 | Staying Power "And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more." (Genesis 37:5) |
Staying power overcomes misunderstanding and rejection. Sometimes the people you count on to support you will actually try to undercut you. When God gives you a vision too big for them to handle, they'll say, "You're getting too big for your boots," and then try to cut you down to size—their size! Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, then went home and told their father he'd been killed by a wild beast. Can you imagine how Joseph felt when someone asked, "Tell me about your family"? General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "There are no victories at bargain prices." And sadly, betrayal happens as often in church as in secular society. When Charles Spurgeon was in his early twenties, such large crowds came to his church that the building couldn't accommodate them. So he met with thirty of his church leaders and suggested they build an auditorium that would seat 5,500 people. Allegedly, he told them that if any of them doubted the possibility of accomplishing this, they should leave. And twenty-three did! But Spurgeon held true to the vision God had given him. He had the "stickability" to see it through, and for over thirty-five years crowds packed the Metropolitan Tabernacle morning and night, making it one of the most influential churches in history. "Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you can't tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible; He can do just what no other can do."
| Promise "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalm 86:5) Reflection The Lord is full of mercy and willing to forgive us! He never rejects us when we ask for His forgiveness. This outpouring of mercy and love should make us desire to follow Him more faithfully." My Prayer: Jesus, I do not deserve Your love or mercy, but I praise and thank You for them both! Thank You for hearing us when we call to You. |  |
 | Week #31 Schedule for reading the Bible This schedule will take the Bible student through the Bible in one year. Just click on the text to read and get started today. Sunday: (Law) Leviticus 19-21 Monday: (History) 2 Kings 16-20 Tuesday: (Psalms) Psalms 87-89 Wednesday: (Poetry) Proverbs 13 Thursday: (Prophecy) Ezekiel 37-42 Friday: (Gospels) Luke 23-24 Saturday: (Letters) 2 Thessalonians 1-3 |