RE:flect
Joseph is an example to us of just how far forgiveness must go. Just how much grace costs the individual giving it. Joseph has a wonderful perspective on his life (which we will read soon enough). For now we are witnessing the proper "practice" or "actions" based on his belief. Ever notice that you can tell a lot about people by how they act. They may proclaim one thing. Believe one thing. Fight against one thing. But their actions tell you the real, secret, motivations and commitments that they hold.
You know... the person that is always trying to raise money for causes, they tell you that you should be generous with what you have and "bless others"... and then they tip 3% to the server when you are at Applebees. The student that wishes to tell you what you are always doing wrong, or where you are not measuring up... that doesn't offer to help you, or won't take any criticism herself. I see the minister's who sign family first pledges and yet only tuck their children in 1-2 times a week.
And then there are those who you don't need to hear what they believe, because you can tell from their actions. I think we are seeing here what Joseph will explain to us later--he understands and he can see God's hand in all of this. Notice that his brothers (a second time now) bow to him. This must be a vindication for him. That the God of his forefathers has not forgotten him. Joseph even is overcome with emotion during this second meeting. He cannot keep in his true feelings. Nor should we. Our emotions, actions and words MUST... church listen... MUST come from our faith. Without our total reliance on the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob--our outward actions become a suicidal religion four our the soul.
RE:act
Ask yourself today if you display the faith that you proclaim. Not the church attendance that you have. Not even the Bible reading you are faithful in doing. Not the date that you were baptized. Not the faith of your parents. Do you have faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph? Do you truly live your life FULLY reliant on the Lord? Do you have to tell people you are a Christan? Do you hear phrases like--"I thought you were a Christian... I could tell."
Now... What will you do TODAY in the next few hours to display your faith in Christ? How will you extend the love of Jesus, the Grace of God, to those around you? How will you not deny your faith, deny truth--and still love and be honest with the world around you?
Who is one person that you know right now... think... don't just read this because mom and dad said you have to read Josh's devotional thoughts before you go to bed. Think. Think of that person. How will you act towards him/her from now on? How will you display your relationship with Jesus so that your convictions will be known to the world around you.
RE:ply
Lord, I come to you with thankfulness today. You see me as I am. And you love me.
Lord, I am not what I need to be, but I can be with you. I praise you for the victories I have through you.
Lord, I need to make sure my actions match my words, match my thoughts, that all will match your thoughts!
Lord, I need your word, your law, your commands. Help me to love them. Help me to be like David, after your own heart. Help me to be like David, loving your law and your directions.
Lord, I need help with _____________________________. I need to do the right thing, no matter what.
Lord, I need strength to be like Jesus when _______________________________.
Lord, I have failed at this in the past--and ask for your forgiveness.
Lord, I wait upon your strength, your power, your will, your heart that is FOR ME and not against me!
Lord, help me to be like Joseph--to do the right thing naturally, and not out of false motivations.
Lord, Help me to be exactly what I claim to be... nothing more... nothing less.
"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you." (Psalm 25:21)
No comments:
Post a Comment