Something to remember about the story of Joseph, whose brothers had him sold, is that bitterness towards them isn’t recorded in the story as told.
It relates the various trials of Joseph–being imprisoned unjustly was among the worst. Perhaps a bit of revenge was enacted when, as Egyptian ruler, he treated them harshly at first.
But when Joseph observed their attitude towards Benjamin and now how much they cared, he could no longer keep from revealing himself to them, but wanted brotherly love to be shared.
He completely forgave his brothers for the evil to him that they’d done; and they, in turn, came to love Joseph, who’d been their father’s favorite son.
Most often noted is Joseph’s great faith in God, from which he never departed; but he was also a very gracious man, loving, and tenderhearted.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” 1Thessalonians 4:9 NKJV
“Let brotherly love continue.” Hebrews 13:1 NKJV
“Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and Benjamin did the same. Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and after that they began talking freely with him.” (from the story of Joseph in Genesis 45:14-15 NLT)
Find encouragement on the love of God for you at: http://www.govictory.com or http://www.mylon.org where you will find daily ministry from the Word of God. Mylon Le Fevre has a testimony of deliverance from drugs to faith in Christ–then helping others in their Christian walk, along with his gracious wife, Christi.
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. John 4:34-36 NKJV
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21 NKJV
The old hymns have messages that still ring so true… this one speaks of what we believers can do:
1. Hark! the voice of Jesus crying, “Who will go and work today? Fields are white and harvests waiting, Who will bear the sheaves away?” Loud and long the Master calleth, Rich reward He offers thee; Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I, send me, send me”?
2. If you cannot speak like angels, If you cannot preach like Paul, You can tell the love of Jesus, You can say He died for all. If you cannot rouse the wicked With the Judgement’s dread alarms, You can lead the little children To the Savior’s waiting arms.
3 If you cannot be a watchman, Standing high on Zion’s wall, Pointing out the path to heaven, Offering life and peace to all, With your prayers and with your bounties You can do what God demands; You can be like faithful Aaron, Holding up the prophet’s hands.
4. Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,” While the souls of men are dying And the Master calls for you. Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calleth, “Here am I, send me, send me!” _____________________
from The Lutheran Hymnal Author: Daniel March, 1868 Composer: Joseph Barnby, 1883
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’
Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.'”
Isaiah 6:8 NKJV
In partnering with our local church and with other far-reaching ministries that share the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are going out into the fields that are white (ripe) for harvest. God bless us all as He leads us near or far….
To support your own faith walk, consider the devotional book, “From Faith to Faith” available at http://www.kcm.org
“But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV
Verse 10 goes on to say, “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” So, while the text is referring to the Gospel and things revealed through the Holy Spirit, the 9th verse does make one think of the almost hard-to-comprehend beauty, glory, and peace of our heavenly home and destination. Thus, these thoughts:
Eye hath not seen, nor ear yet heard, neither our hearts, says God’s Holy Word, have envisioned the things which the Lord has in store for all those who will meet Him on heaven’s shore. A river like crystal and a Main Street of gold are just some of the beauty that we will behold. But, then, best of all, at last we will view— our Savior, Jesus Christ, Faithful and True. Though we face trials down here on this earth, they’re nothing compared to heaven’s great worth. You’re more than a conqueror—He gives you His grace, both now and in eternity’s unfathomable place.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11 NASB
“The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun, or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Revelation 21:19-23 NASB
“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1 KJV
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 KJV
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” Romans 8:18-19 NKJV
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 NKJV
I’m thinking today of Dodie Osteen, who despite their best efforts and prayers, lost her husband, John Osteen, the founder of Lakewood Church to illness. Yet she shares her faith in God’s desire and ability to heal in her booklet, “Healed of Cancer,” which was a major healing of her terminal liver cancer diagnosis. She’s also written an autobiography called, “If My Heart Could Talk” and a devotional book. These are available at http://www.lakewoodchurch.com
If you’ve been discouraged for a spell, then say, “It is well.” Or if anxious and problems seem to swell, say, “It is well.” For Christ is the Victor, and He’s passed that on to you. Your words have power to see you through. And cast all care upon your Lord. Give thanks for the answers that He’ll afford.
When you’re doubtful with fears you need to quell, then say, “It is well.” Or if dismayed ’cause bad news came to tell, say, “It is well.” Remember the Shunammite woman, great confidence had she. Elisha came to pray for her son, and God gave her the victory. We may not have always seen such great things, But we still look to our God from whom all hope springs.
And we’re growing in faith about each word, ‘Til opposing circumstances have heard– Giving angels God’s Word on which to move, For God desires His promises to prove. Yes, we’re saying, “It will be well.” Yes, it IS well!
Reference: the story of the Shunammite woman in II Kings 4; and after verse 20, when her son died–yet she said:
“…it shall be well.” verse 23
“…it is well.” verse 26
and her son was raised up. verses 33-37
P. A. Oltrogge
An inspiring true miracle of today where God Himself, by the Holy Spirit, said, “It is well…” in the second feature of the article.
The following scriptures remind about the importance of speaking in faith, (often in the midst of a “storm”). Our words of faith, especially through scriptural promises, and prayer can make a difference in a situation. And Jesus said to speak unto the mountain.
” For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you,whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:23-24 NKJV
“With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:20, 21
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23
“Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:14
“…the mouth of the upright will deliver them.” Proverbs 12:6
“A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words….” Proverbs 12:14
“…but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life….” Proverbs 13:3
“My son, give attention to My words; Incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3
“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations), before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be.” Romans 4:16-18 KJV
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1
The Bible shares many different instances where Jesus healed–each one very compelling. In Luke 14, we read of Jesus healing a man with “dropsy,” which is an old term used to describe abnormal swelling.
In coming for dinner to the home of a leader of the Pharisees, Jesus well knew…that healing would be considered “work” to them–which they believed that He, on a Sabbath, shouldn’t do.
So He first put the question to them–whether, on a Sabbath, healing was permitted in the law. After they refused to answer, He touched the man who was afflicted with dropsy; and he received of healing virtue for that bodily flaw.
He sent the man away and asked those remaining a new question–as to which one of them wouldn’t do the same. If on a Sabbath, their son or even their animal fell into a pit, wouldn’t he work to get him, or it, out, despite their “We don’t work on the Sabbath” claim?
In other recorded accounts, too, Jesus healed on a Sabbath day, showing what God, the Father, certainly permitted–which was always extending God’s love and compassion, to which He, the Son of God, was steadfastly committed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:16-18 NKJV
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:3 God’s Word states we are healed by Jesus’ stripes…He still heals today any type of malady or disorder.
“The commandments, ‘Never commit adultery; never murder; never steal; never have wrong desires,’ and every other commandment are summed up in this statement: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ Love never does anything that is harmful to a neighbor. Therefore, love fulfills Moses’ Teachings.
“You know the times in which we are living. It’s time for you to wake up. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first became believers.” Romans 13:9-11 GW
See the Biblical account of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.” 1 John 4:20-21
“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17
“And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.'” Mark 2:27-28
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 NKJV
…praying for you daily, dear follower or friend of this blog… For further help, refer to http://www.awmi.net or http://www.govictory.com for prayer ministers via telephone.
Though it’s a little longer than usual, the message by Dutch Sheets today is one well worth your time. And below is a previously posted poetic message about Peter for some who may not have read it.
I once said to the Master, Jesus, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, I was forgiven by Him and blessed to be a part of His Father’s redemptive plan.
I remember when Andrew came to me with some news that truly amazed–that by way of John the Baptist, he had found the Messiah, who was to be praised!
Jesus became our teacher, and we left our nets to follow Him. This meant leaving our daily livelihood, so we weren’t simply doing so on a whim.
No, we knew that this was big. We began to see many miracles taking place–miracles of healing, provision, and protection were wrought by Him, revealing to all God’s grace.
The lame, the blind, and the deaf were finding that the Master was always willing. We disciples saw Him calm the sea during a storm that had been frighteningly chilling.
Another time, faith arose within me to walk towards Him upon the sea. He quickly saved me from sinking below the depths when fear had gotten the better of me.
Once, Jesus took me with James and John on a destined mountain climb, where He was transfigured before us–Elijah and Moses appeared at the time.
I suggested that three tabernacles be built for each, not knowing just what to say. Then a cloud came around us with a message from God on that remarkable day.
It was the voice of His Father in heaven, telling us that this was His beloved Son, and that we should listen to Jesus–His raiment was white as no launderer could have done.
Just as quickly as it had begun, the experience ended and we were alone. We often could expect the unexpected–such was His ministry’s tone.
HIs raising of Lazarus from the dead wasn’t envisioned by any of us disciples, though. Imagine our reaction when we saw death reversed to loose Lazarus and let him go.
I once gave the Lord the use of my boat, for Him to minister from to those on shore…only to be given back the catch of a lifetime–He gave back to us always more!
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” I declared to Him one day. He said His Father in heaven had revealed that truth to me about the Son, who had taught us all to pray.
At the Passover meal, I was taken aback when Jesus came to me to wash my feet. I allowed Him, though, for He said to be a part of Him, it was a duty I needed to let Him meet.
What a blessed remembrance, to have spent that time with the Lord in the upper room…before His betrayal and crucifixion and eventual resurrection from the tomb.
Of course, I felt remorse for my own denial of Him–my boasted loyalty and support having failed. But afterwards, I came to my senses, realizing that I was one…for whom, to the cross, He’d been nailed.
We disciples were so happy when He appeared to us after His glorious resurrection–and later were so glad to spread the news that Jesus is Lord…by the promised Spirit’s direction.
I loved to tell of Him throughout the following years and was always looking toward…that time of my reunion with Him, the Master and Teacher whom we all had adored.
Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Through the years…
Many warriors have set aside the joys of life, to enter into battles that were born of strife. All gave their service, but some gave their all. With courage, they answered their country’s call.
We’re reminded of their sacrifice on Memorial Day. Death or injuries were the price that many did pay. As we go about our lives, we tend to forget… for our freedom and stability, they’re owed a huge debt.
Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:7-11 NKJV
The Lord is my Shepherd–my faithful guide; And through His leading, He always will provide. He causes me to rest in pastures so green, Beside quiet waters that speak of the serene.
He encourages my soul if I should ever feel down, Reminding me I’m wearing God’s “lovingkindness” crown. Knowing the wisdom of following as Christ leads, I walk paths of righteousness, sowing Kingdom seeds.
If at times there are valleys, with storms very dark, I’m safe with my Shepherd–He is my strong ark. I refuse any fear–His rod and staff keep me stable; And before any enemy, He prepares me a table.
With divine Kingly oil, He’s anointed my head; My cup overflows, as by His Spirit I’m led. Of His goodness and mercy, He always will give; And in the house of my Shepherd King, I forever will live.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:3-5 NKJV
“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17 NKJV
“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.’” Revelation 5:9-11 NKJV
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17
Even as young children, the Lord wants us to see, that giving a tithe honors God and is not an exacting fee. Realizing that every good gift is from above, makes it easy for us to return again, in love, that which has already been given from our Lord. To accomplish His work–We really can afford to do this–it never will be detrimental. But, instead, for further blessing, it’s instrumental. Just as Jesus lauded the heartfelt giving of the widow who gave two mites, our trust and understanding of giving is something in which God delights.
P. A. Oltrogge
“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’” Malachi 3:10
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Matthew 23:23
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Luke 11:42
“And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and he saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.’” Luke 21:1-4
“Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
“Let him who is taught the Word share in all good things with him who teaches.” Galatians 6:6 NKJV
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 NKJV
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (from Matthew 6:25-34)
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 NKJV
“When someone belongs to Christ Jesus, it is not important if they are circumcised or not. The important thing is faith—the kind of faith that works through love.” Galatians 5:6 ERV
“Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” Psalm 41:1 NKJV
“And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake by Elijah.” 1 Kings 17:16 KJV (from the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath)
“One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, ‘There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?’” John 6:8-9 NKJV (from John 6:6-14, the story of the feeding of five thousand through the offering of a young lad with five barley loaves and two small fish)
Your Word reveals that, as believers in Christ, we’re living under Your blessing.
So, rather than talking about problems, it’s Your promises that we should be confessing.
“The hills melted like wax in Your presence,” so any of our difficulties are resolved.
Casting our cares upon You, with thanksgiving, is vital for the solutions, that’s involved.
Thank You for the promise of a place for us in heaven that, one day, will be ours.
But for abundant life now and needs that are met—we thank You for Your blessing showers!
Because of Your known faithfulness, we can trust that Your plans for us are best.
We have peace and faith, knowing that it’s Your desire for us…to always enter into Your rest.
Praise the Lord!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9 NKJV
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV
“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
“The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” Psalm 97:5 KJV
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities…” Psalm 31:7 NKJV
Don’t hold on, with anxiety, to problems, but hold on, with thanksgiving, to the Lord’s promises. Knowing and using our authority over the devil, seeking God’s will, and believing we receive when we pray are important to remember. Praying in the Spirit, also, is a means of praying for a situation when we don’t know how, thereby casting our care upon the Lord:
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
Today’s Daily Grace Inspirations, “He is With You,” at http://www.josephprince.org tells of a time in Joseph’s life when it was a struggle for him to remain “at rest” when his son had been injured and hospitalized. But, as Joseph often refers to it, the blessing of taking holy Communion turned concern for his son’s healing around.
The Porch of the Lord 