The Benefits of a Broken Heart - Genesis 41

 

 

“There are benefits that come only through struggles.”

- Unknown

 

 

Some BRIEF Sidenotes:

 

Sidenote 1 – At the appointed time, Joseph did not rush.

 

Genesis 41:14 – “So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.”

 

Point: When God has an appointment for you...don’t rush.  

 

 Sidenote 2 - Joseph exercised deference and discretion.

 

Genesis 41:15-16 – “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.’ ¹⁶ ‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’”

 

Point: Attend to business by, first, glorifying God and giving respect to others.

 

 Sidenote 3 - God blesses even the unbeliever in order to fulfill his promises to his own. 

 

Genesis 41:28 - “It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do.

 

Point: Do not get distracted by the blessing but keep focused on the promise.

 

Matthew 5:45 – Jesus said, “God causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

 

 

“Only dead people never get stressed, never get broken hearts, never experience the disappointment that comes with failure. You don't get to have a meaningful career or raise a family or leave the world a better place without stress and discomfort. Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.”

- Psychologist Susan David

 

 

4 Benefits for the Broken Hearted

** Joseph's life example reveals that a Broken Heart can also be an extension of God's Heart. 

Benefit 1 – A Broken Heart is a Humble Heart.

 

1 Peter 5:5 – “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”

 

James 4:6 – “But God gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud   but gives grace to the humble.’”

 

Genesis 41:15b-16a – Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” ¹⁶ “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh...”

 

Point: When the reward comes, thank God without pride.

 



Benefit 2 – A Broken Heart is a Ready Heart. 

 

Genesis 41:16 - “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

 

Point: A broken heart knows God has the best solutions.

 

Benefit 3 – A Broken Heart is a Bold Heart.

 

Genesis 41:33 – “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.”

 

Point: A broken heart has nothing to lose.

 

Application: Sometimes we become gun shy because the dungeon strips us of dignity or confidence.

 

 

Benefit 4 – A Broken Heart is a Forgiving Heart.

 

An Amazing Fact: Throughout the rest of Joseph’s life, from age 30 to age 110 when he died...

 

·      we will not hear one word of resentment on his heart or from his lips 

·      we will not hear one word of blame against the brothers who sold him into slavery 

·      we will not hear one word of bitterness against Potiphar’s wife 

·      we will not hear one word of rebuke against the cupbearer who had forgotten him

·      we will not see one moment of vengeance or retribution

 

Point: Count on God to handle the cupbearers of your life.

 

Charles Swindoll – “It’s God’s job to deal with the cupbearers of your past. It’s your job to be the kind of servant He has designed you to be. Be faithful during the waiting periods of life. God will not forget you or forsake you.”

 

 

 

"But Now" - A Message from Ephesians 2:11-22

Hello Friends,

Words Matter!

In fact, they can change your life.

There are two seemingly innocuous words in Ephesians 2 that can go unnoticed, yet are so profound. They are...

...BUT NOW...

Paul is comparing life BEFORE Jesus and AFTER Jesus.  He lists the extraordinary blessings of life AFTER coming to faith in Jesus by His grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).   In this message I try to show the listener how much profoundly better life is AFTER we follow Jesus than it is BEFORE.

I trust that the Lord will speak to you in this message. Let me know what you think!

God bless, Kirk

Two Life-Changing Words: “But Now”

Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”

** Before Jesus, we were:

Ephesians 2:12 – “Remember that at that time [i.e.: before you were saved by Grace] you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and

"Escaping the Tired Life" - a Message from Ephesians 1:9-14

Hello friends,

It's been a while since I shared a message as I've been traveling over the past few months.  But now I'm back with this message that I hope will be helpful.

So many people live the "tired" life. Exhaustion may be the epidemic of our day.  As Christians, we try to put our best foot forward and pretend like we're fine, but we are tired, too!

I hope this message will encourage you and reconnect you to your Source of Energy for life.  Even when we're busy, we can live the energized life of faith.  Let me know what you think and how the Lord spoke to you through his Word.

God bless you, Kirk McCormick

"The Unchecked Ego" - A Message from Daniel 4

As we have just endured another political season, what more relevant topic is there than the Unchecked Ego.

Many, especially those in power, believe theirs is a right to do as they please without regard to the wishes and will of God.  But God will not be mocked!

In this message I note the Pitfalls of the Unchecked Ego's Life, using Nebuchadnezzar as an example. Then I attempt to encourage the listener to live a selfless life...one in which the driving force is reliant on and motivated by the Lord Himself.

Let me know what you think as you listen. I would love to hear your feedback.  God bless, Kirk McCormick

The Challenge of Selfless Living

Daniel 4:1-37

  

Pitfall 1 – “I am impressed with my accomplishments.”

Daniel 4:20-22 – “The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching

"Maintaining a Pure Conscience" - A Message from Acts 22 and 23

Hello Friends,

Have you ever had that "guilty feeling" wherein you know you've broken God's moral code?  Some call it a gut feeling while others describe an inner voice that speaks to them.  God has installed a conscience in each of us. Through this conscience he speaks, directs and corrects us so we might live the purest life possible.

In Acts 22 we see a model for how we can Maintain a Pure Conscience.  Of course, Satan would like to convince you that you are forever guilty, but God, in his marvelous grace, not only forgives but also restores us to purity.

So I hope this message will be helpful to you as you strive to live a life that honors our Heavenly Father. Let me know what you think.

God bless, Kirk McCormick

“Maintaining a Pure Conscience”

Acts 22:30-23:11

“Conscience” = “to know with” or “know together”…

            …inner judge to which God speaks

            …does not set standards, but affirms them

Acts 24:16 - Paul said, “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

Titus 1:15 - “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not

A Message about "True Inclusivity"

Hello friends,

If you are like me, I grow weary about the elevation of "diversity" and "inclusivity", as if they are the highest virtues and values of our culture.  Since diversity just "is"...meaning, we don't have to work on it since it is simply a part of God's natural order... we really do not need to elevate it so highly since it does not take any effort to achieve "diversity."  Yet, given this elevation of diversity, the world loves to tell us that embracing our diversity is more important than our unity.

In this message I try to dispel the notion that Inclusivity, as defined and manipulated by the world, is the rule of heaven.  I hope you will listen to this word and let me know what you think.  I would appreciate the input.

May God bless you as you listen and respond to His Word.  Again...let me know what you think.

- Kirk McCormick

The 7 "C's" of Sharing the Jesus Story - A Message from Acts 22:1-21

Evangelism...the very word brings terror to the average Christian's heart. Yet does Sharing the Jesus story  need to be so imposing?

Paul has arrived back in Jerusalem, and his visit did not go unnoticed. Many radical Jews, especially from the Sanhedrin, are angry he is there and want to kill him. However, the Roman commander puts Paul under his custody. On the way to the jail Paul asks to speak to his fellow Jews.

This message reviews Paul's tactic in sharing the Gospel and how his words are a model for the average Disciple to share the Jesus Story.

As the Lord speaks, you will be blessed as you respond.  Let me know what you think.

And if this message is helpful to you, share it with others. God bless you! - Kirk McCormick

The 7 “C’s” of Sharing your “Jesus” Story

1. “C”ourage -

Paul stood his ground for Jesus

Acts 22:1 - “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”

Recap: Sharing the Jesus Story starts with just a little bit of Courage…