January 14 - Genesis 37:1-38:30, 1 Chronicles 2:3-6, 1 Chronicles 2:8, Genesis 39:1-23

Good morning everyone,

This morning, as we journey through the Bible, we come to the life of Joseph. This boy, though the youngest of ten other brothers, was the only son of Rachel and the apple of his fathers eye. He was very confident in himself but somewhat naive or simplistic maybe, exhibiting the kind of behavior we would think of coming from perhaps Opie from the Andy Griffith show.  You know, wide eyed innocence. (boy did that date me?) At seventeen years old, God gave Joseph a dream, two actually, and he sees nothing wrong with sharing them with his brothers and dad saying, “Guys, guys, I had this dream and guess what? You were all bowing down to me.” Seriously?! This did not bode well. It made the brothers despise him, however we are told his father Israel, Jacob, kept the matter in mind. Hmmmm…

At the first opportunity Joseph’s 10 older brothers conspired against him and sold him to slave traders, while telling their father he had been mauled by an animal. The slave traders took him into Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, one of the Pharaoh’s officers. With God’s blessings Joseph did an amazing job there gaining great favor and was put in charge of all of Potiphar’s house. That is until Potiphar’s wife was rejected by Joseph when she tried to seduce him. She went to her husband with false accusations. It resulted in Joseph being thrown in prison. But once again, God proved his presence and protection for Joseph. The prison keeper befriended Joseph and learned of his divine ability to interpret dreams which will eventually be his ticket out of the prison cells.

Joseph’s life is the perfect example of how no matter how awful your life gets, if you trust in God’s plan you can and will succeed. Right? We do not get to blame our behavior on our past. “Oh my parent was a drunk so I drink too, it’s in my blood”, “My parent slapped me around so I just can’t help smacking my spouse and kids around too.” “I know it’s wrong but it is what I learned growing up, I can’t help it.” I call BS, Bull Stink! 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” With Jesus in our hearts we are a different person with new strength and the power to change.  We can make choices, we do not have to behave in a way that is less than pleasing to God. Make sense?

Joseph was kidnapped, sold as a slave, thrown in the dungeon as a prisoner, nut none the less, made the best of his circumstances and rose to the top. What separated Joseph from others was his absolute trust in God, regardless of what happened to him, he did not play the victim. Again, Joseph is a shining example of what can happen when a person totally surrenders to God and obeys completely. 

Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God honors integrity, obedience, and faithfulness. Our obedience to Him will bring increased guidance and blessings from Him. If you seek Him and listen for His direction, He will answer you, He will bless you, because you know what? He loves, loves, loves you and you can never out give God. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..