When Saying "NO" Isn't enough

Scripture reading: Genesis 39

Focus verse: James 1:14-15 says  “ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Joseph walked with the Lord and the Lord caused him to have favor in the eyes of his master, Potiphar.  Although he was a slave, Joseph worked faithfully and desired to honor God with his life.  Potiphar's wife took notice of the handsome Joseph and asked him to go to bed and lie with her.  Joseph refused and explained his reason.  Day after day she wanted him and would not honor him.  He said "no" each time.  One day, she enticed him, took him by the coat and said for him to come lie with him.  Joseph ran.  Yes, he ran and left the coat in her hand.  He knew that he could not discuss it with her, because she would not listen.  Joseph honored God in his decision.  Sexual sin can also be very tempting.  That day, saying "no" was not enough. 

Sometimes you can explain the reasons why you choose to honor God with your decisions.  Sometimes, your gentleness will win someone over to Christ.  If a temptation continues to come at you from another person, especially someone who doesn't listen to reason, you must not have time with that person.  You might even have to RUN!

Is someone tempting you?  True love waits.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

God's Master Plan

Scripture Reading: Click to read:  Romans 8: 18-30

Focus Verse: Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Sometimes in our lives God will do things or allow things that we can't understand.  Like when a child dies or when someone hurts us.  Our human mind wonders about God's plan?  It doesn't make any sense to us.  Because we can't see the big picture, we think God may have forgotten us.  We need to be careful how we pray to God and not demand things of Him.  We should pray for specific things, but also to pray for God's will to be done.

I can remember as a young person, praying to God that I sure would like to marry a certain girl.  God did not allow that to happen.  I can see now that the marriage would have been a mistake.  God saw the master plan and I could not.  Romans 8:28 is a great promise.  God is working out all things for  good when we love Him.  Not only some things for good, but ALL things for good.

God has already seen tomorrow.  He already knows next week.  And His plans for next year have been made.  He knows what is best for us because we are His children.  On every piece of American money is printed "In God We Trust".  We can trust that God has our best interest at heart.  So the next time you are going through something that you don't understand, have peace that God knows exactly what is going on and He will work out that situation for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  Because He has a master plan for your life.  So, trust Him.


Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries