Devotional: But God

 

Scripture Reference: Genesis 50:20

Joseph's life was marked by betrayal, hardship, and injustice. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph faced numerous trials that could have embittered him. Yet, his response to his brothers years later reveals a profound shift in perspective: "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive" (Genesis 50:20 NKJV).

In the face of pain caused by others, it's natural to feel anger and injustice. We often struggle to see beyond our immediate circumstances, consumed by what we perceive as undeserved suffering. Joseph's pivotal moment came when he chose to see his life through the lens of God's sovereignty. Instead of dwelling on the wrongs done to him, he acknowledged God's hand in orchestrating events for a greater purpose.

Reflect on a situation where you have felt wronged or betrayed. How might adopting a "But God" perspective change your outlook on this experience?

Consider the ways God might be working behind the scenes in your life, even in moments of pain or adversity. How can you surrender these situations to Him, trusting His ultimate plan?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in moments of pain and injustice, help me to turn my gaze toward You. Like Joseph, help me to see beyond my immediate circumstances and trust in Your higher purpose. Give me the strength to surrender my hurts and disappointments to You, knowing that You can turn them into something good. Thank You for Your promise to work all things together for good. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sermon Notes: Jesus and Joseph

 Introduction: 

Today, we delve into the story of Joseph, a journey from the pit to the palace, illustrating how one can move beyond crisis to Divine destiny. The story of Joseph is not just a tale of ancient times but a profound reflection of the trials and triumphs we experience in our own lives.

1. Life’s Challenges: At some point in your life, you will encounter rejection, betrayal, false accusations, temptation, bitterness, and resentment. These challenges are part of our human experience. However, through these trials, we also discover the favor of God and the path to God's unlimited prosperity.

2. Moving Beyond Crisis: To move beyond your crisis to your Divine destiny, you must:

•Move beyond your heartaches to achieve your Impossible Dream.

•Move beyond bitterness to receive the favor of God.

•Move beyond your accusers to move from the pit to the palace.

3. Joseph and Jesus: Joseph’s life parallels the life of Jesus in many ways:

•Shepherds: Both Joseph and Jesus are depicted as shepherds, guiding their flocks. Psalm 23 beautifully describes the Lord as our Shepherd.

•Saviors: Joseph saved his family, 70 people living under Jacob, by providing for them during a famine. Jesus saves us by offering eternal life.

4. Symbols of Sacrifice:

•Coat of Many Colors & Seamless Robe: Joseph’s coat was soaked in animal blood by his brothers to deceive their father into thinking he was dead. Similarly, Jesus’ robe was soaked in His precious blood. The hymn "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus" reminds us of this sacrifice.

•Bread of Life: Joseph was sent by his father to his brothers with bread. Jesus was sent by God the Father to earth as the Bread of Life.

5. Rejection and Redemption:

•Rejected: Joseph was rejected by his brothers; Jesus was rejected by His people.

•Gentile Bride: Joseph was given a Gentile bride by Pharaoh. Jesus, through the cross, was given a Gentile bride—the Church.

6. God's Unseen Hand: When you find yourself in a pit, remember that you are God's anointed. Even if you can't see where you're going, trust that God is leading you to a destiny greater than you can imagine.

7. Moments of Despair:

•When your brothers strip you of your coat and throw you in a pit, you might ask, "Where is God?"

•When you are sold into slavery and falsely accused, you might ask, "Where is God?"

•When you are imprisoned and forgotten, you might ask, "Where is God?"

8. God's Guidance: In all these moments, God’s unseen hand is guiding you. Though you are in the pit today, God is leading you to the palace tomorrow.

9. The Revealer of Secrets: Joseph was known as Zephanath Panea, the revealer of secrets. Similarly, Paul writes in Romans 2 that in the day of judgment, God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. The revealer of secrets is coming.

Conclusion: 

Are you ready for the coming of Jesus Christ? When you feel like you're in a bottomless pit, remember that God is with you, leading you to a destiny far greater than you can imagine. Trust in Him, move beyond your crisis, and embrace the Divine destiny He has planned for you.

Celebrating Love: A Reflection on Marriage and God's Love

 

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Dear friends,

As we celebrate this season of love, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound gift of love, both in marriage and in the greater love of God. On Valentine’s Day, we often celebrate the love we share with our spouses, but let us also remember the ultimate source of love, the love that flows from our Creator.

In marriage, we experience a reflection of God's love for us. The love between spouses is meant to be a picture of the unwavering, sacrificial love that God shows God's people. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." These words remind us that love in marriage, like God's love, should be unconditional and enduring.

But above all, let us not forget the depth of God's love for us. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This divine love is not bound by time or circumstance; it is freely given, without expectation, and is the foundation of all the love we share with others.

On this Valentine’s Day, may we celebrate not only the love between us as spouses but also the love that God has lavished upon us, a love that empowers and transforms.

With love and blessings,

Pastor Richard

God’s Faithfulness in Every Season

 

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

As we step into 2025, we can be confident in God’s faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 is a beautiful reminder that God’s love and compassion never fail. No matter what we’ve faced in the past or will face in the future, God's faithfulness is constant. Each morning, we are given a fresh supply of grace and mercy, and each new day is an opportunity to experience love anew.

This year, let’s focus on God’s unchanging nature. While the world around us may change, God remains faithful. God's love is not dependent on our circumstances but is always present, always available. No matter the season of life you find yourself in, God's faithfulness is sure.

Let this year be one where we grow deeper in our understanding of God’s unwavering love. Let us live with the assurance that God is with us every step of the way, and His mercies are new every morning.

Prayer:
Loving God, thank You for Your constant love and faithfulness. I trust that You are with me in every season and that Your mercies are new each day. Help me to rely on Your unfailing love and to see Your hand at work in my life. Thank You for being my faithful companion as I begin this new year. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Renewed Strength

 Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

The beginning of a new year can often be a time of feeling both excited and exhausted. The weight of past struggles and the uncertainty of the future can cause us to feel weary. Yet, Isaiah 40:31 gives us a powerful reminder that when we place our hope in the Lord, our strength is renewed.

God’s strength is limitless, and promises that those who hope will rise above their circumstances. Like an eagle soaring high above the storm, we too can rise above the challenges we face. God doesn’t just give us strength to endure; God provides a strength that allows us to soar.

As we embark on 2025, let’s remember that our source of strength is not our own. We are invited to rely on God’s abundant grace and power. When we feel weak, God lifts us up. When we feel tired, God refreshes us. Let this year be a year of renewed strength, as we trust in God's provision and ability to carry us through.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being my source of strength. When I feel weary and worn, I will place my hope in You. Renew my strength and help me to rise above my challenges. I trust that You will carry me through this year, and I look forward to the strength You will provide. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sermon Notes: We Are Truly Blessed - A Reflection on God's Blessings

 

Habakkuk 3:17-18 challenges the understanding of blessings. Despite devastating circumstances—failed crops, empty stalls, and economic ruin—Habakkuk chooses to rejoice in the Lord. In today’s culture, where blessings are often equated with material success, such faith seems almost absurd. Social media’s misuse of “#blessed” highlights this, often turning gratitude into veiled boasting. Yet true blessings transcend possessions, achievements, or favorable circumstances.

The Bible reveals that God is both the source and substance of all blessings. Numbers 6:24-26 reminds us that God’s blessings involve active presence, grace, and peace. Blessing is not about acquiring things; it is about being in a relationship with the Giver of every perfect gift (James 1:17). To be truly blessed means knowing God’s face is turned toward creation, radiating love and approval.

When blessings are sought, it is an invitation for God to be present in every aspect of life—work, struggles, and plans—acknowledging that all good flows from divine provision. This act of surrender trusts in a greater purpose and love, even when life’s path diverges from personal expectations (Romans 8:28).

Moreover, being blessed is not dependent on favorable circumstances. In challenges, God’s presence becomes more tangible, grace sustains, and peace provides stability. Difficult seasons reveal blessings in unexpected ways, anchoring faith in the unchanging nature of God rather than the shifting conditions of life. As Psalm 23:4 reflects, comfort is most profound in life’s darkest valleys.

Habakkuk’s declaration is not foolish but profoundly wise: true blessing lies in rejoicing in God, regardless of circumstances. To be blessed is to be united with Christ, secure in divine love and kept for sacred purposes. This assurance allows for bold declarations of blessing—not because of what is possessed, but because of who God is and what God has done.

Let life reflect this truth—living as those deeply, truly, and eternally blessed. Whether in abundance or adversity, rejoicing in God becomes an act of faith that transcends the temporary and anchors the soul in eternal gratitude.

Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for blessings that are eternal and unshakable. Help us rest in grace, embrace divine love, and live with gratitude. Sustain us in struggles and fill us with hope, trusting that nothing can separate us from the love found in Christ. Amen.

Devotional: Blessed in Hardship

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).

Even in life’s hardest moments, we can call ourselves blessed because of God’s presence. Challenges often deepen our awareness of God’s care. Numbers 6:26 assures us that God’s face is turned toward us, offering peace and grace.

Hardship can feel overwhelming, but it is often in these times that God’s blessings shine brightest. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient, and God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Difficult seasons draw us closer to God, revealing a deeper sense of peace and companionship.

Today, if you face trials, remember that God’s blessings remain. God’s comfort and strength are with you, even in the darkest valleys.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your presence in my struggles. When life is hard, help me see Your hand at work and trust in Your sustaining grace. Amen.