August 31, 2008

FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 18-20 : PM – 1 Cor. 5

COMPLETELY
Matthew 18:21-22

22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Are you a scorekeeper? I don’t mean the person who records the score sheets at a ball game. I’m talking about the way people sometimes keep scores of one another’s rights and wrongs. Sometimes we have excellent memories when it comes to remembering and pointing out the faults of other people.

Peter probably thought he was being generous when he asked Jesus if forgiving someone seven times was enough. Jesus explained that His followers needed to go way beyond seven when it came to forgiveness. Jesus wasn’t saying they needed to keep a checklist handy in order to check off the times they forgave a person. He was reminding Peter there should not be limits on forgiveness.

Being willing to forgive someone else countless times really isn’t so difficult when we remind ourselves how many times God has forgiven us. God doesn’t keep score with us, so why should we keep score with others?

Father, help me to forgive others completely.

August 30, 2008

FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 15-17 : PM - 1 Cor. 4

INITIATING RECONCILIATION
Matthew 5:23-24

24 First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

What is the heaviest weight you can carry? Maybe it’s a couple of bags of groceries or a box full of books. The amount of weight would vary from person to person. But one of the heaviest weights any person can carry is a grudge. Grudges weigh us down and keep us from being all that God wants us to be.

In fact, Jesus said that holding on to problems in our relationships with other people causes problems in our relationships with God. First thing first – if we have problems with other people, we need to resolve those problems before we bring our offering to God. Offerings to God cannot patch up bad relationships with other people. Those need to be handled face-to-face with a spirit of mercy and forgiveness.

Do you have grudges you need to unload? Why not settle those problems today so that nothing stands in the way of your relationship with God?

Father, point out any relationships in my life that need my attention and help me to take the first step in repairing them.

August 29, 2008

FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 13-14 : PM – 1 Cor. 3

EVEN YOUR ENEMIES
Luke 6:35-38

37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven”.

We usually don’t have much trouble forgiving our wives or children. After all, they have to live with us, and we know it won’t be long until we’ll be asking them to forgive us. But what about forgiving the rest of the world we encounter each day –the people we don’t really know (such as the ones who cut us off in traffic) or the people we don’t even like (such as those difficult, grumbling coworkers)? Sometimes we want to put limits on the people and situations that we are willing to forgive.

If we’re going to do things God’s way, then we must get to the point where we can forgive everyone – even the people we don’t particularly like. When we can forgive everyone, as Jesus stated in our passage, we are following the example of our Heavenly Father. He is willing to forgive us, lovely and unlovely, (all f us behave unlovingly at times).

Father, help me to follow the example You set in showing forgiveness to all who ask for it.

August 28, 2008

FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 10-12 : PM – 1 Cor. 2

CONTINUING IN GOD’S PLAN
Genesis 50:22-25

23 Joseph saw Ephraim's children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph's knees.

Sometimes our local newspaper runs a photograph of a family taken at a family reunion. The photos are special because they show several generations of family members. Often the photos show three generations; a grandmother, mother, and child. These photos remind me of the importance of our families and how things, such as our faith and values, can be passed to the next generation.

Joseph was old, and he knew death was near. Yet he wanted to be sure his family new that the same God Joseph had trusted in the past would be there to lead them in the future.

In some families a lot of energy is spent worrying about the financial inheritance. How much more important is the spiritual inheritance of a strong faith in God? Money can be spent or wasted away. But the time spent teaching a new generation about God’s love is an eternal investment. What kind of inheritance are you building?

Father, help me to leave a legacy of faith for my family.

August 27, 2008

FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 7-9 : PM – 1 Cor. 1

SPEAKING KINDLY
Genesis 50:19-21

21 "Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

In today’s passage, Joseph had a choice to make. How was he going to handle his brothers’ appeal for forgiveness? If you told Joseph’s story to a group of people and then took a survey, the majority would probably agree Joseph would be justified in being angry. His brothers had hurt Joseph and his father in ways that could never be undone or repaired. But Joseph chose the path of kindness.

Just like Joseph, we have choices to make each day. How are we going to handle the situations where someone mistreats us and then asks for forgiveness? Will we affirm our “right “to be angry? Will we speak harsh words to let everyone know how we have been hurt and offended? Or will we choose kindness?

Speaking kind words is not always the easiest response. But it is the choice God would want us to make. When the choices come – and they will – choose kindness.

Father, let the words I speak reflect Your kindness and love.

August 26, 2008

FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 4-6 : PM – Rom. 16

APPEAL FOR FORGIVENESS
Genesis 50:16-17

17 "I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you." Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

Do you ever find it hard to say the words “forgive me?” The words are actually pretty simple, so why do we sometimes struggle in getting them out of our mouths? Maybe it’s because saying them is part of admitting we have done something wrong. I don’t know about you, but I hate admitting I am wrong.

Joseph’s brother had done a terrible thing to Joseph and then allowed many years to pass without trying to make it right. Today’s bible passage tells of their conversation with Joseph when they asked his forgiveness. Joseph wept when he heard their request.

As difficult as it might be sometimes to say the words “forgive me,” they must be a part of our conversation. If we cannot say these words and have the heart attitude to back them up, then our relationships with other people and with God can never be complete. Is there someone who needs to hear you say, “Please forgive me”?

Lord, help me to seek forgiveness quickly when it is needed.

August 25, 2008

FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 1-3 : PM – Rom. 15

ACKNOWLEDGING GUILT
Genesis 50:15

15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him."

Several years ago I served on a jury. We spent several days listening to all the facts about a wrong that had been committed. However, even though all parties agreed a wrong had been done, none admitted guilt. All claimed to be innocent.

Willingness to acknowledge guilt is the first step in making a wrong right. If we refuse to admit we are guilty, we cannot move to the next steps of saying, “I’m sorry,” and then asking for forgiveness.

Joseph’s brothers had committed a terrible wrong when they sold Joseph into slavery and then lied to their father about it. Their first step on the road to making things right was to admit that they had done evil to Joseph. Are you carrying a burden of guilt that needs to be unloaded? You can take the steps toward acknowledging your guilt and seeking forgiveness today.

Father, give me the courage to acknowledge my guilt.

August 24, 2008

FOUNDING MY PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 146-150 : PM – Rom. 14

LEAD OTHERS TO FOLLOW GOD’S WILL
Genesis 46:6-7

6 So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. 7 His sons and his sons' sons, his daughters and his sons' daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt.

When you were a child, did you ever play the game follow the leader? One person leads the rest of the participants in performing a series of actions?

In today’s devotional passage, Jacob followed God’s instructions exactly. And not only did he follow God’s instructions, he used his influence to lead his family in following God’s instructions, too.

Are there areas of your life where you could be using your influence to lead others in following God’s will? Perhaps a family member does not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Maybe your neighbor does not have a church home. Maybe your coworker needs a word of encouragement. God wants us to follow His will for our lives and to use our influence to encourage others to do the same.

Father, direct my steps that I might lead others in following Your will.

August 23, 2008

FOUNDING MY PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 141-145 : PM – Rom. 13

ACT ON GOD’S WORD
Genesis 46:3-5

5 Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

A Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This same idea holds true in our relationship with God. The tasks He gives us to do, whether they seem great or small, requires us to take the first step. When God speaks, we need to act on His word.

God had called Jacob to go to Egypt, and Jacob had responded. Jacob’s first response was the spoken words, “Here am I.” Then his next action was to rise up and follow God’s instructions.

Planning is good. And, of course, prayer should be an essential part of anything we undertake. But there are times when God simply needs us to get up and take the first step. Has God’s spirit been prompting you to do something you have put off for another day?

Will you accept the challenge and respond to His call?

Father, help me to act on Your words without delay.

August 22, 2008

FOUNDING MY PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 137-140 : PM – Rom. 12

ANSWER GOD’S CALL
Genesis 46:1-2

2 Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, "Jacob, Jacob!" And he said, "Here I am."

Have you ever watched a child at play when a parent called his or her name? Sometimes the child is too busy or having too much fun to respond.

Do we ever treat God that way? We hear His voice speaking to us; but because we are busy, or distracted, or maybe having too much fun, we ignore His voice. Or maybe we just delay answering, thinking there will be a more convenient time for us to respond.

When God spoke to Jacob through visions, Jacob answered the call, saying “Here am I.”. God was calling Jacob to leave his home and travel to Egypt. Jacob was not a young man. In fact, he had children and grandchildren. Jacob didn’t let age or fear hinder him from answering God’s call.

Are there obstacles standing in your way of answering God’s call today? What steps do you need to take to remove those obstacles? God is waiting to hear your response.

Father, help me to respond to the initial call of Your voice.

August 21, 2008

FOUNDING MY PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 130-13 : PM – Rom. 11

REJOICE IN GOD’S GRACE
Genesis 45:19-24

28 Then Israel said, "It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."

Life offers some great surprises – new friends, engagements, pregnancies, new jobs, unexpected gifts. We can all think of good things that came our way that we were not expecting, and maybe we did not even deserve.

Picture this scene in your mind. For years, Jacob had lived, believing Joseph, his son was dead. Then one day, like all the other days he had known in the sadness of missing Joseph, some news arrives. Joseph is not only alive; he is doing well in Egypt. Jacob was overwhelmed at this news. Then Jacob rejoiced at the news and began to make plans to go see Joseph.

This story reminds us of God’s grace. On days that might seem like all the other long line of days in our lives, we can see God’s hand at work in ways we don’t expect and may not even deserve. Have you taken time recently to rejoice and thank God for His grace at work in your life?

Father, thank You for the fresh grace You send my way each morning.

August 20, 2008

FOUNDING MY PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 120-129 : PM – Rom. 10

TRUST GOD’S PROVISION
Genesis 45:19-24

23 “And he sent to his father these things: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and food for his father for the journey”

Has there been a time in your life when you were worried about how to pay the bills from month to month? Some people face this situation when they are young and just getting started on their own. For other people, financial hardship comes when a job is lost. Sometimes older people, on a fixed income, struggle to make ends meet as the cost of living rises and their income doesn’t.

Joseph’s brothers had come to Egypt asking for food so they would not starve during a time of famine. Joseph was able to give them an abundant amount of food, clothing, and silver.

Isn’t God like that too? He is always able to provide for our needs if we’re simply willing to trust Him. Sometimes we struggle with confusing our needs and our wants. God might not provide all our wants, but He will provide all our needs. Are you willing to trust Him?

Father, thanks for the provisions that You send my way, fresh each day.

August 19, 2008

FOUNDING MY PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 119:89-176 : PM – Rom. 9

TRUST GOD’S PURPOSES
Genesis 45:4-8

7 “And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance”

The words of the familiar old hymn “Trust and Obey” remind us of the importance of trusting God. In the fourth verse, the words “What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.” And then the familiar chorus is “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey.” The words may be easy to sing, but how do we measure up when it comes to living out the words – trust and obey?

Today’s passage tells us God’s purposes are not affected by people’s plans. Joseph was able to look back on the events of his life and see God’s hand at work through all of it. God’s purposes could be trusted. We can trust that God’s purpose is right for our lives today no matter what other people may do or say. Are you allowing yourself to trust God’s purposes completely in your own life?

Father, thank You that Your purpose for my life is completely dependable and true.

August 18, 2008

FOUNDING MY PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 119:1-88 : PM – Rom. 8:18-39

CARE ABOUT OTHERS
Genesis 45:1-3

3 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph; does my father still live?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence.”

Maybe you’ve heard the expression, “I don’t get mad, I get even.” If there was someone justified in “getting even,” it would have been Joseph. Years earlier he had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He had risen from slavery to a position of power in the land; and now his brothers were standing in front of him asking for food. This was Joseph’s chance to get even. Instead he chose kindness. In spite of all the difficulties Joseph endured because of his brothers, he still cared about them.

Everyday we have choices. How will we deal with the people we meet? Will we ignore them or even worse, “get even”? Or will we show caring and kindness in spite of how they have treated us? Joseph’s example challenges us to show we care about others no matter how they have acted toward us.

Father, help me to show I care through my words and actions every day.

August 17, 2008

Acting Wisely

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 112-118 : PM – Rom. 8:1-17

RECOGNIZING GOD’S HAND
Genesis 41:33-40

38 “And Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?"39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

Written during the Italian Renaissance, Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince outlines the author’s worldly view that monarchs should do whatever it takes to obtain power and keep their subjects in line. Machiavelli’s advice is based on the notion that in the long run it is better for a leader to be feared than loved.

Joseph’s experiences in Egypt present a very different idea of what it takes to be a great leader. Instead of cruelty and egocentrism, Joseph’s humility led Pharaoh to make him prime minister of Egypt. Throughout his encounters with Egyptians, Joseph continually humbled himself and exalted the Lord. Convinced that God’s plan was best for him, he did not rely on his own devices to become great. Joseph’s rise to power is a memorable example of how “God resisted the proud and gives grace to the humble” as He enacts His plans (1 Pet. 5:5)

I trust You Father, and Your perfect plan for my life.

August 16, 2008

Acting Wisely

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 107-111 : PM – Rom. 7

RECOGNIZING GOD’S HAND
Genesis 41:25-28

28 “This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.”

There are many ways we can experience the hand of God: We can see God’s hand as we look around us. We can hear His voice blowing in the wind. We can feel His touch everywhere we go. These thoughts remind us that our Heavenly father consistently communicates with us in ways we can understand.

As Joseph made sense of Pharaoh’s important dream, he led this ruler to perceive God’s merciful work. The Lord was warning Pharaoh to prepare his people for impending famine. Without Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh would have remained oblivious to the divine purpose unfolding before him and missed this vital admonition from God. The Heavenly Father is at work today just as He was in the days of Pharaoh and Joseph. Have we become too distracted to recognize our Heavenly Father’s hand?

Lord, teach me to be sensitive to Your presence today.

August 15, 2008

Acting Wisely

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 103-106 : PM – Rom. 6

GIVING GOD THE GLORY
Genesis 41:15-16

16 “So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.’”

Recently, several well-known historians from major American institutions were found guilty of blatant plagiarism. In best-selling books, they had purposely included information from other sources as though it was their own. While they eventually apologized and owned up to what they had done, they had forever compromised their reputations. Their desire for advancement and fame overwhelmed their good judgment.

When Pharaoh brought Joseph out of jail and addressed him as a sort of celebrity, Joseph refused to take credit for having interpreted the servant’s dreams. Instead of focusing attention on himself, Joseph pointed to God as the source of his ability. He refused to claim as his own something greater than he alone could accomplish. While Joseph could have easily used this occasion for dishonest self-promotion, he wisely chose to direct Pharaoh’s awe and admiration toward the Lord.

Father, I rejoice in giving You glory for the good things You do through me.

August 14, 2008

Acting Wisely

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 96-102 : PM – Rom. 5

EARNING CONFIDENCE
Genesis 41:9-14

13 “And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”

We often hear of a large corporation failing due to dishonesty in reporting their financial status. The executives and their auditors can even face criminal charges for doctoring financial statements in the company’s favor. Inevitably, many workers find themselves jobless when it collapses. Investors quickly lose confidence in the business based on the dishonest conduct of a few people, and many honest employees suffer.

Just a handful of individuals control the reputation of a corporation, it takes only one godly person to increase someone’s confidence in the Lord. When Pharaoh complained about a perplexing dream, his butler remembered the insightful Hebrew who had helped him in prison. Two years after Joseph interpreted the butler’s dream, he had the chance to witness to Pharaoh himself. Through honesty and kindness, Joseph continued to earn the confidence of others and give them meaningful glimpses of the God he diligently served.

Lord, may my action lead others to trust in You.

August 13, 2008

Acting Wisely

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 90-95 : PM – Rom. 4

TELLING GOD’S TRUTH
Genesis 40:21-22

21 “Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand. 22 But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them.”

College students who take a course in business communication learn there are effective ways to deliver good and bad news and that withholding vital information from those who need it is unethical – even when the audience may not like what we have to say. While it is easy and enjoyable to convey messages we know others will like, communicating bad news is tough for everyone involved.

When Pharaoh’s chief baker asked Joseph to interpret his dream, Joseph could have made up an interpretation to avoid making the baker unhappy. However, he was honest and told the baker the dream meant death was imminent.

As difficult as it must have been Joseph told the baker the truth. Are we, like Joseph, committed to telling God’s truth when we witness? Or do we sidestep issues, such as sin in order to avoid awkward situation?

Father, help me to be bold and truthful as I tell others about You.

August 12, 2008

Acting Wisely

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 87-89 : PM – Rom. 3

REQUESTING HELP
Genesis 40:9-15

41 “But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house.”

Many years ago, European authors used emblem books to teach moral lessons. These texts contained drawings accompanied by brief explanations. Some of these books included a picture of a man representing Opportunity. He was completely bald except for a lock of hair near his forehead. The point of this emblem was unless we grab hold of Opportunity when he first reaches us he will pass us by and be gone for good. His bald head does not allow anyone to grasp him from behind.

During Joseph’s incarceration, he recognized his encounter with two imprisoned royal officials as a great opportunity. It was a chance to show them God’s love firsthand and to get some help in regaining freedom. After Joseph interpreted the butler’s dream, he asked his new friend not to forget him before Pharaoh. God ultimately rewarded Joseph for taking advantage of the opportunity to request help when he needed it.

Lord, may I seize the opportunities You provide each day.

August 11, 2008

Acting Wisely

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 81-66 : PM – Rom. 2

MAGNIFYING GOD
Genesis 40:6-8

8 “And they said to him, "We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it." So Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.”

In the game charades, players compete by guessing the words one member of their team conveys through gestures, without speaking. Participants guess repeatedly until they finally hit on the correct interpretation.

Too often, Christians treat their walk with God as a similar game. We view Him as placing signs in our paths and waiting to see if we can figure them out. The men in today’s passage knew their dream was an important sign, but they were distraught because they could not interpret it. Joseph’s response reminds us that, thankfully, we do not serve a God who plays games.

Rather than focusing on the obscurity of the dream, Joseph encouraged the men simply to look to the Lord for wisdom. His question suggests that when we seek to understand what goes on in our lives, trying to figure it out on our own distracts us from seeking the One who already knows what it all means.

Father, I look to You as the source of all meaning in my life.

August 10, 2008

Being Faithful

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 78-80 : PM – Rom. 1:18-32

ACTING IN GOD’S PLAN
Genesis 39:22-23

23 “The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.”

“You’re rich!” exclaimed the 10-year old Laotian girl. She had just taken a quick tour of the missionary’s 14-70 foot mobile home. She saw a washer and dryer in the house. She had never seen this before. To her it was a luxury. Wealth is not necessarily a matter of money; it sometimes is a matter of comparison to others.

The keeper of the prison made a judgment based on comparison. He clearly saw Joseph was blessed by God. Everything Joseph did prospered. Just like us, Joseph was created to follow God’s plan. Just because God was with him didn’t mean Joseph was problem free. Joseph didn’t stop working when he surpassed those around him. He continually demonstrated God was in charge of his life.

Does having God with you make a difference in how you act or react?

Father, I know You are in charge of my life. Remind me today of an area of my life I need to turn over to You.

August 9, 2008

Being Faithful

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 73-77 : PM – Rom. 1:1-17

WITH GOD’S HELP
Genesis 39:21

21 “But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

The accident happened quickly. Only when she turned and saw her son’s car seat shifted forward did she realize what a blow her vehicle had taken. Almost immediately, a man was at her car window asking if she needed help. He drove down the street to pick up her husband and waited until the police arrived so he could give his account of the accident he witnessed. He was a merciful blessing to her that day. God showed Himself to her that day through this man’s help.

The biblical account does not fail to credit the presence of the Lord with Joseph as the reason he was shown mercy and favor. Joseph knew he didn’t deserve the punishment he received. Joseph was human; he could not see what was going to happen in his future. Like us, he had to trust God to lead and guide him. What a blessing is God’s presence in our lives.

God, thank You for being merciful to me. Help me to reflect You by showing mercy to those around me.

August 8, 2008

Being Faithful

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 69-72 : PM – Acts 28:16-31

WHEN FALSELY ACCUSED
Genesis 39:19-20

19 “So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, "Your servant did to me after this manner," that his anger was aroused.”

Have you ever been accused of something when you were not guilty? The situation is difficult because most guilty people yell, “I’m innocent,” when caught. The guilty sound the same as the innocent people. Any “he said/she said” situation seems hopeless to discover the truth. Joseph found himself in a difficult spot. He could only rely on God to vindicate him. That was not to come for several years. No amount of talk or denial would help him speed things up. Actually, the penalty for adultery, for which Joseph was falsely accused, was death. This would certainly be true for a slave. So he was treated mercifully, however unfairly, by his master.

Life is not fair. How do you handle the inevitable injustices that come your way? Waiting for vindication is difficult, especially when it may not happen in this life. Use the life of Joseph as an example in patience.

Father, help me to be patient and trust Your timing.

August 7, 2008

Being Faithful

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 65-68 : PM – Acts 28:1-15

FLEEING EVIL
Genesis 39:11-18

11“But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside,12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside”

I was caught. There was no way out. I was talking about someone to a friend when he walked in and heard me. Even though he heard little of my remarks, he saw my face flush red with shame and embarrassment. I knew gossip was wrong. I did it anyway. But the hurt it caused was more damaging than any personal benefit to me. It was sin, and I had to apologize and make it right.

Joseph could have easily sinned with Potiphar’s wife. They could have been two consenting adults. But they did not have God’s consent. Joseph showed his righteousness not just by his speech, but by his action. He ran out of there fast.

Have your ever faced temptation and tried to rationalize it. Have you tried to back out slowly? Run from sin. Get away from the possibility of being caught in its grip.

Father, I want my life to reflect Your righteousness. My own righteousness is worthless compared to Yours. Help me to do the right thing.

August 6, 2008

Being Faithful

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 59-64 : PM – Acts 27

RESISTING TEMPTATION
Genesis 39:6b-10

9 “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

Nothing breaks trust in a marriage more than adultery. Although not an unforgivable sin, its consequences to a married couple are catastrophic to the health of their relationship. We see in Joseph’s behavior that he had no intention of committing this sin with Potiphar’s wife –even noting the husband’s kindness to him. Not only did he not even consider committing the sin, he explained himself to the woman. This must have heaped more guilt upon Potiphar’s wife. We see two people who serve two masters. Joseph knew God and made a decision in advance of this temptation to resist sin. Potiphar’s wife made a decision to tempt and did not stop even when her plan was rejected. Her plans ended in no earthly good. Sin leads to death.

Have you ever given into temptation with the knowledge it was wrong? God gives the power to resist any temptation.

Father, I know You give me the power to flee from sin.

August 5, 2008

Being Faithful

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 54-58 : PM – Acts 26

EARNING TRUST
Genesis 39:2-6a

4 “So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.”

Three camp counselors were responsible for 30 boys 24 hours a day. Most unexpectedly, their supervisor would walk down the marked trail. He came through the woods so he wouldn’t be seen by them. Counselors were reprimanded for not leading activities and one was caught napping. Now they knew the reason for the sudden appearance. He needed to check on them.

Joseph probably wasn’t trusted immediately either. He had to earn the trust of his master. He did the best work, was found faithful and given more responsibility. Do you do your work without complaint? Are you ever guilty of not doing your best? God did not create us to do our tasks halfway. He wants our very best.

God, I want to be faithful. Help me to be a cheerful worker and a good steward of the tasks You have given me.

August 4, 2008

Being Faithful

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 48-53 : PM – Acts 25

AS A FOREIGNER AND A SLAVE
Genesis 39:1

1 “Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there.”

A former slave, 16-year-old Booker T. Washington walked almost 500 miles to enroll in a school for black students. He arrived wearing ragged clothes. The head teacher only admitted him after he cleaned a room spotlessly. Eventually, he became one of the nation’s foremost black educators. But he had to prove himself by doing menial tasks before being given the opportunity.

Joseph should have been a free man. God was with him, but he still had to work hard for his overseer. Working for an earthly master is extremely difficult Joseph did the job and did it so well that his work set him apart. People saw there was something different about him.

Father, I want to be a godly example as I do my work each day. May my diligence and faithfulness point others to You.

August 3, 2008

Confronting Crisis

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 42-47 : PM – Acts 24

WHEN DREAMS DIE
Genesis 37:34-35

36 “Now the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.”

Job loss, divorce, infertility, loss of a home, disability bankruptcy – each of these occurrences signals the death of a dream. For Joseph, his dream of being a ruler evaporated the moment his brothers sold him into slavery. Through a simple monetary transaction, he fell from the status of favored son to lowly slave.

Joni Earickson Tad’s life was changed, and her dreams shattered, in a diving accident. However, the very event that destroyed her dreams opened her life to be used by God in mighty ways. Though confined to a wheelchair, she ministers to thousands on a daily basis through Joni and Friends. Her books and paintings inspire many more to grow in Christ.

At our most hopeless times, when we feel God has forgotten us, let us remember Joseph and Joni and how, in spite of shattered dreams, they followed God faithfully.

Dear Lord, give me the faith of Joseph, who followed You even when the way was dark.

August 2, 2008

Confronting Crisis

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 37-41 : PM – Acts 23

IN GRIEF
Genesis 37:34-35

35 “And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, "For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning." Thus his father wept for him.”

When we lose something or someone precious to us, we grieve. Jacob’s loss of his most favored son was overwhelming. Like Jacob, we think we will grieve forever. The relentless, pounding waves of grief threaten to pull us under. However, our compassionate, merciful God can calm these stormy waves.

To recover from loss, we must receive the comfort offered by God. Our Father has borne grief over His Son. Our Savior is “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3). Thus, we mourn in the presence of One who truly understands our pain He promises His comfort for those who grieve (Matt. 5:4).

We also must accept comfort from friends and family. We need not go through grief alone. It is not wise to refuse comfort as Jacob did.

The Holy Spirit consoles us and people around us during loss. Whose comfort do you need to receive?

Lord, I am grateful for Your comfort in times of grief.

August 1, 2008

Confronting Crisis

Read the Bible through:
AM – Psalm 31-36 : PM – Acts 22

WHEN DECEIVED
Genesis 37:29-33

33 “. . .It is my son's tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.”

A news show recently exposed supermarket tampering of dates on their meat packages. Employees would change the dates so customers would believe the meat was fresh and when it was actually days old. A glance in any newspaper might reveal other examples of deception: corporate scams, political scandals, victimization of the elderly, and consumer fraud.

In a world that scoffs at absolute truth, deception runs rampant. We wonder whom we can trust. Sometimes deception hits close to home, as in the case of Jacob and his sons.

God says “the heart” of man “is deceitful” (Jer. 17:9). God’s Word, however, is a refuge of truth. Even when we are fooled by others, God is never deceived because He sees everything and knows everything. He can help us overcome the devastating effects of deception when it slithers into our lives.

Lord, help me to resist the deceiver and embrace Your truth,