Life Recovery Ministry | Using the Bible for recovery and significant life changes

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your response to the message about the Prodigal Son. Thank you for allowing me to research more about the oldest son. I share what I am learning.

I regret that I haven't responded sooner, but I have been moving around and almost forgot your request. I hope you find these comments insightful for your church.

The older brother represents an attitude that resents God's interest in sinnersthe same attitude in the early church that looked suspiciously at the inclusion of Gentiles. His self-righteousness manifests itself in jealousy and envy. Today, the elder son is like those who, in self-righteousness, shun brethren who do not live up to their standard of righteousness (Proverbs 20:6; Galatians 6:3; Titus 3:5). Such people do not realize that their self-righteousness is as the filthy rags of the prodigal son (Isaiah 64:6).

Now the older son is introduced for an additional lesson in the parable. In some ways this is two parables in one, both parts ending with the statement about dead and alive, lost and found. Both sons are lost -- one who left home (like the sheep that was lost in v. 4) and one who was lost even while at home (like the coin in v. 8). Both the "sinners" and the Pharisees were separated from God -- the first ones are visibly lost, the others still live at home -- but both are welcomed when they turn to God.

The older son is contrasted to the younger: The younger starts the story by leaving home, the older starts by returning. The younger then decides to go home, the older refuses to enter. The younger wants to be his father's servant, the older son resents being a servant. The younger son admits guilt; the older one insists on his own innocence.

The older son became angry -- in contrast to his father's compassion -- and he did not want to go in despite knowing his father's will. His father went out -- in contrast to the older son's unwillingness to come in. The father went out, just as he had done for the younger son. Pleaded with him -- The father eagerly desired for the older son to share his joy. Normally a son would simply do what his father said to do; here the older son is disobedient. The older son had inherited his father's estate, but not his attitude of mercy.

The older son starts abruptly, hinting of disrespect, frustration and impatience. I've been slaving for you. His relationship to his father was based on work, not love. Never disobeyed -- until now.

You never gave me even a young goat -- Yet a goat is of lesser value than a calf. But the father would have given a goat if the son had asked (verse 31). The son felt unappreciated and unrewarded; his complaint suggests that he had a long-smoldering resentment. He complained about the extra given to the younger -- similar to the workers in the vineyard who complained about a days' wage being given to those who worked only one hour.

This son of yours -- The older brother doesn't say "my brother"; it is as if he no longer claims him. Squandered -- Literally, "devoured," an ironic word for a hungry man. Your property -- This continues the emphasis on physical possessions. The younger son had wasted part of the family estate, failing in his duty to provide for his father. With prostitutes -- Did the older son really know how his brother had spent the money? Perhaps the waste had begun before the son left home, or perhaps some reports had come back from the far country. Both are possible, but the story says nothing about it. This suggests that the older son was making an unsubstantiated accusation.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for responding to my concern over being careful about needing to rely on a man for material things, and not relying on God. Thank you, Laura, for sharing how the Holy Spirit occupying a woman perceives the the letter I wrote Maureen. Thank you for sharing the Word of God.

In my search to find the answers to some of my challenges living without a soul mate, I was moved to review our responsibilities in our marriages and about divorce. If you know someone, or are experiencing some challenges yourself living alone, then maybe God may give you some answers from the Word of God.

Almost everything we want to know about marriage is in 1 Corinthians 7. It seem so clear to me that I don't really see need to comment on it (but I will). Other book reinforce the fundamentals.

(1) Now about the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to live a celibate life. (2) But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.

(3)The husband should not deprive his wife of sexual intimacy, which is her right as a married woman, nor should the wife deprive her husband. (4) The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband also gives authority over his body to his wife. (5) So do not deprive each other of sexual relations. The only exception to this rule would be the agreement of both husband and wife to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time, so they can give themselves more completely to prayer. Afterward they should come together again so that Satan won't be able to tempt them because of their lack of self-control. (6) This is only my suggestion. It's not meant to be an absolute rule. (7) I wish everyone could get along without marrying, just as I do. But we are not all the same. God gives some the gift of marriage, and to others he gives the gift of singleness.

(8) Now I say to those who aren't married and to widows--it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am. (9) But if they can't control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It's better to marry than to burn with lust.

(10) Now, for those who are married I have a- command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. (11) But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else go back to him. And the husband must not leave his wife.

(12) Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a Christian man has a wife who is an unbeliever and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. (13) And if a Christian woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. (14) For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not have a godly influence, but now they are set apart for him. (15) (But if the husband or wife who isn't a Christian insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is not required to stay with them, for God wants his children to live in peace.) (16) You wives must remember that your husbands might be converted because of you. And you husbands must remember that your wives might be converted because of you.

(17) You must accept whatever situation the Lord has put you in, and continue on as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. (18) For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. (19) For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God's commandments.

(20) You should continue on as you were when God called you. (21) Are you a slave? Don't let that worry you--but if you get a chance to be free, take it. (22) And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, the Lord has now set you free from the awful power of sin. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. (23) God purchased you at a high price. Don't be enslaved by the world.[c] (24) So, dear brothers and sisters, whatever situation you were in when you became a believer, stay there in your new relationship with God.

(25) Now, about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his kindness has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. (26) Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain just as you are. (27) If you have a wife, do not end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not get married. (28) But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, I am trying to spare you the extra problems that come with marriage.

(29) Now let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short, so husbands should not let marriage be their major concern. (30) Happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God's work. (31) Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away. (32) In everything you do, I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him. (33) But a married man can't do that so well. He has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. (34) His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be more devoted to the Lord in body and in spirit, while the married woman must be concerned about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband.

(35) I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. (36) But if a man thinks he ought to marry his fiancee because he has trouble controlling his passions and time is passing, it is all right; it is not a sin. Let them marry. (37) But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. (38) So the person who marries does well, and the person who doesn't marry does even better.

(39) A wife is married to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she wishes, but this must be a marriage acceptable to the Lord. (40) But in my opinion it will be better for her if she doesn't marry again, and I think I am giving you counsel from God's Spirit when I say this.

The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, in that juncture of time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are settled by Divine wisdom. Though none may break the law of God, yet that perfect rule leaves men at liberty to serve him in the way most suited to their powers and circumstances, of which others often are very unfit judges. All must determine for themselves, seeking counsel from God how they ought to act.

Man and wife must not separate for any other cause than what Christ allows. Divorce, at that time, was very common among both Jews and Gentiles, on very slight pretexts. Marriage is a Divine institution; and is an engagement for life, by God's appointment. We are bound, as much as in us lies, to live peaceably with all men (Roman 12:18), therefore to promote the peace and comfort of our nearest relatives, though unbelievers. It should be the labor and study of those who are married, to make each other as easy and happy as possible. Should a Christian desert a husband or wife, when there is opportunity to give the greatest proof of love? Stay, and labor heartily for the conversion of thy relative. In every state and relation the Lord has called us to peace; and every thing should be done to promote harmony, as far as truth and holiness will permit.

The rules of Christianity reach every condition; and in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with his lot, and to conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No man should think to make his faith or religion, an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. He should quietly and contentedly abide in the condition in which he is placed by Divine Providence.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.Genesis 2:24.

Whosoever find a wife find a good thing, and obtain favor of the Lord.Proverbs 18:22.

Never the Less to avoid Fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. I Corinth. 7:2.

Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whore mongers and adulterers God will judge. Hebrew 13:4.

Wives submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. Husbands, love your wives even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. Other related scriptures.Jeremiah 29:6,

I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. Hosea 2:19,20

(22) You wives will submit to your husbands as you do to the Lord....... (33) So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5: 22,33

And I say unto you whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery; and whosoever married her which is put away doth commit adultery.Matthew 19:9

What therefore God hath joined together, Let not man put asunder. Mark 10:9

(1) "Suppose a man marries a woman but later discovers something about her that is shameful. So he writes her a letter of divorce, gives it to her, and sends her away. (2) If she then leaves and marries another man (3) and the second husband also divorces her or dies, (4) the former husband may not marry her again, for she has been defiled. That would be detestable to the LORD. You must not bring guilt upon the land the LORD your God is giving you as a special possession. Deut. 24:1-4

13"Suppose a man marries a woman and, after sleeping with her, changes his mind about her 19They will fine him one hundred pieces of silver,[a] for he falsely accused a virgin of Israel. The payment will be made to the woman's father. The woman will then remain the man's wife, and he may never divorce her.28"If a man is caught in the act of raping a young woman who is not engaged, 29he must pay fifty pieces of silver[a] to her father. Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and he will never be allowed to divorce her. Deut. 22:13,19,28, 29

(14) You cry out, "Why has the LORD abandoned us?" I'll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made to each other on your wedding day when you were young. But you have been disloyal to her, though she remained your faithful companion, the wife of your marriage vows. (15) Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard yourself; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. (16) "For I hate divorce!" says the LORD, the God of Israel. "It is as cruel as putting on a victim's bloodstained coat," says the LORD Almighty. "So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife." Malachi 2:14-16

"If a man divorces a woman and she marries someone else, he is not to take her back again, for that would surely corrupt the land. But you have prostituted yourself with many lovers, says the LORD. Yet I am still calling you to come back to me. Jeremiah 3:1

"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery." Luke 16:18

(3) Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for any reason?" (4) "Haven't you read the Scriptures?" Jesus replied. "They record that from the beginning `God made them male and female.' (5) And he said, `This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' (6) Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together." (7) "Then why did Moses say a man could merely write an official letter of divorce and send her away?" they asked. (8) Jesus replied, "Moses permitted divorce as a concession to your hard-hearted wickedness, but it was not what God had originally intended. (9) And I tell you this, a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery--unless his wife has been unfaithful." Matthew 19:3-9

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Thank you for allowing me to focus on what God wants me to know well. God bless you and your family.

GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER BOB today as always, and I'm not sure what this dear sister is seeking ,,,,,,,,,, but it must be GOD first ,,,, and even more so if she is single, and she can build her levels up with the LORD in HOW MUCH SHE SEEKS HIM,,,,,,, AMEN

HALLOWE BE THY NAME,, THY KINGDOM COME, THY HOLY WILL BE DONE

Not her will,,,,, but GODS WILL

THE BIBLE SAYS THAT JESUS WILL BE HER HUSBAND,,,,,, AMEN

until , and if THE LORD brings you a natural man,,,,,,,,,, AMEN

I CORINTHIANS 7: 6

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of GOD, one after this manner, and another after that.

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

But if they cannot contain, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn.

I CORINTHIANS 7: 6-9

and then go to

I CORINTHIANS 7: 32

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the LORD, how he may please the LORD.

You must first PLEASE GOD,,,,, before you think about a mate........

THE WAY A PERSON LOVES GOD,,,,,,,, is the WAY THEY WILL LOVE THEIR SPOUSE!

GOD FIRST,,,,,,,, SPOUSE,,,, and CHILDREN

THAT'S GODS PLAN

GOD, FAMILY & self last

Then the scriputre says

There is differnce also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the LORD, that she may be HOLY both in body and in spirit;

but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

I CORINTHIANS 7:34

How can you every please a husband that GOD gives you,,,,, if you do not please GOD first..........

REMEMBER,,,,,,,,, ONLY A SPIRIT FILLED WOMAN KNOWS HOW TO SUBMIT!!!!!!!

That's why there is so much conflict in marriages,,,,,,,, it's a control issue

The devil likes to control

And GOD tells us in THE BIBLE that the man is the head of the woman,,,,, AMEN

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST is the head of the CHURCH; and he is the saviour of the body.

IPHESIANS 5: 23

But most women don't like their husband in control,,,,,,,,,, they want to be

And alot of times the wife tries to save the husband from mistakes, etc, instead of letting him make the mistakes,,,,,,,,,,

BECAUSE THE MISTAKES will drive him TO THE LORD

the mistakes will MAKE THE HUSBAND fall to his knees !

But so many wives,,,,,,, myself including until i got spirit filled

the women think they are helping,,,,,, and in reality most are making it worse

Most of the time,,,,,, men only pay attention when it comes to money $$$$$$$$

When their wallets are affected,,,,,,,, when they have bad investments,,,

when they can't get ahead no matter what,,,, because everything keeps breaking, and costing them $$$$$$

GOD IS DEALING WITH THAT MAN

When he is not listening ,,,,, and not following GOD,,,,, and being disodidant

Alot of times,,, it will be because they are not TITHING,,,

SO GOD STARTS TAKING YOUR $$$$$$$$$ AWAY

If you follow GODS PLAN and be obidant HE WILL BLESS YOU & YOUR $$$$ increase

Because GOD WILL BLESS WHAT YOU HAVE LEFT when YOU GIVE HIM YOUR FIRST!

Pay GOD his tithes,,,, or you'll be CURSED

the BIBLE is clear about that in MALACHI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And if a man cannot follow GOD,,,,,,, he does not know how to take care of a woman...............

Most men think if they work 40 hours a week,,,,, they have worked, and when they are off work, it 's all free time,,,,,,,,,,

THAT'S not WHAT GOD SAYS IN THE BIBLE...........

SIX DAYS shall work be done, but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, and holy convocation, ye shall do no work therein; it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings..

LEVITICUS 23:3

can you see this society working 6 days????????????????

GOD IS CLEAR ABOUT US GIVING HIM the first fruits of our PAYCHEKS

Speak unto the children of ISRAEL, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which i give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof , then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvesy unto the priest.

LEVITICUS 23: 10

How many men think that they must pay their bills first.......??????

YOU MUST PAY GOD FIRST,,,,, and then pay your bills,,,,,,, AMEN

GOD WILL BLESS what is left,,,,,, and make your dollars go ALOT FURTHER THAN ANY OTHER TIME,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I KNOW I LIVE IT

GOD HAS ALWAYS HONORED ME FOR MY GIVING,,,,,,,,,,, AMEN

I can remember even as a small child how I always liked to give and especially when the offering plate came by in the CHURCHES i attended........

THE LOTTIE MOON was always in my mind,,,,, all year long..........

But don't follow GOD and then start reading MALACHI 3: 6 - 12

For I am THE LORD, I CHANGE NOT; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinanaces, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD OF HOSTS. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

Will a man rob GOD? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee?

IN TITHES AND OFFERINGS.

Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me even this WHOLE NATION.

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith THE LORD OF HOSTS, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and POUR you out a BLESSING , that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD OF HOSTS.

And all NATIONS shall CALL YOU BLESSED; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith

THE LORD OF HOSTS.

MALACHI 3: 6-12

Remember Brother Bob

FOR we do not wrestle not against flesh, and blood,but against PRINCIPALITIES, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

EPHESIANS 6: 12

Therefore speak in LOVE,,,,,,,,,,, without mallice, without corruption,,,, etc.......

AMEN

Learn to CRUCIFY YOUR FLESH ,,,,,,,, and remember

IT TAKES A HUMBLE MAN TO APPOLIGIZE,,,,,,, IT TAKES A HUMBLE MAN TO SAY SORRY even when it's not your falut,,,,,,,,,,

THE ONE WHO IS UNDER A HIGHER AUTHOURITY WILL APPOLIGIZE FIRST !

WHAT DID JESUS SAY??????

FATHER FORGIVE THEM ,,,,, for they know not what they do

MY PRAYER FOR ALL TODAY IS

EPHESIANS 3: 17-

That CHRIST may dwell IN YOUR HEARTS by faith; that ye being ROOTED and

GROUNDED IN LOVE.

May be able to comprenhend WITH ALL SAINTS what is the breadth, and length and depth, and height;

And to know THE LOVE OF CHRIST, which PASSETH KNOWLEDGE, that ye might be FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD.

EPHESIANS 3: 17 - 19

And

IT TAKES A HUMBLE MAN,,,,,,,,, and JESUS WAS HUMBLE,,,,,,,,,, AMEN

HE IS OUR EXAMPLE

And

Do all things without murrurings and disputings;

PHILIPPIANS 2: 14

Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therwith to be content.

PHILIPPIANS 4: 11

FOR I KNOW THAT WITH THE LORDS WILL

I can do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST which STRENGTHENETH me.

PHILIPPIANS 4: 13

But MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory by CHRIST JESUS.

PHILIPPIANS 4: 19

Sometimes GOD HAS TO SUPPLY ME STRENGHT TO NOT lash out in word,,,,, AMEN

Keep my mouth shut

But stay in THE SPIRIT,,,,,,, and stand UPON HIS WORD,,,,,,, not mine......

Remember THE BIBLE is clear about

to be carnally minded is death,,, but to be SPIRITUALLY MINDED IS LIFE & PEACE

I CHOOSE TO STAND UPON GODS WORD,,,,,,,, and HAVE PEACE,,, AMEN

For I am no longer living in bondage,,,, I AM FREE

I AM FREE IN CHRIST!

To whom the SON SETS FREE, is FREE INDEED,,,,,,,,,, AMEN

GOD BLESS YOU & YOURS

YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST

CHRISTINE

As I was reading Genesis 44 and 45, I saw how God allowed me to suffer pain being homeless so that He might work through me to create the Waikiki Beach Outreach Ministry.

For many of us who have been in the Wilderness (or homeless and penitentiary life in my case) for a while, and also throughout our lives, we have experienced great pain (beat up, broken nose, cut off fingers, diseases), loss (theft and death of friends and family), and disappointment (desertion of friends and family members), and it almost seems like there has been an invisible force restricting and restraining us from being involved with the very things we feel we were designed to do, and from the very people we have a burden for, and feel most called to minister to.

Some of this is to break us from any flesh connected to our vision and natural gifting, but some of it was meant to do something else. Our pain, being denied, and all our disappointments, can be used to create an even greater desire within our hearts to do something even bigger for God, than if we had gotten it all the way that we wanted way back when. We may have had to die over and over again to know how we thought God was going to fulfill His vision in our lives, but the visions still remains, and through all this pain, our hearts have been being developed by God to help an even greater number of people than we originally thought.

Joseph had received a vision when he was a boy about God using him to help his family and provide for them, and guess what happened? The very people that he thought would appreciate and receive him rejected and deserted him. They threw him up in a pit, and sold into slavery. Then just as Joseph started to feel like the vision might still be fulfilled by serving in Potiphar's house, it seemed to just happen all over again when he was falsely accused and imprisoned. But with each rejection and denial, it was getting Joseph closer to the palace, and to his place of his true greater ministry. Joseph thought he was just going to originally help his family, but God had much bigger plans for him to help many more people, he just had to have his vision crushed and purified enough times, so that all that was left in the end was the vision itself and the desire to help whomever God wanted him to help, it no longer mattered who it was, and all conditions and preconceived ideas about how it would or should happen were abandoned.

We may have been denied things in life that seemed to be the logical conclusion of what God wanted to do with us, and although it crushed us, it got us closer to purer motives for serving, and to our place of greater ministry. God is more interested in developing our hearts, than He is about doing things. Perhaps we were denied children and it created a great sorrow in us because it seemed that we were designed to be parents. But now, that denied desire has been purified and amplified, and now we have set our sights on feeding and parenting the many hungry children and orphans of the world. Rejection by one, can drive us to help the many. Perhaps we have a desire to provide for people but we have been denied the ability to make money and to succeed financially, but the Lord needed to purify our hearts first, and fill us with a greater love for even a larger group of people to help first.

Joseph kept getting his idea of the vision crushed, but all this pain and rejection was preparing him to feed all of Egypt. Our lives may look like a big failure and wreck like Joseph's did while he was spending day after seemingly wasted day living in Pharaoh's dungeon, but our desires and vision have been being purified, broadened, and amplified during this time to help many.

It is no longer about us, it is now about just doing what God has designed us to do, for whoever He calls us to. As long as we don't give up, we will in fact be used on a great scale to help many people and although the original vision didn't seem to happen the way we thought it would, our hearts have been secretly prepared to do an even greater thing for even more people than we originally thought. We may have carried a great heartache over certain losses and apparent failures over the years, but that heartache will end up driving us to an even greater number of people in the end. Our lives were not mistakes, so let God speak to us and heal our hearts from all old pain. God will make everything right in the end, and we will see His wisdom in all He did.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.... "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.