Joseph: Genesis 41:1-40 "By Leaps and Bounds"

Read Genesis 41:1-40.

"Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." NIV

Wow, what an amazing passage. We go from outlandish, God-given dreams to the rise of Joseph as the second in the land of Egypt. And Joseph's position hinged upon those dreams.

I've never really put much in store in dreams. They are crazy, mixed up, morphing mysteries that never seem to be any part of reality whatsoever. Last night I dreamt I had a bed and breakfast. I pray that wasn't a sign from God because based on the state of my spare bedroom, that's just not happening anytime soon. But for some reason, the chief baker, cupbearer, and Pharaoh all knew they were being given a message and that they needed to understand it.

I find it interesting that God gave the dreams to non-believers in Him. We as believers are always yearning to hear a message from the Father. We pray for His direction through His Word, prayer, other believers, even dreams. So when three people who aren't followers of the one true God receive a personal message, jealousy can rise. But God specifically chose these people to accomplish His purposes through Joseph. Which makes sense after we see the whole picture. God can use believer and non-believer alike to do what He needs to do. In this case He needed people high up in Egypt's rule to get Joseph to the position he needed to be in to do what God needed done.

How often do we live in jealousy because it appears that non-believers are receiving God's blessings more than us? How often do we grumble about the position we are in because we believe we should have a better, more influential, maybe more public assignment? Joseph doesn't seem to possess either of these sins in his life. He receives the fact that they have had a dream, that God is the only One who interprets dreams, and that he is to be the one to share the interpretation and give God the credit. It's all very black and white in Joseph's mind.

Then Joseph seems to take in stride that he just went from a purchased foreign slave to the second in command in the land. I know what I'd be thinking....that just doesn't happen! But with God, anything is possible. I am especially such a realist. Kind of strange for someone who has a really strong faith gifting. But I just expect God to work in the natural world He has created and in the realm where He has placed me. To make things happen that include me outside of either of those realities is hard for me to imagine -- not that He can't, but that He would. But I would hope that if God does so act in my life, that I would have the humility of Joseph to give God all the glory and do as He has commanded to accomplish His purposes -- ones that go way beyond anything to do with me.

A new day is coming for Joseph. We've learned a lot from him in how he handled the dredges of life and circumstances. It will be interesting to see how he handles the prosperity.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you possess the humility needed for God to use you? Why or why not?
2. How has the enemy encouraged a society of control freaks? What has contributed to this in our history as a people/nation?
3. What kind of person does God want to use? How do we become that person? Support with Scripture.

1 Peter 5:5-10 "The To Be List"

Read 1 Peter 5:5-10.

"And the God of all grace... will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." NIV

Peter gives a whole grocery list of items to live by and come out strong in the Christian walk. 

Be submissive to elders: We have lost the value of the wisdom of our elders. The Lord says to submit to that wisdom. Let them lead as He has commissioned them to lead. Follow their direction and we will do better than wandering in our own ignorance.

Clothe ourselves with humility toward one another: Haughtiness and pride will not get us anywhere in the kingdom. If we are to work together as a community in the love of Jesus Christ, then humility must reign. If we humble ourselves before our Lord and before each other, God will recognize us in due time. Our society works so much for accomplishment recognition that we think we have to do that in the church as well. But if we are working for an audience of One, we don't need to look for the accolades of the masses, but seek the approval of the Master alone.

Cast all your anxiety on him: Oh, how I wish more people would get this one. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. Worrying serves no purpose but to waste time and cause high blood pressure and heart attacks. The Lord has everything under control and if we just diligently take concentrated time with Him, our perspective on life, God, our place in this world because strangely clear and the burdens and concerns simply lift off of our shoulders. He cares for me, so why would He not have my life under control.

Be self-controlled and alert: The enemy is like a crouching tiger just waiting for the right opportunity to pounce. His temptations come in not one at a time like a bullet, but more with the tenacity of a machine gun. I must remain alert and on my toes ready to duck from the barrage. And if I ever think I am suffering for my beliefs, I just have to consider my brothers and sisters in China and know my life is easy.

My strength, firmness and steadfastness is firmly rooted in Jesus Christ. Circumstances of life may try to distract me, but my hope never wavers from His amazing love and grace. I will continue to rely on Him and Him alone to hold me up as I humble myself before His throne.

Further Thoughts:

1. Humility is not a popular thought. Everyone is taught to look out for number one. What ways can you show humility in your family, work, neighborhood and church this week? 
   
2. Are you a worrier? Why? What have you gained by worrying? Ask the Lord to help you to surrender control and trust in Him alone. It's a daily burden to lay down.
   
3. Look up other Scripture on these different attributes of living a surrendered Christian life.
4. Is this list related more with what to do or what to be? Explain.
5. How do you remain alert to the enemy's temptations? How can you be proactive against him?

James 4:1-10 "Submit and Listen"

Read James 4:1-10.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." NIV

Here's how to live the Christian life in a nutshell. Every component you need is right here in these three little sentences. Yes, we've seen it in "Love the Lord your God with all you heart...." and "Love your neighbor...." But here it is broken down alittle more.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God." The Greek for submit used here means:
to arrange under, to subordinate
to subject, put in subjection
to subject one's self, obey
to submit to one's control
to yield to one's admonition or advice
to obey, be subject

This is full surrender to His lordship. Placing God in complete control of your life and obeying His commands. He is the master and I am the servant in every area of my life. No options, no pulling anything back, no saying "no" to His leading. Really, if we do this everything else will fall into place. But let's break it down even more.

"Resist the devil and he will flee." Even the most surrendered will be tempted by the enemy. Therefore, we must always be battle-ready to resist his enticements. And speak it out loud. Remember, the enemy can't read your thoughts. There is amazing power in the spoken word. Make him flee with your voice and the authority God has given you over the enemy. If you claim that authority, he truly has no power over you.

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." I don't know how often I have heard believers say that God has left them. That is completely unbiblical. God said He will never leave us or forsake us. If we think God has left, in actuality, we have left or God is just being silent. (He does that sometimes. I don't know why expect maybe to test our faith.) But the truth remains, God is always with us and always in control. If we are not "feeling" Him, we may not getting still enough to hear. Again and again when I have believers tell me of the chaos and confusion they are feeling, they've stopped having their time alone with God. It's like trying to use your cell phone day after day without ever recharging the battery. After a day or two you have no power to draw from and the chaos of the world begins to take over your thinking.

Get solidly connected to the Lord DAILY. Draw near to His sweet presence. And the quarrels, selfish desires, worries, worldly enticements will all just fade away. Your compass will once again have found true north.

Further Thoughts:

1. So many people in the Bible took time away to be with the Lord. Look at the life of Moses, David, the prophets, and Jesus. They all sought God's face regularly. They truly knew the source of their strength.
2. Do you need to recalibrate your compass. Take some time away with the Lord. His presence is the answer to every need you may have. The difficulties don't all go away, but when placed in His capable hands, you don't have to worry or fret anymore and peace is restored.
3. Watch this video and listen to the David Crowder Band, "Come and Listen"

James 1:9-12 "Humility Through Trials"

Read James 1:9-12.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial." NIV

James 1:9-12 is a continuation of :2-8. James has given direction on trials and our response to them and on wisdom and how to receive it. He then goes back to trials in verse 9. Sandwiched in between is a paragraph on the man of low position versus the one of high position. Why is that?

As I've observed people who have gone through terribly trying times, the ones who do it well possess one very important quality -- humility. They quickly discovered that when you have been broken down into tiny little pieces and all control of your life taken away, haughtiness, pride, and position have no power. When lying flat on your back, you are profoundly made aware of Who is in charge. At least you're very clear about who is not in charge and that is you.

Devastation in life leaves us asking all kinds of questions -- why me? why now? how could this happen? what's the purpose in this? The unsurrendered may start kicking and screaming, spending all their energy and frustration in angry outbursts or lonely depression. But the committed believer fairly quickly recognizes that those posturings will get you nowhere. It is only when we accept our humble position before the throne that God will give the wisdom we need and the peace our heart yearns for to endure trials and come out on the other side a better person and servant of Him.

Trials will come -- that is a fact we can't escape. It's how we handle them that shows our true character. And as a body of believers, we should always lift up those who are going through trials to our Lord in prayer. They need all the support they can get to make wise decisions and stand firm in their faith. I am personally so grateful to my brothers and sisters who have remembered me to Him through difficult times. I have truly "felt" the power of their prayers as the Father has honored their requests for peace, strength, comfort, and wisdom. The bottom line -- not only do we have the Almighty Creator of the Universe on our side, but we have a bountiful supply of brothers and sisters to stand by us. We are not alone and we don't have to do life alone. This is a battle of armies, not single hand-to-hand combat. We must always rely on the body to help hold us up through trials and to remember to be the body to others when they need us.

Further Thoughts:

1. Study some of the Old Testament mentors who came through trials with humility and wisdom. See David, Ruth, Joseph, Job and Hosea to start with.
2. Read through the lyrics of this amazing song.
3. Are you going through difficult times? Humble yourself before the Lord and let Him fill you with His wisdom. Tell your brothers and sisters in Christ. They will help hold your arms up through the battle.

James 1:5-8 "The Pursuit of Wisdom"

Read James 1:5-8.

"If any of you lacks wisdom...." NIV

Who on earth doesn't lack wisdom? We all can read and go to school to learn facts and ideas. But knowledge is not wisdom. I found this poem in Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary:

Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, Have ofttimes no connection. Knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men; Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own. Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds, Till smoothed, and squared, and fitted to its place, Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more. --Cowper.

The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines wisdom as "the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight."

King Solomon defines wisdom as understanding the fear of the Lord and finding His knowledge. That you will have understanding and discretion and a discerning heart. (See Proverbs 1:1-11 and I Kings 3:9) After Job's trials, he defines wisdom as "fear of the Lord" and understanding as "to shun evil." (Job 28:28).

I've met many people who have multiple academic degrees listed behind their name, but have no wisdom. They rely on facts inputted and their own interpretations - avenues of their own thinking -- to guide them. And often they come up with some of the most ridiculous conclusions. They have put their faith and value in knowledge and their "wisdom" is couched in a selfish determination of truth.

God says that if we need wisdom, we don't rely on knowledge that we've attained, but ask Him for the answers. If we ask without doubting, our Father provides all we need.

So am I saying education is useless? Absolutely not. I come from a family of academics and highly value education. But while gaining knowledge, we must increasingly humble ourselves before the Lord or else our pride will direct us to rely on our own knowledge and not on the wisdom of God. But if we lay everything at His feet -- including our degrees and diplomas, facts stored and experiences lived -- then the enemy cannot turn our knowledge against us, and God can use it for His honor and glory.

Further Thoughts:

1. Study Proverbs and I Kings 3 for more insight on wisdom.
2. How does James 1:1-4 and 1:5-8 relate to the life of Job?
3. Do your own word study by comparing and contrasting "wisdom" and "knowledge." Which one do you rely on most? Why?

Matthew 19:16-30 "Wealth and Humility"

Read Matthew 19:16-30.

"But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." NIV

I don't believe it is a coincidence that in the three gospels that sight this passage, all three follow the "little children" passage. Jesus has just said that the "kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" -- little children. Now a rich young man wants to know how to enter heaven but doesn't like the cost. He has built up a position of wealth and leadership that have become too valuable to him to let go of. He has chosen earth's temporary over heaven's eternal for a few pieces of gold and a little power.

The glitter of this world is an overwhelming enticement for so many -- especially in the U.S. We place such a high value on possessions and positions that we lose perspective on what is right and wrong. We, as a society, will lie, steal, and cheat to keep what we have and to gain more. Jesus is saying that the distance from this point to a submissive, humble heart is very difficult to achieve. We must surrender these man-made things for the humility that He desires. Possessions and power give us a false sense of control and autonomy when God wants us to be completely dependent on Him.

Does this mean we are all to be poor to enter the kingdom? No, but we mustn't rely on our wealth. Jesus does say that "with God all things are possible." Children depend on their parents to supply all their needs. In the same way God wants us to be dependent on Him not on the wealth we can accumulate.

When the "renewal of all things" happens, where do I want to be found -- surrounded by my external mounds of wealth or filled with the wealth of the ages through Jesus Christ?

Further Thoughts:

1. What was Job's priority when it came to wealth and possession? How was He rewarded?
2. In a concordance, look up the words, "possessions" and "wealth." What other passages do you find and what do you learn from them?
3. Sit down and honestly ask yourself this question, What would I do if I lost all my possessions and power today? Who would I be in such a stripped-down position? Would I become more dependent on God or would I become bitter and curse Him?
4. How can we be more dependent on God and less dependent on our things, money, and power?

Matthew 18:15-18 "Confrontation"

Read Matthew 18:15-18.

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you." NIV

How often are we looking for a 3-5 step process in the Bible that will show us how to get out of a problem situation? But the Bible deals more with relationship than a process. Here we are actually given steps to take when sin occurs between brothers/sisters in Christ. Unfortunately, we are so much better at gossip than we are at confrontation. It just seems to come naturally to our desire for self-preservation. If we confront, we may have to deal with hostility or just someone not liking us anymore, and no one wants that. Maybe that's why God wrote down the steps so clearly.

So how are we to handle confrontation? Directly, humbly and in love. Remember, this is talking about a Christian brother or sister that you are confronting that has wronged you. We're family(which can actually make the sin more hurtful), but we must preserve that relationship at all cost, as well as, help each other out of sinful choices.

"Directly" comes from this passage. Go and show him his fault. Putting it off can only make things worse. Of course, depending on your personality, you may need a little buffer time to prepare your heart and attitude so you are acting not out of selfishness, but love.

"Humbly" is how we should approach anyone who has sinned. We must always filter our hurt through the fact that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Except for the grace of our Lord, I would be drowning in sin. I am not perfect but on a process of perfection just like my brother/sister. So with the same grace that I was afforded by our Lord, I should give to those who sin against me.

"In love" is my heart position. Love is patient, kind, ...keeps no record of wrong. Love preserves a relationship because we are united in Christ. Therefore, we should always try to mend the broken pieces of a relationship.

The reality is that the person may not be sorry for sinning against you or even believe it was a sin. (That's when you head to steps two and three.) But even though it takes the sad turn of unrepentance, you will have done what you could to preserve the relationship and their soul. This is the hardest part of all -- leaving someone to the sin they have chosen. But if we have taken the steps with a right heart and attitude, we will have done all we could do. The rest in the Lord's hands.

Further Thoughts:

1. How did David handle Saul's sins against him? Read 1 Samuel 24 and 26.
2. How did Jesus handle Judas' sin against him?
3. Is there someone you need to confront? Don't wait. Pray and then go. The Lord will give you the right words to say.

Matthew 18:1-6 "As a Little Child"

Read Matthew 18:1-6.

"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." NIV

Isn't it interesting how often a person of humility is equated with weakness? Therefore, it's not a trait that is sought after because no one wants to appear weak. Yet, the strongest people I've ever met were the most humble. Their strength came not in shows of bravado, but in a quiet strength that exuded from their countenance. You just knew their power was not set in bronze, but in malleable clay.

Jesus uses the example of a child. I imagine that he was able to use an older child than we'd be able to use today. Our children have been forced to grow thick skin at an earlier age because of the violence they are exposed to, the lack of respect and manners in the schools, and the anger and fear that is so prevalent in our society. You don't have to go back too far to find some innocence in the children though. When I was substitute teaching about twenty years ago, the place I hated to be in the very most was the teacher's lounge. The bitterness and cynicism was so evident and plentiful that it was enough to create another being in the room. I just wanted to be in the classroom with the innocence of the children around me. Their skin was thinner, tenderer. Their hearts open and receptive. They were trusting and kind. I never saw them as weak other than in their stature. They had a strength about them in their curiosity and faith in people.

That is where God wants us to be. Not some mamby-pamby weaklings that are walked all over by a liberal society. But innocent to the point of complete trust in our Lord while carrying a quiet strength of wisdom all the while knowing that our faith is in the Almighty Creator of the Universe who loves us so much. Anyone is capable of lashing out; it takes strength to have restraint, humility to have power.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is pride a thorn that spurs you on? Why is that? Why do you fight humility before the Lord and others? Ask the Father to reveal this to you so you can eliminate this barrier.
2. One ability of a child is to sit quietly and marvel at something. Have you lost that ability? When was the last time you sat and quietly contemplated the beauty of a tree, the sound of the wind, or a particular verse in the Bible. It's in those quiet times of meditation and reflection that the Lord can speak volumes. It's an attitude of humility that opens the door.
3. Read through this Scripture from the wisdom books on pride. Now read these passages on humility/humble.

Matthew 15:21-28 "Crumb Seekers"

Read Matthew 15:21-28.

"Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." NIV

On first reading it appears that Jesus is acting harshly to this non-Jewish woman and seems a strong contradiction to the Christ we know. We know he speaks to the woman at the well, who was also not of the Israelites. But in actuality, Jesus is fulfilling His calling by bringing the message to the Jewish people, not the Gentiles. That was to come later.

But the woman, rather than being defeated by Jesus' "dog" reference, recognizes her unworthiness of the gift that Jesus had for her. She is simply satisfied with the crumbs from the table if that is all she can get. Such faith appeals to the very nature of Jesus as God - His compassion cannot turn her away when she exhibits such faith.

When faced with the grace of God, we are all but dogs seeking after crumbs. In fact, we don't even deserve the crumbs. Our sin is so abundant and any goodness we possess is as filthy rags compared to His goodness and purity. We must simply and humbly come before Him to receive anything He deems our faith should receive and be thankful. We are not equal with God, never will be. But we have access to the Almighty if we just humble our hearts before Him and believe. If all I ever receive from the Lord is crumbs, I will still be blessed beyond anything this world can give me.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you come before the Lord with humility or arrogance? Why does arrogance not work together with faith?
2. Compare and contrast the attitude we are to take when approaching the throne with facing evil in the world. Support with Scripture.
3. Why are we granted the grace of Christ now as Gentiles if He came for the Jews?

Matthew 8:18-22 "Count the Cost"

Read Matthew 8:18-22.

"'Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.'" NIV

I've talked before about the cost of following Jesus -- salvation is free, living the Christian life will cost you everything. Jesus stresses that point here in this passage. Now does He mean we literally must leave our families and sleep on the ground? Or that we can never bury our dead family members? No, He doesn't. First of all, He did mean at the time that the commitment to follow Him would mean not having a home. And for the Jews, family had a high responsibility to bury their dead. But Jesus knew He had a short time for His ministry and that it would be very mobile. So that was a fact of His ministry at the time.

So what does that mean for us? We still have to make sacrifices to follow Him. We may need to make material sacrifices, relationships, or face persecution. We all must sacrifice our selfish desires to follow His will. But why should we do this? Why should I lay down all my own plans and desires to follow the Rabbi? Why did the disciples? Because they saw that Jesus truly was the Son of Man.

The "Son of Man" is used in the gospels 81 times and is only used as a title for Jesus. Daniel, in Daniel 7:13, first prophesies that the son of man would come from heaven. Jesus' rule would not be temporary as the rulers of the day, but would be for eternity after He returns on the clouds. Revelation 1:7 repeats the same prophesy. Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth, born to a woman, and became the Son of Man to serve and to save. He truly was the fulfillment of the prophesy. The Jews were looking for royalty, but Jesus instead came in humility. By referring to Himself with this title, He emphasizes that the Messiah did not come in the way the Jews expected, but rather, was standing there in human flesh, living under humble circumstances.

How often do we look for Christ in the big circumstances and miss Him in the simpleness of life? We expect Him to show up for a Billy Graham crusade, but He is doing just as much work through the 80-year-old woman faithfully praying each morning. Both require a sacrifice. Are we willing to follow the Master in whatever He asks? The Divine humbled Himself to the point of equality with His creation. Can we not humble ourselves to serve His purposes? We must decide. When Christ came to earth, He knew the price He would pay -- in humility, punishment, and death. Yet He still came. We must look at the price of following Him very closely and make a decision - do I give my whole self or don't I. In the Christian walk there is great joy and a huge reward at the end. But on this earth, there will be difficult challenges and choices we will face. What will I do with that? Christ gave His all; He expects me to do nothing less.

Further Thoughts:

1. So many people want to ride the Christian fence. What does Scripture say about that? See Revelation 3:15-16 and Philippians 2:1-8 for starters. Search for other Scripture to support full commitment.
2. What happens to those who call themselves Christians and do not walk according to His ways or under His authority? Support with Scripture.
3. What attitude have you been taking with Christ? When He says go, do you go? Why or why not? What holds you back from full devotion? What areas of your life are you keeping back from His control? Why?
4. Read this old hymn, "I Surrender All" as a prayer of full commitment to the Father.

Matthew 8:14-17 "With a Word"

Read Matthew 8:14-17.

"When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick." NIV

I am always amazed at the power of the spoken word. It can inspire, praise, destroy, instruct, devastate, or encourage. Words can leave the mouth quickly, but can never return. They begin when we are young and continue till we speak our final words with our last breath. Words can build relationships or divide them forever.

And then there is the power of the words of Christ. They surpass all power that we could ever manufacture with our words. The awesome point, however, is that with Christ living in us, we are given that same power. He even said that we will do greater things than He has done. How is that? It sure doesn't seem like we do. Maybe it's because we are not deliberate with our words. Maybe it's because we are constantly fighting that human nature that wants to use words to our own advantage. Either way, if we submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance, wouldn't our words have a power beyond anything we have ever experienced?

I know I've experienced moments like that -- times where I knew that the Lord was giving me the words to say, and they were having a powerful impact either influencing someone else's life or through healing. Those are amazing experiences and how I would love for them to happen more often. Of course, I'm the only one standing in the way. Once again, we come to surrender, humility, and listening. Humbling myself moment by moment in His presence, opening my "ears" to the Lord's leading and using my words for His glory. Then His power will flow through me for His honor. Lord, let the healing words flow.

Further Thoughts:

1. If Jesus is considered the Word, then doesn't His dwelling in my life change my words? If not, why? (See John 1:1)
2. God gave Moses words to speak that caused amazing things. What were they? What was the irony of Moses using words? If you are feeling that your words are very inadequate, Moses will show you how God can use anyone for His work.
3. Why is humility so important in using words for God's ministry? Read Mark 9:14-29. Why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon?
4. Are your words filled with love, thankfulness, and encouragement, or grumbling and hatefulness? It's a heart issue. (Read Philippians 2:1-16.) Surrender.
5. What is the relationship between thanksgiving and the heart of words we choose to use each day? Support with Scripture.

Matthew 6:12, 14-15 "Let It Go"

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." NIV

I have followed the Lord most of my life; raised in a pastor's home, hardly missed a Sunday service or Sunday school class growing up, attended a Christian university; a pastor's wife for 23 years and I just heard this verse about 10 years ago for the very first time. I've known the Lord's prayer since I was four, but never knew this verse on forgiveness followed it. And what a terrible hole in my education. Oh, I'm not blaming anyone but myself. Being an English major I learned long ago that you always read everything in context. But this is an aspect of praying and forgiving that I should never have missed and here's why. It comes with a curse.

I touched on this in a previous post discussing the difficulty of forgiving. But now I think we need to focus on the consequences of not forgiving. It is very clearly stated in verse 12 and verse 15 that our forgiveness from the Father will only go as far as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. As I stated in my previous post, that may not be an external action, but an internal change of heart. If we are hanging on to the hurts of the past and not forgiving, we not only suffer from the pain continually eating away at us, dragging us down like an anchor attached to our legs, but also from God not forgiving us for the sins we commit. That's a price I'm not willing to pay.

But to forgive takes a humble heart. We must be willing to submit to the fact that even though I am the injured party, like my offender, I am merely a sinner saved by grace. I have no right to not extend forgiveness when forgiveness was extended to me on the cross. We are all cursed with a sinful nature and living in a world dominated by the enemy. I succumb to temptations just like everyone else. So how can I be so arrogant as to not forgive an offense. They need grace as much as I do.

Which takes us back to the beginning of the prayer in verse 9. I am a servant of the Most High and will submit all of my life to His will. If I am to forgive to be forgiven, then I will humble myself and surrender to His Lordship. Besides, it's a whole lot easier to surrender than to hang onto the past hurts. With my hands full of pain and hate, I'm not able to reach out to the future joys. Forgive me, Lord, like I've forgiven those who've hurt me.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is the relationship between forgiving others and humility? Support with Scripture.
2. Is forgiving a wrong committed against you dismissing the hurt it caused and justifying the offender? Why or why not?
3. Compare and contrast forgiveness and revenge. See my July 28th post.
4. Second only to Jesus, Joseph must be one of the most forgiving people that ever lived. His brothers sold him into slavery in a foreign country. Joseph suffered for years until God raised him to a position of honor. He had every reason to never forgive his brothers for what they had done to him. You can read Joseph's story in Genesis 37-50. But right now, read Genesis 50:15-21 for an amazing account of forgiveness.
5. Jesus was treated in the most brutal way possible -- and as an innocent man. But what did He say while his battered body hung on the cross with nails piercing His hands and feet?Read Luke 23:34.
6. Is there someone you need to forgive? Do so right now. Let go of the hurt, allow the Lord to heal you, and move forward in victory. There's a lot of living left to do.

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed" Part 7

"Blessed the are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." NIV

Peacemaking is a very humbling experience both as a third party and as a participant. Just think, if you are needing to mediate between two opposing parties, you have to enter the situation with great tact and humility or the two you are trying to help will unite and turn on you. At the same time, if you are part of a disagreement that is escalating into something ugly, you must humble yourself and seek a peaceful resolution to the situation. It takes some backing down from your high horse to find a neutral ground where peace can once again be achieved. Either way, it's not fun, and it requires a selflessness that does not come naturally to any of us. In our human nature we want to fight until we win. Backing down is not a natural option. But Jesus says that to be a child of God, we must seek to make peace, not discord. Rats.

So how do we go about this? We keep coming back to the same point -- surrender to the Lord and His will. Not everything is about me and my opinion. I need to let things go, let people go, show mercy, have right intentions and purity of heart, and be sure that there is peace among us. We can disagree on issues, but battles do not have to ensue. It goes back to the old '60's bumper sticker, "Make love, not war." (Okay, so the 60's had a bit of a different twist on that saying than I'm using. Understood. But you get my meaning.) If we are truly desiring to be saturated in the love of Christ and filled with His Holy Spirit, then we can be peacemakers among those we live and work with. If our goal is to share Christ's love with others, we can't do it very well with our fingers balled into a fist. An open hand brings peace and so does an open heart. Love will share the peace of Christ that passes all understanding, and we are the conduits of that love.

Lord, humble my heart and fill it with more of Your love and discretion so I can be a peacemaker. I know I don't have to surrender all my positions, just learn to give to others sometimes and not make everything about me and my way.

Further Thoughts:

1. We know we will have difficulties in this world. Jesus did not promise us an easy path. But what did He promise us to make it through? Read John 16:33)
2. Christians can be some of the worst bickerers with other Christians over ridiculous things. Paul speaks a lot to keeping peace in the body. Look up several Scriptures on peace in Paul's letters. Memorize one or two to remind you to be a peacemaker.
3. Who have you been having trouble being at peace with lately? Surrender that relationship to the Lord; ask God to show you your responsibility in the situation; seek forgiveness; pray for the other person; and restore peace. You are not responsible for others, but you are responsible for yourself.

Ephesians 3:14-15

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name." NIV

We have lost the habit of kneeling. I remember as a child kneeling for what felt like hours during a prayer meeting. The floor was either hard wood or only had a thin carpet on it with no padding. We'd lean our elbows on wooden pews shifting constantly to find a more comfortable position. I don't miss the painful knees, but I do miss the reverence I felt when all His children in that sanctuary were on their knees before the king.

Kneeling before the King acknowledges that He is Master and Lord and that we are humbling ourselves as His servants. All across cultures kneeling is a sign of submission to authority. Even Jesus knelt in the garden before His Father. I know I humbly come before God in my heart, but maybe I need to get down on my knees more to act out that submission and have a physical reminder of who's in control of my life. Lord, I never want my attitude toward You to be one of arrogance and control. Keep me humbled before You as my Lord and Master of all each and every day.

Further Thoughts:

1. With a concordance, look up the passages with kneel, kneeling or prostrate.
2. Read Luke 22:39-46. How is kneeling symbolic of what Jesus is praying here?
3. Spend some time on your knees in prayer each day, even if for a sentence or two, to remind you of your submission to the King.