February 01, 2021
We all know the extraordinary story of Joseph. God had given Joseph a dream that prophesied his family would all bow down to him one day. His brothers didn't like this thought and plotted a way to get rid of him.
First, they threw him into a pit to leave him to die. Then, they relented and sold him into slavery. Potiphar, the Egyptian, bought him, but soon he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. It just seemed like Joseph could not get ahead. But, in each of these places, God prospered him because "The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man." (Genesis 39:2)
We have no record of this, but at the lowest points of his life—in the pit, in slavery, and the Egyptian prison, Joseph must have had some thoughts that God had forgotten him and that God's promises to him would never be fulfilled.
But when was the promised accomplished? When he was raised to honor before Pharoah? No, it was always being fulfilled! Each of these circumstances was part of the pathway to fulfillment.
God has made promises to His followers (over 7,000 in His word). We may doubt it during dark times, but those times may not be hindrances to the fulfillment, but the pathways. Don't doubt in the darkness what God has told you in the light. He cannot lie and is always faithful to His promises to us!
Father, thank You for making promises to those who follow You … my circumstances do not hinder Your promises. You will weave it all together for good as I follow You. Help me to fully embrace your path and continually trust in Your promises to me.
March 29, 2023
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
March 28, 2023
March 27, 2023
