Titus-Philemon Great stories of call and redemption

December 16th, Titus-Philemon

       Like Timothy, Titus carries with it the same ideas of helping out a young leader, It starts of in chapter one with qualifications for Elders. There need to be leaders in any setting that are worthy of being looked up to. In your family, church, business. No matter what the setting quality leaders make a world of difference.
       Chapter two calls on some more characteristics of old and young, men and women as well as another great summary passage. 2:11-13 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, waiting for our blessed hope, and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
       I always hate it when theology profs complain about a run-on sentence in a paper. I always think to myself, don't they read the Bible!! Paul is the master of run-on sentences!
       Philemon- a short book about forgiveness, slaves/slaveowners and a new day. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, stole items and ran away. In the course of time Onesimus ran across Paul and got saved. Paul wants to send Onesimus back to Philemon, but with a very different outlook regarding the whole issue of slavery/forgiveness/redemption. Philemon is the letter Paul wrote to the slave owner of Onesimus regarding this whole situation. Don't miss it. A great story.

Gen 35-37 How to irritate your siblings

Jan 12th, Genesis 35-37

       Of all the tasks in the world that are super easy, one of the easiest is to irritate your siblings. It's amazing how easy it is to find the buttons of another and push them relentlessly. Joseph was an irritation to his brothers. Being favored by his father was the beginning. But when people treat you poorly, you begin to just do things to irritate them in order to get the reaction you always get anyway. Since they never treat you well, why not make them treat you badly with intention. Negative attention is better than no attention right?? Welcome to dysfunction!!
       Joseph didn't mind being hated for his dreams. His brothers thought they were just another good excuse to hate him. Even his dad thought they were a little much. Nobody knew how much truth they contained or that God himself was the source. Joseph's brother wanted him out. Joseph was said to be sold for 20 shekels of silver. That is the modern day equal of $240. Usually when you do these conversions and think about inflation the worth is impressive. This seems to be the other way. Joseph was sold for .24. Joseph was on clearance and his brothers hated him so much they just wanted him gone.
       Here's my conclusion for today. God is at work revealing his plans to us in subtle and not so subtle ways. Listening is an acquired skill, one that would serve us well.