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Archive for the ‘Bible Characters’ Category

Joseph Wept

Posted in Endurance, Hope, Joseph, tagged , on April 29, 2011| 2 Comments »

Joseph’s brothers … sent a message …”Before our father died, he told us to ask you, Please forgive the crime your brothers committed” … Joseph cried when he received this message. – Genesis 50:15-17 (GNB)

Joseph’s family relationships never completely healed. In fact his whole life was a strange mix of joy and sorrow.

So is ours. Some things can’t be fixed, only endured — yet through the endurance comes something obtained no other way.

The apostle Paul wisely decided not to just endure but to embrace these, focused on the results.

And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory! We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates hope. – Romans 5:3-4 (GNB)

Difficulties show God is not finished, yet. Our value to him isn’t in what we can do for him, cast off like an old shoe when we’re done. We still have future and God is preparing us for it; changing our character to be able to embrace it.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving grace to endure and a living hope for the future.

Sound Bite: I shall not only endure, but embrace God’s character building process!

-fritz@langgang.com

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Safety over Honesty

Posted in Bible Characters, Honesty, Jesus, Pharisees, Sadducees, Safety, tagged on April 18, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”

They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” – Mark 11:29-33

Jesus gave clear answers to those who met him with honest minds and hearts but game players he left empty!

These came to Jesus demanding an answer about his source of authority and he offered a question of his own.  Notice their deliberations – their thoughts were not on honesty but safety.

Sound Bite: Don’t expect to get answers from God is your primary concern is safety instead of honesty.

-fritz

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Hey! Who’s In Charge Here?!

Posted in Control, Leadership, Moses, tagged , on April 17, 2011| Leave a Comment »

[T]wo men, … did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied … Joshua son of Nun … said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” … But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” – Numbers 11:25-29

God told Moses to choose 70 elders to help share the load, and they were instructed to gather but two didn’t. Whether or not they were part of the 70 is unclear.

What is clear is Joshua didn’t like it – they weren’t following the program and doing what they were told! This was uncontrolled by leadership and Joshua wanted it stopped!

Wise Moses called it for what it was, jealousy. He knew being the head guy didn’t mean he was in control and told Joshua he actually longed for the day everyone would have the Holy Spirit and prophesy!

That day has come!  All followers of Christ can now have the Holy Spirit and can all prophesy (1st Corinthians 14:31).  A wise leader will encourage all to go for God whether they follow instructions or not.

Sound Bite: God is not limited to my rules and my leadership.  He’s in charge here and it’s wonderful!

– fritz

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