The Power of But

This year, I've challenged the church where I pastor to read through the Bible with me. So far, so good, 25 days in. This mornings reading came from Genesis 38-40. We are entering the life of Joseph, an amazing man who was used by God to do amazing things. Genesis 39:21 reads,"But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison." Here Joseph finds himself at the wrong end of a false accusation, BUT God is still in control. Joseph could have easily tried to dissuade his accuser, BUT he knew that God had a purpose. Joseph could have grown angry with God over the whole situation, BUT he knew that God's hand was still on him. You see, so often we get consumed by the consequence as opposed to being consumed with the Creator. Joseph never lost focus in spite of the place that he found himself in. Regardless of the situation, we need to remember these simple but power words...BUT GOD. I know there have been numerous times those words have leaped off the pages of Scripture an into my mind. BUT, it wasn't until today that I saw just how powerful those words can be. BUT may just be a conjunction that brings two thoughts or ideas together, BUT in the life of the believer it is where the flesh of humanity comes in contact with the Spirit of Deity. BUT GOD is still at work around you. Though you may not be able to see it because you are blinded by circumstance, never lose faith that you God is at work. Nearly 170 times in Scripture do we see the phrase BUT GOD or some relation to it. We see that God works in the midst of human circumstance. How often do we see that though? I pray that your eyes would be open to the BUT GOD moments, to see His activity that you may give Him glory.

10 Questions from Living in God's Daily Provision

Sorry that it has been a few weeks since my last post. My computer spent two weeks in the shop after the fatal "blue screen of death" so as to get a new hard drive installed. Thank God for the extended warranty. Anyway...here are some questions to keep you thinking about Sunday's message (which I hope to have posted later with a link).

1. In what ways do you daily recognize God's provision?

2. How do you feel safe in God's provision?

3. How do you distinguish a lie from a truth?

4. When someone lies to you, how long does it tak before you trust them again?

5. In God's provision, how much is enough?

6. Do you let God be enough?

7. Which do you want more of: stuff or Jesus? (be honest)

8. Do you live in God's grace and sufficiency and are you content there? Why or why not?

9. It has been said, that if you don't find contentment in little, you won't find it in a lot. Do you plan to be content each day?

10. Are you content to live in the present -- to live in today?

Man of God

Elisha. The one who had to fill the shoes of THE MAN Elijah. You know, the guy who called down fire from heaven. The guy who slaughtered the prophets of Baal. You know...Elijah. How in the world could anyone follow him. Elisha did. It is interesting that where you here the name Elisha mentioned in 2 Kings you will hear the words "man of God" not to far behind. It was not a title that he gave himself. It was a title that was bestowed on him by others. How did he get that title? I think it is obvious, people had observed the life of Elisha and saw God in him. The title was based upon his reputation. Reputation says a lot about a person. For most of us, our reputation is known before we are. For some of us that is good, but for some of us that is bad. It is difficult to overcome a bad reputation, but it is even more difficult maintaining a good one. There was nothing in Elisha's life that disqualified him as being the man of God. Because he was vitally connected to and so in sync with God people observed him as he really was. So, that begs the question...what about you? How are you know? What are you known for? As we go about our lives are we referred to as the man of God or the woman of God? It is our goal and our aim to bring fame to the name of Jesus. One of the most effective ways to do that is through our reputation, how we are know. On top of that we must also live life before people. Elisha never apologized for being the man of God. He relished it, because people came from far and wide to ask his advice and wisdom on what to do in situations. People observed in Elisha God's hand. They knew they could ask the man of God and he would would be able to speak the word of God into their lives. We are in need of more Elishas. Men and women who put seeking the Lord and building relationship with Him first. Those who live un-apologetically in an intolerantly tolerant world. Those whose "good" reputation is not besmirched by a contradictory lifestyle. Those whose end is to bring fame to the name of Jesus and introduce as many as possible to Him. Man of God, Woman of God...it's time to step and live the life God has called you to.