WITH

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. - Genesis 39:20-21, 23

There is amazing hope in this passage! We see Joseph, who has been continually wronged, but through it all, God is still WITH him. Even in the darkest of times, God's plan for Joseph would not be thwarted. In fact, God continued to use these circumstances to gain glory for Himself.

If you are a follower of Jesus, God is with you. Jesus promised that He would be with us "until the end of the age"(His return). Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus told his disciples that He would send His Holy Spirit to reside in their/our hearts.

Though we may feel like you are crying out into the void and not getting any response, God hears and He is with us. He will continue to use every moment as a means of making us into the holy people He wants us to be.

You are not alone.

ThoughtPrayer: "God, though I may not feel it, You are with me."

ThoughtSong: BarlowGirl "Never Alone"

WHOSE

But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Casesar." - Acts 27:22-23

Paul was in the middle of a storm. His focus, however, was not on his surroundings, but on God. His trust was in his relationship with God. Based on this relationship, he could confidently speak encouragement to those who were with him.

WHO I am is best defined by WHOSE I am.

This is a critical truth to grasp. Our circumstances may change, our relationships may change, but if we trust in Christ, we are BELOVED children of God. This becomes our primary identity. As children of God, we gain all sorts of benefits. Communion with our Father, peace that surpasses understanding, promise of hope and a future, to name a few.

Today, we can look at the challenges us that face us as opportunities to refocus our identities solely upon Christ. When we can, at our core, say, believe, and live out that we are precious children of God, we can change the world for the Kingdom.

ThoughtPrayer: "I am Yours."

ThoughtSong: Phil Wickham "Yours Alone"

WRATH

God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day. - Psalm 7:11

Confession: I don't often think about God expressing His wrath. I'm more comfortable with Him showing love, mercy, grace, etc. Wrath however, not so much.

A good way to think about God's wrath is His "active feeling against sin". Does God hate? Yep. He hates SIN. So much that a payment must be made on behalf of those who sin in order to quench this wrath. Now for people who don't accept what Jesus did as this payment, there is a lot of fear (which there should be). But for those who do not trust in their own merit and fully rely of the blood of Christ, there is great freedom from God's wrath.

Without God's wrath, grace would not be much of a gift. Only in the light of understanding that our God is holy and righteous, can we accurately view His mercy and grace. What is the natural response to this great gift? PRAISE.

ThoughtPrayer: "Jesus, thank You for grace."

ThoughtSong: David Crowder Band "God of Wrath"

PROVE

I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. - Acts 26:20

At the very heart of repentance is action. It is turning from one way toward another. This goes far by mere sin avoidance, to a replacing of what was sinful with right deeds. This fits well into an integrated understanding of salvation. It is not simply a mental assent to righteousness, or a spiritual awakening. It is when (without sounding too mystical) body-mind-spirit are all involved in the revolution of one's being.

We must be careful to understand that deeds to not earn salvation, but as James tells us "faith without deeds is dead." They are sign of the person who is truly repentant. We live in the real world where we act. Our actions prove our faith.

If a panel looked at each of our lives for proof of our faith in Christ, would they find convincing evidence? This is not just religious activity, but actions throughout our daily lives that prove true repentance.

ThoughtPrayer: "Lord, let my life prove my faith."

ThoughtSong: Casting Crowns "And Now My Lifesong Sings" (note: this is not the fast one, if you don't know this one, it is a fabulous song)

PROTECTION

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. - Psalm 5:11

My daughters know that when push comes to shove, that I will protect them. They are covered by my ability to watch over them and keep them safe. A sense of safety brings peace and joy along with it. They are able to sleep soundly knowing that dad is watching over them.

Greater yet is our heavenly Father, who never sleeps and is constantly watching over us. His love is faithful and lifts us up. No matter what the circumstances, God is looking to be "the easy yoke", providing you with rest. Today, allow God's peace to wash over you, knowing that Your Father holds you in His hands.

ThoughtPrayer: "I rest in Your protection."

ThoughtSong: Yolanda Adams "Someone's Watching Over You"

FAVORITISM

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. - James 2:8-9

Favoritism is subtle. It can seep in to our hearts without much notice if we're not careful. It takes root whenever our intent excludes others for the sake of staying superior; or it tries to gain advantage by including only some people.

But, the truth is that not everyone was one of the twelve disciples. Jesus had to include some to the exclusion of others. It all comes down to intent. Jesus heart was never to harm those He didn't choose. And, in fact, Jesus chose a rather ragamuffin group of followers - so His desire was never to cater to the elite.

Do I/we cater to the elite?

Today, consider including someone in a decision, meeting, program that you might not have. See what God does through that relationship.

ThoughtPrayer: "God, help me love my neighbor"

ThoughtSong: downhere "See How the Love Each Other"

ANSWERS

He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame. -Proverbs 18:13

When we are quick to speak, without truly listening, we are apt to make mistakes. When we take the time to really listen, we are able to speak with wisdom. This way we offer the help that "benefits those who listen".

ThoughtPrayer: "May we listen first, seeking Your wisdom."

ThoughtSong: Aaron Shust "Give Me Words to Speak"