What Joseph's Heartache Can Teach Us About the Father's Love - SHERYL GIESBRECHT CHARISMA MAGAZINE

This is why you should call on God in your difficult circumstances. (Eddy Lackmann)

What Joseph's Heartache Can Teach Us About the Father's Love

 12/9/2016 SHERYL GIESBRECHT  CHARISMA MAGAZINE

The SpiritLed Woman podcast is empowering women weekly to follow their purpose in Christ and boldly walk in faith. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

---

Love covers a multitude of sins." The words rang in my ears, and I couldn't get the six-word phrase off my mind. At 17, already an alcoholic and an addict, I was working at a summer camp in Lake Tahoe. Although I was raised in church, I had never been around Christians like these. They didn't tell me to change anything about my appearance, my attitudes or my addictions. "Love covers a multitude of sins," they said when I smoked cigarettes or dope or threw fits over doing my chores.

"Love covers a multitude of sins." Was God's love enough to cover all the wrong, illegal and immoral things I had ever done, including my alcohol addiction, lying, bad habits, promiscuity and even my drug-dealing? Was it true that I didn't have to clean up my act before coming to God and that He loved me passionately just the way I was?

One night, in the quietness of my cabin, I submitted to the overwhelming love of God. I agreed with him about my condition and allowed His grace to cover my multitude of sins. That was June 1974, and God hasn't let go of me since. He delivered me from my drug and alcohol addiction.

"How quickly we forget God's great deliverance in our lives. How easily we take for granted the miracles he performed in our past." —David Wilkerson

God's name "Deliverer" reminds us He will rescue us if we call on Him. He will give us victory over the most difficult circumstances and will see us through. "He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hate me; for they were stronger than I" (2 Sam. 22:18).

When you need deliverance, read Ps. 107, a beautiful song written about liberation. It was sung to celebrate the Jews' return to freedom from bondage in Egypt and from their exile in Babylon.

Remember Joseph's story? Through his brothers' jealous mistreatment, God allowed Joseph to be taken away as a slave to Egypt. He ultimately became Pharaoh's right-hand man and planned ahead for years of famine. He led the country to become the world's economic leader. Through Joseph, God provided for the Israelites to thrive in the land of Egypt. Decades later, there was a pharaoh on the throne who didn't know Joseph; God allowed the Israelites to be oppressed by the Egyptians. The Israelites grew in numbers and power, and the pharaohs began to eliminate them. Moses was sent by God to lead the Israelites to freedom:

"Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for His mercy endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord speak out ..." (Ps. 107:a-b). 

Thankfulness to God should always be on the lips of those he has saved. This verse is a beautiful picture of the response of the Israelites after they had been freed, though they deserved only judgment. They had been in bondage, yet the Lord heard their cries, and He freed them. A definition of redeemed found at answers.com says "redeemed means to extricate from an undesirable state: reclaim, recover, rescue." God rescued His people. The Israelites experienced the God who redeems.

Another definition is to "restore the honor, worth or reputation of." You botched the last job but can redeem yourself on this one. What about you? Have you truly experienced what redemption means? We can trust God to redeem us in impossible circumstances and claim his promises:

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses" (Ps. 107:6).

 God the Deliverer heard the cries of the children of Israel; He knew their situation: "... the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out, and their cry came up to God on account of the bondage. God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant ... God looked on the children of Israel, and God had concern for them" (Ex. 2:23-25).

God promised deliverance in Exodus 6:6b, "I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage ..." God also said in verse 7, "And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."

God's people had cried out to God. They were in anguish because of their oppression. He heard them. God delivered them; he brought them out of slavery. He freed them from captivity. Have you cried out to God in your trouble?

When I was given a diagnosis of stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, I prayed to God for my healing, and so did others around the world. We prayed nights and days; we anguished in prayer for my healing. I was delivered from disease. I thank God for delivering me from cancer.

God wants to deliver you.

Are you worried about the future? Is. 40:31a is for you: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" (NIV).

Are you worried about the unknown test results, finances, a prodigal child? Is. 54:10 is for you: "For the mountains may be removed, and the hills may shake, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed.

And when the Deliverer carries you through, thank Him and praise Him for the satisfaction He brings: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love ... for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things" (Ps. 107:8-9).

Hope in things = Distracted

Hope in people = Disappointed

Hope in myself = Devastated

Hope in Christ = Delivered

—Rachel Wojo

Let's pray.

Heavenly Father, we give thanks to You, for You are good. "Your love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story" (Ps. 107:1-2, NIV). Thank You for hearing my cries, as I cry out in time of trouble. Thank You for delivering me (v. 6). Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing love. Thank you for satisfying the thirsty and filling the hungry with good things (vv. 8-9). Thank you, my Deliverer, You are so good. Thank You, my God. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Exchanging hurt for hope is Sheryl Giesbrecht's focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio personality, author, speaker and global influencer. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, she has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God. Giesbrecht's radio show, "Transformed Through Truth," is nationally syndicated and heard daily by more than 21 million listeners on networks around the world. Her latest book is Experience God Through His Names.

 Keep up with Sheryl Giesbrecht at www.fromashestobeauty.com, on Facebook (AuthorSherylGiesbrecht) and via Twitter (@SGiesbrecht).

Draw closer to God. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit every month as you read Charisma magazine. Sign up now to get Charisma for as low as $1 per issue.

Get to know the Holy Spirit and how to interact with Him on a daily basis. Learn to enter God's presence and hear His voice clearly for yourself! Go deeper in your faith with Life in the Spirit and change your life and destiny. Are you ready to start your journey?

Ways to Avoid Stress During the Holidays - SHERYL GIESBRECHT CHARISMA MAGAZINE

Here's how you can have a peaceful holiday season. (Charisma archives)

5 Ways to Avoid Stress During the Holidays

12/7/2015 SHERYL GIESBRECHT  charisma magazine

"Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright."

Each night we heard my son tattling on his sister, "Mom, Sarah is taking too much time in the bathroom." Silent? Hardly. Calm? Nope.

"Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. ..."

For the third time that week, we were late to soccer practice. And my husband, Paul, was the coach. That routine was far from restful.

"O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. ..."

(Sigh.) So much to do, so little time—removed from tranquil.

Are these holiday lyrics descriptions of your family's Christmas season? During the Christmas rush, our homes are far from silent, calm, restful, still, or peaceful. The holiday momentum builds the day after Thanksgiving; the house is noisy, busy, hustling, bustling, and brimming over with activity and stress to the point of near exhaustion. We have so much to do before Christmas day arrives. There are lists to make, baking to prepare, cards to send, shopping to do, gifts to wrap, and events to plan.

Then there are Christmas church services, musicals, plays, concerts, recitals, office parties, family gatherings, and Christmas light tours. Don't forget traditions to revisit and memories to make.

Have you ever been tempted to run away at Christmastime? It would be nice to take a two-week trip, maybe to a deserted island, and be alone with your family—or maybe just alone! There is a solution! We can intentionally cut the Christmas chaos this year. The five steps to doing so spell the word PEACE.

P: Pray Ahead

Guess what? Christmas comes on the same date at the same time every year: December 25. Start praying for your holiday experience when you see the first hint of Christmas decorations in the stores. In July, I browsed Hobby Lobby for items to decorate my patio, I was shocked to see there were things for sale announcing not only the arrival of Halloween and Thanksgiving, but—oh yes—Christmas. Instead of asking, "Can you believe Christmas decorations are already for sale?" tell yourself, "I am so glad I'm reminded to begin to pray for our family's holiday season to glorify the Lord. Let Jesus be celebrated on His birthday."

Pray for God's peace to rule before, during, and after your holiday. Pray for peace to reside in your heart and mind, so it will infect and redirect the chaos around you.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, NIV).

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it to the full" (John 10:10, NIV).

E: Express Your Desire

After you've talked to God about your holiday hope for harmony, pick a night for a family meeting and share your thoughts with your loved ones. Ask each person to write down his or her favorite traditions, activities, and foods associated with the holiday. As you are gather the lists, mix them up and pass them out to a person other than the one who made the list. Give each person a few minutes to read aloud the list he or she received. There will be many repeated items on the lists. Have someone make a list of the most popular items in each category. Keep the most favorite traditions and activities on the to-do list, and let the others go. This will make simplifying Christmas much easier, and everyone will have a say.

Explain to your loved ones that as they simplify, it will help increase their peace and enjoyment during the holidays.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as member of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:15, NIV).

A: Accept a Few Invitations

Believe it or not, less is more. Take a minute to think about all of the events tied to the holiday season: Christmas parties, cookie decorating in your child's classroom, potlucks at work, secret Santa for the ladies' group, and Christmas plays and concerts. Unintentionally, we get ourselves and our families twisted and tangled in the Christmas tinsel of too much activity. Only one thing is important: focusing on Jesus.

How do you choose what to attend and how to spend your precious time? Share Advent with your family each morning at breakfast. I use a daily Scripture Advent calendar I found on Pinterest to keep focused on Jesus, the reason for the season. When we choose to start the day focusing on Jesus, it is easier to say no when the invitations arrive.

---

Use the lists you created in the previous step to discover what your loved ones' priorities really are and decide how you will use your time. What are your family's favorite baked goods? Ours are baking pumpkin bread, making Chex mix, baking sugar cookies, and making tamales. When my kids lived at home, we would plan a day or an evening for the actual baking of baked goods and schedule several days for making tamales. We even involved our small groups at church. If your children's classrooms are hosting Christmas gatherings you are helping organize (but they fall on the same day), involve your husband, grandma, or even a favorite aunt so you don't feel like you have to be in two places at once.

Say "no." That's right. It's OK to say, "No, we have other plans." Even if your "other plans" are to stay home with your family and finish frosting sugar cookies for tomorrow's class party. No guilt, no pressure—just honest self-control and wise time management. Your own children are going to learn a lot from you this year.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control; against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22–23, MEV).

C: Create a Budget

Go back to your list of how you and your family plan to celebrate Christmas. Do you have a large immediate family? What about extended family? Figure out how much money you are able to spend on each person and make another list of items so your children can help with the shopping. You don't have to spend a lot of money on special gifts outside your immediate family. Pinterest is a great resource full of ideas for do-it-yourself crafts and creating memory ideas your children can make for relatives and friends. Mark your calendar and plan ahead for a Christmas gift-making craft day.

Have your children given you their Christmas lists? Also have them create a list of items they want to give at Christmas. If we don't teach our children how to share out of abundance, we will actually teach and reinforce selfishness. It helps to explain to them. "When we get new things, we must get rid of some old ones to make room." It's the principle of the most not-believed beatitude in the Bible found in Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Can the giver be happier than the receiver? Although it goes against all of our human instincts, it is true. This is a very important kingdom principle best taught in life situations.

"John answered, 'Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the sam.'" (Luke 3:11, NIV).

E: Experience Jesus

Invite God's presence to take over your lists, plans, and desires. Ask Jesus to rule how you focus your time.

---

A wonderful tradition I started with my own children when they were young encouraged them daily during the twenty-four days before Christmas day. We had a couple of Nativity sets, and each morning when the kids were getting ready for school, I would hide the baby Jesus from each set. The challenge was that they could not search for the hidden baby Jesus until they were fully dressed, beds made, breakfast eaten, teeth brushed, backpacks packed, and ready to load into the car to go to school. When they were completely ready to walk out the door, I would say, "OK, let's look for the baby Jesus." As Sarah would search for the small baby Jesus, I would say "hotter" or "colder," depending on where she was situated in relation to where I had hidden it until she discovered the hiding place. Next, Ben would get the chance to do the same thing with the baby Jesus from the other nativity. It was a great Christ-centered way to start each day.

Not only do I hang on to our family memories, but I taught my children how to develop their own special traditions for their family Christmas seasons.

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you" (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV).

As you see, cutting Christmas chaos can be very simple. It takes planning and intention ... and of course, lots of prayer. I will be praying you will experience a "calm and bright" holiday and you can "sleep in heavenly peace." May God bless your Christmas!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV).

Sheryl Giesbrecht's message is exchanging hurt for hope, one she shares with audiences as a radio personality, author and speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Giesbrecht has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God. She is host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Turn Up the Music with Sheryl Giesbrecht, and the Executive Director of International Christian Ministries (www.ICMUSA.org). She is the author of Get Back Up: Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down.

Learn more about Sheryl Giesbrecht on her website, www.FromAshesToBeauty.com. She also invites readers to follow her on Facebook (AuthorSherylGiesbrecht) and onTwitter (@SGiesbrecht).

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW - Life in the Spirit is your Spirit-filled teaching guide. Encounter the Holy Spirit, hear God speak to you, and enjoy timeless teachings on love, mercy and forgiveness.LEARN MORE!