The Positivity With Purpose Podcast

In this episode, we are in Genesis 40, where we see evidence of God's favor and providence in Joseph's life under trying circumstances. Things look brighter for Joseph when He interprets the dream of Pharaoh's cupbearer, though the same cannot be said about the baker. As disciples of Jesus, we are reminded of the fruits of steadfastness and perseverance during trials as we trust and wait on the Lord, knowing that He is always forging our character to become more and more like His Son, Jesus. As evidenced by Joseph's experience, it is often on the other side of mighty trials and we patiently surrender to the Lord's timing, that something wonderful often lies ahead. 

Today we're in James 5:7-12, where James hammers home that critical message to be steadfast amid our suffering, keeping the faith that Lord is always at work and has our best interests at heart. Resist the temptation to lash out, grumble and short-circuit all that God is working through your suffering and life challenges. We'll surely see the goodness on the other end of it with patience and endurance in the name of Jesus! 

James 5:1-6

Warning to the rich! That probably includes you and me in light of ancient times. It's not about selling everything and becoming a street prophet. It's all about the heart. Whether you have billions or "nillions," is your heart and faith placed in the created treasures of this world or in the eternal glory of God the Father?

Genesis 39:1-23

We get into Scripture and discover Joseph's formula for success in Egypt despite the most trying of circumstances. Hint: it involves passionate purpose, mission clarity, perseverance, and unshakable faith in the One who gave him a couple of life-changing dreams. 

Let's remember to live for today, to dream big about tomorrow, but let God rule tomorrow. He has given us today and there is much purpose to live out for His glory. 

In today's episode, we cover James 4:1-12, touching on James' critical warning against worldliness. Its often more comfortable to straddle the fence, so to speak, keeping one foot in the world and one in the heavenly realm. But following Jesus is not easy because it requires full rejection of the sin and the dying things of this world and rebirth into the new things and the pursuit of godliness. 

Today we read Genesis 37:12-36 and witness the horrific sin committed by Joseph's brothers, but also see God's hand of providence working goodness out of the depraved wicked acts of men. 

Today we read James 3:1-12 and heed the warning given by Jesus’s brother that this small group of muscles we call the tongue can cause significant damage if not carefully managed. On the flip side, it can speak life into the darkest of moments and lift others toward salvation and hope in Christ. 

Today we're in James 2:14-26 speaking into "Faith without works is dead." Our tendency as human doers is to struggle with the notion that an almighty God forgives us of our sins and gifts us eternal life in His presence by believing in and calling on the resurrected Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and He requires neither works nor sacrifices on our part.

But this God of boundless grace and mercy has done just that for His glory alone. However, calling on Jesus as Lord and Savior must be from the heart and it must be real, not merely an emotional reaction coaxed by a gospel sales pitch. When we call Jesus our Lord and Savior we receive new life, and by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we are to live out transformed lives which work out our salvation. Desiring to love, bless and serve others and to share that same love Christ has for us should be a natural outcome of our salvation. Join us this episode as we look into what Jesus' brother James has to say about this important topic.