B90 Days 3-4

Such interesting lives the people of Genesis had! Of course, I know its just the highlights, but even so. Makes me wonder what the highlights of my life might be. Or more importantly, the 'lowlights.' Throughout Joseph's hard times, he never stopped giving God the praise, never stopped trusting in Him. And it says that he and the house for which he worked was blessed, whether Potiphar's house, the Guard at the prison, or Pharaoh, because God was with him.

As Christians, we have God with us, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the knowledge of His Son Jesus and the salvation that He provided. In the lowlights of my life, do I give the God of Israel, my Savior, all the glory and trust in Him fully? Or do I concentrate on the circumstances? If you'd asked me this a few days ago, I would have said, oh yes, I absolutely trust in Him and glorify Him in the hard times as well as the good. With eyes open, spiritual scales removed, I can see now that has not always been the case. Oh, if you'd have asked me, I'd have said the right things. But if you'd looked in my heart, you would have seen me feeling sorry for myself, focusing on the situation or the negative feelings, blaming others, even blaming God. Praise the Name of Jesus that He reveals the truth, over and over. Praise His Name that He is patient, loving His children wherever they are on their personal pilgrim's progress. Keep scraping the ugly out of me Father. Make me into the creation You want me to be.

The lowlights of Joseph's life are highlights because of his response to God in them. That's what God wants for my life, for everyone's life. Forgive me Father, and make my heart clean, that the lowlights and the highlights of my life shine the Light of Jesus. Let me live beyond circumstances, good or bad, praising You, filled with Your Love. Let my cup run over that I might share that Love with those around me, that believers and unbelievers alike would proclaim praise to You.

Psalm 51:1-17
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.