Hidden In The House

2 Kings 11:1-3
We find a one year hold boy was the heir to the throne and a wicked relative of King Ahab named Athaliah was going around killing all of the heirs to the throne so she could take over and run the country. Joash was the name of the little boy and he was hidden in what amounts to a closet for the next six years. His life was saved so that he could sit on the throne when he was seven years old.

HIDDEN IN THE HOUSE

We have a great generation in our Children's Churches and nurseries that are HIDDEN IN THE HOUSE. Trust I know and understand that we as the church are just assisting the parents to raise their children in the "fear of the Lord" Two sins against this generation that are HIDDEN IN THE HOUSE that I am convinced we need to repent of:

1. Apathy is the greatest sin of omission in America today. Christianity the great inconvenience of America.

2. Abortion is the greatest sin of commission in America today. Children the great inconvenience of America.

We cannot sit silently by while this generation of leaders that are HIDDEN IN THE HOUSE just perish. We must have a VISION for them and reach them.

THEY ARE HIDDEN IN THE HOUSE FOR:

1. Protection - from the enemies design and plan for them, (John 10:10) They have a bulls eye on them.

2. Prophetic purpose - There is a prophetic Word of these kids, that they will be world changers. We must teach them to wage war by these prophecies. (1 Timothy 1:18-20)

3. Perseverance in their future. - With these prophecies there is a bright future for them but the timing must be right. DISCIPLINE - DELAY - then DISPLAY. Even Jesus waited 18 years to preach his first sermon even though He knew His purpose at 12. (Luke 2:49-51 and Luke 4:18)

We must INVEST in and BELIEVE in our children's ministries.

When Things Do Not Go As Planned Pt 5 THE PROCESS

Genesis 41:1 NLT - YouVersion.com: "Two full years later, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing on the bank of the Nile River"

The cup-bearer's dream was fulfilled as Joseph spoke it. In his restored position in Pharoah's court he forgot about Joseph. Two full years had passed and Joseph was stuck and forgotten  . . . are you sure?

HAVE YOU EVER FELT STUCK AND FORGOTTEN?

Here we are back at this same principle: FAITHFULNESS PRODUCES FAVOR.

Joseph for those two years was stuck in prison wondering if he would ever be remembered. What if he decided to blow it? quit, fight, stumble, steal, and some how was caught and the warden demoted or even worse had him killed. HE STAYED FAITHFUL so that when the call came from Pharaoh he was ready.

The cup-bearer gave testimony of how God was with Joseph in the interpreting of dreams (Gen. 41:1-13).

v.14 Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once . . . When we stay faithful to God's revealed plans for us PROMOTION CAN COME IN AN INSTANT.

Here is a new thought for us all to remember, "IF WE ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION." At so many points across this journey Joseph could have aborted the PROCESS of who he was becoming and he would have aborted the MISSION. God's plans and purposes are so much bigger than ours! We see in tunnel vision. His vision is panoramic.

Some thoughts on when we finally get there:

1. v.15 Pharaoh had exhausted the worlds methods and they had failed (this will always happen). For some reason God is last on the list for a lot of people, so be ready with your answer when called on and wait till God's time.

2. v.16 Stay DEPENDENT. . . . Joseph knew his limits and confessed them.

3. vs. 33-37 Once He speaks declare it with confidence and boldness.

4. vs. 39-45 "so Joseph took charge of the entire land of Egypt." Staying faithful produced the FAVOR OF GOD.

Pharaoh may have thought that he put Joseph in this position of power and authority or you may have thought your money, education, or skill has placed you where you are. COME ON NOW . . . IT WAS ALL PART OF THE PROCESS BUT IT IS GOD WHO PLACES US WHERE WE ARE.

Psalms 75:6,7
For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.

IF WE ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION.

Ed

America's CHOICE

Right or left, up or down, black or white, stop or start, ABC or NBC, football or basketball well you get the idea life is made up of choices. America is making one of great importance next Tuesday. I personally have already made my choice. I voted yesterday at an early voting location. I just thought that I would do my part to help those of you that read this on a regular basis or maybe just checking it out for the first time to make an informed choice.

CLICK ON THE TITLE AND IT WILL TAKE YOU THERE.

A thinking Christians response to ABORTION:

1. Abortion is not the unpardonable sin! There is forgiveness with God. However there are some natural consequences that come with this act.
a. Memories
b. What might have been?
c. Physical complications

2. We solve this crisis in America by teaching THE VALUE OF VIRGINITY to our children. Since sex sells we have devalued human sexuality down to a business or at the very least just an animal urge that we should act on when ever and with whom ever we desire. This has brought America to the place where we no longer value the life of an unborn child. The unborn child is an inconvenience that we discard by what is commonly called pro-choice. I call it murder. (note: Two prominent Bible characters recovered from the sin of murder to become prominent leaders. These men are Moses and Paul the Apostle.)

3. Our third response is to place great value on the power of adoption. Since we are all adopted into the Kingdom and our heavenly Father is a Father to the Fatherless (Psalms 68:5). This entails better laws and better information for the thousands of couples who desire to have healthy adoptions.

Of course I do have another real good reason for my conviction about life. His name is Will and he is my grandson who helps me scoop my dogs poop out in the neighborhood.




Let's all make an informed choice at the ballot box.


With Heartfelt Conviction,
Ed