Exodus 1, 2

After Joseph died and was buried in Canaan, the Isrealites in Egypt greatly multiplied. They became a worry to the new Pharoah who suspected they could turn on him and overtake the land. He implemented stiff persecution upon them. It had a reverse effect. They multiplied all the more.

If you have found yourself in a period of afflictions (I’m going thru one right now), rejoice because you are growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ, our Savior.

Gen. 49

In this powerful and significant chapter, Jacob calls his sons in just before his death to give an appropriate blessing to each. The destiny and life path of children is especially important to their father. Jacob’s words were both empowering and prophetic.

Fathers, be careful and deliberate to speak affirming and encouraging words to your children. With your blessing, their lives can hit the mark.

NOTE: I’m sorry I’ve missed some days recently. I’ve been struggling with back issues. Please say a prayer for me.

Gen. 47

I remember a Truett Cathy quote on the wall of Chic-fil-a … “Food is essential to life; therefore, make it good.”

During the 7 years of famine in Egypt, the inhabitants realized they MUST have food to survive. So, they were willing to trade all they owned, livestock and land and possessions, for the food Joseph had stored up. Their lives were spared but Pharoah owned everything.

The Christian must realize that the Bread of Heaven, God’s Word, is essential to life. Earthly possessions are meaningless when your eternal existence is in the balance.

Gen. 44, 45

The touching story of how Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers displays God’s conclusion to many years of suffering and contradiction. What his brothers meant for harm, God used to save many. The key was Joseph’s faith and trust in God. His faith was emphatically challenged, but his trust and perseverance was rewarded in a grandiose way.

Does God still have you in His oven of preparation? Don’t bail out before He’s ready to pull you out.

Gen. 40-42

Although there was a severe famine everywhere, Joseph was thriving and making a profound difference in the lives of many. It was all a part of God’s plan to bring His people to Egypt for testing and growth.

We have the wrong focus if we only see the hardship. Keep your eyes on God. He is performing a mighty miracle that will become apparent down the road.

Gen. 41

Although he was imprisoned, God’s gift in Joseph was not bound. To him, God gave the interpretation of Pharoah’s dream of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharoah appointed him to be second in command of the entire land.

You are the only one who can diminish God’s gift in your life. Use it, nurture it, enjoy it. Others will be blessed by it.

Gen. 40

After accurately interpreting the dreams of Pharoah’s cupbearer and baker who were also confined in prison with Joseph, he asked the cupbearer to remember him. Didn’t happen. How dejected Joseph must have felt. Nevertheless, God had a plan for Joseph to become his family’s deliverer. Timing was everything. He merely needed to wait until Pharoah had a dream himself.

“He didn’t realize he was a shave and a haircut away from the Prime Minister’s seat.” -Moses Vegh

Gen. 39

Joseph was setup by Potiphar’s wife and accused of making advances toward her. He was cast into prison, but God’s favor and blessing followed him there.

There are SO MANY parallels between Christ and Joseph, the main being a false accusation. It only propelled both to their ultimate position of effectiveness.

Hang in there.

Gen. 39

God’s hand of favor was upon Joseph. EVERYTHING he did was successful. Self-help falls far short when compared to God’s blessing.

The time spent trying to improve yourself would be better spent seeking God, studying His Word, and launching persistent prayers.

“He who waits on God loses no time!”

Gen. 36, 37

To Joseph was given dreams that had his brothers all subject to him and bowing down. This infuriated them. They were older and more in line for the family rule. Nevertheless, he began a long and painful journey to ultimately become the second in command of all Egypt.

God will give you a glimpse of your future and then process you to create capacity to fulfill your destiny. Don’t throw away your ticket.