Bracing for the Best
Studying the faith of Joseph
Keep My Heart Pure
July 23, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Genesis 42:6–8
Is it ever okay to take revenge? Asking for a friend… The Bible says we are to treat others the way we want to be treated, but most often we find ourselves facing opportunities to treat others the way we have already been treated. Unfortunately, it’s a default of humanity to perpetuate pain. Joseph’s remarkable story doesn’t preclude him from this test, even though his journey has taken him far away from those who hurt him. His newly elevated status brings him face to face with an important question: When you finally receive God’s promise, will you continually maintain His heart?
Keep Your Faith Focused
July 16, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Genesis 40:5–8
As the old saying goes, anything that can go wrong usually does. And while that may seem pessimistic, it’s mostly just an acknowledgment of the reality of a broken world. Fortunately, we have a God who holds it all in His hands - the good AND the bad...
Keep My Hands Clean
July 9, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Genesis 39:2–5
We all face trials. But the difficult seasons of our life can also be a breeding ground for another challenge: *temptation.* In such times, the problems around us seem to offer a reasonable excuse for compromise. We are susceptible — especially when we are motivated by hurt, pride, entitlement, discouragement, or sometimes, just plain old fatigue. Either way, our weakest moments provide prime opportunities to make the biggest mistakes. Joseph’s story is an encouraging example, considering the unfortunate circumstances in which he finds himself. When his faith is tested the most, he finds some way to maintain his integrity, and to Keep His Hands Clean.
Keep My Eyes Open
July 2, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Genesis 37:5
In a fallen world, it’s easy to become discouraged. At some point, we all will. The ups and downs of life leave us wavering in our emotions and feeling insecure about our future. Though we may believe God’s promise, we often find ourselves in situations that seem far removed from it. The biblical story of Joseph is an example of how to navigate a life of turmoil. Instead of crumbling at every disappointment, we find Joseph leaning into God's promises for his life and "bracing for the best."