Gen.40:1-4 ~ "Then it came about after these things" (in Gen.39)"the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was furious with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. 3 So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the jail, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. 4 And the captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time."
It amazes me how God orchestrates things! Joseph is in prison, far removed from his family and dreams, doing what God would have him to do in prison to glorify God. And God has Pharaoh send two of his servants to prison- to the very place Joseph was! And because of the way Joseph lived in prison, his attitude, his service, these two servants were put under Joseph's care. Had Joseph not lived for God's glory, even in prison, this opportunity would not have come his way.
Sometimes we forget how much our simple everyday living affects us, and others as well. So often, we do not see the small every day things as important and often it is just in doing those things to God's glory that brings us to the next step. What is it that is hard for you to do for the glory of God? Or that you forget to do for His glory? God has challenged me so much in my home. Are my dishes being done for God's glory? Is my attitude to do them to please Him? If I go through my housework or home making I will find myself challenged to yield an area or task so that I do it for God's glory. Often it is one I struggle with doing the most, the hardest for me. And as I begin to do it with a right attitude, doing it for God's glory, it becomes sacred, a privilege, an honor. It is no longer a struggle. Is there an area that God is speaking to you about, in work, in your vehicle, at home, that needs to be done for His glory?
Having these prisoners was not a huge change for Joseph, he was still doing his job, for God, with the strength God provided. But it would be how he would eventually be out of prison, and have the dreams God had given him fulfilled. God uses the small stuff in our daily life to accomplish the great.
O Lord, may we do all, especially the small things, the daily things, for Your glory. May we not underestimate how important the small things are.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Joseph's Hard Times
Joseph went through 7 hard times recorded in Genesis chapters 37, 39 and 40.
First-Gen.37:5-11- the hard time of God given impossible dreams. When God gives dreams, they are ridiculed, often by the very ones you expect to give support. It is a time of testing- will the one the dream has been given to still believe? Joseph's response or reaction was one of faithfulness and obedience. He still honored God and had another dream!
Second- Gen.37:4,5,11,18- The hard time of hatred from family, his brothers; being misunderstood for who he was, not for what he did. His reaction in v.17 showed he still honored his father in service for him and to his brothers. He did not let their hatred affect his response.
Third- Gen. 37:23,28- Betrayal. Joseph did not fight back, apparently not even verbally, no guilt trip for these brothers from him! Did he believe they would really kill him? Did he so trust in God that he was assured that God would keep him no matter what? O Lord, That I would have that assurance! That peace, that You are in control, even when things look horrible.
Fourth- Gen.37:36, 39:2-5,- Slavery. What were his thoughts as he was being led away from his family? Sold by his brothers? For the first time Joseph was really alone- no family, no friends, no one who loved him. His response seems to be one of acceptance, making the best of a rotten deal. Serving those he is with and helping others in the same situation. Not giving bitterness, self pity or resentment the time of day. Guarding his attitudes by being yielded to God. How do I know he is yielded? Because once he is sold to Potiphar, Joseph's character is observed. This character can only happen in one who has been yielded to God in the hard times. Joseph remained accountable to his master and to God.So Joseph is then BLESSED as a slave. Not delivered from being a slave, but blessed in it.
Lord, when I am treated as a slave, and as no more, let me see You, Your hand, refining me, purifying me, working on my character, so I would be a reflection of Jesus to others. So my reactions would not be full of self , but full of how to best minister to those to whom I am responsible. It is hard, as an employee, or a volunteer or sometimes even a spouse, to not have a self focused mentality when the work goes unnoticed, or seems to be impossible to accomplish. Please let me see what You want to do through me.Keep me accountable to You.
Fifth- Gen.39:7-18,- falsely accused. Here is a man trying to honor God, fleeing temptation and accused of the very thing he fled! Have you ever been falsely accused? My first reaction is to prove the accusation is wrong. Joseph couldn't. He had no say as a slave. Another very normal response is wanting to get even, finding a way to prove the accuser is wrong. Usually all that does is backfire. The best way, was what Joseph did, he accepted unjust punishment, and continued to live with godly character and let God work. That is so hard, we want people to see our goodness, our being right, our innocence! It is hard for it to be enough for just God to see it.
Sixth- Gen.39:20- He was thrown in jail. A prisoner- not much different than a slave, but is much harder on the reputation. His reaction? He still honored God and kept his attitude right. God prospered and blessed him in prison. God did not set him free, Joseph was in prison for awhile.Gen.39:23b-" the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper."
Joseph found joy and fulfillment in seeing those over him blessed by his work. He learned the truth of these two quotes from John Bevere, "A servant gives while the slave has been stolen from." " A slave does the minimum requirement, a servant performs to the maximum potential." Joseph was a servant to those who enslaved him and imprisoned him. Am I a servant to those? Is my attitude one of ministry to those who would misuse me? Are my circumstances yielded to God so fully that He is exalted in how I treat others? How I react to mistreatment?
Seventh- Joseph is forgotten. by those who could help him. This is probably the hardest, being forgotten. Like I (or you) am invisible. Unimportant. Just another prisoner. Easy to hear the lies of the enemy during this time. Hope had sprouted, but there was nothing beyond the sprout.Discouragement can rule here. Again what was Joseph's reaction? For two years he continued to be faithful in doing right in prison. He maintained godly character.
Lord, as You were with Joseph, be with me, that my reactions would please and honor You. May I see those over me as loving and just- even when I chafe at restraint. May I recognize that restraint as Your refining in me. May I recognize You as a loving God, one who desires my best, as well as wants to use me for the good of others. May I not fight against Your choice in using me. May I see You in the midst of adversity.
First-Gen.37:5-11- the hard time of God given impossible dreams. When God gives dreams, they are ridiculed, often by the very ones you expect to give support. It is a time of testing- will the one the dream has been given to still believe? Joseph's response or reaction was one of faithfulness and obedience. He still honored God and had another dream!
Second- Gen.37:4,5,11,18- The hard time of hatred from family, his brothers; being misunderstood for who he was, not for what he did. His reaction in v.17 showed he still honored his father in service for him and to his brothers. He did not let their hatred affect his response.
Third- Gen. 37:23,28- Betrayal. Joseph did not fight back, apparently not even verbally, no guilt trip for these brothers from him! Did he believe they would really kill him? Did he so trust in God that he was assured that God would keep him no matter what? O Lord, That I would have that assurance! That peace, that You are in control, even when things look horrible.
Fourth- Gen.37:36, 39:2-5,- Slavery. What were his thoughts as he was being led away from his family? Sold by his brothers? For the first time Joseph was really alone- no family, no friends, no one who loved him. His response seems to be one of acceptance, making the best of a rotten deal. Serving those he is with and helping others in the same situation. Not giving bitterness, self pity or resentment the time of day. Guarding his attitudes by being yielded to God. How do I know he is yielded? Because once he is sold to Potiphar, Joseph's character is observed. This character can only happen in one who has been yielded to God in the hard times. Joseph remained accountable to his master and to God.So Joseph is then BLESSED as a slave. Not delivered from being a slave, but blessed in it.
Lord, when I am treated as a slave, and as no more, let me see You, Your hand, refining me, purifying me, working on my character, so I would be a reflection of Jesus to others. So my reactions would not be full of self , but full of how to best minister to those to whom I am responsible. It is hard, as an employee, or a volunteer or sometimes even a spouse, to not have a self focused mentality when the work goes unnoticed, or seems to be impossible to accomplish. Please let me see what You want to do through me.Keep me accountable to You.
Fifth- Gen.39:7-18,- falsely accused. Here is a man trying to honor God, fleeing temptation and accused of the very thing he fled! Have you ever been falsely accused? My first reaction is to prove the accusation is wrong. Joseph couldn't. He had no say as a slave. Another very normal response is wanting to get even, finding a way to prove the accuser is wrong. Usually all that does is backfire. The best way, was what Joseph did, he accepted unjust punishment, and continued to live with godly character and let God work. That is so hard, we want people to see our goodness, our being right, our innocence! It is hard for it to be enough for just God to see it.
Sixth- Gen.39:20- He was thrown in jail. A prisoner- not much different than a slave, but is much harder on the reputation. His reaction? He still honored God and kept his attitude right. God prospered and blessed him in prison. God did not set him free, Joseph was in prison for awhile.Gen.39:23b-" the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper."
Joseph found joy and fulfillment in seeing those over him blessed by his work. He learned the truth of these two quotes from John Bevere, "A servant gives while the slave has been stolen from." " A slave does the minimum requirement, a servant performs to the maximum potential." Joseph was a servant to those who enslaved him and imprisoned him. Am I a servant to those? Is my attitude one of ministry to those who would misuse me? Are my circumstances yielded to God so fully that He is exalted in how I treat others? How I react to mistreatment?
Seventh- Joseph is forgotten. by those who could help him. This is probably the hardest, being forgotten. Like I (or you) am invisible. Unimportant. Just another prisoner. Easy to hear the lies of the enemy during this time. Hope had sprouted, but there was nothing beyond the sprout.Discouragement can rule here. Again what was Joseph's reaction? For two years he continued to be faithful in doing right in prison. He maintained godly character.
Lord, as You were with Joseph, be with me, that my reactions would please and honor You. May I see those over me as loving and just- even when I chafe at restraint. May I recognize that restraint as Your refining in me. May I recognize You as a loving God, one who desires my best, as well as wants to use me for the good of others. May I not fight against Your choice in using me. May I see You in the midst of adversity.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tamar
I have been pondering, why did God include Tamar in the lineage of Jesus? I see how it shows redemption of our own sin nature. But Judah called her "more righteous than I". Sometimes others see our sin clearly, or we see others sin clearly, when God sees what is righteous. We are a mix of glaring faults and God's forgiveness and mercy. Tamar is as well. She had married two men who had been disobedient to God and died in that disobedience.Maybe she had learned from that. Gen,38:11-14- Tamar is living as a betrothed woman in her parent's house. She was faithful and patient. She could not break this without there being a settlement between her father and Judah. What was her social life like? A widow, yet engaged. How many men did she say no to? What did she say no to so she could keep her word? And if Judah did not keep his, what was left for her?
She noticed that Judah did not keep his word. What was to happen to her?
In Tamar, I see someone trying to live by faith, but becoming desperate when the expected answer does not come. I also see someone who God sees as righteous while I scratch my head and wonder. So Lord, give me eyes to see as You do, to see the heart of faith, no matter how tiny it may be. To see the righteous actions from one I may not normally give a second glance to. Even when it is myself I need to see through Your eyes. Give me a heart to receive this person as You would. Lord, not push them away. or judge them harshly. And when I feel deeply wounded and sinned against, as Judah did, may I see my own sin in the situation, so I may se the other as more righteous.
Thank you God for Your abundant mercy and grace freely given through Jesus Christ.
"A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish;" Is.42:3a
She noticed that Judah did not keep his word. What was to happen to her?
In Tamar, I see someone trying to live by faith, but becoming desperate when the expected answer does not come. I also see someone who God sees as righteous while I scratch my head and wonder. So Lord, give me eyes to see as You do, to see the heart of faith, no matter how tiny it may be. To see the righteous actions from one I may not normally give a second glance to. Even when it is myself I need to see through Your eyes. Give me a heart to receive this person as You would. Lord, not push them away. or judge them harshly. And when I feel deeply wounded and sinned against, as Judah did, may I see my own sin in the situation, so I may se the other as more righteous.
Thank you God for Your abundant mercy and grace freely given through Jesus Christ.
"A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish;" Is.42:3a
Monday, May 23, 2011
Redemption
When I read Genesis 38, the story of Tamar I am repulsed by its sinfulness, yet in the midst of that sinfulness, God is working out His own plan of redemption. A quick overview of the chapter. It was the custom when a man died and left a widow childless she was to marry the closest male relative to have a son. But the sons of Judah were evil and disobedient and died before they got Tamar pregnant. Yet, Judah promised his youngest son to her, even thought it meant she must wait until he was and adult. But Judah was afraid to keep his promise, what if his only son died as well? He deceived Tamar, and when she found out - she deceived him! She disguised herself and seduced Judah so she would be able to abide by the custom and have a child. Judah heard she was pregnant and was ready to judge her harshly for her immorality. She proved that he was the father. And these two boys (she had twins) are mentioned as sons of Judah in Matt.1:3. This ignoble beginning and mess of a relationship is in the lineage of the Lion of Judah!
Our past does not matter; our obedience to God, and being willing to be used of or by Him does. What is in your past that you wish wasn't there? If you could change it, what would you change? Deception you wish you hadn't been involved in? Improper sexual behavior? Lies you wish you had never spoken? Promises you refused to keep for selfish reasons?
God doesn't throw us away or cast us out ~ He only desires that we be wholly His. That our lives would be changed, totally new, by His power. Sometimes God redeems our mistakes so mightily, that it is those very mistakes He uses! A reminder that when we are weak, He is strong. Of how wonderfully powerful His redemption is. May you see that power working in your life and God's redemption of you as well as your circumstances, mistakes and sin.
Our past does not matter; our obedience to God, and being willing to be used of or by Him does. What is in your past that you wish wasn't there? If you could change it, what would you change? Deception you wish you hadn't been involved in? Improper sexual behavior? Lies you wish you had never spoken? Promises you refused to keep for selfish reasons?
God doesn't throw us away or cast us out ~ He only desires that we be wholly His. That our lives would be changed, totally new, by His power. Sometimes God redeems our mistakes so mightily, that it is those very mistakes He uses! A reminder that when we are weak, He is strong. Of how wonderfully powerful His redemption is. May you see that power working in your life and God's redemption of you as well as your circumstances, mistakes and sin.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Jacob's Grief
Gen.37:33-35~ "Then he {Jacob} examined it and said, "It is my son's tunic. A wild beast has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!" 34 So Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 35 Then all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. And he said, "Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son." So his father wept for him."
When people grieve it is raw, this describes well how they feel. Jacob had:
- recognition of death, but no body to bury, no way to finalize this with a good bye
- tore his clothes
- put on sackcloth, both are outward signs of grief or mourning. Deep grief is not private, it spills out
- mourned many days, grief is not over with quickly or easily, it takes time
- everyone tried to comfort him, they may have even tried to get his mind on something else
- but he refused, often there is no comfort in our grief, no matter how hard others try to give some
- I will mourn him until I die. That is the case when people lose one they love deeply, the grief is always there; not always as intense, but always with us. We will always miss the one who has died before us; but most especially when we expected them to live beyond us.
- "his father wept for him", crying when we grieve or mourn is allowed, even necessary.
There are no words for this grief, it is only expressed in sorrow and weeping.
May God minister to each of you who may be grieving, or a support for someone who is. May His gentle touch be with you today and may you feel His love and care for you in the midst of your incredible pain. May the rest of us be more sensitive in how to respond as hurting people walk through our lives.
When people grieve it is raw, this describes well how they feel. Jacob had:
- recognition of death, but no body to bury, no way to finalize this with a good bye
- tore his clothes
- put on sackcloth, both are outward signs of grief or mourning. Deep grief is not private, it spills out
- mourned many days, grief is not over with quickly or easily, it takes time
- everyone tried to comfort him, they may have even tried to get his mind on something else
- but he refused, often there is no comfort in our grief, no matter how hard others try to give some
- I will mourn him until I die. That is the case when people lose one they love deeply, the grief is always there; not always as intense, but always with us. We will always miss the one who has died before us; but most especially when we expected them to live beyond us.
- "his father wept for him", crying when we grieve or mourn is allowed, even necessary.
There are no words for this grief, it is only expressed in sorrow and weeping.
May God minister to each of you who may be grieving, or a support for someone who is. May His gentle touch be with you today and may you feel His love and care for you in the midst of your incredible pain. May the rest of us be more sensitive in how to respond as hurting people walk through our lives.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Pit
Gen.37:23-24~ "So it came about, when Joseph reached his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his varicolored tunic that was on him; (24) and they took him and they threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, without any water in it." This passage doesn't show a struggle, Joseph putting up a fight and protesting for his rights. It doesn't show Joseph pleading with his brothers or crying out. It doesn't show him yelling, " Just you wait, I'll get you." Joseph had been on a mission from his father, he was doing what he was told to do and wound up in a pit. Without his robe, an outward reminder of his father's love for him. He was attacked for who he was, a beloved son, not for what he did. And it looks like he did not retaliate in anyway, even when it was happening! Joseph was going through some hard times, and all he was doing was being obedient. This reminds me of Jesus, through the passion and on the cross. Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers! Sometimes Lord, my pit looks so dark and deep and lifeless I wonder if I am stuck forever. But You are in that pit with me! Thank you Jesus! And, as you got Joseph out- you get me out as well.
vv, 25-28 ~ As the brothers sat down to eat, it happened that a caravan was passing by. I love this. Nothing just happens when God is in our lives.He orders our steps, even when it may seem like our darkest hour. Joseph was not killed, but sold into slavery. Was he thankful, confused? His reaction is not mentioned. When I look at his whole life, he always had a servant's heart, I would expect even now, he was serving.
Lord, You did not deliver Joseph from his adversity; but blessed him in the midst of it. If it were me, I am not sure I would call slavery a blessing, but God did.
Lord, when I go through adversity, may my eyes be on Jesus. May I be so yielded to Him that He would be glorified in the midst of the hard things; when I am falsely accused, when others see me as a slave- their slave!- when I am rejected by family, or unable to say goodby to those I love. May I see that circumstances don't have to limit me, for it is You that causes me to prosper. As you caused Joseph to prosper. remind me God, that as I do what You tell me to do, You bring the reward, in Your way and time.
vv, 25-28 ~ As the brothers sat down to eat, it happened that a caravan was passing by. I love this. Nothing just happens when God is in our lives.He orders our steps, even when it may seem like our darkest hour. Joseph was not killed, but sold into slavery. Was he thankful, confused? His reaction is not mentioned. When I look at his whole life, he always had a servant's heart, I would expect even now, he was serving.
Lord, You did not deliver Joseph from his adversity; but blessed him in the midst of it. If it were me, I am not sure I would call slavery a blessing, but God did.
Lord, when I go through adversity, may my eyes be on Jesus. May I be so yielded to Him that He would be glorified in the midst of the hard things; when I am falsely accused, when others see me as a slave- their slave!- when I am rejected by family, or unable to say goodby to those I love. May I see that circumstances don't have to limit me, for it is You that causes me to prosper. As you caused Joseph to prosper. remind me God, that as I do what You tell me to do, You bring the reward, in Your way and time.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Reactions
Gen. 37:2-4~ "These are the records of the generations of Jacob.
Joseph, when seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to his father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. 4 And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms."
Joseph had done nothing to receive this treatment by his brothers- except be loved by his father. This was not Joseph's fault. When I do things for others and they backfire, or are misunderstood, what is my reaction?
The mark or test of a follower of Jesus is not how one acts, but how one reacts to a challenge. Joseph remained honest, yet he felt their hatred. When I am hated do I respond with kindness and thoughtfulness to those who hate me? Do I look at how God views them, or am I too busy nursing my own wounds? Do I follow Jesus words to love my enemies, or do I react out of the flesh and lash out. Wounding another because I am momentarily hurt. Whether it is from an unexpected harsh word, slander, or someone cutting me off in traffic, my reaction shows how much of Jesus or how much of the flesh is in me. What is my response to others who are favored? Do I malign them? Do I react as these brothers of Joseph? With hatred or jealousy?
Lord, I struggle with this! I want to do Your will and obey You- I also really don't like being treated unfairly; my flesh rears up faster than I can stop it. May I see this, my flesh rising up, through Your eyes- as sin, not just excuse it as a reaction to another's sin. Teach me again how to be a vessel for Your glory, filled with love, yielding to You in the little aggravations, so I can yield in the big ones when they come. Create in me a clean heart O Lord, and renew a right spirit in me that the old nature would not have even a small amount of victory. Teach me Your ways, that I would respond as Your servant. May I not pay back evil for evil, but by Your power, respond with Your love.
Joseph, when seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to his father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. 4 And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms."
Joseph had done nothing to receive this treatment by his brothers- except be loved by his father. This was not Joseph's fault. When I do things for others and they backfire, or are misunderstood, what is my reaction?
The mark or test of a follower of Jesus is not how one acts, but how one reacts to a challenge. Joseph remained honest, yet he felt their hatred. When I am hated do I respond with kindness and thoughtfulness to those who hate me? Do I look at how God views them, or am I too busy nursing my own wounds? Do I follow Jesus words to love my enemies, or do I react out of the flesh and lash out. Wounding another because I am momentarily hurt. Whether it is from an unexpected harsh word, slander, or someone cutting me off in traffic, my reaction shows how much of Jesus or how much of the flesh is in me. What is my response to others who are favored? Do I malign them? Do I react as these brothers of Joseph? With hatred or jealousy?
Lord, I struggle with this! I want to do Your will and obey You- I also really don't like being treated unfairly; my flesh rears up faster than I can stop it. May I see this, my flesh rising up, through Your eyes- as sin, not just excuse it as a reaction to another's sin. Teach me again how to be a vessel for Your glory, filled with love, yielding to You in the little aggravations, so I can yield in the big ones when they come. Create in me a clean heart O Lord, and renew a right spirit in me that the old nature would not have even a small amount of victory. Teach me Your ways, that I would respond as Your servant. May I not pay back evil for evil, but by Your power, respond with Your love.
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