James 1:1–27

June 17, 2013

James lets us know that troubles are something we should embrace and not try to avoid. Yet in our culture, the exact opposite attitude of "avoid trouble at all cost" is the norm. Listen carefully the next time you hear prayer requests being shared. The prayer "requests" are often about some sort of trouble someone is trying to avoid. It is through our troubles that we grow and become more like Christ.  

"Deep water" times in our lives is where we best learn patience and perseverance. During difficult times we begin to understand the totality of our inabilities and our need for complete dependence on Christ and wisdom that can only come from God. When we empty ourselves of "self" and fill ourselves with Christ, we have complete joy in spite of our circumstances.

James 1:5 - "But if any of you need wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people so he will give you wisdom." It isn't that you just flippantly ask God for wisdom and—voila—you have wisdom. When you seek wisdom you must be willing to:

• Open yourself up to examination
• Surrender yourself to God's will
• Believe
• Hold on and not doubt

James describes someone who asks for wisdom and then doesn't believe and starts doubting as a "wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind." When you are wavering back and forth you cannot make any progress and you will not "receive anything from the Lord." You have to ask; listen; and then act.

*****

Jane has written in her Bible:

Wisdom—"The quality of judging rightly and following soundest course of action."
Heavenly Wisdom—"Able to discern divine dealings of God in your life and able to relate joyfully to them in order to profit to the fullest from them."

"Ask in faith!"


Next Entry: James 1:1–27 (Continued)

I Thessalonians 2:1 – 3:13

May 14, 2013

Paul's testimony is found in I Thessalonians 2:2–10. The summary of Paul's testimony is the same as ours.

Our God helped us to be brave. We were insulted and people were against us. But! God helped us to be brave. We went through the fire. God tested us. But in the end, God trusted us to tell His story. We have no ulterior motives, no selfish desires, no wish for monetary gain, no desire for human praise. God's story has nothing to do with us—and it has everything to do with HIM. We've lived our lives in a right and honest way. People who know us, KNOW this. God knows our hearts and He knows we have clean hands.  

God used Paul to get out His message. The people understood that while the words were coming from Paul's lips, it was actually the word of God. It was God's message for those who believed. God used Jane in the same way. He used Jane's lips to give us His message—scripture—the very words of God.

The people of Thessalonica were under attack from their own people, but they stood strong, and their steadfast faith was an encouragement to all who knew them.

"...While we have much trouble and suffering, we are encouraged about you because of your faith. Our life is really full if you stand strong in the Lord. We have so much joy before our God because of you. We cannot thank him enough for all the joy we feel." I Thessalonians 3:7–9

God uses ALL things to bring about His will. No matter what your circumstance, you can have God-given joy, even if the journey you are on takes you through the fire.

Through it ALL–STAND STRONG!

Addendum: 10/18/16 ~ God uses people to get HIS message out. God used Paul and the other writers of the Bible to tell HIS story. God used Jane to teach us HIS truths and promises by using scripture. And now we know the way God wants us to tell our story of HIS faithfulness—HIS very own words from Genesis to Revelations recorded while I was reading and writing my personal thoughts in my journals. Amazing.

LORD – What Am I to Do?;
The LORD Answers!;
I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!!


Next Entry: I Thessalonians 4:1 – 5:28

John 10:1–42

October 26, 2012

The Shepherd and His sheep:

• They are HIS sheep
• They know HIS voice
• HE leads them
• HE protects them
• HE gives HIS life for them
• HE saves them
• HE knows them
• No one can take them away from HIM
• The sheep follow HIM

Jesus (the Shepherd) and the Father are One. When you learn to know Jesus you are learning about God the Father as well. John 10:10a - "A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy." That is the purpose and mission of the devil. But Jesus' mission is entirely different. John 10:10b - "But I came to give life—life in all its fullness." Satan seeks to destroy, but if you are following the Shepherd he cannot be successful because Jesus said, "No one can steal them out of my hand."

Some were still refusing to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. To them He said, "If I don't do what my Father does, then don't believe me. But if I do what my Father does, even though you don't believe in me, believe what I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." (John 10:37–38)

Then you will know! Absolutely, positively KNOW that HE is God. Without a doubt. Without hesitation. Complete confidence. Complete assurance. You will know His voice and you will follow Him. No turning back. No listening to a stranger's voice. Complete surrender. Total dependence. The

God

↓

Man

Shepherd

↓

Sheep

relationship understood and embraced. John 10:27–28 - "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die, and no one can steal them out of my hand."  

Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV Bible divides the description of shepherd into three aspects:

1. "Good" Shepherd—he gave his life for the sheep and is the "door" by which you must enter to be saved
2. "Great" Shepherd—raised from the dead to care for and perfect the sheep
3. "Chief" Shepherd—coming again in glory to give crowns of rewards to the faithful shepherds

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name. Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me. You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head; you fill my cup to overflowing. Surely you goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Next Entry: John 11:1–57 

Matthew 24:1–51

June 27, 2012

Jesus prophesies about His second coming in this chapter. Several month ago while talking to my Sunday School girls about Hunger Games and the similarities between that story and what the Bible says about end times, it became very apparent that they were totally unaware of what the Bible says about Jesus' second coming, the tribulation, and the Great White Throne judgment. So, I spent a lot of time studying it myself so I could teach it to them. The end result was four pages of information for them. End Time Prophecy 101 is included in this journal. The girls were very interested. We've since shared it with our daughter and son-in-law and will soon be sharing it with our son and daughter-in-law. Many other people have requested a copy of it as well.

Jesus prophesied about His second coming while sitting on the Mount of Olives, exactly where the prophet Zechariah predicted the Messiah would stand when He comes to establish His kingdom. It is just amazing how scripture is intertwined with prophecy foretold and prophecy fulfilled. See End Time Prophecy 101 for a summary of His second coming.

A few things stand out in this chapter:

1. Don't be afraid
2. Those who keep their faith will be saved
3. Always be ready

We don't know the "when" of His second coming, but Matthew 24:32–33 says we can determine the "season." Don't be afraid. Keep the faith. Always be ready.   

"Simeon reminds us to "wait forwardly." Patiently vigilant. But not so patient that we lose our vigilance. Nor so vigilant that we lose our patience." ~ From When Christ Comes by Max Lucado

Next Entry: End Time Prophecy 101

Matthew 16:1–28 (Continued)

May 30, 2012

Jesus asks his followers, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13) They answered that some said John the Baptist, some said Elijah, and some said Jeremiah or another prophet. But Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said, "This isn't something you were taught" this was revealed to you by my Father. Simon, with all his faults, was willing to listen. Jesus said, "You are Peter. On this rock I will build my church, and the power of death will not be able to defeat it." (Matthew 16:18)

We don't need signs. We just need to be willing to receive the truth. God wants a willing heart and our surrendered life. When we are willing—we will listen. When we listen—we will become more like HIM. We will want what HIS heart wants, and we will do what pleases HIM.   

Jesus began to teach His followers the truth about what was going to happen to Him. He was going to have to suffer and He was going to be killed, but He would be raised again on the third day. Peter, who had just realized that Jesus was THE Christ, was horrified. How could this be? Jesus was THE Christ!! This cannot happen! Surely bad things could not happen to God's Son! Surely the LORD would spare him from those things. Jesus (who had just praised Peter) said, "Go away from me Satan. You are not helping me! You don't care about the things of God but only about the things people think are important." (Matthew 16:23)

Like Jesus, we have to go through trials in our lives. To try and avoid them is to miss out on what God has in store for us. Having people around you who are trying to discourage you from going through what God has designed for you to go through is a hindrance and not a help. It truly is from Satan. IF—he can appeal to your fears, your need to be in control (or whatever weakness you have), and IF—he can convince you to avoid what God has designed, THEN—he is successful in keeping you from receiving what God has for you, and he has prevented God's work from moving forward.

When I think back to the beginning of "the storm," I remember the shock, the unbelief, the raw emotions, the fear, the hurt, the unknown. I remember my husband praying, "Lord, remove this from us quickly." Now here we are, fast approaching the five year anniversary, with the lawsuit still continuing, and I have to smile as I think back on those times. We wanted to avoid the pain and hurt. We wanted it over. But now, we can honestly say, "Thank goodness it wasn't over right away!" and mean it with every ounce in our bodies.

God wanted to teach us, grow us, bless us, and use us. We would have missed out on so much if we would have caved in to the fears of the unknown and tried to avoid the trials we were facing. You have to go through! You have to follow where God is leading. THEN you receive peace, joy, contentment, and blessings as you literally rest in the arms of God. 

You have to be willing to give up ALL, and when you give up ALL you are given back more than you can comprehend. "If people want to follow me, they must give up their lives to follow me. Those who want to save their lives will give up true life, and those who give up their lives for me will have true life." Jesus goes on: "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his soul?" NCV - "They could never pay enough to buy back their souls." NIV - "Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:24–25) Indeed. What good is anything if you lose your soul? We are willing to give up everything. When you give up everything, you gain true life.

"The Son of Man will come again with his Father's glory and with his angels. At that time, he will reward them for what they have done." (Matthew 16:27)

I talked to my 7th grade class about this very thing last Sunday. End time Prophecy 101 - The girls were very interested and asked a lot of questions. So glad I did it. Unfortunately we only had one week to go over the lesson. I definitely plan on doing it again next year but for several weeks instead. I want to live my life pleasing to God. I want to hear the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I want to lay my crown at HIS feet and say, "Holy, Holy, Holy. Worthy is the Lamb."

Addendum:  12/14/15 ~ It is now been eight and one half years, the Settlement Conference is coming up, and I am entering what I wrote about being grateful the lawsuit was not over quickly. When will it be over? I don't know. It is highly unlikely and VERY doubtful that it could possibly be over tomorrow. BUT, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! That was the title of our Pastor's sermon yesterday. We have been doing a study on being Anchored. The titles in the sermons series are: DO NOT BE AFRAID; THE LORD IS WITH YOU; and NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. I want to respond like Mary. Here I am, Lord. I am your servant. Do to me as you say. 


Next Entry: Matthew 17:1 – 18:14

Psalm 83:1 – 84:12

April 19, 2011

In Psalm 83 the Psalmist is seeking judgment against his enemies. He asks God to rise up against those who "have taken crafty counsel" against God's people and "consulted against" God's "hidden ones." (They don't get it that God's people are "hidden" and protected by God himself.) The Psalmist is very specific and detailed in his request.

13 "My God, make them like tumbleweed, like chaff blown away by the wind. (Psalm 140) 14 Be like a fire that burns a forest or like flames that blaze through the hills. 15 Chase them with your storm, and frighten them with your wind. 16 Cover them with shame. Then people will look for you, LORD. 17 Make them afraid and ashamed forever. Disgrace them and destroy them."

Was the Psalmist out for personal vengeance? Did he want their accountability and punishment as a means for revenge. Absolutely not!! The next verse clearly state why he (and we) was (are) asking God to rise up.

18 "Then they will know that you are the LORD, that only you are GOD MOST HIGH over all the earth." An understanding that without God they are nothing and that they would desire nothing but God.

I Kings 18:37 - "LORD answer my prayer so these people will know that you, LORD, are God and that you will change their minds."

Revenge? No. Redemption? Yes. Repentance? Yes.

And... when they "get it"? Psalm 84

Happy (blessed) are those whose strength comes from God. (Verse 5) Even though they pass through valleys (Verse 6) they get stronger as they go. (Verse 7) And then they understand.

Psalm 84:9–10 - 10 One day in the courtyard of your Temple is better than a thousand days anywhere else. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the Temple of my God than live in the homes of the wicked. "The LORD God is like a sun and shield; the LORD gives us kindness and honor. He does not hold back anything good for those whose lives are innocent. 12 LORD, All-Powerful, happy are those who trust you!"

Psalm 89:21–22 - "I will steady him with my hand and strengthen him with my arm. No enemy will make him give forced payments, and wicked people will not defeat him."

The blessings of God comes to those who serve and trust Him. You really do get to see the hand of God working in your life, steadying and strengthening you. There is no better place to live. Just one day in His Temple is better than a thousand elsewhere.

Addendum: 2/27/15 ~ Today, as I was reading the first few verse of Psalm 83, the word "your" jumped off the page and resonated with me. Back in October of 2014, there was a shift in my/our thinking. See LORD, What Am I to Do? My focus changed from what was done to "us" and wanting our name cleared to realizing it is God's name that has been slandered. It is now ALL about clearing His name.

The Psalmist is saying the same thing in Psalm 83. "God, do not keep quiet; God, do not be silent or still. Your enemies are making noises; those who hate you are getting ready to attack. They are making plans against your people; they plot against those you love." The Psalmist goes on to say: hold them accountable. "My God, make them like tumbleweed, like chaff blown away by the wind. Be like a fire that burns a forest or like flames that blaze through the hills. Chase them with your storm, and frighten them with your wind. Cover them with shame. Then people will look for you, LORD. Make them afraid and ashamed forever. Disgrace them and destroy them. Then they will know that you are the LORD, that only you are God Most High over all the earth."

That is our prayer. LORD, rise up and clear YOUR name. It is all about YOU Lord, it is ALL about YOU.


Next Entry: Psalm 85:1 – 86:17

Psalm 70:1 – 71:24

April 5, 2011

Psalm 70 - A cry for God's help to come quickly. An acknowledgment that it is God who saves and is worthy of all our praise.

Psalm 71 - An Old Person's Prayer. I think some people mistakenly believe that once you accept Christ as your Savior that life is easy from that point on. Yet here is the Psalmist, who is now old and full of wisdom, still beseeching the LORD to help him and save him from the wicked who were trying to harm him. He was still the "victim" of wicked people's attacks and accusations, even in his old age. But one thing was constant from the days of his youth: his hope, his faith, and his trust was in the LORD. Christianity is not a pass from troubles; it is our source of strength, faith, trust, and hope through troubles. 

Psalm 71:14-16 - "But I will always have hope and will praise you more and more. I will tell how you do what is right. I will tell about your salvation all day long, even though it is more than I can tell. I will come and tell about your powerful works, LORD God. I will remind people that only you do what is right. 18 I will tell the children about your power; I will tell those who live after me about your might. 22 I will praise you... I trust you, my God... I will sing for you... I will shout for joy... 24  I will tell about your justice all day long. And those who want to hurt me will be ashamed and disgraced."

In Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV she has Psalm 71:9 circled. "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."

Jane,
You were faithful to God until the very end. God did not cast you off and He did not forsake you when your strength faileth. He positioned both you and me. He took a rotten situation in both our lives and used it to comfort both of us.

Amazing Grace

"The LORD has promised good to me. His work my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures." (Written in Jane's Journal)

Jane,
I have so many memories flooding my mind. Like when you tried to pray in April of 2008. The only words you could get out were, "Praise the LORD." When the nursing home called me to come in because you were dying, your love for God was still so apparent and you were still touching our hearts. You took your Power Of Attorney's hand from one side of the bed and mine from the other and put them together over your chest. When your POA asked if you were trying to bring us together you nodded. There was the time when you kept looking at my husband, pointing upward, and saying, "Up!  Up"! Another time we were alone in the room and I was singing to you, "Great is thy Faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see..." I was sitting beside your bed. When I looked over at you, you were perfectly mouthing the words. And then the night before you died, I was telling you I loved you and thanking God for you when in a small audible voice you said, "Good-bye." You had not spoken or acknowledged anyone or anything in days. I was shocked beyond belief. I called your sister over and told her what happened. I told you good-bye again and told you I loved you. And again, in a small still audible voice you said, "Good-bye."

Your home Jane. It was my honor to share the last years of your earthly life with you. God was faithful Jane. He did not cast you off. He did not forsake you. And you were faithful to your LORD to the very end. 

Jane Elizabeth Wolfe

1919 - 2008

Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye." (Jane's life verse.)


Next Entry: Psalm 72:1–20

Psalm 66:1 – 67:7

April 2, 2011

Psalm 66:8–9 - "You people, praise our God; loudly sing his praise. He protects our lives and does not let us be defeated."

Psalm 66 is about praising God for what He has done and His amazing power. (Psalm 8 and Psalm 150 - Her Name Was Jane) It's not about praising God just when life is easy. It is about praising God for who HE is, even in the tough times.

Psalm 66:10–12 - "God, you have tested us; you have purified us like silver. You let us be trapped and put a heavy load on us. You let our enemies walk on our heads. We went through fire and flood, BUT you brought us to a place of good things." 

Psalm 66:13–15 talks about fulfilling the promises they made to God during their time of trials. We have promised God we would do whatever He asked of us. We've surrendered everything. Our lives, our pride, our fears. The stake in the ground still stands by the large rock that came from my Mom and Dad's farm. If God asks us to leave our home and business—then we leave. If He asks us to tell the story of what He has done—then we tell the story.

Psalm 66:16–20 - "All of you who fear God, come and listen, and I will tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth and praised him with my tongue. If I had known of any sin in my heart, the LORD would not have listened to me. But God has listened; he has heard my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or hold back his love for me."

Psalm 67 - "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us." Why? "So the world will learn your ways and all nations will learn that you can save."

3 God the people should praise you; all people should praise you. 4 The nations should be glad and sing because you judge people fairly... 5 God, the people should praise you; all people should praise you."

"Wait on God. In return, He will give you clearer vision. Furthermore, He will soften your will and make you want to know and do His will." ~ From Simple Faith by Charles Swindoll

Next Entry: Psalm 68:1 – 69:36 

Psalm 23:1 – 24:10

February 26, 2011

I love reading the Bible in three different versions at the same time. I memorized Psalm 23 years ago. But what sometimes happens is that you automatically know the words and skip over the meaning. The NCV brings the focus back to what it is saying:

The LORD is my shepherd;
     I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green pastures,
     He leads me to calm waters
He gives me new strength.

He leads me on the paths that are right
     for the good of his name.
Even if I walk through a very dark valley,
     I will not be afraid,
because you are with me.
Your rod and your walking stick comfort me.

You prepare a meal for me
     in front of my enemies.
You pour oil on my head;
     You fill my cup to overflowing.
Surely your goodness and love will be with me
     all my life.
and I will live in the house of the the LORD forever.  

The key is in the first verse. Full surrender to THE LORD! Not God as our partner. Not God as our Co-Pilot. The LORD as our shepherd with complete authority. Full surrender! He directs—we follow. He guides. He protects. He provides. He supports. He promises. He delivers.

Through. God promises to take us through the valleys. Praise the LORD.

He Will See You Through

"He will see you through; He's promised, He will see you through. He will be for you, a refuge. He will see you through! He will be your peace in the night. He will be your strength in the fight. He will see you through. He loves you. He will see you through! 

Our God is merciful and He is mighty. He knows your need before you even call. He is faithful to carry every burden. He is able to see you through it all. 

When we can't see an answer, God's still working. His plan is greater than we can conceive. He is able to carry out His purpose. He is ready to meet your every need.

He will see you through; He's promised. He will see you through. He will be for you, a refuge. He will see you through! He will be your peace in the night. He will be your strength in the fight. He will see you through. He loves you. He will see you through."

(By Cheryll and Ron Cochran)

Through. God has promised it and I believe it.

Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters. I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God."

Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has written Isaiah 43:2 as a cross reference for Psalm 23.

Mom called and told me to read Isaiah 43:2 on 3/31/08. She had just read the verse and felt it was God's promise to her for our safety while navigating "the storm."  Mom wanted to encourage us as we walk through this difficult time.

Addendum: 2/7/15 ~ "You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies."  The provisions God provides for us doesn't necessarily mean the enemy is gone. He takes care of us in front of our enemies. Our enemies presence does not affect God's promises. We are safe and taken care of even in their presence.

But think about it from "the enemy or aggressor" point of view. It has to be extremely irritating and maddening to watch the person you are trying to destroy go on with their everyday lives totally unaffected by your actions. The enemy (aggressor) is forced to watch the person they have tried to make a "victim" being taken care of in spite of their actions, watching them sit down to a prepared meal, and having oil (provisions and blessings) poured over them to the point of overflowing. Watching their "victims" lives continue on with success and happiness has to be maddening and would be enough to drive an aggressor crazy. Nothing anyone else says or does can EVER circumvent God's plan, purpose, or provision in our lives. "Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever."

Who has the right to claim God's promises? "Only those with clean hands and pure hearts, who have not worshiped idols, who have not made promises in the name of a false god. They will receive a blessing from the LORD; the God who saves them will declare them right. They try to follow God; they look to the God of Jacob for help." Idols—anything or anyone (including ourselves) that we hold on to or value more than fully surrendering to HIS authority and completely following HIS words and HIS commands.


Next Entry: Psalm 25:1 – 26:12

Exodus 13:1 – 15:21 (Continued)

January 22, 2010

Exodus 14:31 - When the Israelites saw the great power the LORD used, they feared the LORD and they trusted Him.

Without their long exodus to freedom the Israelites would have missed out on seeing God's great power. Without our situation continuing for three plus years, we would have missed out on witnessing the Hand of God at work in our lives. That is why we now say, "Thank goodness it didn't end quickly like we originally prayed."

Lord, we would have missed so much. This faith journey we have been on has been simply amazing. We would have missed the full blessing of Jane (Her Name was Jane) and the special times of closeness my husband and I shared as we walked together hand-in-hand while praying—for years. We would have missed experiencing YOUR presence during those walks. The time the sun hit our backs and cast such elongated shadows, we knew at that moment YOUR presence was with us. The time we were walking in the dense fog and our way seemed so obscure. I remember the fervency in my husband's voice as he was praying and pleading our case before you asking you to please show us your presence and direction. We had just rounded a corner and were walking up a slight rise when the skies opened, the thick fog parted, and YOUR sun's rays shone brightly through a small grove of trees which was just ahead of us. YOUR sun shone clear and bright for a few seconds and then the skies closed and we were once again enveloped in the thick fog. We learned an important lesson that day. We may be enveloped in fog and our way may seem obscure, but you are there!! We treasure that moment. There are so many other things we would have missed. The "story" of Jane that we have shared with so many people—missed. Our desire to be in your word daily—missed. The growth in ourselves, our children and the impact on generations—MISSED!   

All we can do is PRAISE YOUR NAME!
 
And, that is what the Israelites did. They praised the LORD. Psalm 150. That is our response as well. God has given us a song in our heart and praises on our lips even though we are still in the midst of "the storm." We trust Him. Period. It isn't when the "problem" in your life is over that joy and peace comes. It is in walking "through the valley" that you can see, touch, feel, hear, and experience God in a way that you can't get any other way but than to go "through." When you can do nothing about your situation, you discover (in our small human way) the God who can do everything! Psalm 150:2 - "Praise God for his surpassing greatness." Not just adequate or barely enough to eke out a victory—surpassing—MORE than enough.

The song lyrics from, "How Can I Keep From Singing"  your name, how can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love ... for I have been loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing" is going through my mind. Listen to it here. When you begin to get a glimpse of who God is, even the words of Isaiah—HOLY, HOLY, HOLY—seems woefully inadequate. 

Moses and the Israelites broke out into song, praising the LORD for all He had done. Exodus 15:1-2 - "I will sing to the LORD, because he is worthy of great honor ... The LORD gives me strength and makes me sing ... He is our God and we will praise him.  He is the God of our fathers and we will honor him." Exodus 15:9 - "The enemy bragged, 'I'll chase them and catch them. I'll take all their riches; I'll take all I want. I'll pull out my sword, and my hand will destroy them.' " The problem of "I"—it almost always leads to wanting power, control, revenge, and greed.

Exodus 15:11 - "You are wonderfully holy, amazingly powerful, a worker of miracles."

God has put us on this path. No matter where the path leads—we will trust Him.  No matter the outcome—we will praise Him. We are thankful our lives were built upon the Rock when the winds of "the storm" hit. We are thankful for "the storm." We are thankful for how the LORD has revealed Himself to us in new and deeper ways. The Lord is "wonderfully holy, amazingly powerful, and a worker of miracles." Blessed be the name of the LORD.


Next Entry: Exodus 15:22 – 17:7

Genesis 41:1–57

January 04, 2010

Two years later—two years!!! Joseph is stuck in jail with no end in sight. When the king has several dreams the wine bearer remembers Joseph and sends for him. Two years later and Joseph's faith in God and God's faithfulness to Joseph is just as strong.

Verse 16 - "I am not able ... God will do this"
Verse 32 - "... this shows God has firmly decided"
Verse 38 - "God's spirit is truly in him"
Verse 39 - "God has shown you..."

Scripture does not go into detail about how difficult this time was for Joseph. It instead focuses on Joseph's steadfastness and God's faithfulness—but it had to be difficult. VERY difficult. What Joseph chose to name his children clearly shows that.

Verse 51 - Manasseh: "God has made me forget all the troubles..."
Verse 52 - Ephraim: "God has given me children..." (blessings)

While we are stuck in circumstances beyond our control, we have to remember that God is in control, that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

Sometimes there is "necessary turbulence" (quote from Max Lucado) in our lives in order to fulfill God's plans. God never promised to remove us, but He does promise to go with us. (Psalm 23) When you go through trials, your perspective changes IF you keep your eyes focused on the One who guides you on HIS footpath.  

Psalm 150 - When you are praising the maker of heaven and earth, it becomes easier to trust and believe that He can and will deliver you.  

Addendum:  9/5/13 ~ Joseph tells the king in verse 25, "God is telling you what he is about to do."  Then in verse 32 he says, "This shows that God has firmly decided that this will happen, and he will make it happen soon." These verse just really jumped out at me this time through. We have experienced many times the voice of God clearly "telling" us what He is about to do. No, it isn't an audible booming voice coming down from the heavens, but it might as well be, because it is that clear. When you put yourself in a position to listen—God speaks. When God firmly decides something it is a done deal—it WILL be done. 


Next Entry: Genesis 42:1 – 43:34