Joseph: chapter 1 Reflection

I just started reading a book called Cast of Characters, common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God, by Max Lucado. I attempt to do this so I can start putting things first in my life that are import and right now that needs to be devotion, feeling a connection to God that has been missing for some time.

Chapter One: Joseph
Josheph had times when he could have questioned God, but we dont see it in scripture...we see his obediance.

Describe a time when you were caught between what God says and what seemed to make sense.

Right now it seems like everyday or at least every Sunday. I don’t always like going to church even though it is literally right out my front door. …it is my weekend and I would much rather sleep in or do nothing the whole day. (it is rare right now with basketball and wrestling going on) I think that everyday there is a conflict. I know that I shouldn’t listen to certain music on the radio, but I do. I do thing in life that I know aren’t pleasing to God. We all do.

What is the connection between our obedience and divine guidance? Why is it pointless to ask God for direction for your life if you are disobeying some command of Scripture?

I don’t think it is pointless to ask God for direction. I think that He already knows, but it is like anything in life when you ask for it, you realized that you need the help and that is why it is important to ask for it even though you might already be getting it. The first step is to acknowledge you have a problem.

What instances in your past have caused you to question why God did what he did?

Death is the biggest one. When people in the world die, when friends that I know die…I question why he chose to take that life or the lives of certain people.

What generally happens to your attitude when you question God’s handling of you life or circumstances? Is there a pattern you can discern?

My attitude? Hmmm I think when things happen like death I get closer to him, questioning leads to finding out more information, having a better understanding. I question when I’m confused in life, when I’m disconnected and that is how I get closer to God.

Hebrews 3:12
12Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from(A) the living God. 13But(B) exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by(C) the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we have come to share in Christ,(D) if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15As it is said,

(E) "Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."
16For(F) who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not(G) all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned,(H) whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did he swear that(I) they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19So we see that(J) they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

What advice is given in verse 13 to help us obey God together?

We should all continue to make a connection with Christ, have confidence in his love. We shouldn’t rebel. Right now I have a person that no matter what I say, just because I’m in leadership over her that she feels she needs to talk back (behind my back…I’m not deaf by any means) or to not follow directions just because I gave them. A senior going on to kindergarten….wow. I see hard times for her in the future. Rebelling leads to times not well spent.