Sibling Rivalry

How many of you have ever had your siblings hate you so much that they could not tolerate the thought of your existence? In fact, they hated you so deeply that they planned and carried out your fake death and eventually sold you into slavery. Most, if not all of us, have never had such an act take place against us. However, if this were to happen to you, would you be able to forgive those that so carefully ruined your life?

In Genesis, we meet a man named Joseph that was subject to all that has just been mentioned. He was his fathers favored son. He had been given more responsibility and power than the rest of his brothers. Even though he had been mistreated and left to die, Joseph makes it clear that he had no right to be angry or bitter against them. As a matter of fact, Joseph had a forgiving spirit that helped him overcome the problems that he faced. Genesis 50:20 says “ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”

As God’s people, we must have this same mentality. We must look past the offense and realize that God is trying to develop character qualities in us as a result those actions. We must learn to pray for those who have hurt us and realize that we have no right to be bitter. Ask God to help you view the offense as His way of drawing attention to the needs of your offender.

We need more Christians like Joseph. Please understand that God is working all things together for good in order to conform your life to the image of Christ. Thank God for what He plans to do in our lives if we respond correctly when others do us harm

You Are Cordially Invited...

Has there ever been a time in your life when you received an invitation that you just could not turn down? Maybe someone invited you to the social event of the year and it was an honor to be invited. There is no doubt that we all like to be remembered for important occasions.

In the gospel of John there is an invitation extended to you that surpasses all others. In chapter fifteen, Jesus Christ Himself invites you and I to abide in Him. Once you trust Christ as your Savior, the real privileges and opportunities begin. It all starts when we accept the invitation and abide in Him. We can have the peace and joy that is available to us on a daily basis if we take our position in Christ and realize that victory has been made available to each and every one of us!

As we approach the new year, make the decision to accept the invitation that Christ has extended. "Abide in Me, and I in you!" (John 15:4)