My parents used to threaten me with an "attitude adjustment." Have you ever gotten one of those? Have you ever felt like you needed an attitude adjustment? Philippians 2:14 says to “do everything without complaining and arguing so that you may become blameless and pure.” Paul reveals that one of the keys to having a joyful life is starting with the right attitude. You can approach a task with enthusiasm or frustration. It’s all up to you. Our attitude doesn't change the task, but it can change you. Clement Stone said: "There is a little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. I see this in my children, in my employees, in the people at church, in other pastors--those who approach their work with a positive attitude, i.e. without complaining or arguing, accomplish much more, and happier in the process.” Chuck Swindoll said: "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude in life. Attitude is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It will make or break a company... a church... a home… The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the past...we cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we do is play on the one thing we have, and that is our attitude...We are in charge of our attitudes." Do you know why I had a great week this past week? My attitude. You know why some people probably did not have a good week? Their attitude. Don't we all want our lives to be defined by a good attitude and a good perspective about life? We need to look back at our life and see that we attacked every job with enthusiasm and commitment. Notice also that Paul says that we can become blameless and pure. Holiness is something every Christian should want to obtain. It’s what God expects out of a born again believer. This begins with an attitude: Do everything without complaining and arguing so that you may become blameless and pure. I know I’m gonna try. What about you? You are loved. Ray Reynolds #Summerdale #Alabama #churchofChrist #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #promises #Exodus #Jews #Israelites #Peter #Paul #church #Genesis #Romans Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible Course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course

Earlier this week I did an online devotional on II Peter 3:9 which says, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." I noted that God made promises to Adam & Eve, Noah's family, and eventually to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That's what He does. He makes promises and keeps them. One could look no further than the rainbow in the cloud to see the faithfulness of God (Genesis 9:13). If you read through the book of Genesis you will see how God continued to faithfully fulfill His work of the Abrahamic covenant by keeping promise after promise. By the time we get to the book of Exodus, the people of Israel had become a great nation. Even though they had spent 400 years immersed in the pagan culture of Egypt, they did not forget their God. They remembered God's Promises. I love the wisdom that Uncle Ben imparts to Peter Parker (Spiderman), when he says, "With great power... comes great responsibility." Jesus said it best: "Where much is given... much is required" (Luke 12:48). As a Christian I know with great blessings come great responsibilities. God had to remind Moses of this great truth. The people who were guided out of Egypt were set apart to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests, and a special people. They were to follow the One True God. Think about the ten plagues the Israelites witnessed in Egypt. God clearly demonstrated, to both Israel and Egypt, that He alone is God. He alone is Holy. He alone is faithful. He will not be mocked without consequences. He will protect His people. Once His people were set free, God revealed His own holiness demands that His people live by holy standards. These holy statutes are visible in the Ten Commandments and eventually in the writing of the entire Law of Moses. Paul teaches us that the Law teaches us what sin is (Romans 3:20). The Law reveals our sin because it reveals God’s holiness and our inability to be holy without His divine guidance (Romans 3:23, 6:23). As we transition into the New Testament we learn that the Old Law can serve as a tutor to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:24, Hebrews 8:8-9, 10:1-4, Jeremiah 31:31-34, II Timothy 3:16-17). In other words, we can take solace in the promises of God now because He has kept His promises before now. Every. Single. One. And He will do the same today and tomorrow. You can count on Him! You are loved. Ray Reynolds #Summerdale #Alabama #churchofChrist #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #promises #Exodus #Jews #Israelites #Peter #Paul #church #Genesis #Romans Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible Course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course

The apostle Paul must have had supernatural knowledge of the internet and social media. I love how he says things like... "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character" (I Corinthians 13:35) and "let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth" (Ephesians 4:29). I also love how he says, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17). Social media is a necessary evil. We need it to communicate, spread the gospel and for building relationships. However, we need to heed a few warnings: 1) Be careful of the company you keep. 2) Be careful of the content you share. 3) Make sure that God is glorified in all things. Back in 2019, this very week, I "purged" about 1200 people on Facebook in under 48 hours. I had over 4,000 "friends." Many of those people were individuals I did not know well or were unsure of their intentions for "following" me. It was nothing personal. Facebook only allows 5000 followers anyway. Why did I do it? The main reason is that I tired of people arguing or slandering others (including myself) and I tired of reading their posts and comments. Sorry if you feel triggered! If you want to use your pages for spreading hate, gossip and ignorance, I won't stop you. But I will discourage you from doing it in public. If you want to glorify God on social media... let your light shine, but be careful how you do it. The parable of the sower used to be my model (Matthew 13). Sow the seed and let God work out the result. Now I am thinking differently. Let's follow the advice of Jesus to "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). You don't have to fear the enemy, but you also shouldn't invite him to dinner. Be careful! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews #hope #judgment Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course

This blog is from the Summerdale Church of Christ blog page and posted with permission (www.summerdalechurch.org). Nearly 50 years ago the Justice system of our country decided that human life was regulated to life outside the womb. It elevated the life of the mother over the life of the child. Clearly the Bible teaches differently (Genesis 2:7, Exodus 21:22-25, Leviticus 17:14). Today our newsfeeds are flooded with highlights of the Supreme Court’s decision. It has also provided opportunities to spark debate from all political sides of the aisle. As a Christian, we have to wonder where we stand and what we do next. Some say this is a win for the child. Others say it removes the autonomy of the woman. From a biblical point of view, our country has finally recognized the significance of all human life. It’s definitely a time to celebrate and praise God. However, this decision, while it is historical and encouraging, it only touches the hem of the garment. There is still much to be said and done to protect innocent life. We look to issues like prohibition to see that court decisions are often temporary. In fact, since 1810 the Supreme Court has overturned its own decisions 232 times. The courts have expanded in number six different times, which has changed the way they vote and make decisions. The bottom line is that we praise the Lord but continue to advocate for additional changes and do not reverse course. The Psalmist said, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14) Even before you took your first breath, the Lord says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.“ (Jeremiah 1:5) Your life is valuable to God. All life is sacred. What can we do to continue this fight for human rights? Think about ways we can practice benevolence, advocate for fair treatment to all, ridding the world of prejudice, and showing love to our enemies. These are just a few of the ways Jesus encouraged his disciples to live their lives. This is the hallmark of Christianity. In many respects this is a big victory, but the war is far from over. Let’s continue to pray. Let’s be more careful when we go to the polls. Let’s continue to stand up for what is right. Let’s advocate for freedom and security. After all… we believe in one nation under God, indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #abortion #Summerdale #Alabama #churchofChrist #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #prolife #humanrights #savethebabies #sacredlife #roevwade Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible Course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course

Do you picture God gavel in hand? Behind His giant throne? Condemning you for everything you do that is wrong? With lightening bolts in His hands? Just waiting to catch you when you slip up? Is God out to get you? Let me help to settle those anxious thoughts. That's not the image the Bible paints as the True & Living God. God does judge us but He’s not against us (Romans 8:31). His judgment is always fair and full of mercy. God is NOT out to punish us. In fact, He places opportunities and people in our way to save us! He sent His One & Only Son to die for us (John 3:16-17, Acts 2:38). No doubt there has to be punishment for our sins, but if you are covered in His blood... Jesus has paid the bill. If you are in Christ you are saved from wrath and judgment. By redeeming us with His precious blood we are now His greatest possession to be kept safe until judgment. The Holy Spirit is a witness of this seal (Ephesians 1:13-14). If you are still breathing... GOD HAS NOT JUDGED YOU YET! You are free to live without fear if you walk with Him. Hebrews 9:27 says, "people are destined to die once and AFTER THAT to face judgment." (NIV, emphasis mine) Live everyday for Him and remember you are loved. Stop thinking so negatively about God and believe in the grace of God. Keep walking in the Light (I John 1:7). Have a great week! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews #hope #judgment Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Beyond that, I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. And I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about. I just did. Have a great week! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews #hope #poem Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course

David is one of the great leaders of the Bible. There is no question that His leadership was respected for many generations. His position in history is one of extreme significance. But what made him a great leader? (1) David Knew The Need For Revival - I hope you remember the story in II Samuel 12. It is one of the saddest occasions in David’s life and in the history of God’s people. David was the king of Israel and had just succeeded king Saul, a vicious and unruly man. It took him years to get the throne that was rightfully his, and that God had given him. One spring night he decided to go up to the roof top to watch the neighbor lady take a bath (I Samuel 11). He began to lust for her so he called her into his palace, committed adultery with her, and she conceived a child. He tried to cover it up by calling her husband, Uriah, home to stay with his wife. He would not go home. He even got him drunk but he still refused. So David eventually had him killed in battle. After Uriah died, David moved his wife, Bathsheba into his palace and she had a son. When Nathan came and confronted him he repented (Psalm 51). Good leaders need to know when they have made a mistake. (2) David Knew How To Respond When God Sends Revival - In the event that led to David’s repentance we can see: a commission (II Samuel 12:1) when the Lord called Nathan to go David, a confrontation (II Samuel 12:1-9) when Nathan is sent to confront David, a command (II Samuel 12:9) when God has commanded us to be obedient to Him, the consequences (II Samuel 12:10-14), the confession (II Samuel 12:13), the conversion (II Samuel 12:15-23), and finally the consecration (II Samuel 12:22-23). David was renewed after this event because he wept, fasted, and prayed. Good leaders need to admit when they have done wrong and change before its too late. (3) David Knew How To Continue A Revival - After his heartfelt confession and repentance David changed. David, in illustrating the heinousness of his sin (Psalm 51), employs the three most important words to describe sin: (1) transgression (2) iniquity, and (3) sin. David had also previously given, in Psalm 32, a threefold description of forgiveness: (1) blot out, (2) wash, and (3) cleanse. You see David was not a stranger to sin. He had sinned before. However, in his own words he seems to illustrate that this was the worst thing he had ever done. Good leaders know that in order to strive for restoration and pursue revival they must rid themselves of sin. (4) David Knew How To Be An Example - David was a good leader because he was not afraid to admit his fault. He did what God expected. Despite his mistakes, his sins, and his imperfections, he still had a heart like God’s. He was compassionate. And he loved God more than he did sin. He knew God had to be first in his life. Good leaders know that being an example means living, doing, and teaching what is right. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God#Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB#Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel#goodnews Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Ray Reynolds is the pulpit minister of the Summerdale Church of Christ in Summerdale, AL and director of TITUS Camp in Florence, AL. He and his wife Misty (Till) have five sons, one grandson, and one Golden Doodle. They work with the Summerdale church family and connect with people around the world through www.rayreynoldsrap.com and www.reclaiminghopeministry.com. He holds a BA and MM from Heritage Christian University and earned a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary, but has continued his studies through Cambridge, Groningen University, and Harvard Divinity School. He loves coffee, blueberry cake donuts, carpentry, podcasting, blogging, creating online social media content, and marketing for non-profit ministries in the churches of Christ.

Elijah is one of the great leaders of the Bible. There is no question that His leadership was respected for many generations. His position in history is one of extreme significance. But what made him a great leader? (1) Elijah Was Dedicated To God - The great mount Carmel event is one of the greatest in Israel’s history. At that time Ahab was the king of Israel (I Kings 16:29-34). He was married to Jezebel, arguably the most wicked woman to date. Jezebel allowed 850 prophets of Baal and other gods to eat at her table. Ahab and Jezebel supported idolatry and forced it on God’s people. She had all of the prophets of God killed. There should be no doubt that this one of the lowest points of God’s people. Elijah comes onto the scene with boldness. Its not ironic that his name means “Jehovah is my God.” He was a rough man according to II Kings 1:8, but he was in great physical condition. He was a bold leader and a great prophet and dedicated to God and His law. A good leader knows what is right and does it no matter what. A good leader, like Elijah, will stand up before his challengers. (2) Elijah Was Not Afraid of a Challenge - This story is filled with challenges. Elijah challenged Ahab (I Kings 16:29-17:1, 18:18), Israel (I Kings 18:19-24), and he challenged Baal (I Kings 18:25-40). His challenge really does not stop there because he challenges each one of us too. Good leaders know that the people need a challenge. They need to be tested and tried. Good leaders will make sure that the people of God are on His side. (3) Elijah Was Not Afraid To Stand Alone - Later in the story Elijah gets discourage, but right now he is ready to take on the world. When you look at this story you know that Elijah was ready to battle the enemy. Remember that the prophets of Baal started the show. They called on their god for hours, wept, cut themselves, and nothing happened. I suppose one of the best parts of this story, for me, is the taunting of Elijah. Their god would not respond no matter what they did. Then, after they were tired and evening was coming God brought revival through fire! Elijah prayed and God sent fire from heaven to consume all of the sacrifice he had offered. Wow! Good leaders know that God will come through and that He will never fail us. (4) Elijah Was Faithful - Through all of the years, the ups and downs, and through all of the difficulties he faced, Elijah stayed faithful to God. If you remember the Bible reveals that he was taken into heaven by a whirlwind. Good leaders know that if they are faithful that God will reward them. There is no reason to give up or get discouraged because God is with us always! Over the past few weeks we have noted the need for Christian male spiritual leadership. I have pointed out the significance of “The Lawgiver, The King, and The Prophet.” Are you ready to be a leader like them? Are you ready to do what God desires? Let God use you to His glory! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God#Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB#Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel#goodnews Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Ray Reynolds is the pulpit minister of the Summerdale Church of Christ in Summerdale, AL and director of TITUS Camp in Florence, AL. He and his wife Misty (Till) have five sons, one grandson, and one Golden Doodle. They work with the Summerdale church family and connect with people around the world through www.rayreynoldsrap.com and www.reclaiminghopeministry.com. He holds a BA and MM from Heritage Christian University and earned a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary, but has continued his studies through Cambridge, Groningen University, and Harvard Divinity School. He loves coffee, blueberry cake donuts, carpentry, podcasting, blogging, creating online social media content, and marketing for non-profit ministries in the churches of Christ.

Yes, it is April Fool's Day. Has someone pranked you today? Or have you attempted to “fool” someone else? This is a unique calendar day. Do you know why it’s called April Fool’s Day? Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. This decision was actually made official by the Council of Trent in 1563. In the Julian Calendar, and the Hindu calendar, the new year began with the spring equinox (around April 1). If you think about it, this is revealed by the months themselves. April: from aperire, Latin for beginning May: named after goddess Maia June: named after the goddess Juno July: named after Julius Caesar August: named after Augustus Caesar September: from septem, Latin for 7 October: from octo, Latin for 8 November: from novem, Latin for 9 December: from decem, Latin for 10 January: named after Janus February: named after Februalia March: named after Mars You might notice that there is actually a month missing between April and August to get the numbers to line up right. This is because things were based on the Spring Equinox, which often fell in March. So some years the new year would begin in March… like this year in 2022 it fell on March 20. Other years it works begin in April. We should probably be thankful for the current changes made to the calendar. In ancient times some calendars were meant to have 13 months. The Egyptian’s had eight days in a week. The Latin calendar was designed to have 10 months. Basically, the world needed a standard system to stay of in the same page. What does it mean to be a fool? Recently I was called a "fool" for following the Bible. Has that ever happened to you? I think Paul could relate this this accusation (I Corinthians 1:18, 21). However, the Bible reveals that true fools are those who say to themselves, “There is no God.” Because, fools are evil and do terrible things (Psalm 14:1). It's not foolishness to tell jokes, laugh hard, and enjoy life on this day or any day for that matter. However, it's foolishness to deny our Creator. Seek God, His will, and live life to the fullest in His name! Also… Don’t forget what God has done for you. Whatever you are facing today, remember that there is a God who can help you through it. He said: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) Don’t be foolish. Let God lead you. He’s never going to take you down foolish paths. You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #patience #youcanovercomethis #Godisincontrol #GodismyStrength #GodismyHelp We invite you to LISTEN to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast. Check out our WEBSITE where you can download Bible study guides. Or sign up for a FREE Bible Course. Keep studying, stay faithful and maintain an authentic Christian life

Have you ever found yourself in a place you never intended to be, wondering how you ended up there? Maybe the question on your mind was more focused on how you could or even would ever get out of those circumstances? Overwhelming debt? A cancelled flight? A lost job opportunity? Divorce court? School loans? A hospital room? An angry neighbor? Or maybe a list of unanswered prayers? Where is God when the circumstances of life are inconvenient? Where is God when your world comes crashing down around you? Last week we noticed some things about Joseph. Let’s go back that story. Imagine Joseph’s frustration, confusion, and anguish. God revealed to Joseph in two dreams that he would one day rule over his family, preserving the covenant community. God’s plan seemed doomed to fail when Joseph’s brothers sold him into Egyptian slavery. But with the Lord’s favor, Joseph rose to a position of power in Potiphar’s house. Maybe Joseph’s dream emerged as his responsibility over Potiphar’s household increased. But with a prison sentence, that dream seemed once again dashed. God providentially orchestrated events to arrange for Joseph to rise to become the deputy Pharaoh of the superpower of the known world. Man’s evil failures would not foil God’s plan. They never have and never will. The story of Joseph is a powerful illustration of God’s control over human history. God’s divine plan would succeed. He had chosen a covenant family and in spite of that family’s efforts to destroy God’s elect, God would still fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant through that very family. Just as He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God called Abraham’s family to be the conduit through whom He would bless all nations. While the ultimate fulfillment would come in Christ, God used Joseph to reveal Himself as the gracious God of all. He keeps His promises. The story of Joseph lends itself to at least two important lessons. First, we can learn that there are parallels between Joseph and Jesus. Joseph the blesser and savior could be seen as a forerunner to Jesus the ultimate Blesser and Savior. Second, his story may be one of the greatest examples of God’s sovereignty. God reveals Himself as divinely sovereign over people, nature, and events to affect His intended plan of redemption. The sin and evil in the world will not thwart His story of salvation. While Joseph’s story makes no claims that God will directly intervene in every situation, it does remind us that in the end, God brings good out of every evil. It would be centuries before the world would welcome the Messiah, but God’s storytelling had only begun. The promises of God were in motion. Prayers were being answered. It would just take a little more time. Joseph’s life is a precursor, reminding us that though man plans for evil, God plans for good. Beauty for ashes. Life from death. Man fails. God’s plan prevails. Every. Single. Time. You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #love #forgive We invite you to LISTEN to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast. Check out our WEBSITE where you can download Bible study guides. Or sign up for a FREE Bible Course. Keep studying, stay faithful and maintain an authentic Christian life.

One of my favorite writers today is Mitch Albom. In his book, For One More Day, He said, "There's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin." I don't know why that line strikes me so hard, but it does. Our life is a story. But it's the continuation of another story. And one day another story will branch out from our story. What do you like to see or hear in a story? Some of the best tales ever invite the reader to get involved in the details. They give us clues about what’s on the horizon. The best books and movies can do this without giving too much away. They offer hints that make us wonder, speculate, contemplate. Our favorite stories keep us on the edges of our seats and cause us to spend late nights turning pages and following their twists and carefully crafted turns. This summarizes most of the Bible. Twists, turns, big reveals and a happy ending. We like that kind of story. Right? So it’s no surprise that the story of Joseph is a favorite for many. It reads like a novel and never lacks for tension to keep the reader engaged. But perhaps its greatest appeal is in the clues to what might happen beyond the story of Joseph’s life, past the centuries, farther ahead in the still dim pages of history. C. S. Lewis pointed out that shadows give us “hints of reality.” And like a shadow that offers a flickering glimpse of the real thing, the story of Joseph invites us to envision the coming Savior. In short, the story of Joseph goes like this… He was the favored son of his father. His father sent him to his brothers, who rejected him. He was taken to Egypt to avoid being killed. He was sold for the price of a slave and then was falsely accused. He was condemned between two prisoners. His suffering eventually led him to a place of prominence and honor, and his brothers bowed their knees to him at last. In the end, he had suffered much but knew he had endured it all in order to save the lives of those he loved... Wait! Does that sound familiar? Yes!!! Think about the parallels between Joseph and Jesus. Every story in the Bible is connected. They connect to Jesus. And they connect to you! How will your story end? You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #love #Joseph We invite you to LISTEN to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast. Check out our WEBSITE where you can download Bible study guides. Or sign up for a FREE Bible Course. Keep studying, stay faithful and maintain an authentic Christian life.

After the fall of Adam and Eve, we continue to read in Genesis about the depravity of humanity. It was so bad that God cleansed the entire earth with water to effectively "start over" with Noah's family. As time continues to pass by, we begin to see the story of Abram and Sarai to emerge. One might ask, "How could the broken relationship between God and man ever be restored, especially in such a sin-sick world?" Is it possible for humans to live a righteous life in a fallen world? Abram and Sarai reveal that it is possible if we live by faith (Hebrews 11:8-19). Adam and Eve became unrighteous because they disbelieved God’s word (Genesis 3). In contrast, Abram believed God’s word and was declared to be righteous. Since humanity’s ejection from the Garden of Eden, salvation has always been by faith. What sin changes, faith overcomes. Faith is the “substance” of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1) because it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). It is at that time we begin our walk of faith with God. Abram was 75 years old the first time God called him (Genesis 12-14). God asks Abram to leave his present home, along with his family, and go to an unknown place that He would show him. This is a true leap of faith! Therefore, in faith Abram gathered some of his family and some of his belongings for Canaan. God’s relentless pursuit of humanity becomes more evident in the Abram and Sarai’s narrative. Because Abram did not follow God’s directions perfectly. He took many possession, his nephew Lot, and a possible heir named Eliezer on the trip. He also chooses to lie about his relationship to Sarai. However, this was just the beginning of the story. Abram worried that he would have no children of his own (Genesis 15-21). He expressed his concerns to God, who promised that an heir would come from Abram’s own body. Abram and Sarai used Hagar to produce a child, Ishmael, but this was not in God’s plan. Instead, Isaac was the child of promise and would come from Sarah’s womb. Their faith was tested, and weakness is seen in both of them, but their names are changed and God gives them another chance. Again, this is not the end of the story of Abraham and Sarah. Genesis reveals another great act of faith (Genesis 22). Approximately forty years after Abraham’s first encounter with God, God called him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham took Isaac, two servants, and some wood for the journey. Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, but God stops him. God provided a ram in the thicket to sacrifice instead. This time Abraham was rewarded for his unwavering faith. If we learn anything from Abraham’s story it is that faith overcomes the brokenness in humanity’s relationship to God. Do you have an overcoming faith? I hope so. Because it is the only cure for sin-sickness. And, an active faith is the first step toward salvation. You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #love #forgiveness #cross We invite you to LISTEN to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast. Check out our WEBSITE where you can download Bible study guides. Or sign up for a FREE Bible Course. Keep studying, stay faithful and maintain an authentic Christian life.