Christmas Musings—December 25, 2009
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus, I’d like to wish you many things:
May your heart be warmed in the knowledge of His great love for you
May this holy season be a fresh reminder of how He has brought joy to the world and joy to you
May His Wonderful Counsel be upon you as you make important decisions in the new year
May you gather in the new year many personal experiences of knowing Him as Almighty God
May you sense the care, provision, and great compassion He gives as your Everlasting Father
May you know Him as your Prince of Peace when fear and anxiety seek to consume you
Finally, I wish for you many blessings; so many of them that you will not be able to count all of them (Psalm 40:5).
I am grateful for your friendship and for the pleasure it is to serve the Lord with you.
Merry Christmas
Denny
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Psalms of Discipleship--The Third Sunday of Advent
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. Psalm 25:12
Life Principle: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ cultivates a disciplined habit: every life choice that is made is bathed in prayer.
Dec 13—Third Sunday of Advent
Application:
The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ cultivates a disciplined habit: every life choice that is made is bathed in prayer.
• When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord, it will have a significant impact on how we pray.
• When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord, we will be so close to hearing His heart that we are willing to seek His will, and not our own.
• When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord, we will have a blessed assurance that the path we choose will be the correct decision.
• When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord, we gain a fresh perspective of why God sent His Son to our world: to provide a way for us to experience eternal life. This is the wonderful story of Christmas. God made a choice…so must we.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does my life look like as a disciple of Jesus Christ? Do I live my life in fear of the Lord; do I greatly respect and honor Him?
How do I know for sure that the life choices I make are at the center of God’s will for me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me how to fear God in the right way. Teach me how to respect and honor You. May my life be marked by a life of prayer that governs the choices I make. May I never seek my way as a replacement for Your way. May I be the kind of disciple who knows Your heart so well that I instinctively follow Your instruction on the way I should choose.
Life Principle: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ cultivates a disciplined habit: every life choice that is made is bathed in prayer.
Dec 13—Third Sunday of Advent
Application:
The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ cultivates a disciplined habit: every life choice that is made is bathed in prayer.
• When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord, it will have a significant impact on how we pray.
• When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord, we will be so close to hearing His heart that we are willing to seek His will, and not our own.
• When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord, we will have a blessed assurance that the path we choose will be the correct decision.
• When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord, we gain a fresh perspective of why God sent His Son to our world: to provide a way for us to experience eternal life. This is the wonderful story of Christmas. God made a choice…so must we.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does my life look like as a disciple of Jesus Christ? Do I live my life in fear of the Lord; do I greatly respect and honor Him?
How do I know for sure that the life choices I make are at the center of God’s will for me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me how to fear God in the right way. Teach me how to respect and honor You. May my life be marked by a life of prayer that governs the choices I make. May I never seek my way as a replacement for Your way. May I be the kind of disciple who knows Your heart so well that I instinctively follow Your instruction on the way I should choose.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
When Friends Go To Different Places--Part 2--My Friend Joby
In Part 1 I mentioned that in a very real sense, life can be compared to the chapters in a gripping book. In my “book” there are two chapters, already written with the final edits in, about two friends of mine—Louise and Joby. Part 1 was about my friend Louise. Now, in Part 2 of When Friends Go To Different Places, I am privileged and honored to talk to you about my friend Joby.
Way back in time, back in the early 1970’s; the Lord sent a mighty revival to our part of the world in sleepy South Carolina, known by many as the “buckle of the Bible belt.” Many people who were religious, but spiritually dead, came alive and began the greatest journey ever with the Lord. These new disciples of Jesus willingly shared the greatest story ever told—by what they said, and just as powerfully, by what they did. Joby was among that number.
Joby loved the Lord Jesus and she loved the people He put before her. Whenever she touched a life, something wonderful happened to her community. With the precision of a master artist, her love painted a mosaic mural of members who were added to an extraordinary alumni group—(TWWLBJ) those who were loved by Joby. I was among that number.
I had the joy of first meeting Joby and Bob over 30 years ago. I cannot recall the first time we met, but I am sure that the focus of our meeting was the love we had for the Lord. As our relationship and friendship grew, I was invited to teach in their home where many young people came to learn more about Jesus. As a result, the Bristow home became a beacon of light for the Gospel as many were saved, were filled with God’s Spirit, delivered from addictions, and found a place of refuge and safety. Joby and Bob had the gift of hospitality and everyone felt right at home. I was among that number.
In 1979 my father told my mother he no longer loved her and left. At age 21, during my final semester of college, my “perfect” family fell apart and I was crushed, hurt, and emotionally reeling. The Bristow’s offered me their home, their family of Margaret and Bobby, their circle of friends, and their love, as a place to sort out my feelings. I became a Bristow. I became another person, among many others, who needed a lot of love and affirmation and got it from Joby and Bob and Margaret and Bobby. Joby and Bob prayed for me, listened to me, counseled me, adopted me, and loved me in a way that forever changed my life. As the years went by, I discovered that I was not the only recipient of their love. There were many more. I am grateful to say that I was among that number.
It has been said that the true measure of a life is best measured in not what we believe, not in what we say, but in what we do. Joby knew what she believed and she said many wonderful truths, but beyond all of that, Joby’s life was measured by her loving service. As I read through her published obituary, it underscores my own belief of her:
Quotes from her obituary:
"Margaret Jo Marsella Bristow (Joby), wife of Robert Blakely Durham Bristow of Darlington, South Carolina went to be with her Lord on Saturday, October 17, 2009.
Having a servant's heart, she devoted her life to her family, her church and her community as evidenced by her receiving The Order of the Silver Crescent, the highest honor that can be awarded for community service by the State of South Carolina."
On Saturday, October 17, 2009 Joby received a much higher honor, an honor I and any other believer desires above all else; to finish well and to be honored by our Heavenly Father forever.
John 12:26 (MSG)
"If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you'll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment's notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.
Matthew 25:23 (NLT)
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
My heart is heavy—I miss my friend.
My faith is sure—I know where my friend is and what she is doing, celebrating and worshiping Jesus at His feet.
My life will always be marked by Joby’s love for me.
My hope is that all who love Jesus will one day join Joby in a place where cancer and other human heartaches exist no longer:
Revelation 21:3-7 (NASB95)
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5 And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said*, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7 "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
My name will always be Denny Bristow Bates.
Way back in time, back in the early 1970’s; the Lord sent a mighty revival to our part of the world in sleepy South Carolina, known by many as the “buckle of the Bible belt.” Many people who were religious, but spiritually dead, came alive and began the greatest journey ever with the Lord. These new disciples of Jesus willingly shared the greatest story ever told—by what they said, and just as powerfully, by what they did. Joby was among that number.
Joby loved the Lord Jesus and she loved the people He put before her. Whenever she touched a life, something wonderful happened to her community. With the precision of a master artist, her love painted a mosaic mural of members who were added to an extraordinary alumni group—(TWWLBJ) those who were loved by Joby. I was among that number.
I had the joy of first meeting Joby and Bob over 30 years ago. I cannot recall the first time we met, but I am sure that the focus of our meeting was the love we had for the Lord. As our relationship and friendship grew, I was invited to teach in their home where many young people came to learn more about Jesus. As a result, the Bristow home became a beacon of light for the Gospel as many were saved, were filled with God’s Spirit, delivered from addictions, and found a place of refuge and safety. Joby and Bob had the gift of hospitality and everyone felt right at home. I was among that number.
In 1979 my father told my mother he no longer loved her and left. At age 21, during my final semester of college, my “perfect” family fell apart and I was crushed, hurt, and emotionally reeling. The Bristow’s offered me their home, their family of Margaret and Bobby, their circle of friends, and their love, as a place to sort out my feelings. I became a Bristow. I became another person, among many others, who needed a lot of love and affirmation and got it from Joby and Bob and Margaret and Bobby. Joby and Bob prayed for me, listened to me, counseled me, adopted me, and loved me in a way that forever changed my life. As the years went by, I discovered that I was not the only recipient of their love. There were many more. I am grateful to say that I was among that number.
It has been said that the true measure of a life is best measured in not what we believe, not in what we say, but in what we do. Joby knew what she believed and she said many wonderful truths, but beyond all of that, Joby’s life was measured by her loving service. As I read through her published obituary, it underscores my own belief of her:
Quotes from her obituary:
"Margaret Jo Marsella Bristow (Joby), wife of Robert Blakely Durham Bristow of Darlington, South Carolina went to be with her Lord on Saturday, October 17, 2009.
Having a servant's heart, she devoted her life to her family, her church and her community as evidenced by her receiving The Order of the Silver Crescent, the highest honor that can be awarded for community service by the State of South Carolina."
On Saturday, October 17, 2009 Joby received a much higher honor, an honor I and any other believer desires above all else; to finish well and to be honored by our Heavenly Father forever.
John 12:26 (MSG)
"If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you'll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment's notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.
Matthew 25:23 (NLT)
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
My heart is heavy—I miss my friend.
My faith is sure—I know where my friend is and what she is doing, celebrating and worshiping Jesus at His feet.
My life will always be marked by Joby’s love for me.
My hope is that all who love Jesus will one day join Joby in a place where cancer and other human heartaches exist no longer:
Revelation 21:3-7 (NASB95)
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5 And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said*, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7 "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
My name will always be Denny Bristow Bates.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
When Friends Go To Different Places--Part 1--My Friend Louise
In a very real sense, life can be compared to the chapters in a gripping book. In my “book” there are two chapters, already written with the final edits in, about two friends of mine—Louise and Joby. Ten years ago I met Louise at cardiac rehab. She was not your typical southern belle. In fact, she hailed from New Jersey, the typical “Yankee” whose creative use of the English language would peel paint off of the wall and would cause the faint of heart to wilt. But Louise and I were friends. Early on in our relationship, she and her husband invited Trish (my wife) and I, another cardiac rehab couple and several cardiac rehab staff members to Sunday lunch in their home. We all were honored guests. Louise and I were friends.
I’ll never forget the time before we really knew each other. As I was walking on the treadmill next to Louise; her creative language was flowing; using adjectives that colored the conversation. After my time on the machine of torture (the treadmill) was over and I moved on to another piece of equipment, Louise somehow found out via a conversation with Trish that I was a pastor. “Blankety, Blank, Blank….Why didn’t you tell me Denny was a Blankety Blank minister?!!!!!!” Once my young daughter was with us at rehab and Louise was on her best behavior until she used the word, “diarrhea.” Embarrassed that she evoked that kind of language around my daughter, she quickly said with her distinct Jersey accent, “Excuuuuuse me,” and without missing a beat she kept right on talking. But Louise and I were friends.
For some time now Louise has been in the fight of her life with Leukemia; a fight she finally succumbed to early this week. Many of those who are a part of the cardiac rehab family are believers and many of them shared their faith with Louise. Her “offensive” language did not keep us from embracing her, loving her, and showing her the love of Jesus. One never knows the eternal outcome of a person’s life and response to Jesus. Did she finally bend her knee to the Savior at the end, or did she, as I fear, reject His saving grace? Louise knew I loved her. I told her often. Louise and I were friends. But I wonder if she really believed that Jesus loved her, and did she love Him? I hope Louise and Jesus were friends. I hope He is your friend too.
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus: Words by Joseph M. Scriven
12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
14 "You are My friends if you do what I command you. John 15:12-14 (NASB95)
I’ll never forget the time before we really knew each other. As I was walking on the treadmill next to Louise; her creative language was flowing; using adjectives that colored the conversation. After my time on the machine of torture (the treadmill) was over and I moved on to another piece of equipment, Louise somehow found out via a conversation with Trish that I was a pastor. “Blankety, Blank, Blank….Why didn’t you tell me Denny was a Blankety Blank minister?!!!!!!” Once my young daughter was with us at rehab and Louise was on her best behavior until she used the word, “diarrhea.” Embarrassed that she evoked that kind of language around my daughter, she quickly said with her distinct Jersey accent, “Excuuuuuse me,” and without missing a beat she kept right on talking. But Louise and I were friends.
For some time now Louise has been in the fight of her life with Leukemia; a fight she finally succumbed to early this week. Many of those who are a part of the cardiac rehab family are believers and many of them shared their faith with Louise. Her “offensive” language did not keep us from embracing her, loving her, and showing her the love of Jesus. One never knows the eternal outcome of a person’s life and response to Jesus. Did she finally bend her knee to the Savior at the end, or did she, as I fear, reject His saving grace? Louise knew I loved her. I told her often. Louise and I were friends. But I wonder if she really believed that Jesus loved her, and did she love Him? I hope Louise and Jesus were friends. I hope He is your friend too.
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus: Words by Joseph M. Scriven
12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
14 "You are My friends if you do what I command you. John 15:12-14 (NASB95)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Bible Study: "The Life Of Joseph: A Career That Impacted And Saved The World--Part 3
CAREER Boost—Session 3 (Genesis, Chapter 39:7-23)
Bible Study: “The Life Of Joseph: A Career That Impacted And Saved The World”
INTRO:
Genesis 39:6-23 (NASB95)
6 So he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
7 It came about after these events that his master's wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me."
Career Hi-Lights!
• The notion that we have “job security” based upon our performance and hard work is erroneous.
• Joseph had a lot going for him—the trust of his boss, the blessing of the Lord, and…he was sexy.
• It often happens that our “strengths” can sometimes become the very things that lead to trouble.
• The misuse and abuse of power is a common occurrence in the workplace. In this case, it was sexual harassment. When we are on the receiving end of an abuse of power, it can change our world.
8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge.
9 "There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?"
10 As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her.
Career Hi-Lights!
• A proper stewardship must be a part of our work ethic. We must know what belongs to us…and what belongs to the company.
• It takes a strong inner conviction not to bend to what is “convenient” instead of embracing what is “correct.”
• A Christian worldview of career always keeps this question at the forefront of one’s mind: “what does God think about this?”
• The temptation to sin does not go away easily—it is persistent, seeking to wear us down.
11 Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.
12 She caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me!" And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside.
13 When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside,
14 she called to the men of her household and said to them, "See, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to make sport of us; he came in to me to lie with me, and I screamed.
15 "When he heard that I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside."
16 So she left his garment beside her until his master came home.
17 Then she spoke to him with these words, "The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me;
18 and as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled outside."
19 Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, "This is what your slave did to me," his anger burned.
Career Hi-Lights!
• It is a whole lot easier to prove your case when there are witnesses around you.
• Just because we do the “right” thing, it does not mean we are protected from slander and false accusations.
• In the end, all things are political and are founded on power. In this case, Joseph had good connections, but they were miniscule compared to the power controlled by Potiphar’s wife.
• In spite of Joseph’s stellar work record and morally ethical life, he became the victim of a power struggle; and in this case, the misplaced anger of his boss became the tool God used to give Joseph his next career transfer—making license plates in jail.
20 So Joseph's master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king's prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail.
21 But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.
22 The chief jailer committed to Joseph's charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it.
23 The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.
Career Hi-Lights!
• We can never judge our difficult circumstances at work as a “bad” thing when it is the very thing God uses to work out His plan for our life.
• Even in the most challenging times, the Lord is with us. In Joseph’s case, the Lord was not only with him, but also extended kindness to him, as well as giving him great favor with the chief jailer.
• Once again, even in a place Joseph did not choose to go, the Lord promotes him and gives him greater responsibility.
• Once again, like Potiphar, before a pagan unbeliever, the witness of Joseph and the Lord’s blessing upon him had a great impact upon the chief jailer. The prisoner became a blessing to the jailer. In reality, the prisoner was much freer than the jailer: God’s man at work was at work impacting those in authority.
Some Final Thoughts:
1. Has there ever been an occasion at work when the rug was pulled out from under me when I thought I was doing a great job?
2. Have I ever suffered the brunt of a misuse of power by those who supervise me? What kinds of feelings did I experience? Was I ever able to address how I felt to anyone else?
3. What is my strategy to keep God in the forefront of my mind when I am at work?
4. If I were to give someone like Joseph counsel, what would I say to them that would be an encouragement to them?
5. When I am given “power” over someone else, how sensitive am I to use it wisely?
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Galatians 5:13-14 (NASB95)
Bible Study: “The Life Of Joseph: A Career That Impacted And Saved The World”
INTRO:
Genesis 39:6-23 (NASB95)
6 So he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
7 It came about after these events that his master's wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me."
Career Hi-Lights!
• The notion that we have “job security” based upon our performance and hard work is erroneous.
• Joseph had a lot going for him—the trust of his boss, the blessing of the Lord, and…he was sexy.
• It often happens that our “strengths” can sometimes become the very things that lead to trouble.
• The misuse and abuse of power is a common occurrence in the workplace. In this case, it was sexual harassment. When we are on the receiving end of an abuse of power, it can change our world.
8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge.
9 "There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?"
10 As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her.
Career Hi-Lights!
• A proper stewardship must be a part of our work ethic. We must know what belongs to us…and what belongs to the company.
• It takes a strong inner conviction not to bend to what is “convenient” instead of embracing what is “correct.”
• A Christian worldview of career always keeps this question at the forefront of one’s mind: “what does God think about this?”
• The temptation to sin does not go away easily—it is persistent, seeking to wear us down.
11 Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.
12 She caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me!" And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside.
13 When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside,
14 she called to the men of her household and said to them, "See, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to make sport of us; he came in to me to lie with me, and I screamed.
15 "When he heard that I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside."
16 So she left his garment beside her until his master came home.
17 Then she spoke to him with these words, "The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me;
18 and as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled outside."
19 Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, "This is what your slave did to me," his anger burned.
Career Hi-Lights!
• It is a whole lot easier to prove your case when there are witnesses around you.
• Just because we do the “right” thing, it does not mean we are protected from slander and false accusations.
• In the end, all things are political and are founded on power. In this case, Joseph had good connections, but they were miniscule compared to the power controlled by Potiphar’s wife.
• In spite of Joseph’s stellar work record and morally ethical life, he became the victim of a power struggle; and in this case, the misplaced anger of his boss became the tool God used to give Joseph his next career transfer—making license plates in jail.
20 So Joseph's master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king's prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail.
21 But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.
22 The chief jailer committed to Joseph's charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it.
23 The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.
Career Hi-Lights!
• We can never judge our difficult circumstances at work as a “bad” thing when it is the very thing God uses to work out His plan for our life.
• Even in the most challenging times, the Lord is with us. In Joseph’s case, the Lord was not only with him, but also extended kindness to him, as well as giving him great favor with the chief jailer.
• Once again, even in a place Joseph did not choose to go, the Lord promotes him and gives him greater responsibility.
• Once again, like Potiphar, before a pagan unbeliever, the witness of Joseph and the Lord’s blessing upon him had a great impact upon the chief jailer. The prisoner became a blessing to the jailer. In reality, the prisoner was much freer than the jailer: God’s man at work was at work impacting those in authority.
Some Final Thoughts:
1. Has there ever been an occasion at work when the rug was pulled out from under me when I thought I was doing a great job?
2. Have I ever suffered the brunt of a misuse of power by those who supervise me? What kinds of feelings did I experience? Was I ever able to address how I felt to anyone else?
3. What is my strategy to keep God in the forefront of my mind when I am at work?
4. If I were to give someone like Joseph counsel, what would I say to them that would be an encouragement to them?
5. When I am given “power” over someone else, how sensitive am I to use it wisely?
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Galatians 5:13-14 (NASB95)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bible Study: “The Life Of Joseph: A Career That Impacted And Saved The World” Part 2
Genesis 39:1-6 (NASB95)
1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. 3 Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. 5 It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD'S blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. 6 So he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
Genesis 39:1 (NASB95)
1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there.
Career Hi-Lights!
• God is sovereign in where we work, in who we work for and in how we get to where we are going
• It was in God’s sovereignty where Joseph landed a job (in Egypt)
• It was in God’s sovereignty who Joseph worked for (Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s body guards)
• It was in God’s sovereignty how Joseph got to where he was going (by way of the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there)
Genesis 39:2 (NASB95)
2 The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.
Career Hi-Lights!
• God is present in where we work
• Because God is present, Joseph became a successful man
• After much crisis of change, Joseph finds himself “gainfully employed” as a slave in the house of Potiphar, the Egyptian, his master
Genesis 39:3-4 (NASB95)
3 Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.
4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge.
Career Hi-Lights!
• It is God’s presence in our lives that others should see
• It is God who is the source of any prosperity that comes our way
• It is because of God’s work in our lives that our witness or testimony will open up the doors of career opportunities
Genesis 39:5-6a (NASB95)
5 It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD'S blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. 6 So he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
Career Hi-Lights!
• The household and “business” was blessed by the Lord because of Joseph
• The blessing of the Lord leads to a greater opportunity for influence
• Lest we rest and be at ease and think that there is permanent job security because we are doing a great job and God is blessing us, there always lies the possibility of circumstances that come our way that are beyond our control; circumstances that will lead to yet another career change
Some Final Thoughts:
1. Think of a time in your life where you realized that God was at work in leading you to a job. How aware were you of His leading? Describe the steps you took that confirmed God’s will for you.
2. How do you keep an awareness of God’s presence at the front of your mind as you work?
3. For those who work close to you, is your faith in Jesus evident? Why is this so?
4. We are to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17) and do the very best we can to make our company and supervisor successful. We are also called to make a relational impact upon our supervisor also;, even impacting his or her home. What is your strategy to impact both your jobsite and supervisor for Christ?
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 (NASB95)
1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. 3 Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. 5 It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD'S blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. 6 So he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
Genesis 39:1 (NASB95)
1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there.
Career Hi-Lights!
• God is sovereign in where we work, in who we work for and in how we get to where we are going
• It was in God’s sovereignty where Joseph landed a job (in Egypt)
• It was in God’s sovereignty who Joseph worked for (Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s body guards)
• It was in God’s sovereignty how Joseph got to where he was going (by way of the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there)
Genesis 39:2 (NASB95)
2 The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.
Career Hi-Lights!
• God is present in where we work
• Because God is present, Joseph became a successful man
• After much crisis of change, Joseph finds himself “gainfully employed” as a slave in the house of Potiphar, the Egyptian, his master
Genesis 39:3-4 (NASB95)
3 Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.
4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge.
Career Hi-Lights!
• It is God’s presence in our lives that others should see
• It is God who is the source of any prosperity that comes our way
• It is because of God’s work in our lives that our witness or testimony will open up the doors of career opportunities
Genesis 39:5-6a (NASB95)
5 It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD'S blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. 6 So he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
Career Hi-Lights!
• The household and “business” was blessed by the Lord because of Joseph
• The blessing of the Lord leads to a greater opportunity for influence
• Lest we rest and be at ease and think that there is permanent job security because we are doing a great job and God is blessing us, there always lies the possibility of circumstances that come our way that are beyond our control; circumstances that will lead to yet another career change
Some Final Thoughts:
1. Think of a time in your life where you realized that God was at work in leading you to a job. How aware were you of His leading? Describe the steps you took that confirmed God’s will for you.
2. How do you keep an awareness of God’s presence at the front of your mind as you work?
3. For those who work close to you, is your faith in Jesus evident? Why is this so?
4. We are to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17) and do the very best we can to make our company and supervisor successful. We are also called to make a relational impact upon our supervisor also;, even impacting his or her home. What is your strategy to impact both your jobsite and supervisor for Christ?
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 (NASB95)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Bible Study: “The Life Of Joseph: A Career That Impacted And Saved The World”
August 16, 2009
The Bible Study notes of Denny Bates, The Quality Disciple, and Something New Christian Publishers--all rights reserved. Permission is granted for any printing, copying, and dispersion in any amounts as long as credit is given and no profit is made.
Handout #1
INTRO:
There are many people in Scripture who are noted for their careers.
David: Music therapist, shepherd, king
Peter: Fisherman (low level; sporadic)
Joseph: Administrator (in the jail, in Potiphar’s house, in Pharaoh’s house)
Nehemiah: Cup bearer (found favor with his boss); Builder designer
Solomon: He used it show off to gain a woman’s favor
Paul: Tentmaker
Tabitha: Textiles
Matthew: Tax collector (public servant)
Craftsmen who built the Tabernacle
Luke: Physician
Joseph (Jesus’ father): A skilled craftsman, technician
Daniel: Advisor, administrator, consultant / lived through four or five administrations
Esther: Entertaining the king / she became a diplomat / she did her job so well that she saved her people
Rahab: Prostitute
Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus: she left the kitchen and stepped out at the feet of Jesus to be His disciple (she made a career shift)
Deborah: A judge who became the leader of all Israel
The point: “Do your job well!”
Who Was This Man Named Joseph?
I. His Early Life.
(1) The son of Jacob and Rachel Genesis 30:22-24.
(2) The favorite child of his father, Genesis 37:3.
(3) On account of paternal partiality, hated by his brethren, Genesis 37:3-11.
(4) Dreams of exaltation, Genesis 37:5-10.
(5) Sold into Egypt, Genesis 37:12-28.
II. His Life in a Foreign Land, Genesis 39:1-50:26.
III. Seven Steps to Honor.
(1) Godly influence, Genesis 39:2-3
(2) Business honesty, Genesis 39:5-6
(3) Resistance to temptation, Genesis 39:7-9
(4) Divine favor, Genesis 39:21
(5) Providential circumstances, Genesis 40:5-8
(6) Honoring God, Genesis 41:16
(7) Divine revelations, Genesis 41:25-26
IV. His Christlike Spirit Shown
(1) In forgiving his brother's sin, Genesis 45:15.
(2) In his filial devotion, Genesis 46:29.
(3) In returning good for evil, Genesis 50:19-21.
— Thompson Chain - Topics
And now, his story begins…
Genesis 37:1-36 (NASB95)
1 Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan.
2 These are the records of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, when seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father.
Career Hi-Lights!
• Joseph was young, only 17 years old
• His career was a herdsman
• He was in business with his family
• He turned them in because of their work performance
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic.
4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.
5 Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.
6 He said to them, "Please listen to this dream which I have had;
7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf rose up and also stood erect; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf."
8 Then his brothers said to him, "Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
Career Hi-Lights!
• He was the “favorite” employee
• His brothers, or co-workers, were jealous of him
9 Now he had still another dream, and related it to his brothers, and said, "Lo, I have had still another dream; and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me."
10 He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, "What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?"
11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
Career Hi-Lights!
• Just because you might be “right” is never an excuse for you to lord it over others—it is pride
12 Then his brothers went to pasture their father's flock in Shechem.
13 Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers pasturing the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them." And he said to him, "I will go."
14 Then he said to him, "Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me." So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
15 A man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field; and the man asked him, "What are you looking for?"
16 He said, "I am looking for my brothers; please tell me where they are pasturing the flock."
17 Then the man said, "They have moved from here; for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.' " So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.
18 When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.
19 They said to one another, "Here comes this dreamer!
20 "Now then, come and let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, 'A wild beast devoured him.' Then let us see what will become of his dreams!"
21 But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, "Let us not take his life."
22 Reuben further said to them, "Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him"—that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father.
23 So it came about, when Joseph reached his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the varicolored tunic that was on him;
24 and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, without any water in it.
25 Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.
26 Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood?
27 "Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh." And his brothers listened to him.
28 Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt.
29 Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments.
30 He returned to his brothers and said, "The boy is not there; as for me, where am I to go?"
31 So they took Joseph's tunic, and slaughtered a male goat and dipped the tunic in the blood;
32 and they sent the varicolored tunic and brought it to their father and said, "We found this; please examine it to see whether it is your son's tunic or not."
33 Then he examined it and said, "It is my son's tunic. A wild beast has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!"
34 So Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days.
35 Then all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. And he said, "Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son." So his father wept for him.
36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, Pharaoh's officer, the captain of the bodyguard.
Career Hi-Lights!
• He becomes the victim when those he works with turn against him
• He loses his job and is “transferred” to a new assignment, a cross-cultural one, in Egypt
Some Final Thoughts:
1. How can I best describe my current (or recent) work environment? Was it a family owned business or was it corporate? What special challenges do I / did I face?
2. Does my work culture consist of a healthy attitude towards team work or open competition—i.e., may the best man / woman win at any cost?
3. How is “success” celebrated where I work?
4. What has been the most difficult challenge I have faced when I am changing jobs (either by my own choice or when the choice to change was forced upon me)?
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NASB95)
The Bible Study notes of Denny Bates, The Quality Disciple, and Something New Christian Publishers--all rights reserved. Permission is granted for any printing, copying, and dispersion in any amounts as long as credit is given and no profit is made.
Handout #1
INTRO:
There are many people in Scripture who are noted for their careers.
David: Music therapist, shepherd, king
Peter: Fisherman (low level; sporadic)
Joseph: Administrator (in the jail, in Potiphar’s house, in Pharaoh’s house)
Nehemiah: Cup bearer (found favor with his boss); Builder designer
Solomon: He used it show off to gain a woman’s favor
Paul: Tentmaker
Tabitha: Textiles
Matthew: Tax collector (public servant)
Craftsmen who built the Tabernacle
Luke: Physician
Joseph (Jesus’ father): A skilled craftsman, technician
Daniel: Advisor, administrator, consultant / lived through four or five administrations
Esther: Entertaining the king / she became a diplomat / she did her job so well that she saved her people
Rahab: Prostitute
Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus: she left the kitchen and stepped out at the feet of Jesus to be His disciple (she made a career shift)
Deborah: A judge who became the leader of all Israel
The point: “Do your job well!”
Who Was This Man Named Joseph?
I. His Early Life.
(1) The son of Jacob and Rachel Genesis 30:22-24.
(2) The favorite child of his father, Genesis 37:3.
(3) On account of paternal partiality, hated by his brethren, Genesis 37:3-11.
(4) Dreams of exaltation, Genesis 37:5-10.
(5) Sold into Egypt, Genesis 37:12-28.
II. His Life in a Foreign Land, Genesis 39:1-50:26.
III. Seven Steps to Honor.
(1) Godly influence, Genesis 39:2-3
(2) Business honesty, Genesis 39:5-6
(3) Resistance to temptation, Genesis 39:7-9
(4) Divine favor, Genesis 39:21
(5) Providential circumstances, Genesis 40:5-8
(6) Honoring God, Genesis 41:16
(7) Divine revelations, Genesis 41:25-26
IV. His Christlike Spirit Shown
(1) In forgiving his brother's sin, Genesis 45:15.
(2) In his filial devotion, Genesis 46:29.
(3) In returning good for evil, Genesis 50:19-21.
— Thompson Chain - Topics
And now, his story begins…
Genesis 37:1-36 (NASB95)
1 Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan.
2 These are the records of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, when seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father.
Career Hi-Lights!
• Joseph was young, only 17 years old
• His career was a herdsman
• He was in business with his family
• He turned them in because of their work performance
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic.
4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.
5 Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.
6 He said to them, "Please listen to this dream which I have had;
7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf rose up and also stood erect; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf."
8 Then his brothers said to him, "Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
Career Hi-Lights!
• He was the “favorite” employee
• His brothers, or co-workers, were jealous of him
9 Now he had still another dream, and related it to his brothers, and said, "Lo, I have had still another dream; and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me."
10 He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, "What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?"
11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
Career Hi-Lights!
• Just because you might be “right” is never an excuse for you to lord it over others—it is pride
12 Then his brothers went to pasture their father's flock in Shechem.
13 Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers pasturing the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them." And he said to him, "I will go."
14 Then he said to him, "Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me." So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
15 A man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field; and the man asked him, "What are you looking for?"
16 He said, "I am looking for my brothers; please tell me where they are pasturing the flock."
17 Then the man said, "They have moved from here; for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.' " So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.
18 When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.
19 They said to one another, "Here comes this dreamer!
20 "Now then, come and let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, 'A wild beast devoured him.' Then let us see what will become of his dreams!"
21 But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, "Let us not take his life."
22 Reuben further said to them, "Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him"—that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father.
23 So it came about, when Joseph reached his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the varicolored tunic that was on him;
24 and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, without any water in it.
25 Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.
26 Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood?
27 "Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh." And his brothers listened to him.
28 Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt.
29 Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments.
30 He returned to his brothers and said, "The boy is not there; as for me, where am I to go?"
31 So they took Joseph's tunic, and slaughtered a male goat and dipped the tunic in the blood;
32 and they sent the varicolored tunic and brought it to their father and said, "We found this; please examine it to see whether it is your son's tunic or not."
33 Then he examined it and said, "It is my son's tunic. A wild beast has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!"
34 So Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days.
35 Then all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. And he said, "Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son." So his father wept for him.
36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, Pharaoh's officer, the captain of the bodyguard.
Career Hi-Lights!
• He becomes the victim when those he works with turn against him
• He loses his job and is “transferred” to a new assignment, a cross-cultural one, in Egypt
Some Final Thoughts:
1. How can I best describe my current (or recent) work environment? Was it a family owned business or was it corporate? What special challenges do I / did I face?
2. Does my work culture consist of a healthy attitude towards team work or open competition—i.e., may the best man / woman win at any cost?
3. How is “success” celebrated where I work?
4. What has been the most difficult challenge I have faced when I am changing jobs (either by my own choice or when the choice to change was forced upon me)?
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NASB95)
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