You'll get yours.

My karma ran over your dogma. –Bumper sticker humor/ philosophy
  
We hear about karma all the time. We make jokes about it regularly. “What goes around, comes around.” “He’ll get what’s coming to him. Just be patient.” We (I) take a bit of satisfaction when that bozo who cut us off in traffic winds up stopped next to us at the red light. Or when that football team that skulked outta town has a really lousy season. It’s karma, baby! Offend the Universe, and the Universe will get even. But karma really has two sides.

There’s a great story in the Old Testament about a young man named Joseph. His daddy loved him—more than any of his ten older brothers. That was a problem, because Joseph couldn’t help reminding them of that fact.

Finally, the brothers had had enough. They plotted and schemed to throw Joseph down a well, tell Daddy he had died and leave Joseph to fend for himself.

Joseph fended very well, indeed, becoming a very important figure in the ruling courts of Egypt. When a terrible famine hit the land—well, Joseph had food; his brothers did not. Their very lives were now in his hands. Felt a lot like karma.

But Joseph saw things differently. Instead of getting back at his brothers, Joseph chose to show them compassion. And through his compassionate words and deeds, a deeper compassion took root. Instead of allowing karma to be a time to pay them back, Joseph took the opportunity to pay it forward.

Every day, we all make choices. What’s your karma? Payback? Or pay it forward? Choose wisely. . . .
(This week, let’s revisit (or visit) Joseph’s story in Genesis.)

Monday, October 5 How is your family? Are there members with whom you’ve lost touch? Reach out with a card or letter. Genesis 30:22-28

Tuesday, October 6 Animals can be profound influences in our lives. Consider feeding birds, adopting a shelter pet or pet-sitting for a friend. Genesis 37:1-11

Wednesday, October 7 The seasons are changing. Watch for signs that life is taking a rest for a time. Thank God for Octobers, wherever you are. Genesis 37:12-24

Thursday, October 8 When you grocery shop, choose to make a difference. Remember your reusable bags, and pick up a can or two for someone who could use some good karma. Genesis 37:25-36

Friday, October 9 Sometimes we use the word grace instead of karma. Where is grace at work in your life? How can you extend grace to someone else? Rest in God’s grace. Genesis 40:1-23

Saturday, October 10 As you pray for yourself today, sit in silence and rest. Allow God to guide your heart mind, and when your quiet time ends, follow where God has led you. Give thanks. Genesis 41:41-57

Sunday, October 11 As you come to worship, welcome the stranger in our midst. Welcome Jesus. Genesis 42:1-38


I believe in Karma, If the good is sown, the good will be collected. When positive things are made, that returns well. –Yannick Noah

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