|
Extras: Abraham: Making Your Faith Work |
Bonus Content from the Program 
Click any link to view or hide the information.
4 Ways to Avoid Making Foolish Decisions [Program Date: 1-19-11]
1. Look for clues in God's Word concerning the validity of your decision.
2. Ask God for guidance, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom--that's what the Spirit is with us to do!
3. Consider the consequences before you act.
4. Ask yourself if God would be pleased with your decision.
Woodrow Kroll: Let me suggest these things to you:
1) Even though Joseph's imprisonment continued, his influence grew.
See, eventually the chief butler would remember him. This incident would lead to his release, and it would lead to the elevation of Joseph before Pharaoh, even if it didn't lead to his immediate release.
Now, what does that mean? It means that sometimes we have to invest a little at a time in order to see God accomplish big things in our lives. You know, you plant some seed and you say, "Lord, bring it back a hundredfold." And it doesn't come back a hundredfold.
We're the product of small steps; not giant leaps. Someone asked me how long it took for me to prepare one of my studies here each day for Back to the Bible. And I always say it takes me about 50 years. See what I do is the product of years of self-discipline and study and failure and success and preparation and insight.
There is no instant gratification in God's will for your life, my friend. So, learn this from Joseph: Even though he was imprisoned and his imprisonment continued, while he was in prison his influence grew and that's important.
2) Joseph's faith in God never wavered while he was in prison.
His only thought was to please God regardless of where he was or what people did to him. So like Paul he had learned that godliness with contentment is great gain. He could say as did the apostle to the Philippians, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Philippians 4:11.
5 Things to Help Work Through Conflict [Program Date: 1-28-11]
1. There won't be resolution if one or both parties don't admit or recognize there is a problem.
2. Remember you've probably hurt each other in the past. There may already be a trust issue. It's never one-sided.
3. Mutually agree to come to terms. There's a sense of resolution for both of you.
4. Keep it a private argument. Don't turn it into a public fiasco. Only go public when you can let others know it's been corrected.
5. Maintain your relationship with God as your highest goal, even in dealing with your neighbors.
|
