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“THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH”

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THE BENEFIT OF PURPOSEFUL GOALS

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By Ken Blue

When called to the witness box in court, the attorney may ask probing questions and will not accept anything except a “yes” or “no” response. The goal is to discover our understanding and the facts concerning the subject. We may not like the questioning process, and desire to explain, but we are not always permitted to do so. The attorney has an agenda, and he attempts to move everything in that direction.

Perhaps those in the ministry should “sit in the witness box” and ask themselves some probing questions. Let me share some that might be a good place to start.

1. Do you have a clearly defined purpose statement that you understand and you are passionate about?
2. Do you have your purpose statement posted so others see it, and do your church members know and understand it?
3. Do you have five to seven clearly defined objectives stated and understood in order to reach your purpose statement?
4. Do you have clearly defined goals (these include what, why, who, when, where and how) on your calendar?
5. Do you have 5, 3, and 1 year’s goals on your calendar, and are these broken down into 6, 3, and one-month goals?
6. If you don’t have the above, can you be specific about what you are trying to accomplish?

What I observe in many churches is that their only goal is to have another church services next Sunday, and more special meetings throughout the year. The pastor thinks if everyone is busy, the church is moving forward. The truth is, they are on a carousel and don’t realize it.

JOSEPH, THE SERVANT

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JOSEPH, THE SERVANT

SLAVERYBy Ken Blue

“He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Psalms 105:17.

If I were to sum up the life of Joseph, it would be, “He was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost.” Joseph was a son who was deeply loved by his aged father and was destined by God for future greatness. However, before the greatness could be manifested, the testing of time must do its refining work. “Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” Psalms 105:19.

Joseph was a godly young man, and he was sent to do his father’s bidding. His brothers hated him, and as a result of their envy, they sold him into slavery to Pharaoh. However, because of his commitment, he faithfully served God and his Egyptian master. His servitude and attitude did not go unnoticed by Pharaoh, and he was entrusted as his chief attendant. Nevertheless, his loyalty and godly character was once again rewarded by deceit and lies. Pharaoh’s wife falsely accused Joseph of sexual advances, thus Joseph was locked away in prison; but God was with him.

The keeper of the prison saw the honesty and goodness of Joseph and put him in charge of the prisoners. Two prisoners dreamed dreams which Joseph correctly interpreted. Three days later the interpretation came to pass. Joseph asked the butler to remember him and speak to Pharaoh on his behalf. The butler forgot him and said nothing. So, Joseph spent two more years in prison for a crime he never committed. He was tested a total of thirteen years before he was promoted to perform God’s purpose!

In addition to Joseph’s ability to interpret Pharaohs dream, we see him display great patience as he suffers for righteousness. He never complains nor displays one moment of bitterness, and when he speaks, he shows wonderful compassion for others. He was loyal to his master. He refused to sin against man or his God. Through it all, he patiently serves and waits on God.

You know the purpose and outcome. God used Joseph to save and care for a seed that would become a great nation, through which the whole world will be saved and blessed. God may not have as lofty a goal for you or me, but rest assured, God does have a plan for you. Scripture is clear, the greater the task, the greater the test. So, cheer up Christian, your greatest days of service may still be ahead.