acting.

When a criticism comes your way, be quiet and listen until the other person has finished. Make direct eye contact to show attentiveness and respect. When your critic finishes, thank him for bringing his concerns to your attention, and tell him that you will consider what he's said. Ask the Lord if the accusation is valid. Let Him search your heart and either affirm your innocence or convict you.

Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. It's a chance to let your Christian character shine by showing love to your critic. If he is angrily attacking you, your respect and kindness become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also an occasion to humble yourself and accept the Lord's correction.

The Real Work-Life Balance

The Real Work-Life Balance
ARLENE PELLICANE

“Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:5-6 (NIV)

I knew what I had to do. I needed to sit down at my computer and get to work. But I didn’t feel much like working. So I decided to go into the kitchen and make a second cup of coffee.

Returning to my desk, I started answering emails instead (that’s easier), and then I posted a photo on social media (that’s more fun). Anything to avoid the work at hand!

Have you ever been there? There are days I waste time watching movie previews or shopping for clothes instead of getting my work done. But then there are other days when I overwork. I linger at my desk, getting just one more task done, even though the clock (and my kids) are saying the workday is long over.

Today’s key verses written by King Solomon address this tension between working too little and working too much, the ultimate work-life balance. Solomon presents two striking ideas, both concerning fools: “Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 4:5-6).

The first fool does nothing. The second fool does way too much.

The first statement denounces laziness. The second condemns the workaholic.

The first fool folds his hands, refusing to work. It’s a picture of idleness. This is a person who loves comfort more than commitment, sloth more than work. As it says in Proverbs 6:10-11 (NIV), “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”

In today’s vernacular, we might not be folding our hands. Instead, we might be swiping, pressing, typing and tapping on devices. We’re clicking on ads and catchy headlines. We might start with research but end with YouTube.

On the other hand, there’s the fool who works too much. She spins and toils and spins and toils, always reaching and grasping for more. You can work tirelessly, but it is never enough.

Solomon’s advice is to strike a balance between sloth and over-work to gain more. When Solomon recommends “one handful with tranquility” or “quietness” (NKJV), he is talking about a modest amount of goods or property acquired through calm, reasonable activity. As Solomon writes in Proverbs 15:16, “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil” (NIV).

We don’t need two handfuls of stuff all the time. Our shopping carts don’t have to be filled to overflowing. One handful will do just fine, enjoyed with contentment, peace of mind and conscience.

So how can we tell when we’re being too lazy or when we’re working too much? We can return to the origin of Solomon’s wisdom, a prayer to God that went something like this: “Please God, grant me wisdom so I can tell the difference between what is right and what is wrong.” Let’s open up our hands to God, and He will show us when to work and when to rest.

Heavenly Father, You are Jehovah Jireh, my Provider. Thank You for providing my daily bread. Give me the wisdom to know when to work and when to rest. Help me to be hardworking and industrious while being calm and healthy physically, spiritually and emotionally. Lead me in my work and relationships by the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Timothy 6:9-10, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (NIV)

Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (NIV)

Free Radicals

Free Radicals
by Shawn McEvoy

"Woe to you when all men speak well of you..." - Luke 6:26

The biggest reason I've not yet written the book I've got jangling around in my brain is that deep down I still actually believe a complete impossibility: that hidden between my mind and my keyboard are the magic, just-right words that will get everyone to agree. On everything. Or at least, on everything as I have interpreted it. The words that will get Christians to start treating sinners as they treat themselves, and sinners to stop sinning. Phrases that will be so beautifully turned that neither liberal nor conservative will have aught to say about them. A book that will bring everyone together, and that, most importantly, will not cause anyone to write me nasty letters, claim I am deluded, or call me an idiot.

The irony, of course, is that my goal is already shot. The idea itself is delusional, and pure idiocy. And as the saying goes, if you want everyone to like you, nobody will.

So what should be the goal? Well, truth, sure. And being obedient to simply be the vehicle through which God wants to impart a particular take on His Truth.

But why is that so hard?

I think it could be that we continually re-invent Jesus, who is both uncomplicated and difficult to parse, who already lived here before me, whose words are already recorded for anyone to read. The Lord called Himself 'the Truth' while giving us a version of how to walk on this planet that is so contrary, so impractical, so frustratingly (if I hope to be honest about it) radical.

Referring back to what I already admitted at the top of this devotional, bear with me as I turn Christ's Great Sermon from Luke 6 into something of a dialogue...

Jesus (vs. 26): Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets.

Me: Ew. Cut to the chase about what I’m going through, why don't you? So I've set myself on the path of the false prophet, have I? Swell; I knew I couldn't trust myself. But Lord, anything else I say or write or do is going to lead to having enemies, people who are upset with me. What do I do about that?

Jesus (vs. 27-28): Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Me: Oh... so it's an action thing instead of an avoidance thing. Pretty mind-boggling concepts. I can't help but notice you didn't say, "bash those jerks' heads in with rightness." Because that feels more natural, Lord. But assuming you're on to something, what does that look like in practice?

Jesus (vs. 29-30): Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.

Me: Ooh, yeah, ya see, the thing is, Lord... there's a lot of people who might take advantage of that. And what in the world are you saying: there might be people who want to hit me in the face?! Is that what I signed up for in following you? I gotta be honest, it doesn't sound like a very comfortable, or practical, way of living in this day and age, this country, this world. Can't you simplify it for me?

Jesus (vs. 31-33): Just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way. And if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

Me: Wow, that just blows my mind, Lord. Of course you're right... what is there to separate me at all from anyone else, even the most vile of unrepentant sinners, except how I react to situations and treat people? But don't you know how hard this would be? What am I saying... of course you do..., but... please forgive me for saying so, it just feels like giving some bully my coat, shirt, or other cheek is somehow crazier, tougher, more insane in 21st-century America than first-century Jerusalem. I hate asking, but if I'm gonna commit to this, I gotta know... what's in it for me?

Jesus (vs. 35, 37-38): Love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men... Do not judge and you will not be judged... pardon, and you will be pardoned... Give, and it will be given to you.

Me: Man... and here I was thinking that I was the one who needed to come up with the words that helped us treat sinners as ourselves, and to what ends. You truly have covered all things and lived all things, Lord. Now, I just wonder if I can really do this, Lord, even for the rewards you promise.

Jesus (vs. 46): Why do you call me, "Lord, Lord" and do not do what I say?

Me: Because it's so contrary, upside-down, and radical that it's seriously hard to trust... even to trust you, Lord. Although, if it were easy I guess it wouldn’t be called 'trust.' It just seems like there's so much to lose. Help me to be free. Help me to take this risk, to think not of myself, my safety, my comfort first, to love people as you love them. If I may be so bold, it's almost like you were… blessed to be unattached and to have no place to lay your head? Still, despite my handicaps, I want to try, Lord... I want to try.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Now here's a challenge -- but it's straight from the mouth of Christ: the next time you are wronged, hurt, or had something taken from you... can you give the person responsible even more of what they took? And believe you'll somehow be blessed for it? And if not, why not?

Further Reading
John 12:25

The Power of Yet

The Power of Yet
By Brent Rinehart

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength” - Habakkuk 3:17-19b)

Have you experienced times in your life where you can’t feel God’s presence? When the worst happens in our lives, while we do our best to cling to our faith, it’s easy to question God. Where is He when a loved one dies far too young? Where is God in divorce, disease and death? Where is He when war rages? These are age-old questions humans have struggled with for centuries, and questions we can easily ask today. It seems as if the world is on the brink of disaster, so we are left searching for God through all of it.

Habakkuk wrote his prophecy at time when he and God’s people were asking the same questions. The Babylonians were preparing to invade Judah where the remnant of God’s people remained. This was a direct judgment from the Lord, for they had experienced rapid moral and spiritual decline. Habakkuk complains against God, not understanding how he could use a downright wicked nation in Babylon to judge a less wicked one in Judah. But, we know that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Lord answers Habakkuk and reminds him that He is a God of justice and mercy and that the righteous have to live by faith (2:4) and trust Him. Habakkuk’s ultimate summary is that no matter what comes, he will choose joy and trust God. Though the world seems to crumble, YET he will rejoice in the Lord.

I can’t read this passage and not think about the classic hymn “It is Well With My Soul.” Many people know the dramatic story behind it. Horatio Spafford wrote the lyrics after a series of traumatic events: his two sons died in the Chicago fire of 1871 and the rest of his family perished two years later when their ship crossing the Atlantic sank. YET, even after all of those things, he was able to write: “When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

What are you going through today? Does is seem like your world is falling apart? Know this: you don’t choose what you go through, but you can choose how you go through it. Choose joy, and know that God is good, just and merciful. No matter what you face, you can choose to say, “YET, I will rejoice in the Lord…the God of my salvation.”

A Prayer for Strength to EndureBy Adrian Rogers

A Prayer for Strength to EndureBy Adrian Rogers

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

Jesus is our example. He is a champion who, when He ran His race, received a crown of joy. When an athlete runs, he runs to win a trophy. In our verse today, what is “the joy that is set before Him”? It’s winning the race. He “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

That crown gave Him the ability to endure. If you keep the crown in mind, you can bear the cross. But you cannot have the crown if you despise the cross. We are crucified with the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have a few trophies that I won back in high school on a championship football team: a gold football, a letterman’s sweater and a silver cup. Do you know what happened to all those trophies? Someone broke into the house and got the gold football. The moths had a camp meeting in the sweater. It’s gone. There are no more letters on that letter sweater. What happened to the silver cup, I haven’t the foggiest.

Friend, athletes run “to obtain a corruptible crown; but we for an incorruptible” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Running the race, Jesus had the joy that was set before Him and He endured the cross. He despised the shame. There is a prize to possess.

If you are struggling today to endure, here is a prayer to help you remember the crown of joy ahead of you:

Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial. Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!