Category: In Search of . . .

It was 20 years— 20 long years of injustice and rejection, pain and hardship. Enough time for callouses to form, resentment to fester, and bitterness to overtake the heart. That is understandable for people who have gone through rejection, abandonment, lies, and mistreatment. Amazingly it was not the case with Joseph. 

We pick up the story in Genesis 45 where Joseph prepares to reveal his identity to his brothers. All this time they have been bowing and scraping to “the man” so they could get food for their starving families. Today Joseph plans to tell them he is not just “the man” but he is their brother. Joseph must have prayed about it a lot because he does not plan to confront them but to reveal himself to them. His approach to reconciliation gives valuable support and insight to anyone who has gone through excruciating ill-treatment. 

His steps are clear-cut: First he reveals himself— “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.”— Genesis 45:4. No reconciliation can take place before an open, honest, anger-free airing of the problem. Openness brings vulnerability. 

Then he says, I forgive you because “God sent me before you to preserve life.” (verses 4, 7). This could bring on anger, denial, or at the least anxiety! “Come again! Are you playing the martyr here?” The brothers are thunderstruck and anxious. Joseph explains he is releasing himself of all animosity because, by faith he knows that his God can and has brought good not only to him but for them as well. 

Third, he tells them, “Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt. . .” (Verse 9). Joseph is excited to share his story of God’s sustaining and blessing during his time of pain and hardship; of God’s unwavering, bounteous promise, “To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning,” Isaiah 61:3.

Lastly, “. . . he kissed all his brothers and wept over them,” (verse 15). Joseph kissed even Judah who sold him for 20 pieces of silver! Joseph demonstrates that he is not holding back, no resentment, no reluctance, he forgives and loves again. 

“Wow! What a story. Is that for real?” we ask. Yes it is! Read it! Joseph did it and we can do it too. 

Interestingly, that is exactly what God does for us. He becomes vulnerable as He reveals Himself through the man Christ Jesus. He assures us that if we accept Him, our past is forgiven and our future assured. Then He bids us to freely and joyously share our bedrock experience of His unconditional love and sustaining presence in our lives. Lastly He says, let them know that anyone and everyone is accepted— No exceptions!

Today’s Goal: To open my heart and take steps to use 3 little words, “I forgive you”, to someone who hurt me. 

She came trudging into town, dusty and tired from her 30-mile trudge. In tow was a younger woman and a donkey bearing two small bundles — their meager possessions. They were clearly tired. The older woman’s bent shoulders and deeply lined face spoke of defeat and despondency. 

“Is that Naomi?” One woman gasps. Quickly the word goes around, “Naomi is back and she is changed!” Anxiously, the women gather and approach the two who now sit within the city gates contemplating their next move.  

“Is that you Naomi?”, a woman asks. Looking up at her, Naomi’s face shows more than 10-years’ wear. Her quick smile and pleasant disposition are replaced by sadness and despair. “Call me Mara, Bitterness, God has dealt heavily with me.”  The younger woman beside her stands in her defense and says, “We are here because we have lost everything. Our husbands are dead and we are alone. I am Ruth, her daughter-in-law.” 

Ten years earlier, Naomi, Elimelech, and 2 sons had left Bethlehem, “The House of Bread”, to find a better life in Moab, “Nothingness”. Bethlehem, was experiencing famine, a punishment from God for their disobedience. Elimelech heard that there was food and good opportunities in Moab and so off they went. From the start, it was hard adjusting to the heathen life and customs of Moab but Elimelech said they would make the best of it. 

Their boys slowly took on heathen customs, neglected, then rejected Jehovah. Elimelech worried about them and his decision weighed heavy on him. Soon he became sick and died. The two boys came of age and married Moabite women. Their loose lives brought them to early graves leaving Naomi alone and destitute. Naomi determined to return to Bethlehem where Jehovah was blessing His people. Ruth, loving the ways and the God of her mother-in-law, chose to go with her.

Slowly the small crowd of women walk Naomi and Ruth into town. They had returned to Bethlehem, “the House of Bread”, and they were home. 

Naomi’s story often repeats itself in our day. Vibrant, ambitious individuals, deciding that they can do better for themselves, leave behind their Christian beliefs with its “naive ways and trappings”. They journey out to make it in the “real world” where the lights are bright, the pace is fast, and the opportunities endless. But one day they awaken to restless, emptiness. “Is this all there is? There must be more to life than the endless round of work, striving, and . .  . .”

Some return home seeking the moorings and security of Christ, the meaningful hope He gives, and His unconditional love. We hope that like Naomi, they will find kind, nurturing hearts that will welcome them home and support them. No “I-told-you-so”, just love and acceptance. We all wander— some while remaining in the church! But God remains faithful, even in Moab, so we all are beneficiaries of His grace.

Today’s Goal:  To accept others as they are without criticism knowing that we too have warts. 

“So it was, from the time that he [Potiphar] had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake . . .” Genesis 39: 5

Picture this— Joseph is in anguish. He is homesick, enslaved, and wrongfully imprisoned in a foreign country. Despite this, he remains a conscientious worker and shows no resentment. Potiphar, his owner, recognizes Joseph’s special abilities and puts him in charge of his household.  

Even in hardship, God was making Joseph a blessing to those around him! God seems to do this quite often! Why does He do that?

I cannot presume to speak for God but I know He has a heart of Love. Could it be that He is refining us in preparation for our own blessing? 

It takes a special kind of person to remain pleasant in hard times while others are receiving blessings. That person would have to have unwavering faith in his/her God knowing that his/her turn will come. That person would have to be content, not envious of other’s seemingly undeserved blessings. That person would have to be selfless, favoring the needs of others over his/her own. Such qualities are only God given!

A second reason God may use someone as a channel or conduit could be that God, who loves all equally, sees that through us, He can reach those who do not yet accept Him as omnipotent and all-loving. Through us, He may draw them into a relationship with Him. Potiphar recognized that his blessings were the result of Joseph being in his house.

Another person who had that experience was Job. Job’s friends knew that they were forgiven their rash words because Job prayed for them. 

But what if the person doesn’t recognize that we are the channels of their blessings and continues to mistreat us? That requires humility as in the case of Moses. How many times was Moses harangued by the children of Israel despite the fact that he was doing all in his power to keep them safe and fed even while they dishonored God?

These stories tell us that we have a purpose in this world. Who are we praying for that God will channel His mercy to them? Jesus says we are His messengers as “the light of the world” and His preservers as “the salt of the earth”. Matthew 5: 13, 14. 

 As God’s conduits of God’s blessings we may not always be comfortable living for others. “But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him kindness. He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden.” Genesis 39:21. 

May God give us the faith and trust that whatever our present trial, He will give us no more than we can bear.

Today’s Goal: To celebrate and be genuinely happy for the blessings of others even as we await our turn. 

“You don’t understand what I am going through, if you did you wouldn’t be telling me to smile. There is nothing to smile about.”

This could well have been the response of Joseph who because of his brothers’ jealousy and conniving was trudging in shackles on his way to be sold in Egypt. It could also have been his response in later years as he slumped manacled in a cold, dank prison for attempted rape, a crime he had not committed. 

There is no record of such a response however, despite the tragedies in his life Joseph held tenaciously to his belief in God’s faithfulness. Joseph became known for his diligence,  unfailing scruples, and wisdom. Ultimately he rose to the top of Egyptian government. When his brothers, now his subjects, attempted to apologize for their dastardly behavior, he held no grudge but responded, “You meant it for evil but God made it for good” (Genesis 39).

Then there was Judah, one of Joseph’s brother. When he contemplated the evil that they had perpetrated against their brother he chose to abandon his family and his God. He moved in with pagans, and married a pagan Canaanite woman. Years later, as he mourned the death of this two sons, instead of taking care of their widow, Tamar, he sent her back to her parents with a promise that he had no plans to keep. This attitude of self-pity, led him to self-indulgence, debauchery, and a wild life which ended with him fathering twins by Tamar, his daughter-in-law (Genesis 38). 

Both Joseph and Judah experienced tragedy in their lives but their responses made all the difference in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Joseph ended up being the savior of his family; Judah ended up being a desperate, deceitful man.

We, like Joseph and Judah may be experiencing defeat and hard times. We may be feeling mistreated, lonely, and may even be discouraged. What do we do? Well, we have the stories of Joseph and Judah to reinforce God as the Promise-keeper. God has promised that He will make all things work together for our good if we trust Him. We must hold on to that promise— one step at a time. We cannot see beyond the twists and turns, the aches and disappointments, but we can hold doggedly to the sure promise that God is working it out for our good. 

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8: 28. 

In both stories there is one thing that stands above all the treachery, deception, and heartache— God’s unwavering grace! Through Joseph, God blessed the children of Jacob (Israel), and through Tamar came the Lion of the Tribe of Judah— Jesus! What an ending!

Today’s Goal: To live positively in spite of today’s disappointments, and to believe that today’s pain is worth the future gain. 

Last week was a rough one. The international news brought us pictures of the terror, devastation, and carnage of war. The national news was no different. Our hearts were torn by the stories and pictures of little children’s lives cut short, and devastated parents and neighbors weeping in disbelief at the inhumanity of man. Will this week hold the same we wonder? Will this carnage and inhumanity touch us personally this week? 

I want to believe that this will be a better week. I want to believe that, because to believe otherwise is to enter a dark world of despair and hopelessness.

The Bible states, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7.  

Is such a text meaningless idealism, and the people who quote it insincere or clueless? Is it really possible to have peace and positivity when people are hurting, and devastation swirls around us? Is the text telling us to close our eyes and move on pretending that all is well within our bubble? I don’t think so. So what can we take from it? 

It states that, at our request, God will “guard your hearts and minds”. What does that mean? How does that work? We cannot live as if all is well with the world, but neither can we allow the constant bombarding of pain to bring us to a place of callous inaction or overwhelming despair. God’s word and his Holy Spirit have promised to give us a safe, healthy lens through which to view the happenings in our world. If we ask, He will guard our hearts from becoming hardened by the pain so that we respond with soft caring hearts to help those who are suffering. He has promised to guard our minds so that even as we face the evil of our world we will not allow it to replace thoughts of hope and action with despair and helplessness. 

Let us ask God to provide us with the will, the ability, and the wisdom we need to make our corner of the world a place of light, joy and optimism. Let us ask for practical ways that we can relieve the suffering and unhappiness of those around us. Let us request a supply of the right words for people experiencing despair of depression. 

 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Colossians 3:12-14. 

Today’s Goal: To watch for opportunities to use my words and my resources to lighten another person’s load. 

There are a few stories in the Bible about people receiving new names. There was Abram who got the new name, Abraham. Then there was Jacob who got the new name, Israel.

 “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. . .” says Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Is that really true?

I wonder, what was the response of Abraham and Israel’s families when they told them that they now had new names. Was it treated as an everyday experience or did their families get excited and ask to be told the story behind the event? After hearing the story did they watch these individuals trying to determine whether the new names had “taken”? Was Abraham really different from what he used to be? Did Jacob show any signs of being changed? Did the change of names affect how the individuals felt about themselves? Did they feel an obligation to “represent” to the world?

What of us? When we tell our neighbors, co-workers, family that we are now Christians, do they look for a difference (positive or negative) in our behavior? Do we feel obliged to show-off or represent Christ? What does that new behavior look like? As in the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, do we aspire to bring the blessings of peace, hope, forgiveness, kindness that change the atmosphere of our surroundings, or do we belie the name by living joyless, anxious, desperate lives?  Are we as prejudiced, vindictive, and distrusting as everyone else, or are we compassionate and fair-minded? Do we seek to console and encourage the downcast or do we wade with them in muddy pools of despair? Do we bring light to heated arguments replacing angry words with insights that calm the waters and bring understanding and forgiveness?

As we intentional represent to our neighbors, friends and family the positive, joy-filled attitudes that rise above and overcome daily problems, that replace sadness with joy, and give hope for despair; there is a promise of daily strengthening to make such efforts possible. The Book of Revelation says that along with deepening faith and strength (manna) to overcome we will receive new names,

“. . . To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”” Revelation 2: 17. 

Today’s Goal: To bring peace, joy, understanding, and forgiveness into all my interactions today. 

The Bible is not a book of “goodie-goodies” but rather a book filled with real people who at times mess-up, are vicious, unkind, and self-serving. Many times we look at the wars and intrigue in the Old Testament (OT) and are uncomfortable with the people and events we see there. We gasp at the violence and the bloody annihilation of peoples and we often blame and reject the God of the OT. We say, “Why did He allow that to occur? Surely, He could have done something about it. He is nothing like Jesus of the New Testament (NT).” 

How far from the truth that is! The Jesus of the NT is God’s magnanimous effort to provide a means by which sinful, self-centered man can have the “do-over” he needs to become the person God first intended. The Jesus Christ of the NT was with the God of the OT from the very beginning— they are One, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. . .” Genesis 1: 26. The “Us” there included Jesus.  The NT writings confirm this. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” John 1: 1.

 From the OT we learn that God did not make evil nor was He happy when it occurred. A tyrannical God would have wiped out the offenders for tarnishing His pristine creation, taken away their choice, and started again with people who would obey Him. But we know that that’s not what He did. He chose to continue with the defiant pair, and created for them the opportunity to have a “do-over” called grace.

Two take aways I have: One is that the God of the OT is a long-suffering, caring person who loves us an provides for us despite our sorry selves. Second, I realize that we would do well to learn from Him how to treat people with those terrible self-centered flaws. We should not shun them or discard them as worthless trash, but accept them with their flaws. As humans, we should realize that if we would only look in the mirror we would see that we are the same as they— different failings maybe, but flawed nonetheless. 

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?” Matthew 7: 3,4.

We are flawed people who trust in and depend on Christ to change our self-centered bent. What a different world it would be if we learned to live accepting, caring lives that refuse to force others into obedience but understand that the same forbearance we receive from God is what we need to offer others. 

Today’s Goal: To recognize just how magnanimous God is and commit to live and love like Him. 

Water, the supporter of life, has long been the source of contention. Neighbors have been known to get into serious fights because their water rights have been infringed. One could say water is symbolic of the right to life. Without water, life would be of poor quality or non-existent. So it is justified to protect that right by any means. Right?

It would seem that I am talking about present-day issues but actually I am thinking about an issue recorded in the Bible. Isaac set up home for his family and animals beside his father’s well and all was good until his neighbors denied him access. They claimed it as theirs. They said  Isaac was imposing on their rights and they would defend that right by force. And they did! 

Isaac, despite the fact that he had papers to prove that it was his family’s property, decided for peace sake, to move on and dig another well. So he did but that too caused contention. Time to fight right? Not in Isaac’s view. He moved to yet  another location and there he again dug deep in search of water. He was rewarded as water came gushing up enough to sustain his large family and his animals. The name he gave that well tells of the reasoning behind his pacifist stance. 

“And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”” Genesis 26: 22.

Isaac knew his rights but sought to live peacefully with his neighbor and prayerfully sought a solution to the bickering. In today’s world we might call him weak, a wimp who failed to stand-up for his and and his family’s rights. 

Most or all of today’s fights with families, neighborhoods, nations, are caused by perceived rights— “this is mine”. To give-in to the offender is considered weak and indecisive; to fight is considered aggressive, out-of-control, and destructive. So what do we do? This issue is a thorny and complex problem with no easy answers.

Isaac prayerfully sought God’s direction and God “made room” for him. In Isaac’s case it was physical room but making “room” could also mean giving cool-headedness to make thoughtful decisions, open-mindedness to see the problem from the other person’s perspective, and wisdom to devise a plan that works for the good of all. As I said, it’s thorny and if I had all the answers I would be nominated for this century’s Nobel Peace Prize!

As I continue to wrestle with this thorny issue of rights I am reminded, 

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. . . . “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”” Romans 12: 18-20.

Today’s Goal: To seek peaceful means to live with my family members, neighbors, co-workers, and to trust God to show me how to do so. 

In the past 3 blogs we asked, “Is God there? Does He care about the minutia of our lives?” We found answers in the lives of Bible persons and in stories from people living today. I hope those true stories  provided encouragement for our daily walk.

One of the most intimate of moments recorded in the Bible was that between a father and son as they discussed what would become known as the plan of salvation. God had asked Abraham to give Him his most precious gift, Isaac. Abraham prayerfully submitted. On the way to the place of sacrifice Abraham and Isaac had a quiet, poignant exchange, 

“But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.” Genesis 22: 7,8.

Both men continued in step with each other as they quietly contemplated the next move of their loving Provider. Abraham and Isaac’s faith was rewarded as God, just in time, provided a ram that would be sacrificed in Isaac’s place. 

This intimate moment between Abraham and Isaac, foreshadowed the intimate moment between God and His Son Jesus, as Jesus left heaven to be the stand-in for sinful man. God, recognizing our brokenness and that we were all bound for death lovingly offered a Substitute, who like Isaac, fell instep with His Father’s plan. 

What was the Plan? The perfect Son for imperfect people; the willingly obedient Son for our inconsistent commitment; the Son’s caring heart for our wavering spirits. The result? Once sinful people are now called holy; those once destined for death are now on track for eternal life. This gift, if we accept it, is not dependent on our perfection but on the perfection of the provided Lamb— Christ Jesus.  Jehovah Jireh— “the God who provides”, “the God who sees to it”— He has provided and we are His beneficiaries.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31, 32.

The apostle Paul says, don’t doubt that there is an omnipotent God in your corner! He is willing to give everything for us every day! He is listening, He is watching and He provides! Abraham’s story says God will always come through for us. Seasons of loneliness, feelings of abandonment, doubt, inadequacy, or depression may come but remember– Jehovah Jireh knows our needs and He is able! He actively planned, and continues to plan for our daily needs and success. 

Today’s Goal: To believe that God cares and to talk with Him about today’s problems and decision-making. 

Today’s blog is the last of the true modern-day stories that answer the question, “God, are You there? Do You care about the specifics of our everyday lives?”

Jo’s story: It had been a long day that ended around 10:00p.m. We had had a successful fund raising fair and now everyone was leaving and it was time to close up the building and secure the sizable funds that we had raised. As the crowed left and the building emptied I realized that I was alone, the custodian was nowhere to be found.

 I secured the money in the school’s main office, locked my then 5-year-old son in the office and proceeded through the two levels of the building locking up and turning off lights. I came to the side door and realized the lock was not working. I fiddled with the panic bar but I couldn’t get it to lock. 

A wave of panic came over me— a woman, alone at night, inner city school, large sum of money, small child locked in my office— not a good situation! I said a prayer and went in search of something to secure the door. I found a rope and did a make-shift job, turned out the lights, grabbed my son and quickly exited the building. Jumping in my car, I speedily exited the parking lot thanking God for His protection.

The Sunday morning following, at around mid-morning my phone rang. On the other end was a friend who asked a strange question, “Where were you last night?” I told him my story.  I heard the amazement in his voice as he shared that during the night he was awakened by a strong urging to pray for me. He did so.

“The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” Psalm 34:7.

Josh’s Story: It was late evening and I was caught up in completing a project at school. I took a look at my watch and realized that if I ran I would just make it to catch the last bus to Clinton. I grabbed my bag, my coat, and made a dash for the door. As I ran I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to get money from the bank to be able to take the bus. There was no time now. No money . . .no ride! 

As I ran I prayed, “Lord, please provide a way for me to get home.” I ran down the street toward the bus stop when I heard someone call out to me. I looked and there seated on the wall near the stop was one of my students. “Where you going Mr. C?” She asked. “I’m catching the bus but I just realized I don’t have any cash.” “I have cash Mr. C” she said. Jumping down off the wall she drew from her pocket the money I would need to catch the bus. “Thank you!” I said and made the last sprint for the bus. On the bus I thanked God that even in small things He hears us and provides. 

Isn’t it a wonderful thing to know that wherever we are God is and He is constantly seeking for our best? 

Today’s Goal: To live confidently knowing that God is present and is interested in the large and small things that concern us.