Genesis 41

Where were you 13 years ago? In February of 1997 we were living on Oak Island, NC. We still owned property in Norman, Ok, which we couldn’t sell. All of our capital was tied up in that property. Consequently, we were unable to purchase property in NC. It seemed like such a waste to keep pouring money into someone else’s rental. However, by May of 97 we realized that there was nothing we could do about it until the Oklahoma property sold. But through a series of unique circumstances, which we did not initiate, the Lord provided for us a home to purchase. Five years later we were finally able to sell our house in Norman. In 2007 the house, which we purchased in NC, burned down. It was a pretty amazing thing, which I really don’t have space to write about in this writing. However, the Lord was making it clear that it was time to move back to Oklahoma, which we did when we finally settled with the insurance company. Thirteen years is a long time. We lived a lot of life during that time.

Can you imagine spending 13 years first as a slave and then in jail? To top it off, you were innocent of any crime worthy of slavery or jail. Wouldn’t it seem like a lot of life would have been wasted? Wouldn’t you be at least a little bit bitter? In verse 46 we learn that Joseph was now 30 years old. He was 17 when sold out by his brothers. Joseph had had his hope rise three times: 1. When he had risen to the top of Potiphar’s house, 2. When he had risen to a place of responsibility in jail, 3. When he thought that he might have a friend in Pharaoh’s court. Each time he probably felt abandoned when things did not happen as he expected. After being disappointed so many times, wouldn’t you wonder if God really was with you? But I think Joseph knew that God was with him. That is why he faithfully continued. You see there is not anything that we cannot endure when we know that God is with us. That is His glory. When we have His presence, we don’t have to have the comfortable house, the fast or luxurious cars, or even sumptuous meals . His presence is enough. Oh I don’t claim to be one who doesn’t want a comfortable house or sumptuous meals. I love to eat, and I like my house; however, looking back over the last 13 years, I can truthfully say, “His presence is sufficient for me.” Why? Because His glory is so great! I believe that is why Joseph was so faithful through those 13 years. The presence of the Almighty was all that he needed. Why? Because His glory is so great! Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john

Matthew 24:29-51

There is an old joke told about the rivalry between OU and OSU. It seems OSU got a government grant to send a man to the moon. OU was jealous so they sent one of their engineers up to OSU to spy out their progress. The Sooner was recognized by the Cowboy and the spy plans were foiled. The Sooner said, "It doesn't matter anyway. We're raising enough money to outdo your project with our own project."

The Cowboy replied, "What could possibly be better than sending a man to the moon?"

"Oh, we're going to the sun." said the Sooner.

"The sun! You'll burn up!" guffawed the Cowboy.

The Sooner replied, "You stupid Cowboy. We've got it all figured out. We're going at night."

One day the sun will no longer give its light. It is a physical impossibility by anything we currently understand. But the Lord will make it happen right before He returns. How will He do it? I have no idea. I only know that it shows His unbelievable power. He will come in His power and glory. He will come to claim what is His own, for those who also claim Him as their own.

Few are preparing themselves for His return. Why? Because they do not really believe in His glory. If they did, they would drop everything else except that which would prepare them for His coming. The person focused on His glory does not abuse his fellow servants. The person focused on His glory does not put self pleasure before His pleasure. the person focus on His glory watches and longs for His return and works to hasten it. Why? Because they have glimpsed just a little of His glory and the long for more. They want Him to return. Indeed we serve a glorious serving King! Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor John