Joseph

Since Pastor Dave's sermons will be on the life of Joseph for several weeks, there will be several days listed on this page. To make it easier to navigate this, here are some bookmarks that you can use to advance more quickly to the point you wish to reach.

I find fault with my family from time to time, but I paused to thank the Lord for guiding me through my formative years, and also thanking Him for being my perfect Heavenly Father, who loves each of us the same. Why don't you do that today?

Day 6

Text to read: Genesis 37:12-17

We read of an anxious parent wanting to know what is going on with his sons in a far away (approximately 60 miles) place.

Somebody had to be sent to find them. Who better than Joseph?

What I want you to think about today are the parallels from the relationship of Joseph and his father, to the relationship of Jesus and His Father. This is called "typeology".

Day 7

Text to read.. Genesis 37:18-27

Did it cross your mind to wonder if Jacob knew what he was doing, sending his favorite son, Joseph to check on his brothers and report back? Shechem was the place where Jacob's daughter, Dinah was sexually attacked (Gen 34) and his sons killed all of the men and raided their homes and property (also Gen 34).

Day 8

Text to read.. Gen 37:28-36

As I read the story of Joseph, I digress to think about how low his brothers really were. In doing so, I was drawn to the downward slope we find our country on.

I read an article that contrasted the top disciplinary problems of the 1990's with the 1940's.

Perhaps you have read it yourself.

1940's 1990's

Talking out of turn Drug abuse

Chewing gum Alcohol abuse

Making noise Pregnancy

Running in the halls Suicide

Cutting in line Rape

Dress code infractions Robbery

Littering Assault

Joseph finds himself in a backwash of iniquity. His brothers are intent to remove this "infringement" upon their rights as family members. Their remedy almost became their ruin.

Joseph begins to experience life's darkest and mysterious events.

Today, remember that just as he did for Joseph, the hand of God will uphold you!

Day 9

Text to read: Genesis 39:1-6

Jacob had accepted the fact that his son, Joseph was dead. His brothers knew he was gone for good, perhaps even dead. But as we know, that was not the case!

Like Paul arriving in Rome, Joseph arrived in Egypt wearing chains.

Today, put yourself in Joseph's shoes. His high hopes were shattered. His life now lie in ruins.

The taunts of his brothers still rang in his ears. "Bye, bye, Joey! Good riddance! Oh, by the way, happy dreams!" That was followed by a hideous roar of laughter from his brothers.

What had become of those fine dreams of his? He had had two dreams that showed power and position, but now was being sold as a common slave.

Contemplate your attitude in the midst of difficulty. What did Joseph do? What did he not do?

Day 10 Top of Page

Text to read... Gen 39:1

The openly favored son of Jacob has been sold as a common slave. We are introduced to his circumstances in Egypt. But, we don't see two things! First, not one word gives us a clue of how long Joseph's ordeal endured. He could have been in bondage before arriving to Egypt a couple of weeks in the journey and then maybe some days on display and then finally coming to Potiphar's household.

The second omission is any word about Joseph's adjustments. Without warning he was grabbed, stripped, dumped, transported and then sold! Quite a lot for a 17-18 year old lad!

Today, think about those things that come across your path without warning. Are you prepared for those uncertain days? How are you going to prepare for them?

Joseph adjusted & he flourished as well! Tomorrow we'll look at the reason why.

Day 11

Bible text: Gen 39:2-6

"The Lord was with Joseph." What a powerful statement! The sovereign God of Israel was intimately involved in Joseph's life. He guided him, gave him ability in the Egyptian language and gave favor to him in the eyes of Potiphar. God was the secret of Joseph's success!

As powerful as that first phrase is, another one jumps out at me... "his master saw (italics mine) that the Lord was with him." Joseph's faith in Jehovah was recognized by Potiphar. Joseph was hard working, diligent and did things with integrity and endured the stress, strain and struggle of his circumstances. It should be a convicting, or perhaps sobering thought for us.

I sum up this experience that we read here as an example of a Christian who exhibits boundless industry for the glory of God.

I watched the Chicago Bears' football game last night. It was supposed to be a close game between two undefeated teams; the Bears and the losers of last year's Superbowl, the Seattle Seahawks. It was not close; Bears 37, Seahawks 6!

In that game, one of the announcers said that the Bears' defense has a new statistic that they keep track of each game. They keep track of "sloughs." A slough is different for the different positions, but basically it means that you don't give maximum effort when you have the opportunity (i.e., tackling, pass coverage, chasing down runners, pass receivers, or quarterbacks). The player's goal is to not have double digit "sloughs". I don't know what happens in the next week of practice because of a double-digit status, but I'm pretty sure that the players do not look forward to it.

How about you? What is your "slough" factor? May you be motivated by Joseph's example in all that you do this week for the glory of God. Don't let the adverse circumstances of your life this week find you bemoaning your fate. Look for ways to glorify God!

Day 12

Text to read... Gen 39:6

Potiphar saw spiritual values reflected in Joseph's attitudes and actions. This prompted Potiphar to entrust his estate to Joseph.

How could this happen? From a human point of view, it seems impossible. I am drawn to what the angel Gabriel stated to Mary in the Gospel of Luke; "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37) Focus on this thought today when you experience bumps in the road, or obstacles on the path. GOD IS SOVEREIGN! HE IS IN CONTROL!

Potiphar observed Joseph and determined that he could not lose with Joseph. It didn't matter to him which "god" was causing all of this success, as long as it was happening. He just wanted it to continue. His pagan theological system could "absorb" Joseph's point of view. He would practice tolerance. Material success was ok by him! Money talks and in Joseph, Potiphar had made an incredible discovery!

But Potiphar was not the only one taken with Joseph. Tune in tomorrow!

Day 13

Text to read... Gen 39:3-6

Chuck Swindoll writes, "With greater success comes greater measures of trust, which, by the way, lead to greater times of unguarded vulnerability." May I suggest to you that "times of unguarded vulnerability" can be times of prosperity in our lives. This is definitely a warning to someone who is not down and out!

Our second lesson from the life of Joseph is created for us out of his "success". Thomas Carlyle wrote, "Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man, but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity."

Temptations that accompany prosperity are far greater and far more subtle than those that accompany adversity. Today, be aware that we may expect temptation in our days of prosperity.

Keep looking up!

Day 14

Text to read... Gen 39:6-10

As I stated in an earlier devotion, Potiphar was not the only one taken with Joseph. His wife was as well! She doesn't have a name in the Bible, but with your permission will call her "Predator."

Her proposition was anything but subtle! We have to wonder what motivated her? Scripture tells us he was handsome. But maybe there was more... Maybe she was jealous because of her husband's esteem for Joseph. Maybe Potiphar made little if any time for "Pred." She may have even been motivated by revenge, for in the Egyptian culture, Potiphar may have had other women in his life.

Joseph resisted the temptation. It wasn't a one time thing. Verse 10 tells us it was "day after day." In spite of all the pressure Joseph resisted. That is our thought for today; to resist the temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 gives us the insight today for the necessary resistance. May you be able to apply it in your situation.

Next week we'll look at resisting temptation more deeply.

God bless!

Day 15 Top of Page

Reading for today...39:9

I find three reasons why Joseph continually resisted the sexual temptation of "Predator".

Consider these with me.

1. Joseph was trusted by Potiphar. Note Joseph's comments in verse 9.

Joseph knew he was completely trusted by Potiphar...even with his wife! If this were not the case, why would he leave Joseph in charge? Potiphar would not be naive. He probably knew about "Pred's" interest.

This makes the responsibility given to Joseph even that much more incredible!

2. Joseph would not violate his own spiritual convictions.

3. Joseph did not want to hurt God's reputation.

Ponder these and seek to apply where you are.

Day 16

Bible reading today…Gen 39:11-20

Resisting temptation is what God charges us to do. 1 Cor 10:13 even states that God will provide a way for us to escape. If we resist temptation, the common thought would be some type of reward would be earned. But resisting temptation and getting into trouble of a more serious nature is not something that we expect! But that is what happened to Joseph.

In the text we read that Joseph was tempted at a very intense level (daily). It wasn't a one time thing! Joseph resisted graciously, until she became more aggressive. She (Predator) grabbed his cloak with a firm unyielding grip. Joseph instantly resisted, pulling in the opposite direction, thus leaving her holding his cloak. His actions were sudden and overt. Intense hostility developed when here sexual advances were met with overt rejection.

She twisted the story to Potiphar. Here's what I want you to ponder. Under normal circumstances, a man accused of such actions in the Egyptian culture would have been put to death. Death would be even more certain considering the rank of the husband in this situation. Why did Potiphar have mercy on Joseph? Speculate on this and see what you come up with. Let me know what you think.

Day 17

Text to read... Gen 39:16-20

Joseph was completely innocent! But the circumstantial evidence was against him. The evidence? His robe, of course, but also the fact that Predator was the woman of the house. With that power, she could manipulate things.

What was going through Joseph's mind as he was carted off to prison? Consider the facts that not only was he innocent of the charges leveled against him, he had also resisted blatant temptation over and over again!

He had done what was right and was now reaping the "reward" namely, incarceration.

Time dragged on. Days turned to months. Again we see that Joseph was unfairly rejected, forgotten and totally helpless.

What caused Joseph not to despair? What can give us peace in the midst of these unfair situations we find ourselves in?

Always remember (I have to tell myself this a lot) God is not through preparing you for His service. Meditate upon that the next unfair treatment you experience. God is preparing you for greatness!

Day 18

Text to read... Gen 39:6-20

On April 9, 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis. He was 39 years old. In his short life-span, he had distinguished himself as a pastor and theologian. Scholars have said that his writings contain the most descriptive explanation of temptation anywhere outside of the Bible.

This is it..."In our members there is a slumbering inclination towards desire which is both sudden and fierce. With irresistible power desire seizes mastery over the flesh. All at once a secret, smoldering fire is kindled. The flesh burns and is in flames. It makes no difference whether it is sexual desire, or ambition, or vanity, or desire for revenge, or love of fame and power, or greed for money, or finally, that strange desire for the beauty of the world, of nature. Joy of God is being extinguished in us and we seek all our joy in the creature. At this moment God is quite unreal to us, he loses all reality and only desire for the creature is real; the only reality is the devil. Satan does not here fill us with hatred of God, but with forgetfulness of God.... The lust thus aroused envelopes the mind and will of man in deepest darkness. The powers of clear discrimination and of decision are taken from us... It is here that everything within me rises up against the Word of God." Temptation

We have all faced (and continue to) temptation. It is inevitable!

When we face temptation, do as Joseph did, RUN!!! Actually the word the Bible uses is "flee."

When Satan begins to make you forget about God consider these principles. We'll look at one today and the rest tomorrow.

You must not be weakened by your situation.

Joseph had it made in Potiphar's camp. He had everything going for him. He was secure in everything. He had good looks. Most likely he was a charmer. He could have allowed all of this to weaken his resolve, to give in to Predator, but HE DID NOT! You must not be deceived by the persuasion.

Day 19

Text to read... Gen 39:9-23

We continue with the remaining principles from yesterday.

2. Do not be deceived by the persuasion

You will hear just the right words from the temptation & they will be persuasive!

Here's a couple of examples...

1. "Just this once. Never, never, never again."

2. "What's grace all about if it won't cover something as natural as this?"

3. Do not be gentle with your emotions

Your inner feelings will plead for satisfaction. Temptation will work on them. Remember Joseph's reaction?

1. He refused.

2. He called the temptation "this great evil"

3. He didn't listen to her or stay in her presence.

4. He fled from her.

4. Do not be confused by the immediate results.

After doing what was right, Joseph was incarcerated.

For doing what is right...

You may lose your job

You may lose that relationship

You may be ridiculed

You may lose acceptance from the group.

As we prepare for Sunday, right now make up your mind to be a Joseph. Join his ranks and from this day forward, RESIST!

See you in worship.

Day 20 Top of Page

Text to read... Gen 39:16-20

"I'm a victim..." is what we hear quite often these days! Some rush to the word too quickly. Some claim they are victimized regardless of the whole truth of the story! Some use the word too lightly. If their parents were a little too strict on occasion, they claim they were victims of child abuse. This is not what the word means.

A victim is recipient of unfair and unjust mistreatment. When we read these kinds of stories, they touch our hearts.

We have before us a man (Joseph) who did right and yet he was treated so wrong. Why? I marvel at Joseph's attitude. When we get ripped off, we usually want to rip in return... only worse! It is our human nature at work. We want to exact revenge. We want to get even. So, we wait for the perfect moment to pounce.

As we wait, we begin to feel the restricting confinement of that attitude. It ties us up and causes us the inability to be free and to enjoy the life that God has given us.

Think about this extra verse today in the context of your life. 1 Peter 2:20: "For what credit is there if you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God."
Do you lie in wait to pounce? I encourage you to take the "high" road that's mentioned here and let God change your attitude in His time!

Day 21

Text to read.. Gen 40:1-8

Down, down, down spirals Joseph's life. He experienced family rejection, enslavement, and now imprisonment.

But if you remember, early on, he had two dreams promising him great success and prominence.

What is the most vivid dream ( or longing of your heart) you remember, either recent of long ago? Why does it stand out?

In prison Joseph encounters two more dreams. It's amazing that Joseph didn't say something sarcastic like, "Dreams, shmeans. Let me tell you about dreams. THEY DON'T MEAN A THING!"

Joseph didn't say that because he never doubted the revelation God gave him in dreams when he was a 17 year old. God then told him, "You are a champion." So Joseph continued to live like a champion. The conditions around him made no difference!

Have you experienced an injustice that has caused you to not live like a champion? Today ask God to give you the strength and direction to live like a champion in spite of this situation.

Why don't you start the day (or tomorrow if you've already eaten breakfast) with a bowl of Wheaties? Why? It's the breakfast of champions. It will be a reminder for you that we are to live that way!

May God grant you strength!

Day 22

Text to read... Genesis 40:9-23

As we've already established, most of us can point to someone we feel has treated us unfairly and unjustly. Yesterday we mentioned that we must take the perspective of living like a champion.

For the next three devotionals, I would like for you to consider how Joseph handled injustice. His mistreatment makes most of our experiences seem insignificant. Yet, any kind of injustice is emotionally painful and effects our behavior. Let's tune in to Joseph.

Principle # ONE - We must not allow bitterness to capture our souls.

From human reason, Joseph had every reason to develop a bitter spirit. I'm certain that he experienced anger over his situation. Hey, wouldn't you? He's human too you know! But here I think is the key.. There's a difference between getting angry and as Paul states in Ephesians, "letting the sun go down" while you are still angry (Eph 4:26-27). Anger that we hold on to will lead to bitterness. If you read the passage that I am referring to you will see that there are many other sins that this bitterness leads to! Bottom line.. These behaviors hurt others, but also hurt ourselves.

One thing to clear up as we close for today... You can speak out against injustice, even when it is directed toward you. Notice how Joe explained it to the new prisoners.

Why was Joseph able to handle this mistreatment so well? Tune in tomorrow!

Have a great day in the Lord!

Day 23

Text to read... Gen 40:8-20

We looked at Principle #1 yesterday; We must not allow bitterness to capture our souls.

Today, we move on to Principle #2. We must not allow ourselves to turn against God; rather we must turn to God even more.

Many people who are mistreated allow their bitterness toward those who caused it to also have it directed toward God. They blame the Lord for allowing it to happen. Oftentimes in the Berkshires, people I encounter talk about such things as to why they no longer attend church.

Do you think Joseph was ever tempted to blame God? I'm certain that he was! The key for Joseph, and for us to learn, is that he did not allow that temptation to result in sinful attitudes and actions. Instead, he grew in his relationship with God. Joseph continued to exercise trust.

No matter what the emotional or physical pain may be, we must not allow ourselves to become bitter toward God. Bitterness only compounds our problem. When bitterness takes over, we cannot draw on God as our source of strength and help, for we turn away from Him, rather than turn toward Him.

If this devotional setting is where you are located, take Paul's advice and apply it to your life (Eph 4:31-32). You'll be glad you did!!!

Day 24

Text to read... Gen 40:20-23

Just for review, let me jot down the principles of the past two days. Principle #1 - We must not allow bitterness to capture our souls. Principle #2 - We must not allow ourselves to turn against God; but rather turn to God even more.

Here's Principle #3 - In situations beyond our control, we must WAIT for God to vindicate us.

This must have been the most difficult thing Joseph had ever done in his short lifetime thus far. He's been in Egypt approximately 11 years and a majority of that most likely was spent in prison.

After Joseph interpreted the dreams, he made a request to the cupbearer. That request was not fulfilled for an additional two years!

Once again he had to patiently wait for God to set the record straight! The greatest temptation we face when we are mistreated is to seek REVENGE!

As Joseph did, we too must do. We must be overcomers. Today, check out Romans 12:17-21.

Day 25 Top of Page

Scripture to read... Gen 40:9-23

It's discouraging to be disappointed. We were reminded in the sermon yesterday that people, or things will let us down. In fact, anything that we put before God will let us down! Just as Joseph did not know the future clearly, we too do not realize the opportunities that God has for us ahead.

Billy Graham tells a story about a friend of his who went through the Great Depression, losing a job, a fortune, a wife and a home. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and he tenaciously held to his faith through his depressing times and difficult circumstances. One day, in the middle of his depression he stopped to watch some men doing stonework on a huge church in the city. One was busy chiseling a triangular piece of stone. "What are you going to do with that?" he asked. The workman stopped & pointed to a little opening near the top of the spire. "See that little opening up there near the top? Well, I'm shaping this stone down here so that it will fit up there." Graham's friend's eyes filled up with tears as he walked away from the workman, for it seemed that God had spoken to him personally to say that he was shaping him for heaven by the ordeal through which he was passing."

Perhaps you've been waiting a long time. You may not be in a literal prison, but you are trapped by the unpleasant realities of life; circumstances over which you have no control over and from which you cannot remove yourself.

Today remember that your circumstances are never only what they appear on the surface. We don't know what miraculous events God might be orchestrating through our situation.

Day 26

Reading... Genesis 40:20-41:1

Remember what we talked about yesterday? We don't know what miraculous events God might be orchestrating through our situations. As disappointing as it was for Joseph to be forgotten, unknown to him, was that a better opportunity was coming along (two years later mind you).

If we could interview Joseph, I am certain that he would tell us that what he experienced was worth the wait!

That's why we as Christians should not fret over the loss of a job, a flat tire, a bout of unexpected illness or whatever comes our way. Remember this today... GOD IS GOD AND HE IS WORKING ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM!

Our responsibility is to trust Him in spite of appearances. How did Joseph manage to maintain his trust and not become embittered? What was his secret? Can I buy some of it? What course do I need to take to learn the secret? Is there a book (Cliff's notes would help, I'm not an avid reader) that would help me understand the secret?

The truth is there's no secret. There's no magic formula, no 12 step program to trusting in God. It is something you must simply DO.

Hang in there!

Day 27

Scripture to read... Gen 40:9-23

Today remember that your circumstances are never only what they appear on the surface. We don't know what miraculous events God might be orchestrating through our situation.

Day 28

Reading... Genesis 40:20-41:1

If we could interview Joseph, I am certain that he would tell us that what he experienced was worth the wait!

The truth is there's no secret. There's no magic formula, no 12 step program to trusting in God. It is something you must simply DO.

Hang in there!

Day 29

Text to read... Gen 40:20-23

Trials may be viewed from two standpoints, and it will make all the difference to our spiritual life and peace which of these two points of view we take.

From the human side Joseph's suffering was due to injustice on the part of Potiphar, and ingratitude on the part of the butler.

From the Divine side these years were permitted for the purpose of training and preparing Joseph for the great work that lay before him.

This is our lesson... If we look only at the human side of trial we shall become discouraged, irritated and angered, but as we turn to look at it from the Divine side we shall see God in everything and all things working together for our good.

Those who faithfully use the abilities that God has given them, even in discouraging circumstances, demonstrate unwavering faith in God's promises to them.

Check you are looking today. Make sure you look for the Divine side of things!

Day 30 Top of Page

Today's Reading... Gen 41:1-9

When you were a child, what was the hardest part about waiting for Christmas? Do you find it to be true that patient waiting is painful? Some times, as in Joseph's case the waiting can be downright unpleasant!

Suffice it to say that some things we can only learn through waiting. If you find yourself waiting for something today, ask yourself this question... How can I use this experience to develop my confidence and faith in God? Look at James 1:2-4 and meditate on that truth today.

Enjoy the time God gives you today!

Day 31

We come to the conclusion of yet another week. I trust it has been time that has helped you on your spiritual journey.

Bible text... Gen 41:10-40

In her book, Tramp for the Lord, Corrie ten Boom describes her feelings the day she was released from the Nazi concentration camp. "When you are dying, when you stand at the gate of eternity, you see things differently. I had been standing at that gate for a number of months, living in Barracks 28 in the shadow of the crematorium. Every time I saw smoke pouring out of those hideous smokestacks, I knew it was the last remains of some poor woman who had been with me. I often asked myself, 'When will it be my time to be killed or die?'

One week before the order came to kill all the women of my age, I was free. I still do not understand all the details of my release, but I know that it was a miracle of God. I stood in the prison yard, waiting the final order. Beyond the walls, topped with barbed wire stood the silent trees of the German forest.

My thoughts were interrupted by Mimi, who told me that two close friends, Tiny and Marie had died today. I quickly prayed to the Lord and thanked Him for the opportunity He gave me to point them both to Jesus and that they were now safely in heaven.

A guard saw us talking and spoke harshly to Mimi, telling her to leave the yard. To me he said 'Face the gate and do not turn around.' The gate swung open. I could smell freedom!

Here's today's question...Is God using this experience I am now in to develop and reveal my character? Ponder what God says in Romans 5:3-4.

Day 32

Bible reading... Gen 41:1-7

I have read that pain, when handled properly can shape a life for greatness.

The great Christian Missionary & Alliance preacher, A.W. Tozer once wrote, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply."

I personally don't think that there is any life that conveys this truth as clearly as the life of Joseph does. His experiences thus far have been somber, to say the least! Let's review a little. He was the favored son, but his life has been filled with disappointment, mistreatment, rejection, false accusations, slavery, and abandonment. We left Joseph in prison; WAITING!

God was still working, working working.

Today, ponder Job 23:3-12. Please note the phrase "when He has tried me."

God alone is the Refiner. We left Joseph "in process".

As I stated yesterday, we think that nothing is happening while we wait. That is the darkness before the dawn in our lives. For the present there may be nothing happening. But for the future, everything!

Have a great day

Day 33

Text to read... Gen 41:8-14

It's interesting to note that in verse 8, the word "magician" is used. The ancient Hebrew word that was translated actually means "a man versed in the sacred writings."

What's this detail for? It tells us that these men were very intelligent, probably considered to be the wisest men in the land. But with all of their knowledge and wisdom they could not tell Pharaoh what his dreams meant.

Now the lightbulb comes on for the cupbearer! Pharaoh did not hesitate when he heard about Joseph's interpretations of the dreams in prison. Joseph was finally out of the dungeon.

Tomorrow we'll see just what Joseph learned while he was attending Prison U.

Take care!

Joseph has been called and is now before Pharaoh.

Day 34

With the Thanksgiving celebration coming upon us, I am also giving a thought each day to give thanks for. Enjoy the sunshine!!!

Thought for Thankfulness - My salvation - 2 Thessalonians 2:13 "But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth."

Bible text... Gen 41:15-24

If you can, pause and imagine this moment where we find Joseph. Years have gone by since Joseph has been part of the real world. It was a shock to Joseph. He went from the dingy dungeon to Pharaoh's palace!

Pharaoh acknowledges to Joseph what he knows about Joseph's exploits while he was in prison, specifically the interpreted dreams.

I think Pharaoh's pitch went something like this.. "My sources say you are the guys with the answers. Tell me what my dream means and I'll make it worth your while."

I am touched by Joseph's answer as it reads in the NIV. There he says, "I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

Now we see humility. Now we clearly see Joseph's integrity. Note that there was no complaining from Joseph. There was no criticizing from Joseph.

Instead, Joseph pointed Pharaoh to God!

Think about this today... When you face problems that require patience do you tend to rely too much on fixing them yourself, or do you tend to rely too much on passive waiting on God? What does Joseph demonstrate to us?

Day 35 Top of Page

Here's your gratitude for this day... Be thankful for the goodness of God - 1 Chron 16:34

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Bible text... Gen 41:25-32

Joseph was just the messenger. You can see this because all through the answer Joseph refers to God. He does not call attention to himself, but points Pharaoh to Jehovah. Here we see a man who has truly humbled himself under the mighty hand of God. How was Joseph rewarded for his humility? Tune in tomorrow!

Something to think about... Joseph did no self-promotion. He pointed Pharaoh to Jehovah. That is our responsibility. We are not to call attention to ourselves, but to show people the way to Jesus.

Thought for Thankfulness... Be thankful for God's Word - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - "And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe."

Day 36

Bible text: Gen 41:37-43

I hope you noticed that even with all of his "qualifications," Joseph never volunteered for the job. It was Pharaoh who recognized he was the guy!

I see a guy who has total self-control! Refusing to manipulate the situation he simply stood and waited (I wonder where he learned that?).

How many of us have maneuvered or plotted to get our own way, only later to regret it? What was Joseph's core value here? If God was in it, God would do it.

Think on this today.. Only a few hours before, Joseph was a scruffy, ragged and forgotten prisoner. Now he was royalty! He was decked out in gold, wearing fine clothing, riding in an expensive chariot! People everywhere were commanded to "bend the knee." This promotion is quite "Cinderella-like!" When God determines the time is right, His actions are incredible!

Day 37

Attitude for Gratitude: Believing Friends: 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Bible text: Genesis 42:1-9

I have wondered when reading this passage whether Joseph was looking for his family. I'm sure that it crossed his mind as he saw foreigners entering Egypt to find food whether or not he would see his brothers and, perhaps even his father.

When he did see them, he faced the struggle that we all face when we have been wronged by that person. You know the struggle... to forgive those who have wronged us, even though they have not acknowledged the wrong, or asked for forgiveness.

If you search the Bible, you will not find anywhere that it tells us only to forgive when people recognize their wrong and proper discipline has been applied.

Consider this... When someone wrongs us we're to forgive UNCONDITIONALLY even though they may not admit it was wrong or ask for forgiveness.

Joseph did not angrily react to his brothers because before ever meeting his family, he had forgive them for what they had done.

Think about these verses today... Matthew 5:44 & Luke 23:34. Then ask, "Have I truly forgiven those who have wronged me?

Day 38

I certainly enjoy the beautiful sunrises (I enjoy the sunsets even more!). Take in God's creation in a moment that you have today.

Attitude for Gratitude: The Grace of God - 1 Corinthians 1:4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

Bible reading... Gen 42:7-9

The 7 years of abundance had come and gone. The famine, as evidenced by all of the foreigners who were seeking to purchase food, was very serious!

It had been now 20 years since Joseph had seen his family. Let's peek into Joseph's thoughts and feelings for a minute or two. I think they were mixed. For one thing, he probably had an intense desire to reveal who he was to his brothers. He wanted to let them know that he was alive and well! This was coupled with the realization that he might not get the answers to the questions that were flooding through his mind. Think of some of those questions.. I'll get you started with a couple.. Was Jacob alive? Where is my younger brother Benjamin? Have my brothers' attitudes have changed? See if you can list some others.

Something else.. In a moment like this, our minds do strange things. Events in our lives often are condensed into instant flashbacks. For instance, as Joseph watched his brothers bow down before him, faces to the ground, he suddenly, yet silently recounted in exact detail what had happened more than 20 years before!

I sense no negativity on Joseph's part. As stated yesterday, he had forgiven his family. This brings up a point of discussion. We can truly forgive yet have negative feelings toward people who have hurt us... especially at certain moments in our lives. True forgiveness does not mean we will not continue to experience some negative emotions.

As Christians we still have some negative feelings. Please note, that is fairly normal.

This is what I would like for you to meditate upon today. The true test of your forgiveness is not if we have eliminated all negative feelings, but rather, whether or not we allow these negative feelings to keep us from doing what is right in spite of these feelings.

I'd like to hear your reactions to this thought.

Day 39

Attitude of Gratitude: Spiritual Victory - 1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible Reading - Genesis 42:11-20

Put yourself in Joseph's sandals. Imagine how he felt when he heard those words, "one is no more." He was buried in the graveyard of their thoughts and memories.

Finally after accusing them of being spies three times, he received the information that he wanted, namely that Benjamin and their dad, Jacob, were still alive. His plan for them changed from one going back for Benjamin, to one staying on as a hostage. Not too much is known about this time.

Joseph had several options at his disposal.

1. He could have imprisoned them to let them know what it felt like. Payback, big time!

2. He could have sent them back to Canaan without food because they left him without anything.

3. He could have had them executed for being spies, for he had the authority to do so.

He chose the third option for one reason only. He wanted to know the truth.

Think about this.. Our motive must not be revenge. Joseph's motive was justice. To achieve his goals he used "tough love." Loving, praying for, and forgiving our enemies and at the same time praying and hoping for justice are not principles that are incompatible.

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Day 40

Attitude of Gratitude: The generosity of others - 2 Cor 9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Bible Reading - Genesis 42:21-24

In the original Hebrew, the word "we" is emphatic. Joseph's brothers are taking responsibility (finally after 20+ years) for their own personal guilt. There is no blame in this conversation. They used the right word when they said we are responsible! In other words, there is no one else that we can blame. The commentator Leupold writes an interesting sidelight here, "Their conscience has awakened during these three days... They admit guilt, the only acknowledgement of sin in the book of Genesis."

Here's the thought to hold on to... When you have done wrong to someone and haven't gone through the necessary process to make things right with them and with God, you become the victim of the very distress that you put the person through! Can you see that in the brother's comments? Their crime was more than 20 years old, but they still felt the distress of it. Time does not erase distress.

When someone has done you wrong, do you remember what you would be better off forgetting? Take a personal inventory to see if you are "keeping a little list" of offenders and allow the Holy Spirit to erase your list.

Day 41

Attitude of Gratitude - The peace of Christ - Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Bible reading - Genesis 42:25-28

Joseph's brothers wanted to get out of Egypt fast!

They stopped for the night along the way and then they made the horrible discovery! The money they had given to the Prime Minister was tucked into the top of the sack!

There's a statement made that gets my attention here. The text says, "What is this that God has done to us?" The brothers not only feel the full sense of guilt for the past, they are feeling God's hand in it as well. God indeed is working on them.

Some things to remember...

1. When God is working we begin to gain a different perspective.

Many times this means that we become a victim of the kind of treatment we have meted out to somebody else.

2. When God is working we may be the recipient of undeserved expressions of grace.

Joseph's brothers deserved no grain or money. They deserved punishment, possibly imprisonment. Rather than this happening, they received freedom, food and finances.

Joseph was able to do this because he walked with God. He kept his eyes upon God. He accepted being forgotten. He asked God to keep his heart right. In the power of God, Joseph did not retaliate, but demonstrated grace with much mercy.