NEW SERIES: Tumwater Chapel of Grace Study for Sunday 05/29/16 Chapter Three: Son To Slave The Pit By Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

Here at the Tumwater Chapel of Grace we are entering into the summer months. We have completed our study through the book of Revelation and now are entering into a unique area. I am in the process of writing a book on the thought life of Joseph in the book of Genesis.

Each week we will attempt to get inside his mind and imagine what he was thinking in the various areas of his life. (A favored son, a son that experienced hatred from his brothers, a seventeen year old that was sold into slavery, a slave who was forced to learn a new language, a servant who gradually became the most important person in the house of an important official). I think you get the flow that we will be exploring together as a body of Christ.

There will be time to provide input as to what must have been going through this wonderful example of a man who was more a servant and slave of the Lord than of the earthly people who thought they owned him.

PASTOR CECIL A. THOMPSON

Tumwater Chapel of Grace 

Meets each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Services are held at  

5725 Littlerock Rd. S.W., 

Tumwater, Washington

NEW SERIES: Tumwater Chapel of Grace Study for Sunday 05/22/16   Chapter Three: Son To Slave The Pit   By Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

THE SCRIPTURE PORTIONS AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS DO NOT NECESSARILY APPLY TO EACH WEEK’S SERVICE. THEY ARE PRESENTED FOR PREPARATION TO ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TOO DIRECT OUR HEARTS AND MINDS TO SEE WHAT THE LORD WANTS TO SHOW US FROM HIS WORD. IF IT TAKES SEVERAL WEEKS TO COVER ONE VERSE...SO BE IT. IT IS FAR BETTER TO MOVE WITH THE SPIRIT RATHER THAN TRYING TO GET THE SPIRIT TO FOLLOW

Chapter Three   Son To Slave

As I am led from the market area I experience my first taste of slavery. On the caravan I was treated as a friend and companion, even though Abdeel had purchased me from my brothers, they treated me as a friend, not a piece of flesh to be bartered in Egypt.

The strange thing is that I am feeling the hand of God working in my life. This man Master Potiphar, who now owns me, does not seem to be malevolent.  Guards surround me and as I observe people along the street they look at me as if I am a criminal being taken to prison. I hope and pray that will never happen. I am used to being out under the stars and in the open fields with my sheep.

We approach a cluster of buildings on the edge of the city. There are well kept gardens all around the house and fields beyond. I have never seen such a large and magnificent dwelling in my life.

I have no idea what to expect; but I know that I am not alone. The God of my Fathers has brought me to this place. Whatever befalls me, I know that God has a purpose for me being here. I make this commitment to myself and to the God I serve that each and every day I will live for Him to the best of my abilities, and leave the results up to Him.

I am taken to the slave quarters and introduced to the slave master. His name is Menos. He is a stern looking man and speaks in a harsh manner. He demands to know everything about me.

I hold nothing back and tell him about my life in Canaan. I want to be as open as possible so I explained to him about my favored status with my father and the jealousy of my brothers.

I tell him I am lucky to be here since my brothers had planned to kill me, that is until my oldest brother suggested placing me in a pit. I confessed to him how fearful I was in that pit thinking that perhaps I would be left to die of starvation.

I feel impressed to tell him about being sold to the Midianites and how I had come to feel almost a part of Jalam’s family. My mind quickly returns to the pleasant evenings around the campfire when we ate and they laughed as I tried to repeat the Egyptian words.

Menos seems to change. He no longer has the stern look of a slave master. “You mean you actually started to learn our language?” He demands.

He has been speaking to me in his broken Hebrew tongue. He now starts to test me on how many Egyptian words I have learned. He tells me that he has tried to learn as m any languages as possible. 

He holds up an object and asks me to use the Egyptian word for it. Not only that, he hands me a papyrus scroll and pen. I am now being how to write as well as speak in the Egyptian language. When I make a mistake he laughs with delight.  I do not feel he is making fun of me, but rather he is now assuming the role as my instructor.

Reverting back to his broken Hebrew language, he asks what kind of work my family was engaged in. When I explain that we were shepherds and keepers of livestock, he brightens noticeably and immediately leaves me standing alone.

It is only a short time before he returns. He says that he has spoken to Mr. Potiphar. I am to be assigned to care for the sheep and livestock. He goes on to explain that shepherds are abominations to Egyptians. He says I will stay in the pens with the flocks and herds. I will lead them into the fields in order to increase the yield from flock and heard. I will report only to Menos.

As I make my way to the outbuildings where the livestock are kept I am shocked. The buildings are nothing more than make-shift boards held together by wooden pegs. Most are not held together and have fallen to the ground. The animals are in a horrible condition, no better than their enclosures.

The last rays of sunlight are fading and I finally locate a small shed in which to spend the first night as a slave in Egypt. Menos must not be too concerned about my escaping as he leaves me on my own.

My eyes lift to the sky and I see the first stars begin to appear. I am drawn ever more to believe that all of this is no accident. God has placed me in this place for His purpose. All I need to do is keep my eyes on Him.

I must keep reminding myself that I am not Master Potiphar’s slave. I am God’s slave, and I must answer to Him for my actions.

God of my fathers, I lift this prayer to You. Thank You for bringing me to the place You want me to be. Potiphar has purchased me and thinks he owns me, but I want to be Your slave. My desire is to always live and behave in a manner that is pleasing in Your sight.  I will never do anything that is displeasing to You. Let me have a mind that is controlled by You. Blessed be Your name. Amen

NEW SERIES: Tumwater Chapel of Grace Study for Sunday 05/22/16 Chapter Three: Son To Slave The Pit By Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

PASTOR CECIL A. THOMPSON

Tumwater Chapel of Grace 

Meets each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Services are held at  

5725 Littlerock Rd. S.W., 

Tumwater, Washington

NEW SERIES: Tumwater Chapel of Grace Study for Sunday 05/22/16   Chapter Three: Son To Slave The Pit   By Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

THE SCRIPTURE PORTIONS AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS DO NOT NECESSARILY APPLY TO EACH WEEK’S SERVICE. THEY ARE PRESENTED FOR PREPARATION TO ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TOO DIRECT OUR HEARTS AND MINDS TO SEE WHAT THE LORD WANTS TO SHOW US FROM HIS WORD. IF IT TAKES SEVERAL WEEKS TO COVER ONE VERSE...SO BE IT. IT IS FAR BETTER TO MOVE WITH THE SPIRIT RATHER THAN TRYING TO GET THE SPIRIT TO FOLLOW

Chapter Three   Son To Slave

As I am led from the market area I experience my first taste of slavery. On the caravan I was treated as a friend and companion, even though Abdeel had purchased me from my brothers, they treated me as a friend, not a piece of flesh to be bartered in Egypt.

The strange thing is that I am feeling the hand of God working in my life. This man Master Potiphar, who now owns me, does not seem to be malevolent.  Guards surround me and as I observe people along the street they look at me as if I am a criminal being taken to prison. I hope and pray that will never happen. I am used to being out under the stars and in the open fields with my sheep.

We approach a cluster of buildings on the edge of the city. There are well kept gardens all around the house and fields beyond. I have never seen such a large and magnificent dwelling in my life.

I have no idea what to expect; but I know that I am not alone. The God of my Fathers has brought me to this place. Whatever befalls me, I know that God has a purpose for me being here. I make this commitment to myself and to the God I serve that each and every day I will live for Him to the best of my abilities, and leave the results up to Him.

I am taken to the slave quarters and introduced to the slave master. His name is Menos. He is a stern looking man and speaks in a harsh manner. He demands to know everything about me.

I hold nothing back and tell him about my life in Canaan. I want to be as open as possible so I explained to him about my favored status with my father and the jealousy of my brothers.

I tell him I am lucky to be here since my brothers had planned to kill me, that is until my oldest brother suggested placing me in a pit. I confessed to him how fearful I was in that pit thinking that perhaps I would be left to die of starvation.

I feel impressed to tell him about being sold to the Midianites and how I had come to feel almost a part of Jalam’s family. My mind quickly returns to the pleasant evenings around the campfire when we ate and they laughed as I tried to repeat the Egyptian words.

Menos seems to change. He no longer has the stern look of a slave master. “You mean you actually started to learn our language?” He demands.

He has been speaking to me in his broken Hebrew tongue. He now starts to test me on how many Egyptian words I have learned. He tells me that he has tried to learn as m any languages as possible. 

He holds up an object and asks me to use the Egyptian word for it. Not only that, he hands me a papyrus scroll and pen. I am now being how to write as well as speak in the Egyptian language. When I make a mistake he laughs with delight.  I do not feel he is making fun of me, but rather he is now assuming the role as my instructor.

Reverting back to his broken Hebrew language, he asks what kind of work my family was engaged in. When I explain that we were shepherds and keepers of livestock, he brightens noticeably and immediately leaves me standing alone.

It is only a short time before he returns. He says that he has spoken to Mr. Potiphar. I am to be assigned to care for the sheep and livestock. He goes on to explain that shepherds are abominations to Egyptians. He says I will stay in the pens with the flocks and herds. I will lead them into the fields in order to increase the yield from flock and heard. I will report only to Menos.

As I make my way to the outbuildings where the livestock are kept I am shocked. The buildings are nothing more than make-shift boards held together by wooden pegs. Most are not held together and have fallen to the ground. The animals are in a horrible condition, no better than their enclosures.

The last rays of sunlight are fading and I finally locate a small shed in which to spend the first night as a slave in Egypt. Menos must not be too concerned about my escaping as he leaves me on my own.

My eyes lift to the sky and I see the first stars begin to appear. I am drawn ever more to believe that all of this is no accident. God has placed me in this place for His purpose. All I need to do is keep my eyes on Him.

I must keep reminding myself that I am not Master Potiphar’s slave. I am God’s slave, and I must answer to Him for my actions.

God of my fathers, I lift this prayer to You. Thank You for bringing me to the place You want me to be. Potiphar has purchased me and thinks he owns me, but I want to be Your slave. My desire is to always live and behave in a manner that is pleasing in Your sight.  I will never do anything that is displeasing to You. Let me have a mind that is controlled by You. Blessed be Your name. Amen

We need donations for the South Boise Women's Correctional Center 4th of July gifts.

Please Help! Contact me here on FB. We need donations for the South Boise Women's Correctional Center 4th of July gifts. Here’s the info. for the 4th of July donations. SBWCC Warden Barlow has approved the community to donate certain items to the institution for a community activity scheduled on July 4th. A former IDOC inmate must be the one to deliver the items in person to the facility on a pre-approved day sometime in the middle of June. Money can be raised to purchase the items via the internet, Facebook, social-media and word of mouth. Once the money is received to the person who is going to donate the items, he or she may go to the store and purchase items such as: • GOOD SMELLING BODY LOTIONS, • FULL BOTTLES OF SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONERS, • BLACK OR BROWN EYELINERS, • BLACK MASCARAS, • PINK/BROWN/PASTEL EYE SHADOWS, • MAKE-UP BRUSHES, BLUSH, • PENS/PENCILS, • BAGS OF CANDY, • LARGE CANDY BARS, MISC. • TYPES OF CANDY. • JELLY BEANS, STARBURST ETC, • 2 LITER BOTTLES OF SODA ENOUGH FOR THE ENTIRE INSTITUTION.

THANK YOU - USE PAYPAL - Helps Resource Center helpsresourcecenter@gmail.com WE WILL SEND YOU A TAX RECEIPT!

NEW SERIES: Tumwater Chapel of Grace Study for Sunday 05/08/16 WHAT ARE YOU THINKING JOSEPH?Chapter One The Pit By Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

PASTOR CECIL A. THOMPSON

​

Tumwater Chapel of Grace 

Meets each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Services are held at  

5725 Littlerock Rd. S.W., 

Tumwater, Washington

THE SCRIPTURE PORTIONS AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS DO NOT NECESSARILY APPLY TO EACH WEEK’S SERVICE. THEY ARE PRESENTED FOR PREPARATION TO ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TOO DIRECT OUR HEARTS AND MINDS TO SEE WHAT THE LORD WANTS TO SHOW US FROM HIS WORD. IF IT TAKES SEVERAL WEEKS TO COVER ONE VERSE...SO BE IT. IT IS FAR BETTER TO MOVE WITH THE SPIRIT RATHER THAN TRYING TO GET THE SPIRIT TO FOLLOW

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING JOSEPH?

By Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

Chapter One

The Pit

I wonder if I have any broken bones. I hurt all over. This pit is so deep I could have been killed when they threw me in. It all happened so suddenly and violently. I cannot believe the murder that was in their eyes as they grabbed me and talked of killing me. It was only Ruben who saved my life.

I was expecting my brothers to treat me with jealousy or indifference, but not the hatred that I saw in their Eyes. Instead of being welcomed they ripped off my colorful coat which my father gave me and stood gnashing their teeth at me. I am not sure if my life is still hanging in the balance.

I can hear them up there laughing as they enjoy a meal and talk about how much they detest me. I remember the time when I was tending the flocks with my half-brothers, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. They neglected the flocks and when I told my father about it they were reprimanded. They roughed me up after that incident and from that time on they were more like my enemies than my brothers.

It was not just these four brothers who hated me. All of my brothers treated me with contempt. It was very clear that I was my father’s favorite son and they resented the way he showed preference to me above them. All of my brothers had a deep resentment of me.

This resentment increased dramatically when I had my two dreams! I didn’t make those dreams up, but I am sure they thought I had. The dreams were so real that they almost seemed prophetic in nature.

In my first dream my brothers and I were out in the field binding sheaves of grain. Suddenly my sheaf stood upright and my brother’s sheaves surrounded mine and bowed down to it. I had no idea what that meant, but it was so real that I felt like I was actually out in the grain field with them.

After that came the second dream. This time the sun the moon and the stars bowed down to me. Even my father was angry about that one.

I am not sure why I revealed these dreams to my family, but it seemed that I was compelled to do so. It was not from pride, but I felt that God wanted me to share them with my family and He would reveal the interpretation in His own good time.

My brothers seemed very indifferent to spiritual matters and often teased me for taking the things of God seriously the way I did. In fact they always found that anything I did was wrong and their eyes. It became even worse when my father gave me that finely embroidered coat with all of the various colors.

My father, Jacob, and I were very close, much closer than he was to any of my other brothers. He often told me about how God had spoken to him and how he had wrestled all night with an angel. The angel changed his name from Jacob to Israel. I wonder if my brothers know the full story? It seems like I came closer to God because of what my father told me about his relationship to God.

My father also spoke openly to me about his past conflict with his brother. He too had faced the anger of his brother and feared for his life, but the God of his Fathers was always there beside him. He encouraged me to always call out to God in the pit of despair and know that God will hear. I need to do that right now.

I want to pray right now at the bottom of this pit: “God of my fathers, please hear me right now. I am in the deepest pit of my life. I do not know what is going to happen to me. I may die at the hands of my own brothers, or they may choose to leave me here to die of starvation. Only You can do something about my situation. Please hear my plea and come to my aid. Amen.” 

I have called up to my brothers so many times since they threw me into the pit that my voice is almost gone. They only laugh and tell me to be quiet and that I’m lucky they haven’t killed me yet. I wonder how long I have to live?

Wait a  minute! Something is happening up above me! I can by my brother’s voices that they are seeing something in the distance. I hear my name mentioned and know that somehow I am involved. Suddenly they throw a rope down and angrily tell me to wrap it around me. I feel the rope tighten around my chest as they raise me up out of the pit.

The bright sunlight blinds me temporarily, but then I see a caravan. Some of my brothers are speaking to the merchants and counting out money. The   approach me and roughly push me toward the caravan. They laugh a sinister laugh and tell me; Good riddance!” It is only then that I realize that they have sold me as a slave. My brothers have taken my coat and I am left with only a loincloth.

I have no idea what the future holds. Perhaps my prayer is already being answered.

Chapter Two

The Caravan

My mind is in a whirl. All that has happened to me seems like a bad dream. I have gone from being a favored son, to facing the threat of murder by my brothers, to now having been sold as a slave with an unknown future.

My father told me of his perilous life and how many uncertainties he faced. I must learn to depend upon the God of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Each of them faced uncertain circumstances at some point in their lives, but God was always there to bring about good as they learned to depend on Him. I will make every effort to keep my eyes on God and be faithful in everything I do.

One of the first things is to begin taking note of what is going on around me. As soon as I am able to secure writing materials I will keep a careful record of my thoughts along the way.

We have just begun our journey and I feel naked and exposed. As soon as we are out of sight of my brothers a young man approaches me. I am apprehensive and wonder if he intends to taunt me or torture me.

It is just the opposite. He introduces himself as Jalam. He is about my age and is anxious to talk with me. He asks why my brothers would sell me into slavery. I am surprised that he speaks my language so fluently.

He says that one of the most important things a person can do is learn as many languages as possible. He speaks Egyptian as well and offers to give me instruction about how to learn a new language.

Jalam tells me that this caravan is carrying trade goods such as spices, balm and myrrh to Egypt. I am the only slave and he says they will treat me well on the trip. When I ask him how he knows I will be treated with kindness he says that his father, Abdeel, is the owner of the caravan.

When we stop for the night at a small oasis the Midianites do not tie me up. I am sure they know that there is no where I could go even if I tried to escape.  Jalam brings me a robe to wear. It is such a kind act. I wish there was some way I could return his generosity. I will make sure that I remember this act and if I am ever able I will repay him.

I am introduced to Abdeel and his helpers, Tema and Kedar. They laugh when I eagerly partake of the food they give me. When I tell them my brothers refused to give me food or water while I was in the pit, they seemed to be sympathetic. Not only did they give me food and water, but they laughed and enjoyed watching me eat as much as I enjoyed eating.

This first night on our journey is unreal. I have left my family and the things that I have known these seventeen years of my life. I have no idea what lies ahead, but I have a calm assurance that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is leading me.

I walk a few steps from the campfire and lift my eyes to the heavens. I cannot see how God can use this for His glory, but I here and now make a commitment to live my life in such a way to honor Him.

As I make this commitment I can hear the birds in the palm trees singing their sweet night sounds. A Frog starts to croak and soon the oasis is filled with a raucous chorus.

It seems like my head just rested against my arm when I smelled the fragrant aroma of breakfast. Tema is standing by the fire as I walk over to him. He hands me a round of warm soft bread and several dates. It tastes wonderful!   

Jalam and I become very close friends on the ten-day trip to Egypt. In fact all of the men on the caravan treat me better than my own brothers have treated me. Jalam teaches me several Egyptian words and again encourages me to learn the language as soon as possible.

I cannot believe that the trip is drawing to a close.  Jalam tells me that his father, Abdeel, is a friend of the Captain of Pharaoh’s guard. An officer named Potiphar. It is Abdeel’s intention of taking me to this Potiphar and see if he will purchase me. Abdeel feels he man is a good man and that he will treat me well. It will be in my best interests to have someone like him purchase me rather than someone who may abuse me.

As we make our way to the market where the caravan will be unloaded I can feel eyes of the people staring at us. A caravan is a welcome sight and the people are eager to see what goods have been brought from far away.

Since I am dressed in the same way as the other men in the caravan they do not look at me as if I were a slave. I am sure they are thinking that I am merely one of the servants who are assigned to this task.

I am enjoying helping to unload the camels and setting up the display of the goods that we have brought. The market stands are soon loaded with the various spices, balm, and myrrh.

People are soon crowding around and the haggling is beginning. Abdeel is in his element as he negotiates prices with potential buyers. Even with the few words of the Egyptian language that I have learned, I am able to follow process of buying and selling. I want to store some of these words in my mind.

I notice an official of some sort coming out of the crowd. He is surrounded by men in military uniforms. At first I thought they were going to arrest Abdeel, but now I see them in animated conversation.

Suddenly Abdeel calls my name. It is now that I surmise that this official is none other than the Potiphar that Jalam mentioned to me. The man sizes me up and down and asks a few questions of Abdeel. I feel like some of the goods that people have been purchasing.

I notice money exchanging hands and both Abdeel and Potiphar are smiling broadly. Jalam, who is standing next to me gives me an embrace and says the deal has been made and I am now the property of Potiphar. He promises to see me the next time they bring a caravan to Egypt.

My short life on the caravan has ended and I am now entering the unknown. As I walk behind the guards and their horses I cannot help but wonder what plans God has for me in this strange new land. “I will be obedient to you my God, come what may!”