Guilty Conscience

Genesis 50:15

15When Joesph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they "what if Joesph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?"

Did you know that one with a guilty conscience often lives and breathes fear? Many of you know the story of Joesph and how he was his father favorite because he was born of the woman Jacob was in love with? He was tricked into marrying Leah but it was Rachael his heart longed for and he showed it among his sons. So Joesph's brothers already had contempt for him. But when Joesph told of the dream God gave him how they would all bow down to him, it was the final straw. They mistreated him, sold him and lied to Jacob. Joesph's dream turned out to be true. God's word NEVER returns void as stated in Isaiah 55:11. Joesph did reconcile with his brothers before taking his own sons to visit Jacob on his death bed. But because of his brothers' guilty conscience they immediately thought Joesph would hurt them after Jacob died. So what did they do? They lied again by putting words in Jacob's mouth as a note to Joesph. Joesph wept. He had forgiven them but their own guilt they couldn't get beyond. The brothers started with a lie and ended with a lie. They weren't remorseful enough to just apologize for the horrific things they did and ask for the forgiveness themselves. But they feared  Joesph would have the same spirit of meanness they unleashed on him. That wasn't Joesph. He only tested them early on but his intent was not to harm them. He loved them and he knew that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. He was not like them and that's why God chose him to lead in Egypt.

When someone has a guilty conscience they are always looking over their shoulder wanting to know a person's every move. So they may have gotten away with whatever they did by everyone else's standards but the mind won't let such a person forget. If they are not humble enough to admit what they've done, like Joesph's brothers, some of their previous behavior that caused the mishap will still be present. Like Joesph, forgive them and let it go. What they did will then be between them and God. God obviously worked it out for your good. Whatever it was you needed to receive, understand, etc...you did.

Taking HIm at His Word

Matthew 22:71

71Then they said, "why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."

The council asked Jesus a direct question before taking him to Pilate and leading him away to the cross. The question was, "Are you then the Son of God?" Jesus spoke clearly and did not studder when He said, "You are right in saying I am."  The council took Jesus at His word that He believed himself to be the Son of God. There was no other testimony needed for them once they heard from His mouth to their ears. They just didn't believe Him to be who He has continually said He is (yes, present tense). But here's a question for you. If you have claimed Jesus as your Lord and Savior and know His voice why then do you need tons of testimony for it to be valid to you?  The council at least knew Jesus said what He meant. But if you have claimed Jesus as your guide, then you have taken Jesus at His word that He is the Son of God. Why then when He speaks to you do you hesitate or think ten people need to say the same thing for Jesus' word to be true? Yes, it's hard to admit but here it is, "lack of TRUST" and "FEAR". Not trusting the Lord for who He is, that you can hear Him for yourself and fear that you'll be wrong, scorned or whatever. Not trusting the Lord means you still need to get to know Him more. Isn't that true in relationships? You usually only trust those you know and have developed a relationship with. And a spirit of fear must still be active in you if you are more concerned with being scorned by the public rather than pleasing Jesus, the one who has saved you by shedding His own blood on the cross in your place, loves you, wants to mold you and has planned a wonderful life for you here and after. So what's the remedy? The remedy is spending more time with Him by reading and studying His word, speaking to Him in prayer, quiet time so you can listen for when He answers you through His Holy Spirit and having the proper spiritual parents who are willing to help you shed that fear. Scorn is what Jesus went through so you won't escape that to a degree initially but your soul will be at peace by following His direction. So what's it gonna be?

Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network from 6-9am on Live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Purpose in Sarcasm

Proverbs 15:1
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Did you know that sarcasm is meant to express anger or extreme dislike? It is sometimes used for the purpose of upsetting someone else to release anger. How so? The notes in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible reference David's encounter with Nabal in 1Samuel 25. David's men were hungry so he sent a representative to approach Nabal. Nabal was already described as surly and mean in his dealings. So Nabal possessed a spirit of anger. When David's appointed messenger greeted Nabal, he was met with sarcasm though he was reminded how David's men made sure he was safe at one point.  David was simply calling in a favor. Nabal felt he owed David nothing and made sure his words said such. His response angered David to the point David was ready to make war on every man on Nabal's property. David was justified in his anger. But It was Abigail, Nabal's intelligent and beautiful wife, who thought quick to plead with David. Nabal died a short time later at the hands of the Lord. Why is this story important? You may attempt to use sarcasm to hide your anger but the words themselves let it be known that anger or extreme dislike of a situation is in your spirit. Sarcasm is often used when someone feels they cannot take action otherwise. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines sarcasm as 1: a cutting or contemptuous remark 2: ironic criticism  or reproach. Words from one with an angry spirit can hurt and rise an angry spirit in one to whom they are directed. Since we know that thoughts produce words which produce action, then that's the motive behind sarcasm. It is to anger someone else to the point of action. So watch your words. If you're dealing with a loose cannon, you may be in for a fight you didn't bargain for. If you're dealing with someone who has been tamed by the Holy Spirit, the wrath you receive may ultimately be from the Lord himself.

Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!