Gleanings From The Word: September 2016

Friday, September 16, 2016

It's All One Story

Only the living can praise you as I do today.

Each generation tells of your faithfulness to the next.
(Isaiah 38:19 NLT)

God is painting a vast mosaic, which depicts a magnificent story. You and I are a part of this picture. Though a tiny scene on this canvas, or a brief paragraph in the story, without them the narrative is incomplete. Those of my generation, the Baby Boomers, need to run the last leg of the race and pass off the baton in a fashion that tells the story of God’s faithfulness to the emerging generation.

Why is it that we hear of rather prominent Christian leaders towards their lives losing their zeal? They become apathetic and sometimes even cynical. Is it because they have lost sight of the fact that their own little corner of the world is not the beginning or the end? The story of redemption runs through the pages of the Bible from the start to the finish. Each part of God’s revelation builds on the previous one; it’s all one story. Jesus told us in John 4: 36-38 that those who sow and those who reap must rejoice together because we get the same reward. Many in my generation may be transitioning to a consulting or supportive role. It may feel like that you have gone from a reaping back to a sowing mode. Can we get behind the next generation with the same zeal and enthusiasm, which we pursued our ministries? The answer to this question will reveal whether it was all about our plans rather than God’s eternal purposes.

My dear brothers and sisters, before we start to feel sorry for ourselves, consider this. You could be more productive in a collaborative role, though it may be behind the scenes. Remember, the Apostle Paul spent a lot of time in prison or house arrest, which resulted in the writing of a significant part of the New Testament. Add to this that the greatest fulfillment does not come from the utilization of our gifts and callings, but hearing God say well done at the judgment seat of Christ. Then both those who sow and those who reap will get the same size trophy. Let’s run to the finish line, rejoicing that God is going to do even greater things for those taking our place. Remember, it’s all one story.

Images used with permission by Microsoft.

Ken Barnes the author of “The Chicken Farm and Other Sacred Places” YWAM Publishing
Email: kenbarnes737@gmail.com
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Monday, September 5, 2016

Surviving The Preparation

Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. (Psalms 105:19 NLT)

Often when God gives us a dream or a promise, the fulfillment is almost always punctuated by a significant waiting period. Why? God is taking this opportunity to prepare us to receive the vision. Unfortunately, some never make it through the preparatory phase.

God gave Joseph a marvelous dream. The sun, the moon and eleven stars bowed down before him, representing his Father, Mother, and Brothers. Before the fulfillment of the dream, his elevation to second in command in all of Egypt, the word of the Lord tested him. When he told his brothers the truth, it invoked jealousy and betrayal. When he lived righteously, he was falsely accused and ended up in bondage. Those he tried to help forgot him. Hardship and disappointment litter his path in seeing his vision become a reality. He learned the character traits needed to rule in Egypt, such as integrity, perseverance, and ingenuity, in the school of hard knocks.

What was the key ingredient that enabled Joseph in the midst of such adversity to see the dream come to reality? It must have been that no matter what happened to him, he believed in the goodness of a sovereign God. Genesis 50:19-20 gives us some insight into Joseph’s thought process when he said to his brothers, “God turned into good what you mean for evil.” Whether in the pit or prison, Joseph believed that God was still in control.

Have you given up on your dream? Have disappointments or ill treatment even by God’s people dampened your faith. You must remember as Joseph did, they may have meant it for harm, but God meant it for good.