There are no shortcuts to character

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And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused…. --Genesis 39:7-8 Joseph was a man with extraordinary moral strength and character. Over and over again in Genesis we read how God framed and forged Joseph’s character through victories over personal struggles and sufferings.  One particular victory was the battle for sexual purity. You’ll remember that Potiphar’s wife was attracted to Joseph and she made countless verbal and physical advances toward him. Even when she falsely accused Joseph of attempting to rape her, and he was sent to prison, Joseph had the strength of character not to grow bitter or resentful.  As a result, the purposes of God for Joseph’s life were fulfilled, and Joseph became one of the most powerful men on earth, saving a nation of people, and his own family. What we learn from the life of Joseph is that there are no shortcuts to character. The trials, struggles, choices we make, and actions we take produce the very character we need to fulfill our God-given destiny. Like Joseph, God has a plan for your life, too. Don’t despise the struggles, but allow God to forge your character and morals so that you can be the person he needs you to be. THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TO CHARACTER.

Who Is Jesus?

Monday, August 12, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:13–16

The most important questions each of us must answer are, “Who is Jesus?” and “How will I respond to Him?” We often think of these questions in the context of salvation, and they are critical, for Jesus is the only hope of eternal life. But it is just as crucial for those of us who are saved to understand who Jesus really is and respond to Him properly if we are to walk in a way that is pleasing to God.

Jesus is not just a wonderful example, a great teacher, a gentle friend, or a nice man. He is all of those things, but He is much more. He is God—the rightful ruler over everything. Jesus told His disciples, “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am” (John 13:13). Recognizing Jesus as Lord is not just calling Him that, but living as if we believe it to be true—living in obedience to Him. Jesus asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

It is wonderful and important to have the right doctrine, but unless that is matched by right living, our claims to be following the Lord are empty. He has the absolute right of both creation and ownership to call us to obedience. We must not lose sight of the fact that Jesus is truly Lord of all.

Today's Growth Principle: 

Living in obedience to God’s Word shows we understand and appreciate that Jesus is Lord.