Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?" So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said. But Joseph said to them, "Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Why are the brothers of Joseph afraid?
What do they want Joseph to do, and how do they make their appeal?
Why does Joseph weep?
What do you make of this statement, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives"?
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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Here is a beautiful prayer from Mike Cope in Abilene, TX:
A Prayer During Economic Insecurity
We remember, Lord, that Jesus told one of the Seven Churches that they appeared to be rich but that they were actually poor. They needed his wealth so they wouldn’t be poor; they needed his clothes so they wouldn’t be naked; they needed his salve so they wouldn’t be blind.
We also remember that he told another of the churches that while they appeared to be impoverished they were actually rich. Their wealth wasn’t financial; it was much more valuable.
In these uncertain economic times, help us proclaim again through our words and our lives:
- that some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God;
- that some trust in nations, governments, and politicians, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God;
- that some trust in retirement funds, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
And so, O Lord, we join our voices with those of our brothers and sisters from many nations and many languages:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us debts as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and glory forever.
Amen.
We had a really good discussion in our Life Group this evening about trusting God to forgive us and to lead us, even (and especially) during economic hard times.
Doesn't Jesus warn us (along with Paul, Solomon, and others) about the uncertainty of wealth? We may be entering a really faith-testing time.
What do you think?
What's your impression of Joseph?
Do you think people who are not in Life Groups feel "left out"? We certainly don't mean to leave that impression, but I wonder about it. It seems that Life Groups are doing really well, but our overall attendance is flat and seems to be declining. I, who tend to overthink things, wonder if there is not a correlation. Of course everyone is welcome in Life Groups and have been encouraged to participate...
I don't know but I am concerned.
If you have a high speed connection, then try watch THIS.
This is a counseling technique that I would love to employ (but don't have the courage).
I smoked my second brisket last weekend. I gave the leftovers to Todd on Sunday evening after LIFE Group. He ate them on Monday evening and sent the following review on Tuesday.
We ate the brisket last night and here is my review.
Presentation was very nice smoke penetration looked beautiful. Flavor was very rich and smoke flavor pronounced but not overwhelming. The bar-b-q sauce was very nice and added to the overall experience; however on brisket I do prefer a little more heat and not so much sweet. I think this sauce would lend itself better to ribs or shoulder. Over all I would give the experience a 8 out of 10 and on the star level 4 out of 5.
I feel quite honored to receive such a good review from such a connoisseur of barbecue; it's humbling.
--the humble holy smoker
Tomorrow I am going to Nashville to participate in the Conference on Preaching. I'll return on Saturday evening, hopefully renewed and full of fresh thought.
I am leading a cohort during/after the conference, which includes Gary. There will be about 10 of us in the group who will consider different texts from Exodus each week. We'll carry on cyber-dialogue which will help in the development of preaching ideas, etc.
Should be interesting.
Been looking at the Joseph story...
I think a key word to describe him is integrity. And his integrity comes from his deep, abiding faith in God. He seems to not question God even when he is in the pit and in prison. He patiently waits for the will of God to be accomplished.
How do you think this ties in with his forgiving spirit, which is described in our text for this week?
Did you watch the debate last night? Do you think it changed anything regarding the presidential race?
I am really tired of this campaign season; less than 3 weeks to go.
Yesterday WE shipped 809 bags of corn to Kosova. It took us a long time to load the semi yesterday. We had to place the bags on pallets and had to wrap them with plastic film.
I guess because it took a lot longer to load yesterday I had more time to think about how neat the BHRP ministry is. If you check out the website, then you'll see all the places in the world where corn has been shipped.
While it's neat to think about the ministry it is sad to think that there are so many hungry people in the world; hungry enough that they delight in bags of what we consider animal food.
Wow, I haven't been on here for a while. Kinda quiet.
I think the current economic situation is going to be very faith testing. I know I'm re-thinking some of the plans we've had.
We got word at work this week that 31 hourly people would lose their jobs. I found out today that our yearly trip to big trade show in Vegas has been cancelled and the car I've been preparing (for 3 months) for it won't be shown. This was also going to be a nice get-away trip for Tracy and I.
But, you know what? I'm at peace with it. It could always be worse. It might get worse. God has always taken care of me and he still will. There was a time when I wouldn't have had this attitude. Some people around here don't.
I hope people start buying cars again so we can sell headlamps, but if they don't we'll see what happens next.
On a lighter note, Tracy and I are attending a maquarade (sp?) ball tonight. You'll just have to wait for the harvest carnival to see what we're going as.....or until the pictures surface. ;]>
Brent
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