Bible

Living A Life That Is Different

January 19, 2020 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” (NIV) Genesis 41:33; 38-40

Potiphar, Joseph’s master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did. Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. The prison warden saw that God was with Joseph. God showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison. Then Pharaoh of Egypt saw that God has made all known to Joseph how to interpret his dreams and that there was no one so discerning and wise as Joseph. So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of his palace, all the Egyptians, and in charge of the whole land of Egypt.

What made Joseph different? Why was it evident that God was with him? The Bible reveals to us some of his character through his story. Here are a few. . .

While Joseph was imprisoned his eyes were looking for those he could serve and help. His eyes were open to those who were dejected and sad and offered to help (Genesis 40:6-7)
Joseph did not give in to temptation. (Genesis 39)
Joseph did not try to take credit for himself when he knew he was empowered by God. He knew that God would not share His glory. (Genesis 41:15-16)
Joseph consistently pointed others, even powerful leaders, to God (Genesis 41:16, 25, 38)
Joseph trusted God with his trouble and suffering (Genesis 41:51-52)
Joseph was compassionate towards his brothers even though they had sold him into slavery (Genesis 42:24; 43:30)
Joseph understood that although he was the one who suffered, that God had a purpose with his life. He knew that God was preserving his family through his life and service in Egypt. (Genesis 45:5, 7-8)
Joseph was kind to his brothers. (Genesis 50:21)
Although his brothers had mistreated him, Joseph provided for them. He gave them property in the best part of the land as Pharaoh directed. (Genesis 45:10-11; 47:11-12)
Joseph was forgiving of his brothers when they were afraid that he might hold a grudge against them. (Genesis 45:3; 50:15)
Joseph trusted God. He summarizes his attitude towards his brothers by saying: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21)

If your story was written would others see character in you that is similar to Joseph?

Rejected and Alone

January 18, 2020 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. (NIV) Genesis 37:4

Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other 11 sons. Out of love he made a richly ornamented robe for Joseph. But, when his brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. The hate grew. After Joseph told his brothers about a dream he had, they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. On top of the hate, his brothers were jealous of him and they plotted to kill him.

When Joseph came to his brothers in the desert, they stripped him of his richly ornamented robe he was wearing and they took him and threw him into the cistern and sold him as a slave to Midianite merchants that came by. Eventually the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials.

Imagine what life was like for 17 year old Joseph. His own flesh and blood hated him so intensely that they plotted to kill him. He was rejected by his own family members. Have you experienced being hated. . . shunned. . . betrayed. . .rejected by a family member or close friend or colleague or church member? If so, you know how much it hurts. You know how uncomfortable family gatherings can be. You know the emptiness it leaves in your life. You know the tears you have shed.

Jesus understands your pain.

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (NIV) John 1:11
He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. (NIV) John 3:32

His own disciples rejected Him and ran away at the time of His death. He told His disciples just prior to His death: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:18; 20)

When those closest to you reject you, betray you, shun you or hate you, remember, Jesus understands. Run to Him to find comfort, healing, and protection. And know that you are chosen and very precious to the Father and Son!

As you come to him, the living Stone– rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him– (NIV) 1 Peter 2:4

When Life Suddenly Changes

January 18, 2020 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. (NIV) Genesis 39:2

The last that we left Joseph, he was sold by his brothers to Midianites who in turn sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Joseph was 17 years old. But, The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered. When Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes. Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar’s household, and was entrusted to care for everything his master owned. As a result, God blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.

All seemed to be going smoothly until the well-built and handsome young man caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. As she tried to seduce him, Joseph held firm and did not sin against either God or his master. Eventually, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph and he was sent to prison. But, God was consistent. While Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Joseph was put in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because he LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. (Genesis 39:22-23)

Joseph stood out among many. It was evident to others that God was with him granting him success in all he did. Although Joseph had been betrayed by his family, sold into slavery, and falsely accused and imprisoned, he kept his eyes on God. He entrusted his circumstances to the One he knew was in control.

How do you handle life when you have been betrayed, sold out, falsely accused or “imprisoned” by your circumstances? Do you go through the “woe is me” pity party? Do you chronically complain to all who will listen? Do you get bitter with the life you have been dealt? Or do you like Joseph entrust your life, your circumstances, and your future to the One who is in control? It’s not easy. But, trust the One who sees all. . .who knows all. . .who holds the keys to the future. . .who never wastes any of our experiences. . .who has His Kingdom purposes prevail. . .and who loves you enough that He sent is only Son to die for you so that you can spend eternity with Him. We may never understand our circumstances, but we can choose to trust the One who is in control.

Jacob

January 17, 2020 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. (NIV) Genesis 25:26

Jacob was given his name because at the birth of the twins, “his hand took hold of Esau’s heel” (Genesis 25:26). Figuratively Jacob’s name means: “he deceives.” The deception did not stop at birth but rather became the pattern of Jacob’s life. Jacob “took hold” of Esau’s birthright that was given the firstborn son (Genesis 25:29-34). He continued to “take hold of” the possessions of others. . .he “took hold” of his father’s blessing (Genesis 27:1-29). . .He “took hold” of his father-in-law’s flocks and herds (Genesis 30:25-43; 31:1). Finally in the most dramatic moment of Jacob’s life, he “took hold” of God (Genesis 32:22-32). Even though Jacob was deceptive and did wrong to achieve his purposes, God in His sovereignty, blessed him.

What excuses do people around you use to rationalize their sinful behavior to achieve their purposes? What sinful behaviors do you rationalize to achieve your purposes? Will you “take hold” of God today, confess your sins, and allow Him to change you?

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

According to Their Ability

January 17, 2020 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments. (NIV) Ezra 2:69

God has gifted each one of us with talents, spiritual gifts, and material goods. He has blessed us because He loves us. But, He also expects us to use those blessings for His Kingdom. Throughout the Bible, God clearly instructs us to give in proportion to how much He has given His people.

** They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything– all she had to live on.” (NIV) Mark 12:44
** The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. (NIV) Acts 11:29
** We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (NIV) Romans 12:6- 8
** For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 8:12
** Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Are you giving in proportion to how much God has given you materially?

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

The Marks of a Slave: Obedience, Humility, and Loyalty

January 15, 2020 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. (NIV) James 1:1

In the opening verse of his book, James describes himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The position of slave implied 3 things:

. . . absolute obedience
. . . absolute humility
. . . absolute loyalty

A slave had no rights of his own. He was the absolute possession of his master. And he was obligated to give his master unquestioning obedience. It was a humble position that demanded a man to think of his duties and obligations rather than his privileges. And it demanded the slaves’ loyalty to his master. The slave had no interests of his own, all he did was for His Master.

Have you given up your rights, your claims to your own life, to your Master in heaven? Do you realize that you truly are your Master’s possession? All that you have was given to you by Him. How do you show your Master unquestioning obedience? Are you always thinking of the privileges you deserve? or of how you can serve your Master and His Kingdom? How is your loyalty to your Master lived out on a moment to moment basis?

It is a privilege to be serving the Master in Heaven and to have a part in His purposes. . . claim your rightful position of slave and inherit the privileges of being the Master’s heir. . . the co-heir with Jesus Christ. . . the heir of God’s glorious Kingdom!

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

When You’re Right, But Everything Keeps Falling Apart

January 14, 2020 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

What do you do when you’re misunderstood by your spouse? your friends? your co-worker? your parents? How do you react to criticism when you know you’re doing the right thing, doing God’s will? Do you alter your course? Do you run and hide? Do you lash back? Do you try to resolve the issue?

If you are attempting to be like Jesus, you will not repay insult for insult, but love the individual instead. If anyone had the right to be right it was Jesus. As He hung on the cross, an innocent man, the people “hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) Jesus never lost His witness to the world. He bore the suffering and the pain and the sin on the cross “so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). . . so that we might live for righteousness and continue to be His witnesses!

The next time you suffer for doing good – for doing God’s will – remember Jesus suffered first so that we might live. And then after remembering what Christ has done for you, pray that God will give you the strength and the love to follow in His footsteps. . . and to live like Jesus through the trial.

PLEASE NOTE: We realize that some of you reading this devotion may be living in an abusive situation. The above devotion is not in anyway encouraging you to be a doormat for abuse. If you are in an abusive relationship, please seek counsel from a pastor at a Bible-teaching church.

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

Freedom!

January 13, 2020 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (NIV) John 8:32

Why bother with God? Because He is the difference between. . .

Freedom or Bondage to the Past

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 NIV)

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance– now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. (Hebrews 9:15 NIV)

Although circumstances and decisions made in the past affect our lives in the future, we are not supposed to allow the past to dominate our lives. Are you in bondage to your past? Remember, “. . . if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

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