Running away with purpose?

Somewhere in our distant past we have been taught that 'running away is a coward's choice.' And there is some truth in this, I guess, but today's scripture offers us a different view.

"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." - 1 Timothy 6:11

Paul tells Timothy in this passage to “flee these things.” You will need to read the preceding verses to see what he is referring to, but in summary, he is urging Timothy to run away from temptations that will disrupt his faith - they are like a dangerous enemy. 

And we have another great example in Genesis 39, where we see how Joseph ran away from the claws of Potiphar's wife. His decision actually saved his life in the end. 

However, there is one more thing that we need to chew on. Paul is not only urging Timothy to run away from temptation, but he is telling him to run towards something better. He says to him, PURSUE (run TOWARDS) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 

Thought: Sometimes we are called to be wise and run away with purpose. To run towards the things of God, and to leave behind the temptations of this world.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Seeing but not noticing

 

As I was reading Genesis 42 this week, the following words left an impression on me:

"Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him." - Genesis 42:8

And I wondered, WHY? 

Why did they not recognize him? Had he changed so much in 13 years? Or were they just not expecting to see him at all, so there was no expectation that he would be standing in front of them?

This led me to some verses in the New Testament, where people didn't recognize Jesus either. Some of them did eventually have their 'aha' moments, but others still couldn't see him.

Luke 24:31 - Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

John 1:10 - He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

Thought: How do we recognize Christ in our everyday lives? Do we truly have eyes to see him? What gifts of God are right in front of us, but we refuse to notice them?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Perspective makes all the difference

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20

These words from Joseph have always challenged me on the topic of perspective. So often we find ourselves in difficult circumstances and we wonder why God has allowed these things to unfold. We question God's plans for our lives, and we see all setbacks as God's failure to honour his commitment to our lives. It takes an incredible amount of wisdom and faith to trust in God's sovereignty, despite what the situation may look like. 

“It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.”
― George Eliot

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What does God intend?

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20

This verse popped up again this last week and it always leaves me feeling hopeful. These words come at the end of Joseph's long journey through pain, slavery, prison and finally vindication. Joseph has spiritually reached a place where he is able to see God's bigger guiding hand at work in his life. I am not sure he displayed as much faith and trust in God's purposes, when he was stuck in the dark pit, or the prison cell, but to his credit Joseph kept believing in the miracles of God.

What about us? Have we learnt over the years to trust in the hand of God or do we still try and wrestle with God's ways?

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Love is a tough decision to make

This time of the year brings a lot of reflection on love, romance and relationships. I was reminded again today that LOVE is a definite choice that we make. Sure, it can also be prompted by initial feelings or something along those lines, but we still need to choose to Love on a daily basis. This goes for all our relationships! 

Seth Adam Smith wrote: "Our society places a lot of emphasis on feelings. We are taught that we should always follow our feelings and do whatever makes us happy. But feelings are very fickle and fleeting. Real love, on the other hand, is like the north star in the storms of life; it is constant, sure, and true. Whenever we're lost and confused we can find strength in the love that we have chosen."

Almost every act of genuine love in the Scriptures involves someone making a sacrificial decision and then following through with committed dedication:

I think of Ruth choosing to go back with Naomi. 

Joseph's love for his family, even after they left him for dead. 

Jesus as he begins his lonely journey towards the cross.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." - John 15:13

Who do we need to love today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

It Slipped my Mind

                                                

I am sure that we have all used this idiom before - "It completely slipped my mind!" In fact, I just used it a few minutes ago and this is what prompted me to write this post. I am not sure of the origins of this idiom, but according to google it first came into use in 1340 - that is a long, long time ago.

I was intrigued with the 'slip' part of the idiom and apparently it originated from a connection with when you are walking and you slip. When this happens you end up falling over. And so, when something 'falls' from your memory it was said to 'slip your mind.'

There are a number of times in the Scriptures where people forgot the Lord and allowed important things to slip their minds. Take poor Joseph as an example - "Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him (Genesis 40:23). The Israelites also forgot the ways of God on more than one occasion - "But they forgot the Lord their God" (1 Samuel 12:9).

I am most grateful that even though we may forget God at times, that the Lord never allows us to fall from his memory. That is incredible news for us today.

Isaiah 49:15 - "Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Turned for good

 Genesis 50:20 - Joseph wrote about his brothers, "You meant to throw me in the pit for evil, but God turned it for good for the saving of many lives."

There is such a lot of negative and "bad stuff" that happens in our world, that it leaves even the greatest optimist filled with second thoughts.  When I read the story of Joseph, and especially this verse, it gives me some hope. What could potentially derail us, may just end up being used to bear witness to Jesus and help a lot of other people.

Hang in there if you feel as if you have been thrown into the pit - God has a way of graciously bringing good from this.

Living in Grace

D3LM3 

Genesis

Joseph was just 30 years of age when he was made second in command of Egypt. He had been through an incredibly tough few years, but God had stood by his side and honoured his faithfulness and perseverance.

The book of Genesis is long, but these verses from chapter 43 mark a special moment in the story of Joseph. They remind me that God is always redemptive and just when we think all is lost, God does amazing things. By reading these words may we all be encouraged to NEVER give up Hope.

³⁷ Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials. ³⁸ So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” ³⁹ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. ⁴⁰ You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”

⁴¹ Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.” ⁴² Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck. ⁴³ Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. And wherever Joseph went, the command was shouted, “Kneel down!” So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt. ⁴⁴ And Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, but no one will lift a hand or foot in the entire land of Egypt without your approval.”

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Reputation versus Identity

As a society we have become obsessed with 'Reputation' and social media has just added to this whole hype. We can 'make or break' our reputation by posting something dodgy onto one of the social platforms or by speaking out of turn. I confess that on some levels Reputation is important, but it isn't everything. The reason I argue for this is because sometimes 'Reputation' is tainted by others who will do all they can to destroy our reputation - and again social media aids in this process.

Scot McKnight offers us an alternative to REPUTATION and that is the word IDENTITY. In sharing about the story of Jesus' earthly father, Joseph, he writes:

"Joseph learns that who he is before God (his identity) is more important than who he is in the circle of his pious friends (his reputation)."

And this is so TRUE. Who I am in the eyes of Jesus is far more important than who I am in the eyes of the world. It is my IDENTITY in Christ that sets me apart from others and ultimately will be the deciding factor in eternity.

Luke 6:35-36 - “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

I can't, but God can!

We have been having a look at the story of Joseph as part of a preaching series, and it has been very challenging, as well as encouraging. As part of his message on Sunday, Collin Moore drew our attention to Genesis 41:16, where Joseph says this to Pharaoh:

"I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

This one line may not make much sense out of it's context, but if we read around it we will note the humility of Joseph. Although he had the opportunity to brag about his abilities and special gifts, he chose to remain humble and deflected the glory to God. Joseph comprehended a very real truth - God is able to do all things through us.

As you face the issues and obstacles in your life remember that we may not be able to work it all out, BUT GOD can!

Deuteronomy 6:13 -  Deeply respect God, your God. Serve and worship him exclusively. Back up your promises with his name only.

2 Chronicles 25:9 -  “The Lord is able to give you much more than this!”

Living in Grace
D3LM3