Joseph

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I love the story of Joseph found in Genesis 37 – 50 in the Old Testament, because of the wonderful family reconciliation in the end between Joseph and his brothers. The sibling jealousy sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt, but the Lord had a special plan for Joseph. He turned what was meant for evil into good. Joseph suffered in Egypt going to prison for a wrongful accusation by Potifar’s wife. The Lord used Joseph’s time in prison to build his character and prepare him for God’s plan. In the face of so much adversity Joseph remained faithful to the Lord.

Joseph was also put in charge of all the prisoners in preparation for God’s purpose later on.

While still in prison, Joseph interpreted two fellow prisoner’s dreams which came true. They were Pharaoh’s Cup Bearer and Baker.

Some years passed with Joseph still in prison, when Pharoah had a dream which nobody could interpret. The Baker finally remembered Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams. Pharaoh sent for Joseph and he interpreted the dreams to mean that there were going to be 7 plentiful years, followed by 7 years of famine throughout Egypt, but also Canaan, where Joseph’s family lived.

Pharoah immediately ordered Joseph be released from prison and put in charge of everything, second only to Pharoah. The Lord suddenly turned Joseph’s bad circumstances around for good. Joseph persevered with the Lord in spite of his enslavement in Egypt and suffering in prison.

Joseph adeptly managed all the grain storehouses in preparation for the famine. So much grain was collected during the 7 plentiful years that Joseph lost count.

The famine brought Joseph’s brothers to Egypt to buy grain but they did not recognise Joseph. Eventually, once Jacob made the journey to Egypt, Joseph revealed his identity to his family and there was much weeping. A wonderful time of forgiveness and reconciliation took place. Joseph explained to his brothers that the Lord’s plan was to bring him to Egypt for the purposes of the Lord’s provision during the famine. What they meant for harm, the Lord changed for their good and the good of the nations.

Joseph was faithful to the Lord and maintained his integrity, even though he was betrayed by his brothers, enslaved in Egypt and tempted by Potifar’s wife. The Lord’s sovereignty was paramount in Joseph’s life. Despite the trials and tribulations he faced, Joseph recognized that God was ultimately in control of his life. Even when subject to betrayal, slavery and imprisonment, Joseph didn’t give up on the Lord. At the right time the Lord put Joseph in a position of power to enable him to protect the nations from 7 years of severe famine.

Lord I pray that we would be just like Joseph in persevering through difficulties, knowing that you, our Sovereign Lord, are going to bring about a change for our good and we will be blessed more than we could imagine, just like Joseph. Lord Jesus, our precious Lord, give us the courage and strength to continue persevering knowing that you will come through for us in the end.

Such a wonderful bible story – Joseph, the Lord’s faithful servant, reconciling with his brothers and the Lord saving the people from a potential catastrophe.

Joseph welcomes his brothers to Egypt.

Trust in the Lord with All your Heart

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.
Proverbs 3:5‭-‬12 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.3.5-12.MSG

Trust is defined as: ‘the firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.’

When we first believe in Jesus, we have that first love, the wonder of what has just happened in our life or the wonder of ‘seeing’ the truth for the first time.

As time passes our faith in God our trust of God will be tested. It might be a difficult time because our mountain top experience had returned to the valley of everyday life. Those challenges we were facing before we encountered Jesus are probably still there, but the difference is that now we don’t have to face those challenges alone.

It might be difficult, very difficult even to let go and allow God to help us in our struggle. It normal since we’re used to struggling alone, but now God says ‘Let’s do it my way. ‘

It might mean we have to accept certain things which contradict our social programming, loving those we prefer to avoid. God wants us to grow in his likeness and so he nudges us to change for the better. Old ways of thinking and responding can be transformed if we let God in.

All we need do is ask the Holy Spirit to come and transform us, once we have acknowledged our weakness or sin.

It is not an easy process, letting go of something might cause alot of pain. It take time and alot of prayer to really change and grow but when we persevere, we are well rewarded.

God takes a risk with us. He risks us rejecting him because the time in the valley may cause pain, we may think it’s God causing our pain. It’s okay to struggle, but don’t give up. Decide each morning that you’re going to persevere with God and build your relationship with him by spending time reading the Word and praying. Trusting God means taking one step at a time in your relationship with him. As your relationship strengthens over time, you will trust him more and more.

We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 GNT
https://bible.com/bible/68/rom.8.28.GNT

God is a great conservationist. He won’t let anything go to waste. What I mean about this is that, even the things the enemy used against you to cause you harm, God will take those things and turn them to be used for his good purposes. God is infinitely creative and powerful! He will bless you, have no doubt about it.

Be persevering and good things will happen. Read or listen to your bible. The word of God has the power to transform, it is alive.

In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 GNT
https://bible.com/bible/68/jhn.1.1.GNT

Don’t underestimate the power of God’s word. The Word will heal and transform you. Read it as daily spiritual food. Put it to the test…you won’t regret it.

The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people.
John 1:4 GNT
https://bible.com/bible/68/jhn.1.4.GNT

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us wisdom the tenacity required to keep running the race of faith, knowing that you have a deep empathy for us and want to help and encourage us. Give us the tools we need to persevere in our walk with you. Give us the wisdom to see the trappings of the enemy so that we can avoid stumbling. Help us to be practical, help us pray, worship and read your word daily, as this is our best defence against a relentless foe.

Be abundantly blessed and courageous. 🙂🙂🙂 Lorinda

Remember our Good Gifts

Pour le français cliquez ici ….

Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.
James 1:17 GNT
https://bible.com/bible/68/jas.1.17.GNT

The enemy is our tempter. No matter who you are, the enemy will attack you in an area in which you are weak. This is true because the bible says that he walks around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Don’t throw your hands up in despair at the thought. The Lord also says that if we resist the devil he will flee.

Sounds too simple right? It is that simple but when we’re under attack our minds play tricks on us! Let’s say someone really hurts you, lets you down. You’re going to be mad, right? Your flesh is reeling, you pace up and down the room muttering. You’re probably going to be plotting your revenge.

You may even think God is the one hurting you. Maybe you even start to think that God is a big old meanie. Well…it’s not true. God is always good and he says to not take revenge.

Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God’s anger do it. For the scripture says, “I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:19 GNT
https://bible.com/bible/68/rom.12.19.GNT

We don’t have God’s understanding, so taking revenge may be futile. Hatred breeds more hatred. The cycle should be stopped and Christians know what is true. Overcome evil with love.

Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.
Romans 12:21 GNT
https://bible.com/bible/68/rom.12.21.GNT

When we are hurting remember that God is good! This means that we can praise him and thank him for all the good in our lives…the good things are all from God.

God will give you relief from your hurt and suffering and give you the strength to overcome any obstacle so don’t give up! The Holy Spirit, our comforter enables us. Ask the Lord to help you and be persevering in prayer and in worship so that you don’t stumble. Our God does not slumber nor sleep and is more than capable of protecting us. He is a doting father.

Don’t stop fighting the good fight of faith…Jesus is alive and he wants you to overcome in order to live an abundant life, not a life with a limp, but an overflowing, flourishing Spirit filled life. Take an active step today towards overcoming by seeking God in the Bible, in prayer and in worship.

The Lord is waiting to bless you more than you can imagine!

Prayer: Lord I pray that you take a stand amongst the confusion in the mind of the one under attack. I pray Lord that you take hold of those struggling and never let go. Give that believer a pinch so that they know you are there! You never let go Jesus, of this we are certain and I pray the power of Jesus calm that storm you’re going through right now. Lord give us your strength to persevere. To You be the glory forever and ever. Amen!

Jesus has the power to help you overcome whatever painful thing you’re experiencing. Trust him, worship him with all your strength…don’t stop until it passes. It may take some time but pray everyday and you will overcome.

May the Lord bless you! Lorinda 🙂