Highs and Lows

 

Joseph 
Gen 43-50

The highs and lows of life can be exhausting, especially at the the pace of change that we as a civilization have experienced over the last few weeks.  Our nation and world has been in the throngs of unbelievable highs and lows. A pandemic has us scared, financial markets have displayed its own highs and lows, civic gatherings are ceasing to exist for the coming weeks, and then we all have had our own family “highs and lows.”  During times like this we tend to overreact. No matter where find ourselves on our spiritual walk there are highs and lows. It seems as if one moment we are up and all is going well, then in just the few seconds of a moment we hit a low moment.  If we are not careful we could find ourselves acting as a group of people without any hope.  Let us be reminded; we do have hope and that hope is in the person of Jesus Christ!

As Joseph’s story reminds us, life is full of highs and lows. The highs are full of fond memories. The lows seem to last much too long, yet they have a way of marking us and shaping us in ways we could have never imagined. During the remainder of this series take some time to reflect on some of the things you have experienced in your life. How have you responded to the highs and lows in life? There is something to be learned from the account of Jospeh. Jospeh dealt with family dysfunction, leadership challenges, famine across the land, heartache and hurt, but yet in all of the things Jospeh faced he continued to focus on the Lord and was very much aware of where he could find hope.

So before you post that comment on social media, or slam that official for making a decision, remember that our hope and our comfort is in Jesus Christ. He has and will remain our consistent. He has been and is indeed well aware of each high and low that we all experience together and individually. As He was in control of the challenges during the days of Joseph, He is also in control of the activities of today. 

 
 
 

The second part of our series "Highs and Lows" covering the life of Joseph.

 

Week 2 | Is it really easy? - Gen 45-46

Faithfulness Scale

On a scale of 1-10, 1 being unfaithful and 10 being very faithful, how would you rate the following things in your life?

    • Work

    • Work/Family Time Balance

    • If single, Purity

    • Relationship with spouse

    • Relationship with kids

    • Money

    • Exercise

    • Spiritual commitment

  • What lessons regarding faithfulness and forgiveness can be learned from Joseph in Gen. 45?

  • A couple of weeks ago we looked at fear. When it comes to spiritual matters the opposite of fear is faith. Faith makes us move, fear immobilizes us. On the scale above, is fear driving or faith providing?

  • Genesis 46 provides a lesson in leadership. What can be a take away from Jospeh in regard to leadership? 

 

Join us as Pastor Jeff talks us through the final installment of our Joseph series "Highs and Lows"

 

Week 3 | Starting over, the Long Run - Gen 47-50

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. 

Proverbs 18:21

  • When playing golf a player may often call for a mulligan, a do-over.  Joseph is starting over in Genesis 47-48. Through out this entire account words have been powerful. Do you use your words to bless others or curse others?

  • Genesis 47:14-24, many give all they have in exchange for food.  What are some of the things that are given?

  • While many suffered through the famine in Egypt, Jacob’s family continues to thrive. What three things happened according to 47:27?

  • Chapter 49 -Joseph’s story reminds us that a lifelong legacy is created one choice at a time. We all have highs and lows in our lives that have significantly impacted us, changed the way we think and shaped who we have become. Take a moment to reflect and process some of these moments.

  • Is it easier for you to stay focused and faithful to God in the hard times or the good times? Why?

  • Take time to copy the words of Genesis 50:20-21. This verse beautifully sums up Joseph’s story.

  • Genesis 50:24-26 - Here, Joseph affirms what his father Jacob had said: their descendants won’t be in Egypt forever. Joseph believes this in faith and instructs his brothers that when it happens, to take his remains and bury him in Canaan. Even his final statement points to his trust in God’s promises.

  • No matter the highs and lows, Joseph was faithful to the end. 

 
 
 
 
Union Avenue