To Contact Us:
| The Reformed Church of Shawangunk 1166 Hoagerburgh Road Wallkill, New York 12589 Email: info@shawangunkreformed.org Website: www.shawangunkreformed.org 845-895-2952 |
| The Christian Resource Center 1166 Hoagerburgh Road Wallkill, New York 12589 Website:www.scrc.ispeedway.com Email: info@shawangunkreformed.org 845-895-3660 |
| Our Mission We are a family called of God in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, to worship and faithfully carry out His ministry to God's people and to the world so loved by Him. |
We continue our look at people who would not compromise for the sake of personal gain or acceptance. And
the rewards God brings to that. We will also look at some who did compromise and the consequences that
brings!
“Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find anyone else like this---one in the spirit of God?” Genesis 41:38
(NRSV). Joseph lived, committed to be faithful to God. He would not compromise under any circumstance. This
took him from a shepherd boy, sold into slavery by his brothers, to ruler in Egypt, and eventually saving his
family from death by famine.
As a youngster, Joseph was overconfident. His natural self-assurance increased by being Jacob’s favorite son
and by knowing of God’s designs on his life, was unbearable to his older brothers who eventually conspired
against him. But his self-assurance, molded by pain and combined with a personal knowledge of God, allowed
him to survive and prosper where most would have failed. He added quiet wisdom to his confidence and won
the hearts of everyone he met---Potiphar, the jailer, the king, and after many years even his older brothers.
Perhaps you can identify with one or more of these hardships Joseph experienced: he was betrayed and
deserted by his family, exposed to sexual temptation, and punished for doing the right thing; he endured a long
imprisonment and was forgotten by those he helped. As you read his story, note what Joseph did in each case.
His positive response transformed each setback into a step forward. He did not spend much time asking
“Why?” His approach was “What shall I do now?”. Those who met Joseph were aware that wherever he went
and whatever he did, God was with him. His faith, and trust in God carried him over all his difficulties, together
with his uncompromising attitude!
When you’re facing a setback, the beginning of a Joseph-like attitude is to acknowledge that God is with you,
that you can fully trust Him. There is nothing like His presence to shed new light on a dark situation. What
matters is not so much the events or circumstances of life, but your response to them. With God’s help; any
situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil. He will provide the courage and stamina to
overcome obstacles, if you put your faith and trust in Him!
“Our God is an Awesome God”---Jake
the rewards God brings to that. We will also look at some who did compromise and the consequences that
brings!
“Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find anyone else like this---one in the spirit of God?” Genesis 41:38
(NRSV). Joseph lived, committed to be faithful to God. He would not compromise under any circumstance. This
took him from a shepherd boy, sold into slavery by his brothers, to ruler in Egypt, and eventually saving his
family from death by famine.
As a youngster, Joseph was overconfident. His natural self-assurance increased by being Jacob’s favorite son
and by knowing of God’s designs on his life, was unbearable to his older brothers who eventually conspired
against him. But his self-assurance, molded by pain and combined with a personal knowledge of God, allowed
him to survive and prosper where most would have failed. He added quiet wisdom to his confidence and won
the hearts of everyone he met---Potiphar, the jailer, the king, and after many years even his older brothers.
Perhaps you can identify with one or more of these hardships Joseph experienced: he was betrayed and
deserted by his family, exposed to sexual temptation, and punished for doing the right thing; he endured a long
imprisonment and was forgotten by those he helped. As you read his story, note what Joseph did in each case.
His positive response transformed each setback into a step forward. He did not spend much time asking
“Why?” His approach was “What shall I do now?”. Those who met Joseph were aware that wherever he went
and whatever he did, God was with him. His faith, and trust in God carried him over all his difficulties, together
with his uncompromising attitude!
When you’re facing a setback, the beginning of a Joseph-like attitude is to acknowledge that God is with you,
that you can fully trust Him. There is nothing like His presence to shed new light on a dark situation. What
matters is not so much the events or circumstances of life, but your response to them. With God’s help; any
situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil. He will provide the courage and stamina to
overcome obstacles, if you put your faith and trust in Him!
“Our God is an Awesome God”---Jake
Joseph, living to please God January 6, 2009
| Our God, is An Awesome God! |