Thanks for your continual reading of God’s Word and for sharing your insight!
Genesis chapter 50.
I see great love and respect between Joseph and his dad, and the Egyptians with Joseph. I continue to see Great Value in being a man with integrity for the Lord. Also I see the power of forgiveness once again as the brothers continue to deal with guilt over their sin. Joseph not only was able to forgive them but was able to see God's hand and control in life's circumstances. There is great value in being able to see God's hand and control in our life circumstances. It is easy to feel like we've hit a point where things are totally out of control and we wonder what in the world are we going to do! When in fact God already knows what is going to happen and already has a plan and purpose for what we go through so that we can be made more like Christ and so that other lives might be able to be helped or saved. This would be a huge growth for me if I would be able to recognize God's hand even in the worst situations.
“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. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
What a great example of having the right attitude even after being mistreated as we see this response from Joseph in verses 20-21 of Chapter 50! I want to focus on the big picture of what God is doing by being selfless instead of selfish. My flesh gets in the way sometimes, but I know that spending time in God’s Word helps me to be where God wants me to grow to be more like Him. I’m also thankful for all of the encouragement that I receive from my brothers and sisters along the way! Congratulations to all those who completed reading the first book of the Bible! Let’s keep going! You can do it!
Here’s the link for today’s parody, Soakin’ in the Lord’s Book.
https://youtu.be/pmUVWLlruiU
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
the guilt is still there for his brothers, but Joseph realized it was Gods will. Its funny to me how i get upset when things don’t go “my” way, but it always turns out better than I planned.
I needed to be broken, it hurt me but I am so glad how my life is turning out.
Joseph wept when his brothers asked for forgiveness. He wept because they still didn’t understand the depth of his forgiveness and grace after spending more than 17 years with him in Egypt. Sometimes I do the same with Jesus. The enemy gets in my head and reminds me of my past sins. But I know I have been forgiven … just need to accept that total forgiveness, grace and mercy and tell the enemy to take a hike.
Joseph had faith that the Israelites would return to the promised land so he asked his family to make sure they took his bones home with them. His faith came from a lifetime of trusting God. Faith is like a muscle – the more we use it, the stronger it gets. From Joseph’s line comes Joshua, Gideon, and Samuel.
It stuck out to me also that Joseph wept when his brothers spoke to him about the past. He tried to tell them earlier that God meant it for good, but they were still afraid.
And I did not know that those three came from Joseph’s line! How very cool!
Beautiful ending to an amazing chapter and first book of the Bible! I have never read completely through Genesis. I feel so informed and like I have grown stronger in my knowledge and relationship with Christ. So many incredible examples to learn from. What to do and what NOT to do! Excited to continue this journey with all of you.
Suggestion to your question of what to offer you’re diving customers other than coffee.
On the counter, next to the coffee, have a nice basket of Goodies (assorted candies, baked goods, etc.) and have a sign by the basket that says, “Dive into the lives of others. Take 2 items. 1 for yourself and 1 to bless another.”