The Oasis | Refuel

This chapter gives the evidence that change is taking place in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers.  This genuine repentance will lead to reconciliation and restoration of a family.  God is still changing hearts today so let us be open to the changes God desires in our own hearts. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/09/fruits-of-repentance-genesis-44/">Fruits of Repentan...

The process of contrition amongst Joseph’s brothers had begun but there were tests of trustworthiness and character to be passed before full reconciliation was possible.  Joseph’s brothers had failed the test with him previously and so the test was being repeated.  May we learn to pass our testings the first time or else God will […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.co...

Throughout the story of Joseph’s life, God is always at work in a good and gracious way.  He is with Joseph, prospering him in his affliction.  He is revealing the details of a severe famine so that the people can be prepared and survive.  God is also at work in the hearts and minds of […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/09/acknowledging-the-work-of-god-genesis-42-...

After 13 years of preparation, Joseph is finally ready and equipped to assume such a privileged and powerful position.  Great works of God through us require great periods of preparation.  Will we trust God in and through our seasons of preparation? The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/09/josephs-patience-pays-off-genesis-41-42/">Joseph’s Patience Pays Off (Genesis 41 – 42)...

Joseph would be granted great privilege, power, and position in his life but it was not granted until great preparation had taken place.  All of life is preparing us to serve god in even bigger and more significant ways.  Like Joseph, we must trust in God’s perfect timing. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/09/great-service-requires-great-preparation-genesis-40-41/"&gt...

Joseph’s life is a great example of the obstacles and challenges we will overcome when we keep trusting God.  Joseph’s faith in God was steadfast, resolute, and tenacious.  Our faith, like Joseph’s, will be tested.  Therefore we must build and maintain a steady faith otherwise we will give in or give up. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/08/the-triumph-of-persi...

Genesis 39 reveals that God is present in the palaces and in the prisons; in the years of feast and the years of famine.  God walks with us through each and every circumstance of life and is able and available to help us. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/08/god-is-present-genesis-39-1-23/">God Is Present (Genesis 39:1-23)</a> first appeared on <a href="htt...

Joseph’s experience of being sold by his brothers as a slave was a test as to whether he would continue to trust God even when his circumstances were against him.  God’s plan was not thwarted by the actions of Joseph’s brothers.  God was strategically placing him in the land of Egypt.  Though the dreams God […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/08/the-dea...

These verses give us the family background information of Joseph’s life.  It reminds us that no matter what our childhood was like, we can achieve God’s purpose for our life if we just remain faithful to Him.  God will use all of life’s experiences or opportunities to prepare us and grow us for what lies ahead. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/08/josephs-famil...

Jesus illustrates the distinct destinies that await our souls in eternity.  These destinies which cannot be altered after death are determined by the value one places on the Word of God and the authority and influence we allow it to have in our lives. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/06/the-authority-and-sufficiency-of-the-scriptures-luke-16-19-31/">The Authority and Su...

In this passage, Jesus is contrasting the response of men to the recovery of lost possessions with the response of heaven to the recovery of lost people.  The leaders of Israel had too much compassion for their lost possessions, but they cared little for lost people. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/06/lost-and-found-luke-15-11-32/">Lost and Found (Luke 15:11-32)</a&...

So many in Jesus’ day were positioning themselves in places and in ways that would not strengthen or sustain them.  Let us pay close attention to Jesus’ words and realize that our allegiance to Him is what alone will strengthen and sustain us. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/06/positioning-oneself-with-men-or-with-god-luke-14-7-14/">Positioning Oneself with...

Jesus uses this teachable moment presented to Him to teach people how life should be defined because our view of life will determine how we live. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/06/defining-life-luke-12-13-21/">Defining Life (Luke 12:13 – 21)</a> first appeared on <a href="http://theoasisaz.com">The Oasis</a>.

Here Jesus exposes how bankrupt man’s religious system is compared to the sufficiency and adequacy of the grace of God. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/06/the-deficiency-of-religion-luke-10-25-37/">The Deficiency of Religion (Luke 10:25-37)</a> first appeared on <a href="http://theoasisaz.com">The Oasis</a>.

Jesus teaches a very important spiritual principle here in this story.  The principle is that the ultimate fruitfulness of one’s life is based on the condition of one’s heart when God’s Word is received.  There are so many hearts that prevent God’s Word from ever truly taking hold and bearing fruit. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/05/the-parable-of-the-...

Jesus declares that only in Him will we have peace; a peace that is able to stand against the extreme pressures that will arise throughout our lives.  We not only need to lay hold of His peace but carry it with us each day. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/05/living-in-gods-peace-john-16-25-33/">Living in God’s Peace (John 16:25-33)</a> first appeared on <a hre...

Jesus shares with His disciples the sorrow that awaits them yet He promises them that their sadness will be turned into joy – a joy that no one or nothing can take away from them when He reappears to them.  God is always at work cementing our belief in Him. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/05/the-reappearance-of-jesus-john-16-16-24/">The Reappearance of Jesus (Joh...

Jesus has just informed His followers that it is to their advantage that He goes away.  Why?  so He can send the Holy Spirit to them.  here Jesus gives insight into what the Spirit’s focus will be when He comes. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/05/the-ministry-of-gods-spirit-john-16-8-15/">The Ministry of God’s Spirit (John 16:8-15)</a> first appeared on &lt...

Though His disciples could not see it at the time, Jesus explains the spiritual benefits that will take place for them after He returns to the Father.  In like manner, we may not see the profit of something God is doing in our lives at the time which is why we must walk by faith. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/04/the-advantage-of-jesus-departure-john-16-1-7/">The Adva...

Understanding the World’s Animosity (John 15:18-27) Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for the adversity they are about to face. In spite of His physical absence, they will be equipped by Him both to survive and thrive in that which He has called them to do and to be. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/04/understanding-the-worlds-animosity-john-15-18-27/">Unde...

Jesus is speaking on many different aspects of being His disciples but He reveals to us that all of these distinct features are actually interrelated to one another.  They all impact and feed off of one another.  This is why it is so important that we continue being faithful followers.  If one area of our spiritual walk […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/04/connecting-a...

Jesus teaches His disciples about the one indispensable position necessary for being fruitful followers.  It is in maintaining unbroken fellowship with Him.  Out of our fellowship with Christ the fruit will flow. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/04/being-fruitful-followers-john-15-1-8/">Being Fruitful Followers (John 15: 1-8)</a> first appeared on <a href=&quot...

These words of Jesus to His disciples are so rich and full of meaning.  In the midst of all the trouble and turmoil surrounding them, they can find peace in Jesus.  This is true for us as well.  What an endowment we have through Jesus. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/03/the-legacy-of-jesus-john-14-27-31/">The Legacy of Jesus (John 14:27 – 31)</a> first appeared o...

Jesus has reminded the disciples one last time that He is going back to the Father.  However, He is teaching them about the arrival of the Holy Spirit who will enable and empower them in the days ahead!  Instead of walking physically with Jesus they will now lean to walk spiritually through the Holy Spirit. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/03/help-is-coming-john-14-15-31/"...

Jesus’ focus here is on solidifying the disciples’ spiritual foundation.  They are beginning to succumb to the events happening around them.  Faith in Jesus enables us to rise above our circumstances. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/03/jesus-words-of-reassurance-john-14-1-14/">Jesus’ Words of Reassurance (John 14:1-14)</a> first appeared on <a href...