Insight and Encouragement

Monday, August 24, 2026

5 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

1. Paul says, vs 15. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people. This was the foundation of this prayer. They had faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They were the just who lived by faith. They trusted in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. They knew what His broken body and shed blood meant. They had trust him for their past, present, future, eternal and abundant life. Their faith was well known and ours should be as well. If we are being persecuted for being a Christian let’s have plenty of evidence proving it. Next, they were known for their love for all people. They showed it not through words but deeds. They had been healed by God’s love and now were showing it by practical means. Remember faith is dead without works. This would be their testimony during the early years of the church.

2. In vs 16, Paul says, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Paul reveals the secret of powerful prayers. Giving thanks. Remember in everything give thanks. Prayer destroys selfishness and is the foundation for the intercession that Paul is showing here. Remember we are celebrating thanksgiving tomorrow which is a time of thankfulness, gratitude and positivity. A time to celebrate the goodness of God, family and friends. Paul says, that he remembers them in his prayers. They are never far from his thoughts. He wants the best for them. Prayer is the best thing we can do help others. When you pray for someone it shows you love, care and support them.

3. In Vs 17, Paul prays, I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Paul is praying to God and our father. This is who God is. He wanted the will of the Father to be their aim and goal of their lives. He wanted them to be like Jesus in this matter. He wanted them to have the Spirit of wisdom. The ability to know in a moment of time divine knowledge, understanding and what to do with it. This is a gift of the Spirit and an imparted attribute of God. To have revelation, this is a look or glimpse into the supernatural realm. To see what God sees and knows. This of course comes through the word, dreams, vision or some other supernatural means. The motivation is that we would know Jesus better. The Holy Spirit will always point to Jesus, reveal and glorify Him. That should be our aim, goal, and plan to know Jesus better and to become more like Him. To know the grace and knowledge of God.

4. Paul then prays in Vs 18, that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his inheritance in his holy people. He wants them to have their heart enlightened. This is a metaphor. Paul knew that where the heart was so was our treasure and direction of our lives. Our purposes, goals, ambitions, and will. He prayed that they which know the hope to which they had been called. That Jesus was Savior, Healer, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit and the Soon coming King. He wanted them to know the blessed hope that Jesus was coming back at any time for His church. Next, the riches of the inheritance they have in Christ. All the gifts, fruit, armor, weapons, the fivefold ministry, healing health, eternal, and abundant life. These are given to holy, set apart, righteous, godly and loving people. The family of God, a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, one of kind people. All the benefits of heaven are yours and Paul wanted them to know and realize it.

5. Paul continues in vs 19, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength. Paul states there is no power like the power of God. It is resurrection power and it dwells in us. You believe you have all the power you need to defeat the world, the flesh and the devil. That is why these signs follow them who believe. That is why the apostles and Christians today see signs, wonders and miracles. Paul calls this the mighty strength. It is God’s power that brings strength and the ability to all that we need to do. That is why Paul stated, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.” You just need to be connected to the power source. It is mighty strength that can it defeat anything. That is done through prayer. Talk about how that is demonstrated every day in our lives by the appliances, light, heating in our homes.

6. In vs 20, Paul states, he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. This prayer is also a statement of theology and truth. God the Holy Spirit under the direction of the Father raised Jesus up from the dead. Jesus now occupies a position of authority, power, might and dominion sitting at the right of the Father to judge the quick and dead. In fact he is now making intercession and praying for us. He is our advocate. Satan tries to accuse us and Jesus as our lawyer before the Father refutes what satan says by reminding the Father about is sacrifice of forgiveness and that we belong to Him and are joint heirs of His inheritance.

7. In vs 21, Paul prays but also brings out some incredible theology and truth about Jesus Christ. Jesus is far above all rule and authority, power and dominion. Jesus is above, worldly, satanic and heavenly authority. No one and nothing has more authority than Jesus. Remember destroyed the works of the devil, death, hell, and the grave. His name is above every name. Satanic, worldly or heavenly. Every name that is invoked. Religious, philosopher, gods and demons of this world. Allah, Shiva, Buddha, Krishna, Mohammad, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, Morini etc. Not only in the present age but also in the one to come. That means the antichrist, or the false prophet or satan himself. Remember at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. Paul says we are on the winning side.

8. In 22, Paul even gets more excited in this prayer. And God placed all things under his feet, Jesus is superior to all, no one is greater, more powerful and has more authority than Jesus. Jesus has been appointed to be head over everything for the church. This happened because of what Jesus did on the cross. That is why the song says, “the cross has the final word.” The church one day will be the final authority. We are going to reign, and rule with Him. This is our inheritance. We will be with Him when He defeats the devil, death, hell and the grave. This is a prayer but also a statement of truth about who Jesus is and what has happened because of what He has done.

9. In Vs 23, Paul closes with the purpose of the church and our purpose. You want to know who and what you are. 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

We are His body and he is the head. We are His hands, feet, mouth etc. We are the fullness of Him. He dwells in us with all power, authority, night and dominion. What He did we are call to do. We are His ambassadors. In us dwells God Himself. He fills everything in every way. This is a mind boggling concept. God is using us with all His authority, power and anointing. We hold back the forces of hell, we change our world through prayer, we have the gifts, armor and fruit. All because of Christ and our acceptance and alliance with Him. What a prayer I love it and that is my prayer for you today.

THE BLESING OF CANADA

The Blessing of Canada

Robert Dean Steel

Cornerstone Community Church

We just celebrated Canada Day. It is such a blessing to live in this country. We are considered the best place to live in the world and St. Albert is one of the best places to live in Canada. As you read this article for a moment bow your head and say, “thank you, Lord for allowing me to live here and now.” We live in an amazing time and place. Think about all the things that we have right now. One hundred years ago, families were living without radio, T.V. fridges, stoves, microwaves and central heating. For many they did not electric power, indoor plumbing or internet. The transportation of that time for many was horse and wagon. Many lived on rural farms and towns. Things have certainly changed.

In my lifetime I have seen many changes. My first computer was a 286 and I bought it back in 1991. I thought it was state of the art in that time. Today we have internet, 5G, phones and so much more. We can chat with relatives around the world via skype and messenger yet we seem less connected . We have instant news and food yet we are getting less and less healthy. We have all the medical advances that make us live longer and yet seem to be getting more bugs than ever.

Canada has a population of around 37 million. That is less than the state of California. We complain about the long winters and the short summers. Yet the truth is that we are so blessed. There are billions who would take our place in a moment. I was reflecting on the goodness of God. I was born in Southern Alberta close to the mountains. I grew up admiring the beautiful scenery. I have lived the majority of my life in Alberta but have had the privilege to be a resident of BC and the NWT. I have lived in some of the most beautiful spots in Canada. All because of the goodness of God.

Canada is a wonderful place. St. Albert is a beautiful city and like Johnny Appleseed said, “God has been good to us.” People come from all over the world to live here. Recently I had the privilege of knowing a man who came from Iraq. He has been here for eight years. They left just after the US invaded their country. It took them seven years to get here. They lived in Syria in refugee camps and life was hard. Every day we talk he says how grateful he is that he lives in Canada. Just recently he became a Canadian citizen and voted in his first provincial election. He was so excited to be able to do that. He wondered how Canadians who have this freedom could not vote. His is just one of the many stories I had heard recently. My own granddaughter just came from the Philippines. She is amazed everyday about living in Canada. Her life is so much better. She has a mom and dad who lived here and are doing everything they can to give her a wonderful life.

So today as you reflect on your life here in Canada remember there are a hundred people who would gladly take your place to live here. When you complain about the weather remember there are many around the world who live outdoors. When you think about the high cost of living here. There are people who earn less a day than you spend on a cup of coffee. When you eat you next meal remember there are people who sometimes only have a meal every couple of days. When you kiss your children or grandchildren good night at bed time remember are children who have no bed or even parents to love them. We are so blessed. I thank the Lord every day for living in Canada and the religious freedom we have. Every Sunday I get to preach in a church without fear. I can share my thoughts in this manner and not have to worry about government control or censure. So today wave your little Canada Flag and thank the Lord that you live here.

THE GREAT ANNOUCEMENT

A woman takes her 16-year-old daughter to the doctor. The doctor says, "Okay, Mrs. Jones, what's the problem?" The mother says, "It's my daughter, Debbie. She keeps getting these cravings, she's putting on weight, and is sick most mornings." The doctor gives Debbie a good examination, then turns to the mother and says, "Well, I don't know how to tell you this, but your Debbie is pregnant - about 4 months, would be my guess." The mother says, "Pregnant?! She can't be, she has never ever been left alone with a man! Have you, Debbie?" Debbie says, "No mother! I've never even kissed a man!" The doctor walked over to the window and just stares out it. About five minutes pass and finally the mother says, "Is there something wrong out there doctor?" The doctor replies, "No, not really, it's just that the last time anything like this happened, a star appeared in the east and three wise men came over the hill. You can be sure I'm noy going to miss it this time!"

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Lessons we can learn from this passage about two people involved.

Mary:

- She was a virgin pledged in marriage to a descendent of David who name was Joseph. We learn in Matthew that she herself was also a ancestor of David.

- She was highly favored and the Lord was with her. God was looking for the perfect vessel and Mary was that.

- She was afraid and troubled over this visit. Now this of course is a typical reaction because angelic visits are not common especially Gabriel.

- God's favor was upon her and she would give birth to a son and she was to name him Jesus. The name Jesus is a modern English word for Yeshua or the one is rescues or delivers.

Now lets us talk about Jesus for just a moment about the five things this passage says about Him

1. He will be great. There is no other person like Jesus. He changed everything. I love this poem by Dr. James Allen it explains beautifully Jesus' life

He was born in an obscure village

The child of a peasant woman

He grew up in another obscure village

Where he worked in a carpenter shop

Until he was thirty

He never wrote a book

He never held an office

He never went to college

He never visited a big city

He never travelled more than two hundred miles

From the place where he was born

He did none of the things

Usually associated with greatness

He had no credentials but himself

He was only thirty three

His friends ran away

One of them denied him

He was turned over to his enemies

And went through the mockery of a trial

He was nailed to a cross between two thieves

While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing

The only property he had on earth

When he was dead

He was laid in a borrowed grave

Through the pity of a friend

Nineteen centuries have come and gone

And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race

And the leader of mankind's progress

All the armies that have ever marched

All the navies that have ever sailed

All the parliaments that have ever sat

All the kings that ever reigned put together

Have not affected the life of mankind on earth

As powerfully as that one solitary life

2. The Son of the Most High God. God is called the Most High God throughout the Bible. The Hebrew word ‘Elyon is translated as Most High, and ’El ‘elyon and ’Elohim ‘elyon are Most High God. Son of the Most High God is a natural alternative name of Jesus (Yeshua‘), the Son of God. Basically Gabriel is saying that Jesus is God. God with a face. The perfect union of man and God. The perfect balance of the divine and natural. 100% man and 100% God. His deity is known right from the beginning.

3. The Lord will give Him the throne of David. "The LORD has sworn to David, A truth from which He will not turn back; 'Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne." (Psalm 132:11)

God's promise to David was about to be fulfilled. This is the fullness of time. Mankind is about to receive their deliverer and the Jews their Messiah. Jesus will rule forever. He rules in our hearts now but one day will rule the whole earth. That day is coming church and one day we will reign and rule with Him

4. He will reign over the descendents of Jacob forever. Jesus will reign over Israel. That means both now in the future Jews will acknowledge Him as Messiah and Lord.

5. His Kingdom will never end. Right now his kingdom is in our hearts characterized by righteousness, peace and joy but one day. It will be an earthly and eternal kingdom with holiness, righteousness, truth, love, peace, grace and joy. The choas of this present age will be replaced by pure, love, joy and grace. I am looking forward to that day.

She then says how can this be I am a virgin. So why is the virgin birth so important. Here are five reasons

1. Jesus Had A Heavenly Origin. The most important reason to hold the belief in the Virgin Birth concerns Jesus' identity as God the Son, the Second Person of the Trinity. In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God (John 1:1). Thus the Virgin Birth is crucial to Jesus being the Son of God.

2. Jesus Had A Sinless Nature. A second reason why the Virgin Birth is important concerns the sinless character of Christ. If Jesus had a human father, then He would have inherited a sinful nature as the rest of us have. The Bible says. Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, . . . thus death spread to all, because all sinned (Romans 5:12). Who [Jesus] committed no sin, nor was guile found in his mouth (1 Peter 2:22). And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins, and in him there is no sin (1 John 3:5). If Jesus were the son of Joseph, then His sinless character would only be a myth.

3. Jesus Was The Perfect Sacrifice . A third reason why the Virgin Birth is crucial to the Christian faith concerns our salvation. Without the sinlessness of Christ there would be no salvation. Christ came, according to the Apostle Paul, to save those who were under the law. But when the fulness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4,5). He came into the world by supernatural means and lived a sinless life, He could be that sacrifice for our sins without spot and without blemish. The Bible makes this clear: For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

4. It Shows The Uniqueness Of Christ

What the virgin birth does is show the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. No one else has ever come into the world the same way as Jesus. The unique and miraculous nature of Jesus carried on through His entire life. His birth was a miracle, His public ministry consisted of miracles, Jesus miraculously lived a sinless life, He miraculously came back from the dead, and left this world in a miraculous way. From His entrance into this world until His departure, the life of Jesus Christ was a miracle.

5. The Bible Says So. The fifth reason to believe in the Virgin Birth is because the Bible says so. If Jesus were not actually born of a virgin then the Bible is wrong. If it is wrong concerning the Virgin Birth, then it is possible that it may be in error about other matters.The doctrine of the Virgin Birth and the credibility of Christianity go hand-in-hand.

I love this thought. It’s clear Jesus’ birth was the result of the Holy Spirit working within Mary’s body. The immaterial (the Spirit) and the material (Mary’s womb) were both involved. Mary of course could not impregnate herself, and was simply a vessel. Only God could perform the miracle of the Incarnation. We should also note that the virgin birth displays the tri-unity of God. The Spirit gives conception to Mary, carrying out the Father’s plan of the virgin birth of the Son. he virgin birth circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man. He never sinned, which qualified Him to be a righteous substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.

Jesus is also known as the Holy One and the Son of God here.

Mary again asks how is going to happen? I love this next statement. For with God nothing is impossible. Hey church with God nothing is impossible. Whatever you face or need nothing is impossible. Say it to the person next to you.

He then gives her confirmation that Elizabeth her cousin is pregnant for six months. Then I love this last statement, "I am the Lord's servant. Her life would be changed forever and so would all mankind's. The ridicule, shame, misunderstanding etc. She said, I am the Lord's servant. That must be our cry as well. whatever you want Lord, here I am. As we get ready for communion let us remember Mary's word and make it our cry. Use me Lord.

Aug 24 – Seize the Eternal - Isaiah 51:4-17

The Lord gives an invitation for the nation to listen. Instruction will come from Him. His justice will become the light to the nation. His righteousness is coming quickly. The salvation of the Lord is on the way. The mighty arm of the Lord will bring justice to the nations. Those who live on islands will look to the Lord for hope.

Isaiah encourages his audience to look to creation. The heavens will vanish like smoke and the earth will wear out like a garment. Isaiah is the master of speech and illustration. The inhabitants like have a short lifespan like flies. Salvation however lasts forever. Seize salvation that lasts and not the things of the earth which perish quickly.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

THE GREAT BANQUET

24 The steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder for their donkeys. 25 They prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon, because they had heard that they were to eat there. 26 When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground. 27 He asked them how they were, and then he said, “How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?”28 They replied, “Your servant our father is still alive and well.” And they bowed down, prostrating themselves.

Lesson One: We first again take a look into ancient culture. The steward took them to Joseph’s house. This house would be a palace. They were essentially rectangular structures consisting of high walls topped with towers. The tops of the towers were often decorated with a rich cornice or panels. The hall had gigantic columns. Rooms to accommodate the needs of the court were located to one side of the hall and it would have a beautiful view of the river on one side and on the other side lakes and gardens . He then provided them with water for their feet and fodder for their donkeys. Cleanliness was essential in Egyptian society. So their prepared their gifts after they have cleaned themselves up and prepared their gifts. Remember they were meeting the Prime Minister. They probably had a speech ready for Him. They had all the best of the land of Canaan in their sacks. This was sent to honor and express affection. The ancient Egyptians were among the first civilizations to practice the tradition of gift giving. Gifts given to royalty at the time included jewelry, flower grains, crops and even money sometimes gifted as dowry. Jacob knew this and that is why he did it. Egypt also this time was the major power in the middle east.

Joseph arrives at noon. Promptness was important to ancient Egyptians. Joseph had many responsibilities. So his time was very valuable. Another title he had was Vizier. The boys then presented their gifts to Joseph and then bowed down before him to the grounds. Thus again fulfilling Joseph’s dream some 2 decades before. They did this to show respect to the man who had their lives in their hands. Remember they do not know what is going on. They have done all he has asked. They were terrified, stressed and confused.

Joseph asked them how they were and then asked them about their aged father. He was probing to find out about their father. They replied, he is alive and well. Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before him and second time. I examine the reason and found this. . Now as guests enter the room they prostrate themselves in front of him. If they don’t do it, the empire could lose its divine order. It was acknowledge of his superior position, role, responsibility and power. It was expected and if they did not it was a sign of disrespect and carried the death penalty.

The Steward as part of his preparation would have instructed them on protocol to address and interact with the Prime Minister. The Egyptians had a strict code of doing things especially for someone in the position of Vizier. It is same for example if you were to visit the queen.

As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” 30 Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there. 31 After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, “Serve the food.”

Lesson Two: So Joseph looks about and then sees his brother Benjamin. They had stood up again. He then asks them if this is your youngest brother. Most likely Reuben is speaking on behalf of the group because this was the role of the oldest brother. He then says to Benjamin, God be gracious to your my son.” There is that divine hint. That statement would have put them at ease. In this pagan society here was a man who understood them. This was a man who knew about their culture and belief system. This man was identifying with them.

Then as Joseph saw his brother Benjamin he was deeply moved. That is when he lost it. This is the second time he had to leave them to find a place to weep. It was breaking his heart to play this role but it was essential. This time he went to his private room. It would been like a study or the place where he did his important documents. Joseph didn’t just casually leave he hurried out. Now this must have confused, frightened and astonished all. What was happening and why did he leave? This must have been an awkward moment. Joseph had to be far enough away for them not to hear. All the emotion, the feeling of abandonment, the love, the separation, the relief all came pouring out at that moment. Remember he had not seen his brother in 2 decades. He was not sure how his brothers had treated Benjamin. Here he was in front of him. No wonder Joseph wept. Years of anxiety, stress and not seeing his brother all came out.

It must have seemed like an eternity. He then is able to get all the emotion out. He then washes his face. He had to make sure they did not know he had been weeping. We all know what a person looks like after an emotional outburst and crying session. So he would have stayed there until all the physical effects were gone. He then goes out controlling himself and orders to have the serve food.

32 They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, for that is detestable to Egyptians. 33 The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. 34 When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely with him.

Lesson Three: I love this narrative. You can see yourself there. First, they serve Joseph because he is the highest ranking official there. Then they serve the brothers. Lastly, the Egyptians who eat with them. So get this. There are three sets of tables. One for Joseph, one for the brothers and one for the Egyptians. Now we can see here that the Egyptians would not eat with the brothers because it was detestable. This is such a great picture of the ancient world. For the Egyptians the brothers were uncivilized, barbarians and aliens. The foreigner was a symbol of chaos. This must have been humiliating to the Egyptians. No one except Joseph knew what was going on.

The brothers were seated in order of their ages before Joseph. The oldest to the youngest. I love this. There they are sitting there completely astonished. How did he know? Another hint but they didn’t get it. They wouldn’t they thought Joseph dead.

Now we get one more picture of what was going on. They served the brothers from Joseph’s table. The Egyptians would not give their food to the brothers. They were detestable, unclean, chaos to order.

The food was served from Joseph’s table. This is a wonderful picture of redemption. Egypt as a sign of the world will have nothing to do with you. You are an alien, foreigner, chaos and detestable. Joseph as a picture of redemption will give you all you need. In this case Joseph is a picture of the Lord. He is our provider and source. Also one day you and I will come to a great banquet at the end of all things. Our master will serve us.

Now Benjamin gets five times more than anyone else. Joseph is identifying with his brother. Now the reason why Joseph did this was to test if his brothers were still capable of jealousy. Remember the reason they sold into slavery was because of jealousy. Also remember the last time Joseph's brothers ate a meal in his presence, the ten of them threw him down an empty well, intending to leave him to starve to death, and then sat down and ate a meal together as Joseph begged for mercy.

So they feasted and drank freely with Him. Now as a final thought. In some translations it states they drank from Joseph’s cup. Now can you imagine the horror and astonishment on the faces of the Egyptians as they saw the Prime Minister having wine poured into his cup and then seeing him have the servants pour it into the cups of these men from another country. To them it would be a submission of order to chaos. It was a sign of humiliation and submission. Joseph however, is a sign of redemption where we who are undeserving are receiving at the hands of our great redeemer cleansing, forgiveness, restoration and healing. That is what Joseph is doing. This is also a picture of another banquet. The upper room. It says they drank freely with him. They had been restored, healed, accepted and forgiven.

We are the brothers. We have done great acts of sin against our master but he has forgiven, accepted and restored us.

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

Many believe that Ezra wrote this acrostic psalm. That means that the first sentence begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It has 22 sayings. In The second sentence begins with the second letter, and so on. The acrostic with "I will say 'thanks' to the *LORD with all my *heart". In the 22 lines of this psalm the Hebrew Alphabet is show. This Psalm is very much like Psalm 119

Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart. in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

1. The Lord is to be praise. Praise is thanking the Lord for what He has done. It is announcing His words. Thanking Him for His blessings. The declaration also has the idea of encouraging others to do the same – I will praise the LORD, and you should also. If we want other people to praise God, we must praise God first. If we want them to love God, we must love him too. If we want others to serve God, we must serve him. We must set an example.

2. Ezra writes that I will extol the Lord with all my heart. God cannot be acceptably praised with a divided heart, neither should we attempt so to dishonor him; for our whole heart is little enough for his glory, and there can be no reason why it should not all be lifted up in his praise.” Where our heart so is our treasure. We are to love God with every fiber of our been that heals us and enables us to love others.

3. Ezra met with the council of the upright. He met with Zerubbabel, Joshua and Nehemiah. Godly leadership is essential to personal, political and societal morality. The standard is the word of God. In Ezra’s day morality and politics were a fact of life. This can also be applied today to church leadership.

4. In the assembly. Ezra would be an example in personal, religious and general life as a man who life is center on God and His word.

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.

1. Creation is the silent outer witness of God in the broader world as conscience is the inner silent witness of God. Every work of God is unique. There are no two works of God the same. The greatest witness of God’s work looks back you every day in the mirror. The work of God is continuing.

2. The works of God is meditated, reflected, pondered and thought about by all who delight in them. Nothing is as peaceful as creation. It is also mind boggling. Did you know that there are more than 700 species of no seeing them? Small insects you cannot see. According to scientists there are 8.7 million types of life on this planet.

Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.

1. Glorious means honorable, dignified, powerful, distinguished, splendid, beautiful or radiant. Majestic means greatness of appearance; dignity; grandeur; dignity of aspect or manner; the quality or state of God which inspires awe or reverence of the child of God in propriety to God and his works. Ezra says God’s deeds are thus.

2. God’s righteousness is His love, goodness, mercy, justice and redemption. God is our creator and redeemer. This work is forever. All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. God is good all the time. He is love all the time.