A Dedicated Life - Family Reunion (notes)

A Dedicated Life - Family Reunion

God Desires

Development of character in His people. It takes friction for character to grow into Christ likeness.

The Holy Spirit

• Is being poured out in this hour and God is revealing some powerful truths to His people through His Word.
• Joseph teaches us that we can make a difference in the lives of those close to us.

Joseph

• Teaches us principles about dreams and character.
• To see a dream fulfilled it is important for us to have integrity.
• Was a man of vision, a man of purpose and a man who was bigger than the hurt and injustice he suffered.
• Teaches us that where there is no vision--there is no hope.
• Teaches us that vision gives us purpose.
• Teaches us the when we have purpose; we will forgive those who have mistreated us and those who have misunderstood us.
• Went through the fire and came out shining like gold.
• I Peter 1:6-7 “pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure…” (Message Bible)
• Is on the throne and his brothers come back to buy more grain.

Romans 5

1. Because we know that suffering produces endurance.
2. Endurance produces character.
3. Character produces hope.
4. Hope does not disappoint us.
5. Through whom we have access by faith.

Have You Suffered Like Joseph?

God is preparing you for something greater than what you have ever experienced.

Genesis 41:39

“Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only in respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”

Quote from Pharaoh

Un-confessed Sins

• Produce a guilty conscience

His brothers feel guilty for what they did. They covered up their sin against their little brother and now before Joseph the guilt comes up again. For 13 years they carried the guilt for their sin against Joseph but now God is giving them a chance to get it right.

Gen.43

What A Family Reunion Did!

• The guilt is removed.
• Living under the shadow of their sin was cleared.
• Their relationship with their brother is restored.
• The heart of the father is healed when he sees Joseph.

What Forgiveness Does:

• Joseph teaches those around him (including Pharaoh) the providence and the goodness of the Lord.
• It releases those who have committed the transgression.
• It restores relationships.
• It heals broken hearts.

A Lesson In Restoration

Before the years of famine came God gave Joseph two sons--Manasseh and Ephraim.

• God has made me forget my trouble
• God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.

We Can Experience

• A family reunion like Joseph did when we forgive our family members for hurting us and be willing to live in harmony with them.

God

• Will fulfill the dreams He gives His children.
• Be forgiving and you can experience the same type of restoration that the family of Joseph did.