old age – Praying Pint

38.j. “And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father”

Genesis 37:1 Jacob lived in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.

Joseph was loved and hated, favored and abused, tempted and trusted, exalted and abased. Yet at no point in the one-hundred-and-ten-year life of Joseph did he ever seem to get his eyes off God or cease to trust him. Adversity did not harden his character. Prosperity did not ruin him. He was the same in private as in public. He was a truly great man.” (Boice)

We all have ideas and dreams about what a perfect family should be. By anyone’s measure, Joseph’s family had a lot of problems. Jacob married two of his cousins, and took two more concubines. Between them all, they had twelve sons and one daughter. There most assuredly been constant competition and conflict among all the children and all the mothers. It was one great big messed-up family; still, it brought forth Joseph, and furthered God’s great plan of the ages. (Guzik)

There are some differences between Joseph and his brothers. They appear to be given into temptations and Joseph saw them as bad and reported it to his father, Jacob (Israel). It takes a strong mind to withstand the influences of others and a stronger one to withstand those of older siblings. Joseph at the age of 17 was able to discern right from wrong and chose to follow what was right.

There are many things that a group will determine it is ok and right to do by the mere fact of them agreeing on it. It has nothing to do with it being right with God and God-honoring. Cultures and societies do the same. They determine what is right in their own eyes without giving any thought to their creator and the purpose for which they were created. Obviously, Joseph’s brothers had the sense that because they were outside of Jacob’s view they could get away with whatever they wanted to do. This is no new thought in mankind. Many men think their actions, thoughts, and words are hidden from God and they will not be held accountable for them. Nothing is hidden from God. He knows our thoughts before words are spoken, He knows our actions from before they are given birth in a thought of defiance.

Having discernment between what is God honoring and glorifying and that which is not is a great gift to be desired in the life of every believer.

18.f. “hough the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever;”

Psalms 92:7    that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever;

Psalms 37:38    But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

Psalms 103:15-16    As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;  for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.

Psalms 92:12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Isaiah 61:3    to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

“Sometimes we go through seasons of darkness, when our circumstances are not sunny and our spirits aren’t as bright as usual. But God works in our hearts during such times, and He can use these periods to increase our sturdiness and fruitfulness.

He also makes the sun arise right on time, replacing fear with joy and sadness with gladness. With Him near, we never need to fear the dark. It’s sometimes where negatives develop into pictures of grace.” (David Jeremiah)

With eyes of scripture opened to our heart by and through the leading of the Holy Spirit we can see evil. We are able to see the lies that are proclaimed by those who are influenced by and through Satan’s persuasion. We can see acts of this evil being proclaimed as good or justified by the many who agree. There are so many things that come to mind when I think about Satan’s influence and persuasion.

Fear of the unknown when God’s Word says to cast out all fear. He is in control, always has been and always will be.

Anger and hate against people who don’t agree with what is being done or said or allowed. God’s Word tells us “if possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all men.” “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him.” Let our eyes be on Jesus Christ and let the hatred of the evil we see be allowed to be carried in His hands. “There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” Hate and anger against evil are common but when it is allowed to take root in our heart rather than given over to Jesus Christ bad things happen. Jesus is not glorified or honored this way.

Lies that are accepted as right and just. Abortion, pornography, LGBTQ, etc… are culturally accepted but absolutely wrong in the eyes of God. For certain we will see more and more of this type of life-style should the Lord Jesus tarry in His return.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. 25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

68. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off

Joshua 4:6 that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

Exodus 12:26-27     And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’  you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’” And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

Exodus 13:14     And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘By a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery.

Deuteronomy 6:20-21    “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the LORD our God has commanded you?’  then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Deuteronomy 11:19     You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Psalms 44:1    O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:

Psalms 71:18     So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalms 78:3-8     things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.  He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,  that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children,  so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;  and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Acts 2:39     For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

When you children ask in time, you have heard and know,, teach to their children, fathers have told us, asks you, and when your children say to you…. all indicate that your children will see something in your life, something you do, something say, something you set aside, something you don’t do, something you don’t say, something you give away and they will ask you about it. Obviously they as well as others should see something different in our lives. They might even ask us why. We might be given chance to tell them the reason for the hope that we have, the reason for the way we act, speak and think, the reason we give, the reason we forgive, the reason we study His word, the reason we pray, the reason we have belief, trust and faith. Spending time in God’s word will give you reason, purpose, and meaning.

1. Because He is God

Exodus 18:8 Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

Nehemiah 9:9-15    “And you saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea,  and performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants and all the people of his land, for you knew that they acted arrogantly against our fathers. And you made a name for yourself, as it is to this day.

Psalms 66:16    Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

Psalms 71:17-20    O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.  So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.  Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?  You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.

Psalms 105:1-2     Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Psalms 145:4-12     One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.  On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.  They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.  They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.  The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.  All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!  They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,  to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

When we choose to intentionally commit to know and understand God and begin to humbly serve, honor, glorify, worship, follow, and obey Him we will see new wonders, mighty deeds, awesome power, steadfast love, and being witness to these, we speak rejoicing. We speak joy. We speak love. We speak hope. We speak kindness. We speak reliance. We speak about trust and faith.

“Come and hear…. I will tell what He has done for my soul,” “One generation shall commend your works to another,” “Proclaim your might to another generation,” “Make known His deeds,” “I will proclaim your wondrous deeds”

We rejoice in times of plenty and in want. Why? Because God has become our rock, refuge, and hope. In Him and His purposes and plans, we confidently place our faith because He is God.

Distrust and Doubt

Genesis 21:1 The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

Isaac was a result of a promise from God. This promise was viewed with doubt and seems to be in our nature too. God gives us promises and we doubt Him. Because we doubt either, Him able, or our worthiness, or both, we find ourselves living defeated because we choose doubt, disbelief, and skepticism. We choose to believe the lies of Satan that rather than the truth of God’s steadfast grace, mercy, and love. Do we put time limits on God’s promises? Do we put natural boundaries on the Creator? Do we put human limits on a limitless God?

Matthew Henry has some great thoughts on this.

God’s promised mercies will certainly come at the time which He sets, and that is the best time. When the Sun of comfort is risen upon the soul, it is good to remember how welcome the dawning of the day was. When Sarah received the promise, she laughed with distrust and doubt. When God gives us the mercies we began to despair of, we ought to remember with sorrow and shame our sinful distrust of his power and promise, when we were in pursuit of them. This mercy filled Sarah with joy and wonder. God’s favors to his covenant people are such as surpass their own and others’ thoughts and expectations: who could imagine that he should do so much for those that deserve so little? Who would have said that God should send his Son to die for us, his Spirit to make us holy, his angels to attend us? Who would have said that such great sins should be pardoned, such mean services accepted, and such worthless worms taken into covenant?

People yet to be created

Psa 102:18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise, when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.

Psalms 71:18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalms 78:4-6 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

John 20:31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Write it down so that there is a record for future generations. These generations then can be told and read of the Awesome Power, Love, Promises, Might, Saving Grace, Mercy and Holiness of God. This scripture is not something from the mind and thought of mankind, but from God, and speaks of that which brings purpose and direction to our lives this side of eternity. It shines light into the darkness of lost hearts and souls. It brings hope to the lost. It brings the good news of salvation. It brings praise, joy, and humbleness to those who choose to serve, honor, follow and obey the Creator and Author of all there is and will be. Scripture has been given to us so that we can grow in our knowledge and understanding of the one and only true God. It has also be given so that we are able to share it with others. Blessed are the feet of those who bring good news.

Chosen, Planted, Rooted, Living Water

“Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”

Psalms 92:12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Isaiah 65:22 They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Romans 11:17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree,

Isaiah 61:3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Psalms 71:18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Job 17:9 Yet the righteous holds to his way, and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

Isaiah 46:4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Jeremiah 17:8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Psalms 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Philippians 1:11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Chosen by God and planted and rooted by living water bearing fruit into an old age. Being planted and rooted by living water does not secure us. Scripture also says that the axe is laid to the root of the trees that does not bear fruit. God has planted but how do we get watered? Through His word. If there is little to no fruit there is a very good chance there is little to no Living Water. Notice, in the scripture above, all of that which is an outcome of being planted, rooted and supplied living water for growth. Fruit in our lives. We see purpose in our lives. This living water gives us hope, joy, patience, gladness, kindness, peace and gentleness. This living water still nourishes us during times of heat and drought. When Christ met and spoke with the Samaritan woman by the well he said “I will give you living water from which you will never thirst again”. We need to be mindful of the fact that when eyes to heart and mind thirst for things of this world more than this living water we will always be thirsty for more. Drink daily from the Living Water.

Rejoice always – Glorifying God

“for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

John 15:8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Isaiah 60:21 Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified.

Haggai 1:8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Peter 4:11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

To bring glory to God in what we think, say, and do is our purpose. When the result of our actions or responses does not bring glory to God we have a problem. In Thessalonians 5 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” In times of trouble, rejoice in the strength of God. In times of trials, rejoice in the power, might and strength of God. In times of uncertainty, rejoice in hope and trust in God and His steadfast love. In times of being misunderstood rejoice, in God who knows our heart, mind and soul. Whatever we are facing God is bigger, stronger, and certainly can do more than we ask and much more than we think. This rejoicing comes from deep rooted faith and humbly serving, honoring, following and obeying God. God will confirm Himself to us in many ways through His word. Spend time in His word, praying for it to come alive and permeate through you in such a way that He is honored and glorified.

The next generation

“Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.”

Psalms 78:5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Psalms 71:18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalms 102:18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:

Psalms 145:4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

Esther 9:28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation,

Deuteronomy 4:10 how on the day that you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.’

Joel 1:3 Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.

Our responsibility is clear to tell the next generation about God and His glorious mighty power and steadfast love. Do you ever stop to think about all the acts of blessing, mercy, love, and power God has done in your life? We ought to record these and share them with our children, families and friends. We are not only to humbly serve, honor, follow and obey God, but also to tell others of what He has done in the past, what He has done in our lifetime, and the hope of our salvation.

I will Praise You

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”

“I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.”

Psalms 71:14 But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you? You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.

Psalms 66:16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

2 Samuel 22:1 And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. “For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. “In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I called. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came to his ears.

1 Chronicles 16:4 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered,

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Giving thanks to God and speaking about His righteousness, power, might, strength and salvation are indicators of the abundance of Him in our heart and mind. Note how those in scripture speak of God. This is for our edification and to encourage us to continually seek God in all we do. A good place to start is in His word with a daily desire to know and honor Him. This is a heart deep commitment and most certainly He is worthy of our all.