by Daniel A. Mora | 3 August 2021 | In the prologue to John’s Gospel we find this statement: “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (John 1:11 NIV). On reading that, we first think of the people of Israel—that it was the Jewish people who did […] Source: https://atoday.org/the-religious-establishment-vs-the-gospel/
Wednesday: Doing Relationship God’s Way
Initially Joseph’s story in Egypt takes a positive turn. Joseph has entrusted himself to God, and God blesses Joseph, who rises to heights he would not have imagined in Potiphar’s household.
In what practical ways could God’s blessings be seen in Joseph’s life? What are Joseph’s interpersonal relationships like? Read Genesis 39:1-6.
Although Joseph seems to be getting along very well with Potiphar, and his relationships among the staff in the house and on the field seem to be smooth — trouble is brewing. Someone at home is restless.
What relationship problem is Joseph facing? How does he choose to manage it? Read Genesis 39:7-10.
Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com
Joseph has a problem with Potiphar’s wife. Perhaps we should reformulate that: Potiphar’s wife has a problem. She looks at others as “things” that can be manipulated and used. She wants to “use” Joseph. Joseph is described as “handsome in form and appearance” (Genesis 39:6). The Bible seldom mentions people’s physical traits, because God “does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). In this case Joseph’s good looks seem to be more of a hinderance than a help in his pursuit of purity and faithfulness to God’s principles.
Despite this wicked woman’s insistence, Joseph does something seemingly counterproductive. He applies biblical principles to all relationships — in this case Potiphar’s wife. Biblical principles for relationships are not old-fashioned, as anyone (which is everyone) who has suffered the consequences of sin can attest.
The biblical narrative points out that this is not a one-off temptation. Potiphar’s wife pursued him again and again (Genesis 39:10). Joseph tried explaining his motivation for his decision ( Genesis 39.8-9) but this did not seem to work.
Joseph realizes that he cannot control the choices of others. He decides, however, to live, love, and treat those around him in a way that will honor God. Joseph has learned to live in God’s presence. This knowledge helped him resist temptation.
| Have you tried to apply biblical principles to all your relationships, even those where the other person is not “playing fair”? How did it work out? Read Matthew 5:43-48. Why is it important to live like this? |
Amen!
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6: Finding Rest in Family Ties – Singing with Inspiration
Rest. The word used most frequently in our Sabbath School Lesson pamphlet this quarter. “Thou shalt rest, Thou shalt rest!” These are words repeated each verse of
Hymn 387 – Come, O Sabbath Day, our theme hymn for this quarter.
We could add to the theme
Hymn 529 – Under His Wings. Each week of study, gives more and more of showing God’s deepest care for us, His children. As God’s children we find this week the family has growing pains, and still does today. Yet, we are still “under His wings”.
Our family has evidence that
Blest Be the Tie That Binds – Hymn 350 our hearts in Christian love is the best way to pray together, and stay together. Truly
Hymn 655 – Happy the Home show us the wonders of God being with us.
Sadness is seen in the dysfunctional families in the Bible (and our failing world today), but still our study gives us encouragement that in the end the Biblical families were able to sing
The God of Abraham Praise – Hymn 11. Ellen White points out that “Joseph believed that the God of his fathers would be his God –
Hymn 645 – God of Our Fathers. It was then that “Joseph gave himself fully to the Lord” –
Hymn 572 – Give of Your Best to the Master.
Tuesday points out the fact that “God looks at each of us with glasses tinted with grace” –
Hymn 108 – Amazing Grace and
Hymn 109 – Marvelous Grace.
Joseph continued to grow immensely and we find that he does not yield to temptation as may be sung in our previous hymnal,
Number 498 – Yield Not to Temptation. It was the help received from God that won. We can find this in
Hymn 103 – O God, Our Help.
Blessings to you for a wonderful week ahead.
To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/
Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing, but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.organd in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Amen!(0)
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Aunty, we had six sermons against The One Project!
2 August 2021 | Dear Aunt Sevvy, Recently in my church six sermons were dedicated to informing the congregation of the dangers of The One Project. I happen to think The One Project is doing a wonderful job of presenting Jesus to the world. How can I challenge what happened at this church in a […] Source: https://atoday.org/aunty-we-had-six-sermons-against-the-one-project/
Tuesday: Finding True Self-Worth
If Joseph had entertained any hopes of escaping and finding his way back home, they were dashed on reaching Egypt, where Joseph is resold into a prominent household. Genesis 39:1 tells us that “Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites” (NKJV). Suddenly the young man was thrust into a strange new language and culture.
Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com
Our families and close relationships are pivotal in the development of our self-esteem. Joseph had grown up believing that he was something special — the oldest son of the most beloved wife (Genesis 29:18). He was definitely his father’s favorite, and the only one with a beautiful coat of many colors ( Genesis 37.3-4).
But who was he now? A slave, someone who could be bought or sold at will. Look at how quickly his whole situation changed. Look at how quickly life seemed to have turned on him.
Indeed, Joseph learns the lesson that we all have to learn. If we are dependent on others to tell us what we are worth, then we will be in for a rough ride and be horribly confused, because not everyone is going to appreciate who we are or what we are like. Instead, we need to find our self-worth in what God thinks of us — how God sees us — and not in the roles that we currently have.
How does God see each of us? (Isaiah 43:1; Malachi 3:17; John 1:12; John 15:15; Romans 8:14; 1 John 3.1-2).
God looks at each of us with glasses tinted with grace. He sees a potential, beauty, and talent that we can’t even imagine. Ultimately, He was prepared to die for us so that we could get the opportunity to become all we were created to be. Though showing us our sinfulness and the great price it cost to redeem us from it, the Cross also shows us our great worth and value to God. Regardless of what others think of us or even what we think about ourselves, God loves us and seeks to redeem us from not only the power of sins now but from the eternal death that they bring.
The key question, then, is always the same: How do we respond to the reality of God’s love, as revealed in Jesus Christ?
| There are many groups and individuals telling us to love ourselves as we are and accept ourselves uncritically. Why is this really self-deception? Why is it important that our worth come from outside of ourselves and from the One who made us and knows our true potential? |
Amen!(0)
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