Throughout scripture we see God always taking care of His people when they are following His commands. This passage includes just one more example. “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty.” Exodus 1:20 NKJV Today’s reading: Exodus 1-3
After Jacob died Joseph’s brothers were scared he might take revenge on them. Joseph’s answer to the brothers showed once again how much faith he had in God. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20) Joseph had gone thru many undeserved trials in his life, but he always did what was right. Doing the right thing was not always the…
Jacob’s sons worked as shepherds, but that was not something that would gain them any honor in Egypt. “So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” (Genesis 46:33-34 NKJV) Our Lord showed a…
Joseph’s brothers were fed during the famine by God’s providence. Joseph told his brothers that, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5) God was able to use sins committed by these brothers to save them from starving years later. God’s ways are beyond our comprehension, but if live a life faithful to Him like Joseph did we can have that eternal home…
Joseph knew the source of all correct answers. “So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (Genesis 41:16 NKJV) Similar words from Jeremiah. “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV) If we look to that same Source, we will never go wrong. Today’s reading: Genesis 41-42
Joseph’s ticket out of prison was the ability to interpret dreams. What got him started was interpreting dreams of Pharaoh’s chief cup bearer and chief baker. Even though he could have taken credit for this ability, that is not what Joseph did. “They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” (Genesis 40:8) When Pharaoh had dreams that he needed…
Joseph was a man who faced his share of adversity. He was sold into slavery by his brothers. He was thrown into prison for something he did not do. No matter what happened to Joseph, he kept his faith and trust in God. We can look at his life and see God’s providence working even when evil things had been done. Many times we do not see God’s providence when it is happening, but we can look back and see…
Jacob thought his brother would have still been upset with him, but Esau felt differently. “But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept” (Genesis 33:4 NKJV) If we follow the teaching of Christ, we will be like Esau and forgive those who have wronged us. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses,…
In Genesis 32 we read of Jacob’s fear of his brother Esau. “And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps,” (Gen 32:6-7) Their meeting was not how Jacob envisioned it, “But Esau ran to meet him and…
In Genesis chapter 28 we read of Jacob’s dream of the ladder going into Heaven and God’s promise to him. Just one chapter prior to this, Jacob, with the help of his mother had deceived his father Isaac. What has changed? What was the purpose of God giving Jacob this dream? In the dream He promises Jacob that thru him, “all the families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen 28:14) The dream had to be humbling to Jacob. It was…