The Oasis | Refuel

Though we are reminded at the end of Genesis of the pain that sin has brought into our lives, we are also reminded of the goodness of God who offers deliverance and salvation for those who trust in Him.  Even under the curse of sin, God grants many blessings. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/11/the-wages-of-sin-the-gifts-of-god-genesis-50/">The Wages of Sin – The Gifts...

This sobering chapter reminds us that the choices and decisions we make now will reverberate throughout eternity.  So let’s continually keep eternity in mind when making life choices.   The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/11/the-repercussions-of-ones-life-genesis-49/">The Repercussions of One’s Life (Genesis 49)</a> first appeared on <a href="http:...

Finally, at the end of Jacob’s life, he was realizing the greatness of God and His plan.  In adopting and blessing these two sons of Joseph, Jacob dared to trust God, believing His plans are best. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/11/looking-and-living-beyond-oneself-genesis-48/">Looking and Living Beyond Oneself (Genesis 48)</a> first appeared on <a href=...

Joseph’s handling of the crisis of famine gives us great insight into how we should be able to navigate the crises of life as the people of God and be a witness to those who don’t know God. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/10/crisis-management-genesis-47-13-26/">Crisis Management (Genesis 47:13-26)</a> first appeared on <a href="http://theoasis...

God is always at work on behalf of His people.  Many times it goes unnoticed or we are unaware of it and at other times, His grace is extended to us in spite of who we are or what we’ve done.  God is amazing and oh so faithful! The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/10/god-our-protector-and-provider-genesis-47/">God, Our Protector and Provider (Genesis 47)</a> fir...

This chapter relates to us the details of Joseph’s family moving from Canaan to Egypt.  The significance of this journey is seen in the steps God will take to provide for and purify His people.  Jacob was learning to trust God again.  May we learn to trust Him too. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/10/a-significant-move-genesis-46/">A Significant Move (Genesis 46)&...

Joseph displays why he has been able to navigate the adversity of his life and to forgive those who had wronged him.  He kept God central in his life and willingly surrendered his life to a sovereign God.  This commitment shaped his attitude every day and allowed him to triumph in life rather than be defeated. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/10/surrendered-to-the-sovereign-god...

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...