Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
Our Theme for the day: Victory is mine
How do you turn a bad situation around? What do you do, when you know that your whole future life depended upon the decision of a moment? Do you pray first, and ask God for wisdom, Knowledge, and understanding? Or do you face it in your own strength, and ability? By the way we see the world going today; it is quite evident that most people are not seeking God. As one reads Psalm 27 you get a scene of deep appreciation for the writer dependence on God.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalm 27)
We do not know when David wrote this Psalm, but one this we do know, like Joseph in Genesis chapters 39 to 41, God had bought him through a mighty battle and he came out the victor. Victory is not an easy thing to achieve; sometimes we may have to go through same dark days, and same dark nights. Sometimes we may be subject to little food or no food. But when the breakthrough comes for your victory, your sadness turns to gladness, and your deep depression, turns to joy, and thanks giving. Some people try to get victory over what ever they are going through and never obtaining it, because they are only looking for a temporary victory. Only in Jesus can we obtain an everlasting victory.
What are same of the steps in the process to victory?
1. CEASE NOT TO PRAY
Prayer is the last thing on the mind of most people in their greatest need. To many people they cease to pray in their darkest moments in life. But not for Joseph, his real character shines out, even in the darkness of the dungeon.
2. Give
Give as much an offering, of your time, talent, and treasure, as you can give, and don’t hold back. Joseph held fast his faith and patience; his years of faithful service had been most cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him morose or distrustful. He had the peace that comes from conscious innocence, and he trusted his case with God. He did not brood upon his own wrongs, but forgot his sorrow in trying to lighten the sorrows of others. He found a work to do, even in the prison.
3. LEARN PATIENCE BY TRUSTING IN GOD
Patience is another gift we need in our waiting and trusting in God. Joseph gradually gained the confidence of the keeper of the prison, and was finally entrusted with the charge of all the prisoners. (Genesis 39:21)
4. Be obedient
In the entire realm of Egypt, Joseph was the only man gifted with wisdom to point out the danger that threatened the kingdom and the preparation necessary to meet it; and the king was convinced that he was the one best qualified to execute the plans which he had proposed. It was evident that a divine power was with him, and that there were none among the king's officers of state so well qualified to conduct the affairs of the nation at a crisis. The fact that he was a Hebrew and a slave was of little moment when weighed against his evident wisdom and sound judgment. "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" (Genesis 41:38) said the king to his counselors. The day will come because of your obedient to God you may be put in a prison, but know that the same God which will allowed you to go into the prison, will bring you out. And when he does, there is nothing that anyone can do to you. They will say of you as the King and his counselors of
The appointment was decided upon, and to Joseph the astonishing announcement was made, "Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou." The king proceeded to invest Joseph with the insignia of his high office. "And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee." (Genesis 41:43) "He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: to bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom." Psalm 105:21, 22. From the dungeon Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the
5. Learn how to praise and worship God
In the good times and the bad times when you praise God before anything else, you are giving Him the power to bring you into victory. And, you will experience miracles right before your eyes.
6. Don’t forget to Love
Practice love, for love is an action, do as much good as you can, even to your enemies, it did not matter what Joseph was going through he still found time to love. As mention earlier this week, there are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts. What a victory Joseph received, and now he could rightfully say victory is mine. What about you, are you in need of a victory, or are you ready for your victory today? Then trust in Jesus and follow the steps of Joseph, and victory shall be yours.
Finally, do not allowed the devil to intimidate you, and make you weak and believed his lies that you can’t be a victor through Jesus Christ in all that you do. Joseph’s life is a story of EXTRAORDINARY COMEBACKS and victories, and God is there, to help you with your victories also. We have everyday victories in many things big and small; it’s time to thank God for your victories. Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. (Psalm 40:16)
We are into our fifth week, since Garden Ministry got started and it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then why not send Garden Ministry your Testimony? Ever Monday of the seventh week, Garden Ministry would like to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So let us look back over these weeks and ask ourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped me to hold on to my faith? Look up and push on in the name of Jesus. This week-end let us find someway of which we can unite our communities, and look to be prepared for further service in the Lord. Don’t Give Up. Look Up!
Our Prayer for today:
Please join us as we pray the God will make all of His followers victorious, in their unselfish efforts to help and bless others.
Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.