"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. Titus 2:7Well, isn't that a pretty awesome story? I don't know about you but I find it very admirable. I'm glad that the story was told in my daily bread devotionals. And, I'm so happy that I read this devotional at the time when I'm writing my Genesis series because it totally goes with what I'm trying to write about today! These are my Deep Thoughts for today.
When Singaporean runner Ashley Liew found himself at the head of the pack during a marathon at the Southeast Asian Games, he knew something was wrong. He quickly realized that the lead runners had taken a wrong turn and were now behind. Ashley could have taken advantage of their mistake, but a strong sense of sportsmanship told him it would not be a genuine victory. He wanted to win because he was faster—not because those ahead of him had made a mistake. Acting on his convictions, he slowed down to let them catch up.
In the end, Ashley lost the race and missed out on a medal. But he won the hearts of his countrymen—and an international award for his act of fair play. It spoke well of his faith as a Christian, and must have prompted some to ask, “What made him do that?”
Live so that others will want to know Jesus.
Ashley’s act challenges me to share my faith through my actions. Little acts of thoughtfulness, kindness, or forgiveness can glorify God. As Paul put it simply, “Show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7–8).
Our positive actions toward others can show the world that we are able to live differently because of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. He will give us the grace to reject ungodliness and wrong passions, and to live upright lives that point people to God (vv. 11–12)"
Yep, I think it's the 4th maybe 5th time I'm writing about this man. You all know who I'm talking about right? Yep the famous, lovable Joseph! The Lord really wanted him to stand out to the world, I think. I believe this man has now a big extravagant musical named after him totally based on his life. My husband Joe, just confirmed my vocal thought and heard me say my last sentence. He sang what he heard on a commercial and said "Go go go go!" (a line from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.) Did you ever see that? I wonder when it's coming back to Chicago? Joe said he wants to see that, and so do I. Maybe next time.
Do any of you guys want to be like that? I mean wouldn't you feel kind of flattered to know if someone would like to mimic the way you are because they are totally blessed by your personality, the things you do, etc etc? I mean, it's kind of offensive if other people don't like anything about your being. Isn't it? So, yeah I would rather have people like my character enough to want to be encouraged about some things about me rather than not like it. Right?
So why am I thinking about the Joseph from the Bible for this writing? Well, first of all, let me share this. Since it's the weekend and my husband is here with me and he can hear me speaking my blog he shared some interesting thoughts. Let me try to remember what he was saying. At least I can text, and I'll put it in my own words.
Joseph was kind of like foreshadowing the coming of Jesus. Jesus is a savior. Not to say that Joseph should be worshiped, but Joseph did something as far as saving people. He saved his people from the famine that devastated the land. Jesus and his legacy suffers from persecution from unbelievers. Joseph was also persecuted by his brothers who didn't believe in his dreams. Jesus was ridiculed for him being the king of the Jews! Joseph was ridiculed by his brothers and father because Joseph told them about his dream of him being over them.I just had another thought. Remember the story of the coin and Jesus? They wanted Jesus to tell them they should worship God instead of Caesar. What about the whole thing with Potiphar's wife trying to get Joseph to disobey God and Potiphar? Joseph didn't want to sleep with the wife. Wow so many similarities between the two.
TBC..........
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