In studying Genesis 19 a while back, a lesson learned is how we can feel protected just like Lot was in the passage. We can also feel confident that because God is with us, the future will work out.
This day with God, let us take in the lessons of this day and look forward to amazing lessons of tomorrow. Let us be optimistic because He is with us to protect and watch over us wherever we are. Here is a poem with these thoughts in mind: Poise and Joys.
In the post Bless with Gentleness, it was explained that Joseph never considered taking revenge on his brothers or those who placed him in prison. He was kind and respectful and this influenced those around him in a positive way. The result was the favor of the Lord and success in whatever he did.
Just like God showed us mercy and kindness which led to positive results, we can also influence those around us in a positive way. This day with God, let us use this video to inspire acts of kindness and mercy towards others: Kindness – Todd Agnew.
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:31-32
After the death of Jacob, we read in Genesis 50 that Joseph requested that his father be buried in the land of Canaan. Since Joseph was in good standing with Pharaoh, he was granted his wish. So Joseph, along with his brothers and the servants of Pharaoh took the embalmed body of Jacob to the land of Canaan to be buried.
Upon their return to Egypt, Joseph’s brothers were concerned that he would take revenge on them for what they had done in the past. Joseph didn’t take revenge but instead explained that God had used the situation to help save their people. He reassured his brothers; blessing them with gentleness and telling them that their families would be provided for.
Joseph influenced those around him with his gentleness and compassion. We should strive to do the same when wronged. The best thing we can do when someone hurts us in some way is to forgive. What holds us back is when we let a past discomfort affect our future.
What we make happen for others will be given back to us. As is the case with Joseph, life can throw us some curve balls but at the end of it all, our thoughts of someday being with the Lord in paradise outshines the difficulties we face from time to time. So this day with God, give a smile and a smile will be given back; act kind and receive kindness back from others.
A lie the world tells us is to do things on our own without any help. Make things as complicated and difficult as possible so that character will be built through struggle. But maybe things in the technological age are complicated enough. How about working together, receiving the help God gives in Christ, and accepting the obvious as truth.
In the post Thoughts of Life Leading to Meaning and Purpose, Jacob gathered his sons together as he was in his last days and gave a talk to his sons on their character traits. It’s always important to listen to others, pray for direction, and make adjustments along the journey.
We all need a strategy and road map along the journey so it’s important to reflect on the past, come to the Lord in praise, have a heart of worship and realize it’s all about Jesus. Today’s video speaks about this approach: Heart of Worship – Matt Maher.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Throughout his life, God spoke to Jacob in visions so he had the ability to predict or forecast the future. Jacob gives his last words to his sons as they gather around his bed in Genesis 49. Jacob goes over the past and puts value on their character. For example: Some of the sons would be blessed and others would be cursed. He saw Judah as a leader. Joseph, a prince among his brothers. Benjamin, a ravenous wolf that devours his prey.
In a way, it was like his sons were standing before the judgment seat. One day, we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. We should want to be remembered for attributes that impact the world in a positive way. The pathway set before us leads to that which is pure and good and lovely.
Biblical principles are principles for life that provide the stepping stones to where we need to go. Our experiences also provide guidance for the future. Use negative experiences not as stop signs but as guidelines so as to learn from the past and lead to a brighter future. Reflect about your past and what the heavenly Father may say concerning your life. Take the initiative at applying His word.
This day with You Lord, help to refine our character as we study great people of the Bible and the saints of past history. Provide assistance in understanding as we hunger for Your spiritual food; taking in what is good for the body and soul so that our life is full of meaning and purpose.
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 
