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Develop Closer Relationships Between Fathers and Children (Insights in Prophets)

4/28/2013

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To release God's healing for closer heart relationships between fathers and children, surrender your heart to teach whole Bible so you create desire for instruction, unified marriage, purified people, hate oppression, give financially to God's kingdom and expect God to write a scroll of remembrance.  

Surrender Your Heart to Show God's Greatness
Malachi told Israel that God showed love by loving Jacob and hating Esau. He turned his mountains into a wasteland called The Wicked Land.  God continually demolished it to prove His greatness to Israel. They did not honor and respect God like a son to His father. The priests despised His name by sacrificing crippled or diseased animals on the altar they would not offer to their governor. God was displeased and found these useless fires unacceptable. They shamed and cheated Him by sacrificing blemished animals instead of offering acceptable males they vowed to give. Israel was to show nations that God was to be feared as a great king (Mal. 1:1-14). Surrender your heart to show God's greatness to unbelievers.

Teach Whole Bible to Create Desire for Instruction
If priests did not set their heart to listen or honor God, He sent a curse and cut off their descendants. He made a covenant of life and peace with Levi so they could reverence His name. True instruction was in his mouth as he walked in peace and uprightness turning many from sin. Priests should preserve knowledge so men would seek instruction from the messenger of the Lord Almighty. But they turned from the way, violated the covenant with Levi and their teaching caused many to stumble. God caused them to be despised and humiliated before everyone since they did not follow His ways showing partiality in matters of the law (Mal. 2:1-9). Teach whole Bible to turn people from sin and create desire for instruction. 

Guard Your Spirit for Unified Marriage to Bear Godly Offspring
Judah broke faith with one another by marrying the daughter of a foreign god. God did not accept their offerings because they broke their marriage bond through divorce. He sought godly offspring from the one flesh relationship between husband and wife. Husbands who guarded their spirit prevented breaking faith with the wife of their youth since God hated divorce (Mal. 2:10-16). Guard your spirit for unified marriage to bear godly offspring.

Participate with God to Purify His People and Hate Oppression
They wearied Him saying those who did evil were pleasing to Him and questioning whether there was a God of justice. No one could stand the refiner's fire of God's coming as He purified the Levites like gold and silver. Judah's and Jerusalem's righteous offerings would be acceptable. God would judge sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers. He was against those who defrauded laborers of their wages, oppressed the widows and fatherless, and deprived aliens of justice without fearing God (Mal. 2:17-3:5). Participate with God to purify His people and hate oppression of others.

Give Financially to God's Kingdom and Reap His Blessing
His people should return to God and His word so He would return to them. He cursed Israel because they robbed Him of tithes and offerings. Bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse brought food into His house. By testing Him, they saw Him open the floodgates of heaven to pour out so much blessing that there was no room for it. He prevented pests from devouring crops and fruit from their  fields. All nations called them blessed in a delightful land (Mal. 3:6-12). Give financially to God's kingdom and reap His blessing.

Expect God to Write a Scroll of Remembrance By Fearing Him
Israel said it was futile to serve God since evildoers prospered and those who challenged God escaped. The Lord listened and wrote a scroll of remembrance for people who feared Him and talked with each other. He distinguished between those who served God as His treasured possession and those who did not (Mal. 3:13-18). Expect God to write a scroll of remembrance by fearing Him.

Release God's Healing for Closer Heart Relationships Between Fathers and Children 
A day would come to burn the arrogant and every evildoer. For those who revered God's name, the sun of righteousness would rise with healing so they leaped like calves released from the stall. They trampled down the wicked like ashes under their feet. Malachi commanded Israel to remember the law God gave Moses at Horeb. He would send Elijah before the dreadful day of the Lord to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and hearts of children to their fathers or else curse the land (Mal. 4:1-6). Release God's healing for closer heart relationships between fathers and children.


To release God's healing for closer heart relationships between fathers and children:
1. Surrender your heart to teach whole Bible
2. Turn people from sin
3. Create desire for instruction
4. Guard your spirit for unified marriage
5. Bear godly children
6. Participate with God to purify His people
7. Hate oppression of others
8. Give financially to God's kingdom and reap His blessings
9. Expect God to write a scroll of remembrance

 


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Ingredients for Powerful Discipleship Ministry (Insights in NT)

10/6/2012

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We should not ask, "What is wrong with the world?" for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, "What has happened to the salt and light?" (John R. W. Stott). 


Paul asked that prayer for unity in Christ and hope in the Holy Spirit empowered the proclamation of the gospel so people were transformed in their character, knowledge and ministry. His plan considered spiritual, emotional and financial resources, ministry relationships and wise counsel required to disciple people so they believed and obeyed God's word in the context of community. These are the ingredients for a powerful discipleship ministry through the local church.

Pray for Endurance and Unity in Christ
Please your neighbor for his good by building him up. The insults you face have fallen on Christ. The Scriptures teach and provide endurance and encouragement so we have hope. Let’s pray that God who provides endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity as you follow Christ for His glory (Rom. 15:1-6). Pray that God provides endurance, encouragement and unity in Christ as revealed in the Bible.

Pray for Joy, Peace and Hope in Holy Spirit
Accept one another as Christ has accepted you. Christ became a servant of the Jews to confirm the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob so the Gentiles would glorify God like David and Moses. Isaiah prophesied that Christ would rule over the nations so the Gentiles would hope in Him. Let’s pray the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:7-13). Pray that God fills you with joy and peace as you trust in Him so you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Proclaim Gospel to Develop People Completely

You are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Paul was a minister of Christ Jesus in proclaiming the gospel of God so Gentiles could be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. He spoke of nothing except what Christ accomplished through him in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what he said and did through the power of the Holy Spirit in miracles. From Jerusalem to Illyricum, Paul fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ where He was not known to not build upon someone else’s  foundation (Rom. 15:14-21). Proclaim fully the gospel of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit so people are transformed in their character, knowledge and ministry.  

Plan Every Aspect of Your Ministry 
Paul planned to spend time and have the Romans assist him on his way to Spain. His short-term goal was to take a contribution from Macedonia and Achaia to the poor saints in Jerusalem. He wanted the Gentiles to share materially with the Jews since they had shared in their spiritual blessings. Paul asked them to join in his struggle by praying that he be rescued from Judean unbelievers and the Jerusalem saints would find his service acceptable. He desired to come to Rome with joy and to be refreshed with them (Rom. 15:22-33). Plan for the spiritual, emotional and financial resources to carry out your ministry. 

Develop Close Ministry Relationships 
Paul commended Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea, to receive help since she ministered to many people. He asked them to greet Priscilla and Aquila, Paul's fellow workers in Christ, who risked their lives for him and the Gentile churches. Paul asked that they greet the church that met in their home, the first convert to Christ in Asia, relatives in prison with him who were outstanding among the apostles and others who worked hard in the Lord (Rom. 16:1-16). Develop close relationships with ministry team members.

Pursue Wisdom in Fulfilling Your Ministry
Watch and keep away from those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way contrary to the teaching you learned. They deceive the minds of naive people through smooth talk and flattery. Be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet since the grace of Jesus is with you (Rom. 16:17-20). Pursue wisdom, stay away from division and deception, and trust God to crush Satan under your feet.

Disciple People in God's Word Through Community
Paul mentioned that Timothy and his relatives, Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, sent their greetings. Tertius wrote the letter and greeted them in the Lord. Gaius and the whole church he enjoyed sent their greetings. Erasus, the city's public works director, and Paul's brother Quartus sent their greetings. He prayed that God would establish them in his proclamation of the gospel through the prophetic writings so all nations would believe and obey God to the glory of Christ (Rom. 16:21-27). Disciple people to believe and obey God's word in the context of community. 

Here are seven ingredients for a powerful discipleship ministry through the local church from Rom. 15-16:

1. Pray that God provides endurance, encouragement and unity in Christ as revealed in the Bible
2. Pray that God fills you with joy and peace as you trust in Him so you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
3. Proclaim fully the gospel of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit so people are transformed in their character, knowledge and ministry 
4. Plan for the spiritual, emotional and financial resources to carry out your ministry
5. Develop close relationships with ministry team members

6. Pursue wisdom, stay away from division and deception, and trust God to crush Satan under your feet
7. Disciple people to believe and obey God's word in the context of community 



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Seek Genuine Relationships with the Poor (Insights in Psalms)

6/25/2012

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"Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty... acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours" (J. I. Packer).
The wise nourish others with their speech and seek genuine relationships with the poor. To do this, we need God's perspective. 

The words of a person with sound wisdom and understanding speech bring nourishment like deep waters and a bubbling brook. Dishonor and reproach lead a person to separate himself, reveal his own mind, being partial to the wicked and rejecting righteous judgments. In contrast to nourishing words, his words bring strife, blows, ruin and ensnare others through gossip (Prov. 18:1-8). The wise nourish others through their words, but the wicked ruins others through gossip and revealing their own mind.

The lazy or prideful person reaps destruction, thinking that his wealth is security. The righteous or humble person reaps honor and runs to safety in God. He listens before he answers and acquires knowledge by considering both sides of an argument.  He opens doors to great men through gifts. Knowing that death and life are in the power of the tongue, he speaks carefully without offense (Prov. 18:9-21). The wise speak carefully and find their security in God instead of wealth.

The righteous or humble person finds favor from the Lord through his wife. He prays fervently because His closest friend is the Lord (Prov. 18:22-24). The humble develops strong relationships with God and his or her spouse. 

A person with integrity refuses perverse speech. Their insight and wisdom prevent sin. A fool rages against the Lord and his wealth only brings superficial friendships. Lies lead to certain punishment. A generous man has many friends, but people avoid and hate the poor (Prov. 19:1-7). A generous man with integrity seeks genuine relationships with the poor. 


A wise person loves his soul and finds good. False witnesses and liars receive punishment and perish as a result. Luxury and ruling over princes are not fitting for fools. Discretion makes people slow to anger as they  overlook a transgression (Prov. 19:8-11). A wise person loves his soul by finding good, being slow to anger and overlooking a transgression.

The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion but favor like dew on the grass. A foolish son is destruction to his father, but house and wealth are inheritance from fathers. Contentions of a wife are a constant dripping, but a prudent wife is from the Lord (Prov. 19:12-14). Blessings from God include a prudent wife, inheritance from fathers and favor of a king.

Idleness creates deep sleep, hunger and even death because of carelessness. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul. By being gracious to the poor, you lend to the Lord who repays any good deed. Discipline your son and don't desire his death. You have to rescue an angry man repeatedly. Wisdom comes as you listen to counsel and accept discipline. Man plans his way, but God's counsel stands. Kindness is desirable and the fear of the Lord leads to life so you are untouched by evil (Prov. 19:15-23). Listen to counsel, keep the commandment and be kind so you can live without evil.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish without bringing it back to his mouth. Strike a scoffer and the naive become shrewd. Reprove someone with understanding and he will discern knowledge. You stray from knowledge by not listening to discipline. Rods are prepared for scoffers and blows for backs of fools (Prov. 19:24-29). Reprove those with understanding so they can discern knowledge, but strike scoffers.


Have you rejected the world's perspectives on wealth?
Are you seeking to nourish others through your words?
Are you seeking genuine relationships with the poor to increase their opportunities for advancement?
Do you listen to counsel to gain more understanding?
Do you reprove others so they can gain discernment?


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How to Make the World Better (Insights in Psalms)

3/29/2012

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J. Arthur Lewis wrote, "Do you ever sit down and wonder what is wrong with the world? Do you ever ask yourself why it is that Christians seem to have so little influence, why they seem to achieve so little, for all their numbers, in putting the world right? To each of those two questions there is ultimately but one answer. It is this: we lack the mind of Christ." The characteristics and relationships of wisdom show how to make the world better.  

Characteristics of Wisdom
Wisdom and understanding speak truth and righteousness to all humankind so they can discern prudence. Wisdom is not crooked or perverted, but straightforward and right. Wisdom and knowledge are better than gold, silver and jewels. Nothing compares with wisdom (Prov. 8:1-11). The character of wisdom is truth and discernment.


 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, arrogance and the perverted mouth. Wisdom enables kings to reign and rulers to decree justice. Those who diligently seek wisdom find it. The fruit of wisdom is riches, honor, enduring wealth and righteousness (Prov. 8:12-21). The fruit of wisdom is riches, honor and righteousness. 

The Lord possessed wisdom before creation. Wisdom was present when He established the heavens. Wisdom was a master workman beside God. Wisdom rejoiced in the world and delighted daily in humankind (Prov. 8:22-31). The action of wisdom is becoming a master workman. 

Blessed is the man who listens to me, waiting daily at My doorposts. He will find life and obtain favor from the Lord. He who sins against wisdom injures himself. Those who hate wisdom love death (Prov. 8:32-36). The source of wisdom is waiting and listening to God.


Wisdom has built her house, hewn out seven pillars, prepared food and mixed wine. She calls from the tops of the heights of the city. Wisdom says to forsake folly and live by proceeding in the way of understanding (Prov. 9:1-6). The voice of wisdom is forsaking folly and  pursuing understanding.

Relationships of Wisdom
Correct a scoffer to get dishonor and hate.  Reprove the wicked and get insults.  Reprove the wise and he will love you. Teach a righteous man and he will be wiser and increase his learning (Prov. 9:7-9). Relationship with others leads to teaching the righteous for increased wisdom and learning.


The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  Wisdom lengthens your life span (Prov. 9:10-12). Relationship with God begins wisdom and lengthens life.
 
The woman of folly is boisterous, naive and knows nothing. She calls to those passing by saying, "Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." He does not know that the dead are there and her guests are in the depths of Sheol (Prov. 9:13-18). Relationship with an adulteress undermines moral purity.  

Which of the underlined characteristics of wisdom seem most influential in making the world better? Which of the relationships of wisdom must you improve to make the world better? 


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Unforgiveness Destroys Relationships (Insights in Prophets)

11/11/2011

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One ministry leader concluded that 90 percent of all health, marital, family and financial problems came from unforgiveness. In David's family, unforgiveness destroyed relationships by causing isolation, distance, desperation and acting out. Like David, God brings people in your life to convict you of sin and provide wisdom so you can discern between good and evil in doing the right thing. 

Joab brought a wise woman to David so he would be encouraged to forgive his son, Absalom, who killed his brother, Amnon. While mourning for the dead, she told a story about her family wanting to take revenge by killing a son who murdered his brother (2 Sam. 14:1-7). God brings people in your life to convict you of sin. 


The woman said iniquity was in her house. David made an oath that she would be protected. She told David to "remember the Lord his God, so that the avenger of blood may not continue to destroy, lest they destroy my son" (2 Sam. 14:8-11). Satan uses the sin of unforgiveness to destroy family relationships.

She asked David why he wouldn't bring back and forgive Absalom. The woman encouraged David that like the angel of God, he was able to discern good and evil. She admitted that Joab arranged for her to see David, described as wise like the angel of God who knew everything in the earth (2 Sam. 14:12-20). God provides wisdom for discerning between good and evil in doing the right thing. 

David told Joab to bring back Absalom, but was forced to stay in own house without seeing his father (2 Sam. 14:21-24). Unforgiveness causes isolation and distance in relationships. 

No one was more handsome than Absalom with no defect and long hair. He had three sons, including one beautiful daughter named Tamar. Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing David. Because Joab didn't come after Absalom sent for him, his servants set Joab's fields on fire. Joab finally came so Absalom could see David. Absalom prostated himself and David kissed him (2 Sam. 14:25-33). Unforgiveness causes the one sinned against to be desperate and act out.


Is there anyone that you must forgive for something they did against you or someone close to you? 
Confess your unforgiving spirit as sin and forgive from your heart. 

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Benefits of Close Relationships with God and Others (Insights in Prophets)

7/16/2011

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How pleasant for brothers to dwell in unity (Ps. 133).  Selfishness and unreconciled relationships cause death, bitterness and conflicts.  But obedience to God, love and friendship lead to reward, exaltation and victory. I have experienced both sides of the equation. There is no comparison between the two. Unfortunately, Israel and Judah became enemies and both suffered as a result. However, David was a shining exception who benefited from close relationships with God and others. 

David learned of Saul and Jonathan's death from a man who said he killed Saul after he was severely wounded. The man said he took Saul's crown and bracelet and brought them to David. He 
and his men tore their clothes, mourned, wept and fasted until evening over the deaths of Saul, Jonathan and house of Israel. After David asked the young man why is he was not afraid to destroy the Lord's anointed, he was killed (2 Sam. 1:1-16). Seeking reward for selfish purposes leads to death.


David chanted a lament over Saul and Jonathan and told them to teach Judah this song. "Your beauty , O Israel, is slain on your high places! How have the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, . . . lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. . . . I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women. . . ." (2 Sam. 1:17-27). Friendship and love are life's greatest reward. 

The Lord told David he should go to Hebron after asking what He should do. David, his two wives and men with him, all lived in the cities of Hebron. Men of Judah anointed David king over house of Judah. David sent messengers to Jabesh-gilead to bless them for burying Saul (2 Sam. 2:1-7). Obedience to God leads to exaltation. 

Abner, Saul's commander, made Ish-bosheth, son of Saul, king over Israel, for two years. House of Judah followed David in Hebron for seven years and six months. Abner's men met Joab's men and had a contest with 12 each for Benjamin & Ish-bosheth and David's servants. The battle was severe and David's servants defeated Abner and Israel's men (2 Sam. 2:8-17). Obedience to God leads to victory.

The brothers, Joab, Abishai and Asahel, were present with the latter pursuing Abner. When he didn't listen to Abner's warning to stop following him, Asahel was killed. Joab and Abishai pursued Abner and he asked whether the sword would devour forever resulting in bitterness. Joab blew the trumpet to stop the fighting. Twenty of David's servants and 360 of Abner's men (Israel) were killed (2 Sam. 2:18-32). Unreconciled relationships lead to bitterness and conflicts.

Answer the following questions to access whether you will experience reward, exaltation and reward:
1. Are you prioritizing your relationship with God?
2. Do you listen to God's instructions from His word?
3. Do you refuse selfishness in your pursuit of reward?
4. Do you have close friends? 
5. Do you seek to reconcile relationships in the midst of conflict?
For any "no" answers, ask God to transform you so you can answer "yes".

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How Offenders Reconcile Relationships (Insights in Law)

2/26/2011

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The biggest obstacle for reconciliation of fractured relationships is selfishness. A husband and wife let bitterness build a wall between them so they won't talk or allow anger to drive them apart. Hardened hearts cause selfishness and becomes the wedge to break up relationships, including marriages, families and churches. A peacemaker takes advantage of timing, integrity, compassion and communication in reconciling  fractured relationship as you saw with Joseph and his brothers (Gen. 43).  For reconciliation to occur, examine how his brothers took responsibility and grieved over their sin in addition to a broken and contrite spirit with compassion for others. It's a model for you to follow in reconciling with broken relationships.

Offenders Take Responsibility for Sin
Joseph commanded his house steward to fill his brothers' sacks with food and put his cup in Benjamin’s sack. Joseph told his house steward to follow and say to the men after catching up with them, “Why have you repaid evil for good? Is not this the one from which the lord drinks, and which he indeed uses for divination? You have done wrong in doing this?” (Gen. 44:1-5). Obedience tests lead unreconciled offenders to take responsibility for their sin.

Offenders Grieve Over Sin
Joseph’s brothers denied stealing the money from his house. The brothers agreed that he who was found with the money should be killed and the rest become slaves. Joseph said that the person who had the money would be his slave and rest innocent. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, they tore their clothes in grief and returned to the city (Gen. 44:6-13). Obedience tests motivate unreconciled offenders to grieve over sin. 

Offenders Have Broken and Contrite Spirit

Judah and his brothers fell to the ground before Joseph. He asked his brothers: “What is this deed that you have done? Do you not know that such a man as I can indeed practice divination?” Judah didn’t know what to say since he realized they couldn’t justify themselves because God knew their sin. Joseph said that Benjamin would be his slave and the other brothers were to “go up in peace to your father” (Gen. 44:14-17). Critical step in reconciliation of broken family relationships is offenders having a broken and contrite spirit.

Offenders Have Compassion for Others

Judah asked Joseph not to make Benjamin his slave. Grief over losing his beloved son would cause him to die. Judah argued that they fulfilled Joseph’s desire by bringing Benjamin back to him. If he didn't return to his father, Jacob would see it as evil and blame Judah. He begged Joseph to let him remain in Egypt instead of Benjamin and said, "For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest I see the evil that would overtake my father?” (Gen. 44:18-34). Another critical step in reconciliation of broken family relationships is offenders having compassion for others instead of being selfish.

Answer the following questions regarding an unreconciled relationship that you face: 
1. Have you taken responsibility for your sin?
2. Have you grieved over your sin?
3. Do you have a broken and contrite spirit?
4. Do you have compassion for others?


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Pressure Helps Restore Fractured Relationships (Insights in Law)

2/6/2011

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Fractured relationships occur in families, churches and businesses. Husband and wives selfishly try to get their own way or become self-sufficient, which if not checked, leads to emotional or physical divorce. A parent shows favoritism to a son or daughter and the less favored sibling experiences deep hurt and isolation. A pastor and his church board don't communicate, so they go in two separate directions resulting in gossip and more fractured relationships throughout the congregation. A boss tries to control his subordinates instead of praising them for what they do good. As a result, performance suffers leading to more controlling behavior and eventual breaking up of the relationship through dismissal or resignation. The family of Jacob and his 12 sons is a case study on how to reconcile broken relationships, which can be applied anywhere, especially in families.
  
Jacob told his sons to buy grain from Egypt so they could survive during the famine in Canaan. Benjamin stayed behind as Jacob wanted to protect him. Joseph was ruler over Egypt and sold grain to all the people. He disguised himself after recognizing his brothers who bowed down to him. He spoke harshly and asked where they came from (Gen. 42:1-7). God sovereignly arranges circumstances that apply pressure to open peoples' hearts in reconciling fractured relationships. 


Joseph remembered the dreams he had about his brothers and accused them of being spies. His brothers addressed their brother as lord and said they were servants coming to buy bread honestly, not as spies. They shared their family background, including the youngest son left in Canaan and one brother dead. Joseph repeated his accusation that they were spies and would be tested by the life of Pharaoh: they would not leave until their youngest brother, Benjamin, would come to Egypt. One brother would be sent to get Benjamin and while imprisoning the other brothers for three days to test whether they were telling the truth (Gen. 42:8-17). One person must take the initiative to determine whether people are genuinely open to reconciliation.

On the third day of his brothers’ imprisonment, Joseph said one of them must remain in prison while the rest carry grain to bring Benjamin to him so their words could be verified and not die. They followed Joseph’s orders and said to one another: “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen, therefore this distress has come upon us.” Reuben responded with a ‘I told you so’ and saw it as "reckoning for his blood.” The brothers did not know that Joseph understood their conversations because of a interpreter. He wept, took Simeon and bound him before their eyes (Gen. 42:18-24). Ask God for wisdom in devising a test to determine whether the offending party has a repentant heart.  

Joseph filled their bags, restored every man’s money in his sack and gave them provisions for the journey. When the brothers found money returned in the mouth of the sack, their hearts sank and trembling to one another, they said, “What is this that God has done to us?” They recounted to their father, Jacob, everything that occurred in Egypt. It became another test devised by Joseph to determine if they would "bring your youngest brother so Joseph may know you are honest" (Gen. 42:25-34). God applies pressure so people see the consequences of their disobedience, which leads to reflection and sorrow over sin in order to reconcile fractured relationships.

Jacob and his sons became dismayed when they saw bundles of money in their sacks. Jacob said they had bereaved him of Joseph and Simeon and now wanted to take Benjamin. Reuben reassured his father that he would kill his two sons if he didn’t bring back Benjamin. Jacob said: “My son shall not go down with you: for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If harm should befall him on the journey you are taking, then you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow” (Gen. 42:35-38).  God uses fear to get peoples’ attention so they will consider their bad choices, be prepared to reconcile fractured relationships and take corrective action toward restoration.  


If you are experiencing a broken relationship with someone, do the following:
1. Ask God to open the heart of the offending party for reconciliation.
2. Pray for God's wisdom on when and how to approach that person to motivate them toward reconciliation. 
3. Ask God to bring necessary pressure to create sorrow for sin that leads to repentance in the offending party (2 Cor. 7:9-10).

4. Ask God to reveal the bad choices, be prepared to  reconcile fractured relationships and take correction action toward restoration. 

 


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Repairing Breaches in Relationships (Insights in Prophets)

12/22/2010

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Ever since Adam and Eve, we face breaches or disunity in relationships. There are between husbands and wives, parents and children, in the church and between various cultures in our cities. In the times of Judges, we see many examples, especially in the concluding two chapters of this book. 

Israel from Dan to Beersheba, including Gilead, assembled as one man to Lord at Mizpah. The chiefs took their stand in the assembly, 400,000 foot soldiers who drew the sword. Israel asked the Levite how this wickedness occurred. He explained that men of Gibeah intended to kill him but instead, ravished his concubine so she died. The Levite cut and sent her pieces throughout Israel to show this lewd and disgraceful thing. He asked Israel for advice and counsel (Judges 20:4-7)

The people decided to send ten percent of the people selected by lot to go up to Gibeah and supply food for people so they could punish them for disgraceful acts committed in Israel (Judges 20:8-17). Seeking revenge can lead to killing our brothers.

 Israel went up to Bethel and inquired of God, “Who shall go up to battle against sons of Benjamin?” Lord said, “Judah shall go first.” Benjamin killed 22,000 men of Israel. They encouraged themselves and arrayed for battle again in same place as first day. They wept before Lord until evening and inquired of Lord, “Shall we again draw near for battle against Benjamin?” Lord said “Go up against him.” Israel was defeated again and fasted that day until evening by offering burnt and peace offerings before the Lord. They went up again at Lord’s command, but Benjamin did not know that disaster was coming (Judges 20:18-34). Include God in our planning and don’t trust in your resources or righteous cause.

 Men of Israel swore that none shall give his daughter to Benjamin in marriage. People came to Bethel and sat before God until evening, lifted up voices and wept bitterly about why one tribe should be missing. Early the next day, they offered burnt and peace offerings and asked, “What shall we do for wives without husbands?” (Judges 21:1-7). Making snap decisions without prayer and reflection leads to bad outcomes. Time with God imparts compassion and allows you to think more clearly.

Not one of the tribe of Jabesh-gilead came up to Lord at Mizpah. Whole congregation spoke to Benjamin at rock of Rimmon and proclaimed peace to them. They gave them women whom they kept alive from women of Jabesh-gilead. People were sorry for Benjamin because Lord had made a breach in the tribes of Israel (Judges 21:8-15).

Benjamin took wives according to their number from those who danced, whom they carried away. And they returned to their inheritance, rebuilt the cities and lived in them (Judges 21:16-25). Even though couples are what God uses to rebuild cities, the end doesn't justify the means. 


Repairing breaches or disunity between people involve the following actions: 
1. Forgiving spirit instead of taking revenge
2. Including God in your planning instead of trusting in your resources or righteous case
3. Spending time in listening prayer instead of making snap decisions
4. Asking God for wisdom instead of believing the end justify the means

Which of these four actions will you apply in order to repair a breach in a relationship or in more broadly, in your church or city?


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God Restores Fractured Relationships (Insights in Law)

12/15/2010

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My wife and I had a disagreement over a theological issue that threatened our marriage. Neither of us wanted to give in. Our relationship was going from bad to worse. We finally humbled our hearts and asked each other forgiveness. God poured out His supernatural grace. It was the defining moment in our marriage. One of the most difficult and heart wrenching situations in life is restoring a fractured relationship. Conversely, one of the happiest moments in life is experiencing the joy of a relationship restored.  Unless takes the initiative, you don't have a chance. 

Gen. 32 illustrates the process of a relationship being restored between Jacob and his brother, Esau. As Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met Jacob and he said, “This is God’s camp." The meaning is two armies (Gen. 32:1-2). God  reveals strategy for battle in the midst of our mundane experiences.

Jacob sent messengers and commanded them to tell Esau that Jacob sojourned with Laban and had cattle and servants sent to find favor in Esau's sight. The returning messengers told Jacob that Esau was bringing 400 men (Gen. 32:3-6). The first step in restoring a broken relationship is approaching the offended party humbly and openly to show you are serious about reconciliation.

Because Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed, he divided the people with him and flocks into two companies so one could escape if the other was attacked.
 Jacob recalled God's word for him to return to his country where he could prosper. He acknowledged his unworthiness of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness. Jacob's fear of Esau motivated him to ask for God's deliverance. He claimed God's promise: "I will surely prosper you, and make descendants as sand of sea which can’t be numbered for multitude” (Gen. 32:7-12). Claiming God's word gives you the power and courage to be obedient in restoring relationships.

Jacob selected many cattle and commanded his servants to bring them as a present to appease Esau so he would be accepted (Gen. 32:13-23). Following through in restoring relationships shows humility and honor. 


Then Jacob was left alone and a man wrestled so hard with him until daybreak that his thigh was dislocated. Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The angel renamed him Israel for he had striven with God and men and prevailed. Jacob acknowledged that he saw God face-to-face and his life had been preserved (Gen. 32:24-30). Claiming God’s promise for deliverance involves violent wrestling with Him in prayer to demonstrate our complete reliance on Him.


Realize that God takes the initiative and provides the strategy on how to reconcile critically damaged relationships. Is God telling you to reconcile with someone? If so, follow God's direction humbly in approaching the offended party.  Claim God's word to give you power and courage such as Gal. 6:1. Spending time wrestling with God until you see Him face to face changes you and the situation.



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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.

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