"We must never think of salvation as a kind of transaction between God and usin which He contributes grace and we contribute faith. For we were dead andhad to be quickened before we could believe."- John Stott - P146
One essential piece of doctrine that all Christians must remember isthat our faith is a precious gift from God. Therefore, we cannot boastin the quality and strength of our beliefs. - P147
Jesus is the Author andPerfector of our faith and is also the foundation on which our faithgrows. - P147
When Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith, whenever weface trials we will be "perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, butnot abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4:8-10).
- P147
Our culture often tells us, "Believe in yourself!" While a healthy senseof confidence is a good thing, this cannot be the foundation of ourlives. We need someone outside of us to be our solid rock. - P147
We see thisin Genesis when God used a few simple dreams to shake the mostpowerful man in the world at the time, sending Pharaoh in search ofanswers that would give him the security he could no longer providefor himself. - P147
Faithful Father, in good and bad times, in seasons when it is hard to see Yourfingerprints in my life and in seasons when they are clearly visible, You remainthe same. - P147
May my heart rest in You no matter what I am going through. InJesus‘ name, amen. - P147
24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven goodheads. I told this to the magicians, but none of themcould explain it to me." - P149
27 The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterwardare seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads ofgrain scorched by the east wind: They are seven yearsof famine. - P149
29 Seven years of great abundance are coming through-out the land of Egypt, 30 but seven years of famine willfollow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will beforgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. - P150
32 The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in twoforms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God,
and God will do it soon. - P150
34 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the landto take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the sevenyears of abundance. - P151
God chooses to speak to Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt, in orderto avert disaster upon the entire nation. - P152
Through Pharaoh‘s dream andJoseph‘s interpretation, Egypt is able to prepare and protect itself froma devastating famine that will come in seven years‘ time. - P152
This is just oneof many examples in Scripture where God graciously provides a way ofescape for a multitude of people.
The greatest example of God‘s savinggrace is found in Jesus Christ. - P152
Just as the Egyptians did not deserve
God‘s favor, none of us deserve the salvation that Jesus purchased forus on the cross-in fact, we deserve the very opposite! - P152
But God hasmercifully provided a way for us to escape judgment through His Son. - P152
Joseph instructs Pharaoh to appoint a discerning and wise man to oversee the
preparations for the famine. - P152
As Joseph describes the work thatneeds to be done, it becomes clear that he is the best man for the job.
- P152
Knowing Joseph‘s history, we can see that God has raised him up for thisvery mission. - P152
The experiences in his life
-both good and bad-haveprovided him with the wisdom necessary to take on the monumentaltask of leading a nation through a potentially disastrous season. - P152
Just as God worked in Joseph‘s life,
He takes us through different challenges
and experiences that will shape us into the people He wants us to beandprepare us for the things He wants us to do. - P152
Lord God, thank you for Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for sending Him to rescue mefrom the judgment I deserve. - P152
Now, mold me into the person You want me to beand let me live for Your glory in all that I do. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P152
|