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Dynamics for Generous Giving (Insights in NT)

12/6/2012

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"Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning...He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all...Depend on it, God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply" (James Hudson Taylor).

For people to give generously, their hearts must break with godly sorrow that produces repentance. People must see that their gifts are administered with integrity and love. Then people will give generously to receive increased resources, righteousness and prayer. 

Allow Joy to Triumph
Having these promises enabled his contaminated body and spirit to be purified in order to perfect holiness out of reverence for God. Paul asked that they make room in their hearts for his team since they wronged or exploited no one, but sacrificed everything for them. His confidence,  encouragement and joy about the Corinthians came as his team was harassed at every turn with conflicts on the outside and fears inside after entering Macedonia. But God who comforted the downcast comforted them through Titus. He was comforted by the Corinthians and told Paul's team of their longing and deep concern for him so his joy became greater than ever (2 Cor. 7:1-7). Allow joy to triumph through conflicts and fears as you minister sacrificially to others. 

Lead People Toward Godly Sorrow
Paul's letter caused temporary sorrow and hurt leading them to repentance. Godly sorrow brought repentance leading to salvation without regret while worldly sorrow brought death. Godly sorrow produced earnestness, eagerness to clear themselves, indignation, alarm, concern and readiness to see justice done. Paul wanted them to see how devoted they were to his team before God. They refreshed Titus' spirit and Paul's boasting was true concerning them. Titus'  affection for the Corinthians became greater as he remembered their obedience in receiving him with fear and trembling. Paul was thankful for his complete confidence in them (2 Cor. 7:8-16). Lead people toward godly sorrow that produces repentance and  salvation enhancing heart relationships with one another.

Encourage People to Give Generously
Paul shared about God's grace given to the Macedonian churches in their severe trial and extreme poverty overflowing with joy through rich generosity. They gave beyond their ability and begged for the privilege to share in serving believers. They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to Paul's team according to God's will. Titus was urged to complete the grace of giving on their part. Paul wanted to test the sincerity of the Corinthians' love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. Knowing the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that even though He was rich, yet for their sakes He became poor so they through his poverty would become rich. Paul encouraged them to fulfill their desire to give according to what they had. His desire was for equality that their plenty at this time would supply what others needed. It fulfilled Ex. 16:18 that he who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little did not have too little (2 Cor. 8:1-15). Encourage people to give generously by following Christ's example of one's plenty supplying the needs of others.  

Administer Gifts with Integrity
Paul thanked God that Titus had the same concern he had for the Corinthians since he came to them with much enthusiasm on his own initiative. An esteemed brother accompanied Titus as they carried and administered the offering to avoid criticism and do what was right in God's and men's eyes. Paul asked that they prove their love for Titus, his partner and fellow worker, and his brothers, representatives of the churches, so they could see it (2 Cor. 8:16-24). Administer gifts with integrity and love to avoid criticism by doing what is right in God's and men's eyes.  

Give Generously, Purposefully and Cheerfully
The Corinthians' eagerness to give stirred the Macedonians to action. Paul sent the brothers to them so his boasting would be true and make sure they were ready with their generous gift. Whoever sowed sparingly reaped sparingly and he who sowed generously reaped generously. Each man should give what he decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loved a cheerful giver. God was able to make all grace abound to them so in all things at all times they would abound in every good work. Psalm 112:9 said He scattered abroad His gifts to the poor and His righteousness endured forever (2 Cor. 9:1-9). Give generously, purposefully and cheerfully to reap and show grace bountifully in every good work.  

Gain Increased Resources, Righteousness and Prayer
God supplied seed to the sower and bread for food to increase their store of seed and enlarge the harvest of their righteousness. They would be rich in every way in order to be generous on every occasion resulting in thanksgiving to God. Not only was their service supplying the needs of believers but was overflowing in thanks and praise to God. 
They would be recipients of heartfelt prayers because of the surpassing grace of God in them. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:10-15). Gain increased resources, righteousness and prayer for generous and heartfelt giving. 

Answer the following questions as you consider the dynamics of generous giving: 
1. Is your heart breaking with godly sorrow?

2. Is your gift being administered with integrity and love?
3. Are you giving generously? 
4. Are you experiencing increased resources, righteousness and prayer? 



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How to Respond to Great Personal or Family Loss (Insights in Psalms)

9/9/2012

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Bitterness is a habit that can seriously hinder our spiritual journey. When life becomes difficult, when it doesn't seem as if God is providing for our needs, when we're not getting what we want when we want it, we have a decision to make. We can hold onto our faith and trust that God has an answer in mind, or we can gripe and moan and complain and let our souls become embittered. Expecting an oasis, but finding a bitter stream? Don't lose sight of the grace of God." - (Beside A Quiet Stream by Penelope J. Stokes)

God is involved in the bitter reality of life. We learn much from Job on how to respond to great personal or family loss such as death, divorce, sickness, rebellion, unemployment, etc. 

Job was blameless, feared God and turned away from evil in the land of Uz. As the greatest man of the east, he had seven sons, three daughters, many animals and servants. His sons held a feast regularly in each of their houses where they invited their sisters. After each feast, Job rose up early to offer burnt offering to purify them in case his sons sinned and cursed God in their hearts. One day Satan came with the angels to present themselves before God. Satan told God he was roaming through the earth going back and forth. God boasted about Job's righteousness and Satan replied that God put a hedge around his household and possessions while blessing the work of his hands. Job would curse God if He struck all that he had. God said everything Job had was in Satan's power but could not put forth his hand upon him (Job 1:1-12). Pray for purity in your children's lives while recognizing God's sovereignty over Satan's activities. 

On the day when his children were feasting in their oldest brother's house, Job learned in succession that his servants were killed by the Sabeans, fire from heaven burned up the sheep and consumed his servants, Chaldeans carried off the camels, and great wind struck the house and killed all his children. Job arose, fell to the ground and worshiped saying, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job did not sin or blame God (Job 1:13-22). Accept prosperity and adversity from God without blaming Him. 

On another day the angels came with Satan to present themselves before the Lord. The Lord said his servant Job was a blameless man who feared God and maintained his integrity even though Satan tried to ruin him without cause. Satan said Job would curse God if He touched his bone and flesh. The Lord said Satan could do anything except  kill Job (Job 2:1-6). Maintain integrity in every circumstance even when it makes no sense. 

Satan afflicted Job with painful sores over his whole body. His wife said that God should curse God and die instead of holding fast to his integrity. Job told his "foolish" wife, "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2:7-10). Do not blame God during great trials.

When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite heard about Job's troubles, they agreed to come and comfort him. They wept when they saw Job from a distance. They sat down on the ground and mourned with Job for seven days with no one speaking after seeing his great pain (Job 2:11-13). Accept comfort from others if they mourn without speaking.

Afterward Job cursed the day of his birth wishing he had not been born. He wished that day had turned to darkness with blackness overwhelming its light. Job would be hidden from trouble if God shut his mother's womb. He considered that dying at birth would bring peace and rest. Captives who died were at ease and free from hearing the slave driver's shout (Job 3:1-19). Express transparently your feelings and thoughts of what it would be like if you had not been born.

Job asked why light was given to those in misery who longed for death. Why was life given to the bitter of soul who rejoiced when they died or those God hedged in without revealing His purpose. Job's groans poured out like water. What he feared and dreaded came upon him. He had no peace, quietness or rest but only turmoil (Job 3:20-26). Groan freely about your bitter feelings and turmoil.

Consider the following actions when you experience great personal and family loss in your life: 
1. Pray for purity in your children's lives while recognizing God's sovereignty over Satan's activities
2. Accept prosperity and adversity from God without blaming Him
3. Maintain integrity in every circumstance even when it makes no sense 

4. Do not blame God during great trials
5. Accept comfort from others if they mourn without speaking
6. Express transparently your feelings and thoughts of what it would be like if you had not been born
7. Groan freely about your bitter feelings and turmoil


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Risk Believing God (Insights in Law)

8/16/2012

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Maintaining the status quo and not believing God to defeat “giants” in the land lead to dying in the wilderness without experiencing His mission in the world. God chooses a particular mission for every believer in the world. He desires every person walk in that mission.  Fathers and leaders have responsibility to equip their physical and spiritual offspring so they can discover their mission in the world. Identifying the world’s lies and deceptions that compromise families is a vital first step. To experience God’s peace and well-being, spend sufficient time with God in vital spiritual disciplines. Numbers 25-30 provide a blueprint in believing God.  

Motivation for Believing God
Israel indulged in sexual immorality with Moabite women and worshiped their gods including the Baal of Peor. The Lord told Moses to kill the leaders of the people in broad daylight to turn away God’s anger. Phinehas, son of Aaron, pierced an Israelite man and a Midianite woman through the body to stop the plague after 24,000 died while Moses and the congregation wept at the tent of meeting. The Lord told Moses that Phinehas' zealousness for God's honor turned away His wrath so He did not destroy Israel. He made God’s covenant of peace a lasting priesthood and atonement for the Israelites. The Lord said to kill the Midianites whose hostility and deception concerning Peor caused the plague (Num. 25:1-18). Zealousness for God’s glory motivates prayer to defeat the evil one’s lies and deceptions so you embrace the truth of God's word.

Environment for Believing God

God spoke to Moses and Eleazar to take a census of those 20 years and older in Israel by their fathers’ households who could go out to war. The earth swallowed up Dathan and Abiram and devoured 250 men by fire who followed Korah when they rebelled against Moses and Aaron as a warning.  The sons of families numbered according to the 12 tribes totaled 601,730. They divided the land as an inheritance in proportion to the number of names according to lot between the larger and smaller groups. Aaron’s sons died when they offered strange fire before the Lord. Only Joshua and Caleb survived in the wilderness (Num. 26:1-65). Obedient families create the environment for children to implement God's mission in the world.

Passion for Believing God
The daughters of Zelophehad stood before Moses, Eleazar and the leaders of Israel at the tent of meeting saying their father died for his own sin in the desert and was not among Korah’s followers who disobeyed the Lord. They asked why their father’s name was withdrawn because he had no son. After they asked for property among their father’s relatives, Moses brought the daughters’ case before God. The Lord told Moses that it was legal to give them property and turn their father’s inheritance over to them as his nearest relative (Num. 27:1-11). God exalts those who passionately seek Him in doing His mission.

Accountability for Believing God
The Lord said for Moses to go up the mountain and see the land He had given Israel since he would die like Aaron. The Lord reminded Moses that he rebelled against God by not treating Him  holy before Israel at the waters of Meribah in of Kadesh. Moses asked the Lord to appoint a man to lead Israel so they would not be like sheep without a shepherd. God instructed Moses to lay his hand on Joshua, commission and put some of his authority on him so the congregation would obey him. Joshua would stand before Eleazar who asked for the judgment of Urim before the Lord. At his command they would go out and come in (Num. 27:12-23). God appoints leaders who prayerfully lead the flock so every sheep has a shepherd.

Means for Believing God

The Lord through Moses commanded Israel to present two one-year-old male lambs without defect as a continual burnt offering daily in the morning and at twilight along with a grain offering mixed with oil. At the beginning of each month, present burnt and grain offering mixed with oil to the Lord. Present one male goat for a sin offering to make atonement. On the 14th day of the first mouth they observed the Lord’s Passover with unleavened bread eaten for seven days beginning the following day. On the first and seventh day, they did not work (Num. 28:1-31). God requires daily spiritual disciplines of surrender, confess sins, read His word  and prayer to live out His will.

Commitment for Believing God

In the seventh month of the first day, have a holy convocation to do no work. Offer burnt offerings as a pleasing  aroma to the Lord, grain offering mixed with oil and a sin offering to make atonement as an offering by fire to the Lord. On tenth day of the seventh month, have a holy convocation to humble yourselves and not do any work. Present a continual burnt, grain and sin offering. On the 15th day of the seventh month, have a holy convocation to do no work. Observe a feast to the Lord for seven days and present a continual burnt offering, grain offering mixed with oil and sin offering. On the eighth day, have a solemn assembly to do no work. Present these offerings to the Lord at the appointed times in the tabernacle where God reveals His will besides the vow, freewill, burnt, grain and peace offerings. Moses spoke to Israel what the Lord commanded (Num. 29:1-40). Spend sufficient time with the Lord daily so you discern His will and become a pleasing aroma to Him and others. 

Integrity for Believing God
Moses told the heads of Israel's tribes to not break their word when they make a vow. A woman has a binding obligation when she makes a vow while living in her father's house. The Lord releases her from a vow when her father or husband nullifies the vow. If a husband nullifies them later after hearing about them, he is responsible for her guilt (Num. 30:1-16). Fulfill promises you make to God and others.

 
Ask for the power of the Holy Spirit as you risk believing God using the following blueprint:
1. Motivation: Zealousness for God’s glory motivates prayer to defeat the evil one’s lies and deceptions so you embrace the truth of God's word. 
2. Environment: Obedient families create the environment for children to implement God's mission in the world. 
3. Passion: God exalts those who passionately seek Him in doing His mission. 
4. Accountability: God appoints leaders who prayerfully lead the flock so every sheep has a shepherd. 
5. Means: God requires daily spiritual disciplines of surrender, confess sins, read His word  and prayer to live out His will.  
6. Commitment: Spend sufficient time with the Lord daily so you discern His will and become a pleasing aroma to Him and others.  
7. Integrity: Fulfill promises you make to God and others. 


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Keys to Prosperity (Insights in Psalms)

4/14/2012

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Martin Luther wrote that the three necessary conversions are of the heart, mind and the purse. In Proverbs 11, we examine four ingredients--humble integrity, positive speech, edifying ministry and abundant generosity--  that lead to prosperous outcomes in a family, church, organization or city. 

Humble Integrity
The foundation for success and positive outcomes is humility and integrity.   
Character for Positive Direction: 
1.  Accurate weights delight God
2. Humility leads to wisdom
3.  Integrity guides upright

4.  Delivered from death, trouble and knowledge
5.  Result is straight path
Humility and integrity delivers you from trouble to make your paths straight.

The pathway for failure and negative outcomes is pride and falseness. 
Character for Negative Direction:
1.  False balance
2.  Pride causes dishonor
3.  Falseness destroys them
4.  Riches do not profit in day of wrath
5.  Fall by wickedness
6.  Caught by own greed
7.  Hope of strong men perishes at death (Prov. 11:1-9)

Pride and falseness destroys you through greed.

Positive Speech
Integrity in one's heart causes positive speech and success in a family, church, organization or city.  
Ingredients for Positive Speech: 
1.  City rejoices when it goes well
2.  Glad shouting when wicked perish
3.  City exalted by blessing of upright
4.  Keeps silent and understanding
5.  Conceals a matter and trustworthy
6.  Deliverance with abundance of counselors

A city rejoices and is delivered by righteous and trustworthy counselors. 

Falseness and bad speech cause failure in a family, church, organization or city. 
Ingredients for Negative Speech:
1.  Torn down by mouth of wicked
2.  Destroys neighbor with tongue (Prov. 11:9a)
3.  Despises neighbor and lacks sense

4.  Reveals secrets as a talebearer
5.  Falls with no guidance (Prov. 11:10-14)

A city is torn down and destroyed by gossip and a wicked tongue.

Edifying Ministry

Integrity and good speech create an edifying ministry to others. 
Character of Ministry to Edify Others:

1.  Hate surety to remain safe
2.  Gracious attains honor
3.  Merciful does good to his soul
4.  Sows righteousness gets a true reward
5.  Steadfastness attain to life
6.  Blameless in their walk delivers descendants 
7.  Good desires

Gracious and merciful people who sow righteousness attain life.

Evil causes death in others.
Character of Ministry to Destroy Others: 
1.  Surety for stranger will suffer
2.  Violence attains riches
3.  Cruelty troubles his flesh
4.  Earns deceptive wages
5.  Pursues evil brings death
6.  Perverse in heart will be punished
7.  Lacks taste
8.  Expectation is wrath (Prov. 11: 15-23)

Evil and perverse people who earn deceptive wages experience death.

Abundant Generosity 

Integrity, good speech and edifying ministry create positive outcomes of generosity. 
Description of Prosperous Outcomes: 
1.  Scatters to increase even more
2.  Generosity leads to prosperity and needs satisfied
3.  Blessing on him who sells resources
4.  Seeks good to find favor

5.  Flourishes like green leaf
6.  Fruit is tree of life
7.  Wins souls
8.  Rewarded in the earth

Generous people find favor, life and reward.

Evil and isolation create negative outcomes of need and want. 

Description of Negative Outcomes:
1.  Withholding what is due results in want
2.  Withholding resources results in people cursing
3.  Searches after evil will come to him
4.  Trusting riches will fall
5.  Troubles' own house inherits wind
6.  Servant to wisehearted (Prov. 11:24-31)

Stingy people and those who trust in riches experience want.

Ask God to  empower you toward humble integrity, positive speech, edifying ministry and abundant generosity so your family, church, company and city can experience a prosperous outcome.


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How To Overcome Worthless Things (Insights in Psalms)

9/22/2011

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"O Be Careful Little Eyes What You See" is the first line from a children's Sunday School song. The song warns children to be careful what they see, hear, say, and do. We are affected by everything around us such as foods we eat and drink, medicines we take, books and newspapers we read, television we watch, work we do and people we associate with. It affects our bodies and inner being.

I sing praises of God's lovingkindness and justice while walking in the integrity of my heart. By setting no worthless thing before my eyes, apostasy won't grip me. I silence slander and won't endure arrogance from others (Ps. 101:1-5). Don't allow worthless things come into your heart.  

Those who are faithful will dwell with me and the blameless minister to me. I don't allow deceit and falsehood  to be  established before my eyes. (Ps. 101: 6-8). Associate with blameless people so you can focus on truth.  

Let God answer quickly my cry for help when distress comes. My bones are scorched like a hearth. My heart has withered away and been smitten like grass. My bones cling to my flesh. I'm like a lonely bird on a housetop (Ps. 102:1-7). Be aware of your emotions as you cry out to God in desperation. 

Like eating ashes as bread or mingling my drink with weeping, my enemies deride and curse me. My days are like a lengthened shadow where I wither away like grass (Ps. 102:8-11). Humble yourself when experiencing challenging outward conditions.

In contrast, the Lord abides forever. When grace comes, nations will fear and see God's glory. He has regarded my desperate prayer (Ps. 102:12-17). Offer prayer to God in midst of your desperation to receive His grace and glory.

A future generation will praise the Lord. God has looked down from heaven to hear the groaning of the prisoner and sets free those doomed to death so men may know His glory and serve Him (Ps. 102:18-22). Praise God as He sets you free from bondage to serve Him.

Even though my days are short, God who created heaven and earth endures forever. Even though we wear out like a garment, He changes us and allows our descendants to continue on into the future (Ps. 102:23-28). Allow God to transform and enable you to see spiritual descendants.

Examine the following checklist to help you overcome worthless things you may see, hear, say or do:
1. Associate with blameless people so you can focus on truth

2. Be aware of your emotions are you cry out to God in desperation
3. Humble yourself when experiencing challenging outward conditions
4. Offer prayer to God in midst of your desperation to receive His grace and glory
5. Praise God as He sets you free from bondage to serve Him
6. Allow God to transform and enable you to see spiritual descendants

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Gaining True Accomplishment and Victory (Insights in Prophets)

6/26/2011

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Getting things done in God's kingdom is more than crossing items off your to-do list. Evil spirits fight against your best efforts. Prayer, God's word and integrity are your three primary weapons in the spiritual battle. Your eyes must be open to danger so you can take proper action. You find your purpose and gain true accomplishment and victory by pursuing God's presence. 

Saul and 3,000 men of Israel went to the wilderness of Ziph to search for David. When he saw Saul coming after him, David sent spies knowing Saul was coming. He came to a place where Saul camped (1 Sam. 26:1-5). Keep your eyes open to spiritual danger. 

David asked Ahimelech and Abishai to go with him to Saul at night where they found him sleeping with a spear stuck in the ground. David said to Abishai that killing Saul would cause guilt and ultimately his own death. The Lord forbade him to kill the Lord's anointed but told Abishai to take the spear and jug of water beside Saul's head. No one knew they left because the Lord made Saul and his men sleep soundly  (1 Sam. 26:6-12). Trust God to fight and defeat your spiritual enemies in His time and way.  

David said Abner and his men would die since they failed to protect Saul. David showed him Saul's spear and jug of water that was at his head (1 Sam. 26:13-16). Guard yourself from evil attacks by putting on armor of God. 

David asked Saul why he was being pursued since he hadn't done any evil against him. If the Lord stirred Saul against him, David should make an offering. However, Saul's fleshly motivation in hunting David like a flea would be cursed since it could prevent him from receiving the Lord's inheritance. David would serve other gods apart from the presence of the Lord (1 Sam. 26:17-20). Find your purpose by pursuing God's presence.   

Because Saul realized his sin and that David saw his life as precious, he would not harm David. By not killing Saul, David said the Lord would repay each man for his righteousness and faithfulness.  David said, "May my life be highly valued in the sight of the Lord and may He deliver me from all distress.” Saul told David that he was blessed, would accomplish much and surely prevail (1 Sam. 26:21-25). Obey God to accomplish much in His kingdom. 

Meditate and do the following applications: 
1. Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger
2. Trust God to fight your spiritual enemies in His time and way
3. Guard yourself from evil attacks by putting on armor of God
4. Find your purpose by pursuing God's presence
5. Obey God to accomplish much in His kingdom

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How To Effectively Shepherd God's People (Insights in Psalms)

5/25/2011

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People often think the greatest impact occurs in large congregations where multitudes listen to a sermon on Sunday morning. Multiplication of God's kingdom occurs in small ways. Teaching our children, discipling a few and trusting God for the increase. Certain character qualities ensure success. Ps. 78 explains how you can effectively shepherd God's people.  
 
Listen to God's instruction told by your fathers when He revealed His praise, strength and wondrous works done to the next generation. He commanded fathers to teach God's law to their children so it can be passed on to their children. Instead of a rebellious heart and unfaithful spirit, they would put their confidence in God to keep His commandments and not forget His work (Ps. 78:1-8). Disciple your children so they can teach the next generation.


Ephraim was equipped with bows but deserted in the day of battle by not walking in God's law and forgetting His miracles like parting of the Red Sea. He led them with the cloud by day, fire by night and split rocks to provide water while in the wilderness (Ps. 78:9-16). Follow God's leading and don't desert Him in the day of battle. 

They continued rebelling against the Most High by putting God to the test in their heart. They asked for food according to their desire and questioned whether God would provide food and water in the wilderness. They did not believe in His wonderful works and trust in His salvation even though He opened the doors of heaven and rained down manna to eat. Their days ended in futility and years in sudden terror (Ps. 78:17-33). Guard your heart so you trust in, and not question, God's provision.

The Israelites returned and searched diligently for God when he killed some of them. He forgave their iniquity even though they deceived Him with their mouths and lied with their tongues. They grieved God by tempting Him and forgetting His power during the day of redemption from their adversary in Egypt. He sent plagues, smote all the first-born, led His people like sheep and guided them safely in the wilderness like a flock until the sea destroyed their enemies (Ps. 78:34-53). Control your tongue so you may submit to God's leadership and not lie.

God drove out the nations before them and gave the land as an inheritance to specific tribes of Israel. The Israelites provoked God with their high places and graven images so He killed His people. Young men were destroyed by fire, virgins missed out on marriage, priests fell by the sword and widows couldn't weep (Ps. 78:54-64). Don't worship idols so you can receive an inheritance from God. 

The Lord drove His adversaries backward into eternal reproach. He chose Judah and David His servant to shepherd His people and Israel His inheritance. David shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them with his skillful hands (Ps. 78:65-72). Shepherd others with insight, wisdom, skill and integrity of heart. 

The following explain how to effectively shepherd and teach God's people:
1. Follow God's leading
2. Trust God's provision
3. Control your tongue

4. Don't worship idols
Ask God to equip you in each of these areas. 

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Right Way to Reconcile Fractured Relationships (Insights in Law)

2/12/2011

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Nothing hurts more than fractured relationships with family members or close friends. A ministry partner went behind my back to undermine my ministry. I was devastated. God used similar principles in reconciling my relationship with this individual as He used in reconciling Joseph with his brothers who had sold him into slavery. God sovereignly arranged circumstances  as we enjoyed fellowship with one another in the relaxed atmosphere of watching a Nebraska football game. A perfect storm of timing, integrity, compassion and communication paved the way in reconciling that fractured relationship as with Joseph and his brothers.  

Timing
With a severe famine in Canaan, Israel told his sons to go back to Egypt and buy food. Only by bringing back his brother, Judah said, would they see the man again. Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man you still had another brother?” Judah assured his father that he would bear full responsibility in bringing back his brother (Gen. 43:1-10).  God uses trying circumstances to make offenders' hearts tender and responsive so they reconcile fractured relationships.  

Integrity

Israel said his sons should bring the best products of the land as a present and return twice as much money found in the mouth of the sacks in case it was a mistake. He asked  God Almighty to grant them compassion so this man would release Simeon and let Benjamin come back to him. The brothers, including Benjamin, went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph (Gen. 43:11-15). Integrity tests determine if people will choose character and reconciliation over riches and selfishness. 


Compassion
When Joseph saw Benjamin, he asked that an animal be prepared so they could eat lunch together in his house. The brothers were afraid the money returned in their sacks would provide Joseph opportunity to make them slaves. He reassured them, “Be at ease, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Joseph brought Simeon out, gave them water, washed their feet and fed their donkeys. The brothers prepared the present for Joseph since they heard about eating lunch with him (Gen. 43:16-25). 
The peacemaker who initiates reconciliation must have a compassionate, non-judgmental heart in putting the offending party at ease to improve chances for reconciliation.

Communication
After Joseph received the gift, he asked about their welfare and whether their old father was alive. They answered yes and bowed down in homage. When Joseph saw Benjamin, he was deeply stirred and wept. He served them separately since it was loathsome for Egyptians to eat with Hebrews. The brothers were seated according to their birthright and looked at one another in astonishment. Benjamin’s portion was five times more than the others as they feasted and drank freely with Joseph (Gen. 43:26-34). The peacemaker observes appropriate cultural norms while engaging in free and open communication.  

This passage illustrates Gal. 6:1-5:
1. If you are involved in a broken relationship, look to yourself first.

2. Be gentle & humble while not thinking too highly of yourself. 
3. Bear the other person's burden by initiating the process of reconciliation.
4 Use great sensitivity in communication by asking questions and listening to help the offending party feel more at ease as preparation for reconciliation. 


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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

    ​Overview
    ​Sync pilot lesson 1
    Sync YouTube

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