March 13 -- "Faithfulness Brings Reward"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 41:37-57

"Faithfulness Brings Reward"

Today’s verse symbolizes the great honor and responsibility that Joseph was given by Pharaoh. The signet ring, robes of fine linen, and gold chain all represented Joseph's newfound authority and power.

This is a reminder that God can use us in powerful ways, even when we may feel unqualified or unworthy. Just as Joseph was given a great opportunity to serve and lead, we too can be used by God to make a difference in the world. Joseph had a special anointing upon his life reflected in the many times God used Joseph's diligence and faithfulness to turn dire circumstances into moments of victory. We, too can experience this same anointing.

This verse also teaches us about the importance of being faithful in the small things. Joseph was faithful in his role as a prisoner and as a servant, and as a result, God was able to bless him and use him in a powerful way. This is a reminder to us that if we are faithful in the small things, God will entrust us with greater responsibilities.

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” (Proverbs 22:29) This Proverb presents a general principle that states that hard work, skill, and excellence will be rewarded and recognized by those in authority. In ancient times, serving before kings was a great honor and sign of recognition. The verse suggests that if a person is skilled and excels in their work, they will likely be recognized and rewarded by those in positions of power and influence.

True success and recognition come from hard work, excellence, and faithfulness. This is a reminder for all of us to strive for excellence and hard work in all we do, as it will be recognized and rewarded in the end. If not in this life, certainly in eternity. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

The story of Joseph proves that everyone has a shot at being someone great - at starting all over when we place ourselves in God's Hand and work heartily and faithfully for Him.

March 12 -- "God Who Reveals the Future"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 41:1-36

"God Who Reveals the Future"

Joseph is interpreting Pharaoh's two dreams and telling him that they both have the same meaning and that God is revealing what is going to happen in the future. Joseph explained to Pharaoh that the dreams represented seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.

This interpretation was significant because it allowed Pharaoh to prepare for the famine by storing up food during the seven years of plenty. Joseph was appointed by Pharaoh to manage this effort, and as a result, Egypt was able to endure the famine and maintain stability during a difficult time.

In this verse, we see the connection between God's plan and the events of human history. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams as a way for God to reveal His will and prepare the people of Egypt for a time of need. This story is a reminder that God is a revealer of His future plans.

The Bible teaches that God reveals what He is about to do in many ways, including through dreams, visions, prophets, and direct revelation.

In the Old Testament, God spoke to individuals like Abraham, Moses, and Samuel through visions and dreams, revealing His will and plans for them and for their people. In the New Testament, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and reveal truth to His followers (John 16:13).

The Bible also teaches that God reveals His will through His Word, the Bible, which is considered the authoritative source of truth and guidance for Christ-Followers. Through the Bible, we can learn about God's character, His plan for humanity, and His expectations for how we should live.

The Bible teaches that God has knowledge of future events and that He does, at times, reveal what He is about to do. We can be confident in His plans for our lives if we seek His will and listen for His voice.

March 11 -- "God's Favor in Difficult Times"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 39 & 40

"God's Favor in Difficult Times"

In this verse, the author of Genesis is emphasizing the role of God in Joseph's life, and how God protected and cared for Joseph even when he was in a difficult situation. The verse also emphasizes the idea of God's steadfast love, which means that God's love and care for His people does not change or diminish, even in times of hardship or difficulty.

The verse can be seen as a reminder that even in the midst of trials and difficulties, God is always with us and working for our good. This is a source of comfort and encouragement for Christ’s followers who may be facing challenging circumstances in their own lives. Additionally, the verse can also be seen as a lesson about the importance of trusting in God and relying on His love and care, no matter what may be happening around us.

Romans 8:28, says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This verse is a declaration of hope and encouragement for Christians, as it suggests that even in the midst of difficult or challenging circumstances, God is working to bring about good for those who love Him.

However, it is important to note that this verse is not suggesting that all things are inherently good, or that bad things do not happen to people. Instead, it is saying that even the difficult or negative experiences in our lives can be used by God for good, if we trust in Him and allow Him to work in our lives as Joseph did.

March 10 -- "When Others Commit My Sins"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 38

"When Others Commit My Sins"

Tamar's husband, Er, died before he could father any children with Tamar. According to custom at the time, Tamar was to marry the next son of Judah, Onan, but he also died. To ensure that Tamar would have descendants and her deceased husband's family line would continue, Judah promised to give Tamar to his third son Shelah when he came of age. However, Judah broke this promise and did not give Shelah to Tamar.

Tamar, feeling that her rights were being violated, disguised herself as a prostitute and propositioned Judah, who did not recognize her. She became pregnant with twins as a result of their encounter. When Judah discovered that Tamar was pregnant, he condemned her to be burned for committing adultery. However, Tamar revealed that she was carrying Judah's children, and Judah acknowledged that she had acted more righteously than he had.

Judah, like many of us, was quick to jump into a judgmental attitude. It has been said, "Oh how bad our sins look when someone else commits them." This saying exposes one of the darker tendencies of our human nature - the tendency to judge the actions of others more harshly than we judge our own actions.

Matthew 7:1-5: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

James 4:11-12: "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"

These verses and others like them emphasize the importance of avoiding judgment and condemnation of others, and instead focusing on one's own actions and behaviors. All of us are capable of sinning and making mistakes, and it is not up to us to condemn others but rather to show compassion, forgiveness, and love.

March 9 -- "Hated for a Dream"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 37

"Hated for a Dream"

Joseph was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and was Jacob's favorite. His brothers observed Jacob's overt favoritism and they resented Joseph for it. Then, Joseph had a dream in which he saw his brothers bowing down to him, which made them angry and more resentful - to the point of hatred.

This verse can be seen as a lesson about the dangers of envy and jealousy, as Joseph's brothers became even more resentful of him after he shared his dream with them. Their hatred eventually culminated in the act of selling him into slavery. 

Whatever Joseph's imperfections, he did not merit what his brothers did to him.

Jesus once told a parable about a vineyard owner who gave equal wages to workers who worked different hours (Matthew 20:1-16). This parable highlights the importance of being content with what one has and not being envious of others' blessings or accomplishments. Repeatedly in the Gospels, He taught His followers to overcome negative emotions such as envy and jealousy and to cultivate love, compassion, and forgiveness instead.

On the flipside, this can also serve as a reminder to be cautious of how our actions and words may be perceived by others. Proverbs 29:11 says, "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." Perhaps Joseph would have been wise to quietly hold back the telling of his dream, or at least find a way to share it in a less offensive way. All of us need to cultivate the ability to hold our tongue and speak wisely and kindly to others.

March 8 -- "Esau is Edom"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 36

"Esau is Edom"

Esau's decision to settle in Seir allowed him to establish a new life and a legacy separate from his twin brother Jacob. This helped to shape his identity and the identity of Edom as a distinct people and nation. This decision sealed the separation between Jacob and Esau, marking the distinction between the covenant-people of God (Jacob, the Israelites) and those outside the covenant (Esau, the Edomites).

The outcome of Esau settling in Seir was the establishment of the land and people of Edom. Located on the east side of the Arabah, this ancient land bordering ancient Israel, in what is now southwestern Jordan, between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. Over time, Edom developed into a distinct and powerful kingdom, with its own culture, traditions, and political power.

From this point forward, Edom is often mentioned as a rival and sometimes an enemy of Israel in the Bible. Despite this, the two nations maintained a complex and sometimes cooperative relationship, with periods of peace as well as conflict. Later on, both Saul and David fought against the Edomites, with David conquering them and forcing them into labor

Genesis 36:8 not only provides a historical context for the geography and people of Edom, but also highlights the lasting impact of our choices and decisions. Esau's decision to settle in Seir had far-reaching consequences, not just for himself, but for future generations as well. This verse serves as a reminder that our actions and choices have the power to shape our lives, as well as the lives of those around us, for better or for worse.

March 7 -- "Beth-El: House of God"

  Today's Reading:  Genesis 35

"Beth-El: House of God"

The story of Jacob naming the place where he had the vision of God as "Beth-el" ("Beth" meaning "house" combined with "El" meaning God, thus "House of God") highlights the significance of recognizing and acknowledging moments of divine encounter in our lives. Just as Jacob named the place where he encountered God, we too can identify the places, circumstances, or experiences where we feel closest to God, and acknowledge them as sacred and meaningful to us.

In practical terms, this can involve setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and worship, or even creating a physical space in your home or community that serves as a reminder of your connection to God. It can also mean actively seeking out opportunities to encounter God in new ways, such as through reading Scripture, serving others, or participating in church ministries.

By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience a greater sense of peace, purpose, and guidance in our lives. Whether it's through moments of quiet contemplation or acts of service, the goal is to cultivate a sense of God's presence in all aspects of our lives, and to acknowledge and honor that presence in meaningful ways.