The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

Was It All Rigged?

There are certain events that are fixed in history.  That is what we learn from Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's two dreams.  Joseph seemed like he was pulling the strings, but the real one behind everything that was happening was God.  So, certain things are inevitable.  Does that mean that everything we do has been planned out?  Good question.  That is the discussion of this week's podcast, as we focus on Genesis 44.  

 

The hymn: My Soul Now Praise Your Maker  (a public domain hymn) 

Living Under the Rainbow, But Not Over It

Someplace over the rainbow - a hopeful wish for a better place - but truly we live in the world, and we live under the rainbow, but when we have a hard time overcoming the past, in Christ, we live under the cross, and Christ is the light that has overcome the darkness.  

 

Genesis 43 is featured.  

 

Hymn:  Built on the Rock.  #645

Justice is Coming and Not Even the Powerful Can Stop It

A cynical glance at the world may tell us that there is no justice.  Innocent folks are injured and receive no compensation when the truth is inconvenient.  The guilty receive the treatment of the innocent, and are returned to continue their sinful actions.  Yes, a cynical glance at the world may tell us that there is no justice, but that is a lie.  Justice is a thing bigger than the powers that be or the gears of justice in this world.  God sees and knows all, and He hears the prayers of the innocent who look to Him and cry out.  The humble will be lifted up, the mighty will be brought low, and all will receive justice according to the Lord's reckoning.  

And so justice came to Egypt . . . .  God still knows and hears those who believe in Him today . . . .

The discussion is over Genesis 42.  

Hymn: The Night Will Soon be Ending.  

Text (C) 1998 GIA publications

Tune: Public domain.  

 

Victory Over the Darkness

Our battles in life are not just physical troubles; we may not realize it, but we face spiritual battles in life.

Joseph's victory over the darkness of slavery and imprisonment is a reminder of Christ's victory over sin, death and the devil.  

Through Christ we also win victory.  

 

This week we talk about Genesis 41 

 

[In some locations, the player may contain an image:  Raphael - St. George and the dragon - public domain.]  

In Thankfulness for 20 Years

On June 24, 2001, I was ordained into the Holy ministry.  It is only totally and completely by the grace of God I can serve in this way.  Life is never perfect in this world, but in so many ways I can say: Psalm 16:6
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. (ESV)

 

So, this week and next week I have been taking some time off, but today I wanted to share with you a special concert of sorts.  

For those who have really enjoyed the hymns, this is my gift to you.  And if you have gotten a few podcasts behind, this is a chance to catch up.  

God bless you all, thanks for listening.  

These are all public domain hymns in the words and the music . . . . Many of these were written hundreds of years ago by faithful people . . . and yet they are powerful examples to encourage us in faith today.  God IS the God of the living, and He has eternity in store for those who love Him. 

Please do me a favor and share this with anyone you think would enjoy it or be encouraged by it.  

I share this to express my thankfulness to God for his blessings, and to celebrate 20 years of God's blessings in the work of ministry.  Please listen and celebrate with me . . . .  

 

Hymn list in order:  I Bind Unto Myself Today, What Child is This, Glory Be to Jesus, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, This Joyful Eastertide, I Walk in Danger All the Way, Just As I Am, What Wondrous Love is This, Be Still My Soul, When Peace Like a River, O Love How Deep, Built on the Rock, Jesus Lives!  The Victory's Won, Battle Hymn of the Republic, We Praise, You O God, My Soul Now Praise Your Maker, For All the Saints, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me, A Mighty Fortress, Savior, Again to Thy Name We Raise, The Day Thou Gavest. 

+ Soli + Deo Gloria +

to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Sometimes God Plans Our Meetings for Us

In this weeks podcast, Joseph meets two advisors of pharaoh, and he has good news for one, and bad news for another . . . yet, he remains forgotten in prison.  God still has a plan, and sometimes when it comes to our encounters with others, it's all in God's design-for you.  A look at Genesis 40.  

 

The hymn is My Faith Looks Up to Thee, a public domain hymn.  

 

The Secret of Success

God gives all his gifts graciously.  We may use what God has given to His glory, or our own selfish purposes.  We should be asking, what is God's hand in this?  Where is He guiding me?  Everything prospered in Joseph's hands.  It was not dumb luck; it was God's doing.  Things don't always go the way we plan them.  Our best efforts may end in failure.  Regardless, our real glory is to be found in God and His eternal destiny for us through His Son.  

This week we discuss Genesis 39.  

The hymn is #851 Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us, a public domain hymn.  

Revisiting ACTS 17 - the Areopagus Part II

Sorry I am under the weather this week!  Please listen to part I of this topic first, then come and listen to this link.  You'll find Part I of this topic in the episode below this as you scroll down.  

Thanks for listening!!!

Revisiting ACTS 17 - the Areopagus Part I

I am sorry I am under the weather this week, but please revisit a few episodes that I recorded last year.  

This is the first episode discussing Acts 17.  

Peter spoke to crowds of people who had a Jewish background, and knew their history.  Paul brings the message of Jesus Christ to pagans who had NEVER heard of Jesus.  We find ourselves in a similar situation today in this country.  We can learn from how Paul engaged these people.  Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever!  

When We Do Shameful Things

We pause a moment in the epic of Joseph and the saga of Israel to reflect on a somewhat seedy account in Genesis 38.  If you've ever feared something getting out there, something shameful, this passage is a reminder that you aren't the only one.  It's a concern as ancient as Adam and Eve, but in order to be bound up and healed, we need to know, what does God want for us?  How can this weight be lifted?  Listen to find out.  

 

At the end of the podcast I am sharing four hymns that I recorded previously, in commemoration of Trinity Sunday, and Memorial Day.  

Three of the hymns are in the public domain, but #941, We Praise You and Aknowledge You, O God has a tune in the public domain, but the text is by Stephen P. Starke, and admin of CPH.  1999.