Saturday, November 10, 2007

Cultivating a Thankful Heart by Steve Arterburn

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE: "Cultivating a Thankful Heart by Steve Arterburn Be joyful always. Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The great English writer G. K. Chesterton once wrote, 'You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing, and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.' Wow! What a reminder! There's no doubt in my mind that I could give thanks more often. We set aside meal time, Sunday mornings, and my favorite holiday; Thanksgiving. But, don't let an hour go by without giving thanks . . . for your work, school, kids, health, your spouse, your blessings and your challenges. When you have a God-awareness about life and when you see and sense Him in your day (in the big things and the little things), it's hard not to be thankful. 'Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.' - William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)"

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Take 59 - 11/08/07: World DOP (public)

"Take 59 - 11/08/07: World DOP (public) 'Give to the Lord the glory He deserves! Bring your offering and come into His presence.Worship the Lord in all His holy splendor' (1 Chronicles 16:29, NLT). Entities worldwide are making final preparations for the 2007 World Day of Prayer. The annual event is traditionally held on November 11, but with that date falling on a Sunday this year, many are observing the day on Friday, November 9. With the goal of bringing honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, it is a time for corporate and united worship, intercession and petition. What a great privilege we have--to seek God, worship Him and bring Him our praise, thanksgiving and petitions in prayer for the Wycliffe family of organizations, SIL and other partners! Praise God for this opportunity!
* Pray for local World Day of Prayer planning committees around the world as they finish up final details.
* Praise God for the good work done in developing materials for the day. Pray that we will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as we use these resources.
* Pray for our own hearts and minds to be prepared for this time of praise and intercession.
* Pray for technical aspects"

PC World - Microsoft Fires CIO for Violating Corporate Policies

PC World - Microsoft Fires CIO for Violating Corporate Policies: "Scott, who was a corporate vice president at Microsoft, joined the company in late 2005 as co-CIO and was given full control of the IT department late last year. Before being hired by Microsoft, he spent 17 years at General Electric Co., where he most recently was CIO of the GE Industrial Systems division."

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE: "“You’re born. You suffer. You die. Fortunately, there’s a loophole.” - Billy Graham (1918-)"

Sunday, November 04, 2007

The Differences Between Men and Women by Steve Arterburn

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE: "The Differences Between Men and Women by Steve Arterburn The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. 1 Corinthians 15:41 Consider these gender differences I found on a humorous web­site: If Laura, Suzanne, and Debra go out for lunch, they’ll call each other Laura, Suzanne, and Debra. But if Mike, Charlie, and Bob go out they’ll refer to each other as Godzilla, Champ, and Grubby. A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he wants. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item she doesn’t want. A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument. A man has six items in his bathroom: a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, soap, and a towel. The average woman has 377 items. A man wouldn’t be able to identify most of them. Recognizing differences is especially important when it comes to how we love. Understanding that everyone doesn’t share my experiences, nor do they think like me, are important steps in not being threatened; and they are important so you don’t feel anger at differences you note in how someone you love behaves or reacts. “Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There’s too"

Friday, November 02, 2007

Everex has released a desktop PC through Wal-Mart that might set a new price floor for the computer industry -- $199.

Everex has released a desktop PC through Wal-Mart that might set a new price floor for the computer industry -- $199. The machine is attracting attention not only because of its price, but also because of its use of the open-source Linux operating system and a truckload of free applications -- many of them from Google.

While the price of the Everex Green gPC TC2502 does not include a monitor, it does include nearly every software application that an ordinary consumer user might need.

These include links to Google Docs & Spreadsheet, Google Product Search, Blogger, YouTube, and Google Maps, plus desktop apps such as Gimp for image editing, Xing for playing movies, Skype for voice chats, OpenOffice.org 2.2 for document editing, and an iTunes-like RhythmBox for playing tunes.

'An Eye-Catcher'

A spokesperson for Everex told news media that the company can provide a savings for users of up to 95 percent through open-source software, and that it expects to have about 20,000 gPCs out this quarter. Although some observers might tag the new machine as a Google PC, Everex said that the product is independent of the search giant.

The "g" in gPC stands for green, not specifically for Google, because it is an energy-efficient device. But it also stands for gOS, an Ubuntu Linux 7.1 desktop that uses the Enlightenment window manger. gOS is a company that describes itself as "an alternative OS with Google Apps and other Web 2.0 apps for the masses."

The machine features a 1.5-GHz Via C7-D processor and chipsets, 512 MB of SDRAM (expandable to 2 GB), an 80-GB hard drive, a DVD/CD-RW drive, and built-in 10/100 Ethernet. It also comes with free phone support.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Cartoons

Joyful 'toons are cartoons that I have drawn for my own church's weekly bulletin. And now I am making them available for others to enjoy, and perhaps use for their own church or ministry publications. These cartoons are based on the Word of God. Each cartoon contains a verse from the Bible along with a cartoon illustration. It is my prayer that they be used to exhort and encourage Christians in their walk with the Lord, and also that they be used to reach out to those who don't know Jesus as Lord. Check out the gallery, displaying 50 cartoons, and go to the info page to learn how you can use Joyful 'toons in your own church or ministry. Just added, the Joyful 'toons Online Store for products featuring my cartoons. And check back here each week to see the latest cartoon, or send me your email address, and I'll send you the latest cartoon each week.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

YOUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO FASTING AND PRAYER

Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life.

Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God's people fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God's face not His hand-with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival - a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

� 1997 Campus Crusade for Christ. All Rights Reserved

Moving Sale at Eric Scott's for Dave Love on Saturday 10/13 starting 7AM until 11AM

Yard Sale!

Moving Sale at Eric Scott's for Dave Love
Saturday 10/13 starting 7AM until 11AM

2414 Birnen Dr
Charlotte, NC 28210

Map link:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=100847203329185844207.00043c384c59bfc4d7f28&ll=35.105367,-80.863587&spn=0.034477,0.067892&z=14&om=1

Items:
Sofa
Dining table and chairs
DVD player
VCR
Microwave
Mountain Bike
Small stuff
Shelf
Bookcases
Cleaning products
Crates
Pictures
DVDs, records and CDs
Queen bed and frame
Dog house
TV 19"
Books

Come out to just say good bye and wish your blessings to him.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

EMB: Men's group chat for those seeking sexual integrity

Every Man's Battle
Men's group chat for those seeking sexual integrity.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 5:00:00 PM (PST) with Jonathan Daugherty
Announcing New Bible and Book Study Group in NLM Chat Rooms

John will be facilitating a book study group on Every Man's Battle. The men in the group will dialog about the sexual integrity issues they're facing and how they can apply the principles in the book to help them battle through to success. John had a 30 year porn addiction, but through applying the principles of the EMB book, the EMB workshop, his accountability group and his commitment to his wife - he now has 2 years of sobriety from porn.

Bryan will be facilitating a morning devotional group. Two mornings a week for approx 30-60 minutes. At the meeting a scripture will be shared which will then be followed up by a discussion and application of the scripture among the group. This will be a great way to start the day for those who can come!

Darren will be facilitating a bible study on how "God Cares for You". It will be held 1 day a week for approx 1 - 1 1/2 hours. The members will be sharing scriptures relating to how God cares for us. In addition, we will be sharing testimonies and/or life events that demonstrate how God has cared for us in our own lives. This study will be held for 4 weeks and could be held during the day or evening.

Laurie will be facilitating a group committed to Reading the Bible in One Year. We will read between 2-4 chapters a day and have discussion of what was read along with some meditation of chosen passages to hide His Word in our hearts. It will be a way of keeping each other accountable to reading the Word on a daily basis.

JMAN will be facilitating a discussion on "Christian music for teens / kids". He is a former DJ and is in tune with what kids are listening to today. JMAN has a passion for Christian music and for helping parents and youth find good alternatives for secular music. In this discussion - JMAN and parents will discuss concerns with secular music such as rock, hip hop and rap - JMAN will explore various alternatives for replacing it with Christian music the kids will enjoy.

With the book studies, the group size will have to be limited in order to have more personal and in-depth discussion. The bible studies will allow for a few additional people. It will be held one day or evening a week, in a password protected chat room, for approx. 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Day and time to be decided when the group is formed.

It should be noted that there will not be a counselor in the group nor will anyone be speaking on behalf of NLM as this group is not led by NLM but rather they have opened up a special chat room for the listeners, posters and chatters to use as a "peer-to-peer" study/discussion group.

We are grateful for the use of this special chat room and are excited about the possibilities it holds for helping people connect with others in similar situations, to heal and move forward. If you are interested in being part of this group or would like more information... please send me an email of stop in the chat room. My user-name is Laurie. We look forward to the possibilities this group holds and hope you will be part of it.
Additional book studies that are being planned are:

* Every Woman's Battle (sexual integrity issues for women)
* Lose it For Life book study/ support
* How to Get a Date Worth Keeping
* Healing is a Choice
* Wounded Heart (Recovery from sexual abuse)

For more information contact Laurie in the chat room or email her at nll_chat@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 04, 2007

The Blessing of Brokenness by Steve Arterburn

The Blessing of Brokenness

by Steve Arterburn

I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite...Isaiah 57:15b

Brokenness is actually a blessing, but too often we’re so caught up with wanting to feel better we miss God’s best for us. If you’re struggling . . . if you feel as if your faith is gone . . . don’t miss the blessing that comes with brokenness . . . Here’s a story that illus­trates what I mean:

There was a young priest who was about to lift the communion cup and bless the cup. It was made of choice crystal. Just when he lifted up the cup, it slipped out of his hand and smashed in pieces onto the floor. He looked up at the senior priest thinking that he would be ridiculed. Instead the senior priest said, “I never knew there were so many beautiful pieces to reflect the light until the cup was broken. How marvelous and beautiful are all the pieces when the light shines on them!”

Like the cup, our broken lives can accentuate the beauty of the light shining through them. For that light is the Lord. What we fear is to be broken or be seen as broken; but as this story illustrates, it is in our brokenness that the light of Christ dazzles–drawing atten­tion to His beauty, and making our lives beautiful as a result.”

And, in the book, Wild at Heart, John Eldredge commented, “But you can’t do this at a distance; you can’t ask Christ to come into your wound while you remain far from it. You have to go there with him.” It’s o.k. to be broken; it is in our brokenness that we can bring it to the Lord and experience His touch and healing, and bring hope to our broken heart.

“God can take all the broken pieces and put it back together in a way that is good.” - Max Johnson

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Google this: Shannon Whisnant foot

Google this: Shannon Whisnant foot
You will ROTFL ----->Roll on the floor laughing

Link: http://www.wbtv.com/news/topstories/10091746.html

"Maiden Man Turns "Foot Smoker" into Tourist Attraction

If everyone gets 15 minutes of fame Shannon Whisnant is on the clock.

We introduced you to the Maiden Man yesterday.

He found a foot in a smoker he bought at an auction.

Whisnant is now turning his foot smoker into a tourist attraction with a fee to see the smoker.

The sign in his yard says 3 bucks for adults!

The human foot has been turned over to cops until it can be returned to it's owner."

[If Google this you can find video too.]

I heard on the radio tonight that tenant only owed $42 in past dues.
So, make those DTM calls or cut your foot off now!

--
ROTFL,
Daniel K. "Dan" King
My blog: http://kingdanprayer.blogspot.com/
My photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610

Monday, October 01, 2007

WorldNetDaily: Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans

WorldNetDaily: Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans: "ELECTION 2008 Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans Dobson, others meet in Salt Lake City to plan options in presidential campaign Posted: September 30, 2007 1:00 a.m. Eastern � 2007 WorldNetDaily.com James Dobson WASHINGTON – Some of the top leaders in Christian pro-family activism – including James Dobson of Focus on the Family – met in Salt Lake City yesterday to plot a strategy should Rudy Giuliani or another supporter of legalized abortion be nominated by the Republican Party as its presidential candidate. Not only was there a consensus among activists to withhold support for the Republican nominee, there was even discussion about supporting the entry of a new candidate to challenge the frontrunners. It's no secret that Dobson, founder of one of the largest Christian ministries in the country, has no use for Giuliani. In June, he said: 'I cannot, and will not, vote for Rudy Giuliani in 2008. It is an irrevocable decision. If given a Hobson's – Dobson's? – choice between him and Sens. Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, I will either cast my ballot for an also-ran – or if worse comes to worst – not vote in a presidential election for the first time in my adult life. My conscience and my moral convictions will allow me to do nothing else.'"

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Foot Found in Locker | WBTV | News

Foot Found in Locker | WBTV | News: "Foot Found in Locker An investigation going on in Maiden right now. A severed foot found inside a mini-storage unit. Investigators are at the Maiden Plaza Mini Storage on Island Ford Road right now. They are telling us a man was storing his foot that he had amputated after a wreck, inside a smoker grill in the storage unit. They are telling us a man was storing his foot that he had amputated after a wreck, inside a smoker grill in the storage unit. We have a crew on the way and will let you know as new details come in. Story Created: Sep 25, 2007 at 5:07 PM EDT Story Updated: Sep 25, 2007 at 6:25 PM EDT"

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

by Steve Arterburn

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

We are called to walk alongside others on the journey of disciple­ship. We serve our brothers and sisters by helping them stay on or return to the path of faithfulness. And we also serve them by
making sure we continue in faithfulness. Self-neglect and irre­sponsibility impose an unfair burden on your brother and sister in Christ, because they’re responsible to help you.

The body of Christ is not a place of self-sufficiency. It’s time we quit believing those lies we’ve been listening to for so long. The Christian faith is not each person looking out for him or herself. Nor is it the survival of the fittest. The body of Christ is a place of interdependency. When you share the troubles and problems of others, you’re fulfilling the law of love. Our burdens bring us together! As you call on others to help you bear your burdens, you will find your love and appreciation growing. Your weaknesses call forth other’s strengths. And when others call on you, you have the opportunity to be an agent of God’s mercy and grace, looking for nothing in return.

Do you know someone who is under a heavy burden at this time? What practical way can you come alongside that person and help him or her bear it? Prayerfully consider what God may be calling you to do, then step forward and do it.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” - Charles Dickens(1812-1870)

Friday, September 21, 2007

The Ransomed Heart - Fight For It




Fight For It
09/21/2007

Be kind, for everyone you know is facing a great battle.

A true community is something you will have to fight for. You’ll have to fight to get one, and you’ll have to fight to keep it afloat. But you fight for it like you bail out a life raft during a storm at sea. You want this thing to work. You need this thing to work. You can’t ditch it and jump back on the cruise ship. This is the church; this is all you have. Without it, you’ll go down. Or back to prison.

Suddenly all those “one another’s” in Scripture make sense. Love one another. Bear one another’s burdens. Forgive one another. Acts of kindness become deeply meaningful because we know we are at war. Knowing full well that we are all facing battles of our own, we give one another the benefit of the doubt. Leigh isn’t intentionally being distant from me – she’s probably under an assault. That’s why you must know each other’s stories, know how to “read” one another. A word of encouragement can heal a wound; a choice to forgive can destroy a stronghold. You never knew your simple acts were so weighty. Its what we’ve come to call “lifestyle warfare.”

We check in regularly with one another, not out of paranoia (“Do you still like me?”), but in order to watch over each other’s hearts. “How are you doing?” But be careful about what you are looking for from community. For if you bring your every need to it, it will collapse. Community is no substitute for God. I left our annual camping trip absolutely exhausted and disappointed. As we drove home, I realized it was because I was looking to them to validate me, appreciate me, fill this aching void in my heart. Only once in ten days did I take time to be away with God, alone. I was too busy trying to get my needs met through them. Which is why community cannot live without solitude.

(Waking The Dead , 199, 200 )

From The Ransomed Heart, by John Eldredge, reading 264
Ransomed Heart Ministries www.ransomedheart.com

To unsubscribe from this mailing, go to the My Profile section on www.ransomedheart.com and uncheck the Daily Readings List checkbox in your profile.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Dobson says Thompson 'not for me'


ELECTION 2008
Dobson says Thompson 'not for me'
Evangelical leader cites candidate's opposition to federal marriage amendment
Posted: September 20, 2007
2:56 p.m. Eastern


© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com


James Dobson

Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, who previously questioned GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson's viability among evangelical voters, now has told friends he cannot support the former Tennessee senator.

In an e-mail to friends, according to the Associated Press, Dobson said he won't be supporting Thompson: "Not for me, my brothers. Not for me!"

Dobson raised questions about the strength of Thompson's campaign and challenged his stance on issues important to evangelical Christians, for whom Dobson is widely considered an important voice.

"Isn't Thompson the candidate who is opposed to a Constitutional amendment to protect marriage, believes there should be 50 different definitions of marriage in the U.S., favors McCain-Feingold, won't talk at all about what he believes, and can't speak his way out of a paper bag on the campaign trail?" Dobson's e-mail said.

As WND reported in March, Dobson was quoted by U.S. News and World Report saying, "Everyone knows [Thompson's] conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for, [but] I don't think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression."

(Story continues below)

Men's Retreat on a Roll!

n of Steele are Rolling!


Men of Steele - 2007 Retreat Update Fri-Satuday ~ October 5-6
In This Issue
What?
Where?
Who?
More What!
If you haven't signed up, get a form at Steele Creek, put it in an envelope with a check and stick it in one of the gray connection boxes or put it in the offering bag.
Be sure to mark check and offering envelope with "Men's Retreat"
 
 
The Hard Facts
white oak bldg
White Oak Conf. Center
 
 
Retreat Costs
includes Friday night accomodations and meals Friday night and Saturday
 
Bunk House Rooms - Eight guys per room (True Fellowship!)   
$55.00 for the weekend
 
Hotel type rooms - Two per room with two double beds
$65.00 for the weekend
 
Retreat "officially" ends with Saturday dinner. To stay over Saturday night (includes Sunday breakfast) - add $36.00
 
 
If you HAVE SIGNED UP but haven't paid...we need the coins asap!
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
For more info on
 
White Oak Conference Center
 
 
 
Men of Steele Rock  Men's Retreat - What is it?
 
The primary purpose of the retreat is to give men some time "away from it all" to connect with other men and to spend some time seeking God and who He's called us to be. 
 
Schedule - Friday, October 5: Guys with real jobs will arrive after work on Friday.  The rest of us may sneak down early afternoon to hang out! The old guys will begin some serious stretching so we can continue our dominance in basketball over the young guys. 
 
Friday Dinner starts at 6:00...if you can't make it for the first meal, do that guy thing...eat a burrito on the road!  First gathering at 7 for worship, teaching.  Afterwards, we'll head down to the lake for a bonfire and then get settled in for an evening of hanging out, fellowship, guy stuff in the gym. 
 
Saturday will include a morning session of worship & teaching, free time, LUNCH, more free time, a wrap up session around 3 p.m. and dinner. 
 
NOTE: "Standard Schedule" includes wrapping up late Saturday afternoon and heading out to be back home Saturday Night.
 
We'll have extended fellowship/worship/sharing time after dinner for those that are hanging out longer or staying over Saturday night.
 
Where is it and how do we get there?
 
White Oak Conference Center is a Christian retreat center less than an hour south of Steele Creek Church. If you're able to share a ride with a guy or two that would be great.  Some of us will meet at the church Friday afternoon to work out rides. DIRECTIONS.......head south on I-77 toward Columba. Get off at exit 46 (SC 20) and yield right onto SC 20. Travel approximately 3 miles and come to stop sign. Go straight for approximately 5 additional miles. White Oak Conference Center will be on your right.
brothers  He Ain't Heavy....He's my Brother!
 
We need everyone that's going to grab a brother by the arm and say, "Come with me, man of Steele!"  Many of us are walking the road and fighting the battle by ourselves and need a little encouragement.  This weekend can have a big impact on all of us.  I was with a handful of guys talking about "guy stuff" the other day and one of the fellas asked a great question, "Who's in your foxhole?"
 
I just e-mailed a friend that doesn't go to Steele Creek inviting him on the Retreat.  He replied with an enthusiastic, "Count me in!"  And the next day he said, "I have a Christian friend that needs to get away in the worst way...can he come?"  ABSOLUTELY.  The body of Christ is bigger than the Big Tent, isn't it?!
 
Bottom Line: We've still got room, so pray that the Lord would use you to bring another brother or two.
Two Canoe What to bring
Each bed will have linens, blanket, pillow, a towel and a bar of soap (we could survive for years on these provisions!)
 
Bring a Bible. Toiletries. Possible activities include canoeing, fishing, basketball, football, ping pong, high-stakes dominos, rocking.  Because of this year's schedule, there won't be time for 18 holes of golf.  If you want to bring your pitching wedge and have a "closest to the tree" contest, go for it.  There is a FRISBEE GOLF course on site for REAL men.
 
Music.....we're expecting various jam sessions to break out during free time.  If you play an instrument, bring it along.   
 
(Truth in Advertising: Regarding the picture at the top of this e-mail...you will not have a view of the Rocky Mountains or the Swiss Alps from your room.  We just put that in there to get you FIRED UP!)
"Every man must die. But few men really live."
                                        William Wallace, from the movie- Braveheart
 
"I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."
                                                 Jesus Christ, quoted from the all-time best selling book, The

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

WorldNetDaily: Huckabee wins Republican poll

WorldNetDaily: Huckabee wins Republican poll: "Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee won the Values Voter Debate straw poll last night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after his performance against six other Republican presidential candidates. With 63 percent, Huckabee received more votes than all the other candidates combined. No-show candidates – the top four, according to national surveys – were included in the poll. The vote included 340 delegates who were hand-selected by 40 of the country's social activists and opinion-makers. 'We won huge,' said Huckabee after the votes were tallied. 'I'm pleased, and proud, and honored to have this historic endorsement from America 's leading social conservatives who believe, as I do, in the core values which define American culture and life. This overwhelming vote affirms that conservatives are coalescing around one candidate and that candidate is me. Together, we will prevail.'"

Friday, September 14, 2007

Devotional 9/14/07 ActiveWord

Judah's Journey

So Judah said to his brothers, 'What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him . . . .' --Genesis 37:26-27 (NKJV)

Joseph's brothers were sick of him. Not only was he their father's undisputed favorite, but lately Joseph had begun to have dreams of them bowing down to him. The mere presence of Joseph became an increasingly difficult burden for them to bear, and so at the first opportunity to get rid of him, they threw him into a pit and left him for dead.

Off on the horizon, they spotted a caravan of traders headed for Egypt. Judah had the idea to make some money by selling Joseph as a slave; this reveals an important insight into Judah's self-centered nature.

Fast-forward twenty years, and now the roles are reversed. Joseph had become the second most powerful man in Egypt, and through a set of divinely ordained events, his brothers are forced to approach him and beg for food. They don't recognize Joseph, but he recognizes them. Amazingly, he did not seek revenge but sought reconciliation with them. But before there could be reconciliation, he needed to see transformation, so Joseph set up a test to see if their hearts had changed over the years.

He gave them the same opportunity to selfishly sell out one of their other brothers for their own benefit, and it is Judah (the one with the greatest guilt) who rises up and offers to suffer in another's place (Genesis 44:33). By doing so, Judah demonstrated that his heart had made the journey from the place of being self-centered to the place of being selfless. Joseph wept at this point because he now knew that the transformation was complete and that the door to reconciliation was finally open.

The change that we witness in Judah is a hint of what ought to happen in us as we become new creations in Christ. Our old motives for personal profit are exchanged for a desire to profit and benefit others. Interestingly enough, Judah's name means 'praise,' which is also our natural reaction toward God as He works this transformation in us.



DIG - What was Judah's journey?

DISCOVER - Do other people see you as self-centered or selfless?

DISPLAY - How can you make a personal sacrifice for someone else today?