Lent, Thursday, March 9, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 39:1-23

Notice in this text, it says constantly that the Lord was with Joseph, and yet he gets a bum deal. Just because the Lord is with us doesn't always mean things will necessary work out the way that we want them. I'm sure that Joseph didn't want go to prison. Just because things are not going the way that we want or that we plan doesn't mean that God is nto with us. God is always with His children and the Word says in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

The story of Joseph will show us that God is at work in all things. Everything he is going through is part of God's greater plan. I don't know what you are going through today, but God can bring some good out of it. He is at work in all things, for a greater purpose. May we have the grace to have faith in God's greater plan.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15

We all have jobs to to for God. No great is greater or lesser. A preacher needs an fire congregation, and an on fire congregation needs a preacher. We should not look at our callings as greater/less, but rather in terms of how they need each other. Paul says that some water, some plant, but all all work for the greater good. We all have a calling and that is to be faithful to God in all that we do. And if we are faithful, God will be at work, and He is the one that deserves all the glory and praise.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 2:1-12

These friends were not content to see their friend stay in his present condition; they took him to Jesus. Are we content to all our friends and family stay lost in their sin? Are content to see them living hopeless lives? Are we content to see them far from God. These folks carried their friend to Jesus. They could not allow him to stay as he was. We have friends that need the Lord. Are we content to let them stay as they are? Or will we carry them to Jesus. They must still make the decision to accept Jesus, but are we doing all that we can? Are we letting the Holy Spirit use us? They would not allow their friend to stay as he was. What about you and me?