Some of the darkest, most irresistible temptations come in the wake of blessing.
As we enjoy some provision or breakthrough or triumph, whether in life, orwork, or ministry, our spiritual defenses often come down. - P166
We might coast. Wemay begin neglecting disciplines and relationships that have kept us close to anddependent on Jesus.
- P166
Suffering, by comparison, often has the opposite effect. Suffering simultaneouslyraises our defenses (vigilance), and brings us to our knees (humility). - P166
Suffering disabuses us of self-reliance, and removes the luster of earthly pleasures andindulgences. - P166
Suffering often makes spiritual and eternal reality more vivid andtangible, putting the urgency of earthly life in greater perspective and focus. - P166
But blessing, ironically, can dull our spiritual senses and deplete our spiritualresolves. And it can open us to new and subtle temptations. - P166
19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stayhere in prison, while the rest of you go and take grainback for your starving households. - P26
21 They said to one another, "Surely we are being pun-ished because of our brother. We saw how distressed hewas when he pleaded with us for his life, but we wouldnot listen; that‘s why this distress has come on us." - P26
24 He turned away from them and began to weep,
but then came back and spoke to them again. He hadSimeon taken from them and bound before their eyes. - P27
Joseph is overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing his brothers againand hearing them speak about the wrongs they committed againsthim. - P28
He turns away to weep secretly and ensures that they have everything they
need for their journey back to Canaan to retrieve Benjamin.
- P28
This reveals that Joseph is keeping up the ruse not out of spite towardhis brothers but in order to achieve his greater purpose. - P28
There will beoccasions in which we, as believers, need to be shrewd and creativeto overcome challenges and achieve God‘s purposes. - P28
Life is seldomstraightforward, and when obstacles and complications arise, we shouldseek God‘s wisdom to navigate our way through. - P28
"Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge so as to meet successfully the emergencies
of life. Men may acquire knowledge, but wisdom is a direct gift from God."
-Bob Jones - P28
1Severalyears ago, I went on a mission trip with one prayer: that asserved and shared the gospel with people from various backgrounds,
God would make me more tenderhearted and forgiving. - P29
If you are hoping to make peace in a stormy relationship, may I humbly suggest
you begin with your own heart? - P29
Ask God for a greater desire for
reconciliation. And as you pray, may God give you the courageand the occasion to be that relationship‘s peacemaker. - P29
Father, thank you for forgiving my sins and for refining my character through trials. - P29
Please give me Your wisdom to overcome life‘s challenges and advanceYour kingdom in this world. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P29
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