For The Glory Of God

When I come to the end of Genesis, I am always amazed at the words of Joseph when he says "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."(Gen. 50:20)
In Romans 8:28 Paul writes "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose."
What an awesome thing it is to know, that in every situation in life, God is in control and God is working for the good of those who love Him. When Joseph was sold into slavery, when Joseph was in the prison, I don't think he knew what God had in store for him. God was working, and God was doing what was best for Joseph and for everyone involved.
Too often, we only believe that God is working when things are going according to our plans. God's agenda is better than my agenda and in all things God works. He prepares paths and He prepares me, and in His time we go from the prison to the palace, for His glory.
My task is to stay faithful, My task is to offer myself to Him each day, and when that day comes, My task is to tell what The Lord has done.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Blessings

Have you ever noticed how God always brings about a blessing just when you need it and you have no reason to expect it?
A few warm days in the middle of winter. A call from a friend that you haven't heard from in years. I think God loves to surprise us with blessings.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah is running for his life, and God sends a blessing, in the form of an angel, to feed him and send him on his way.
We don't read of Elijah giving thanks to God for the blessing, and I am afraid, in our lives we don't thank God enough for the blessings we enjoy so often.
Make it your goal this week to stop from time to time and just give thanks for the great love He has shown.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Change

Who would have ever thought 40 years ago that we would be buying water in bottles like we used to buy soda? Who would have thought that we would be wearing helmets just to ride a bike? Who would have thought that we would be wearing our phones on our hips? Who would have thought that a computer could fit in your hand?
Change is inevitable, but not all change is good.
Who would have thought that prayer would ever become controversial? Who would have thought that “One Nation Under God” would ever be questioned? Who would have thought that Jesus would become a curse word.
When you think your world is running away from the life God has called you to live, when you think the world has turned against the values you believe God teaches us in His Holy Word, let me remind you of what Paul says in
Eph 6:13
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
(NIV)
Change is coming, but the Word of God never changes.

J. Tom Washburn