Victory in Christ

Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites for many years.  Moses did well in a lot of the things God asked him to do, but at times his faith was lacking.  One instance of his lack of faith was when God first told him to go to Pharaoh and lead the people out of Egypt.  “But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10)  As one would expect, God was not pleased with Moses’ response.  “Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?  Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”  (Exodus 4:11-12)  If God spoke to you and told you to do something, how would you respond?  Moses still did not respond in a positive way.  “But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13)  Again God was not pleased.  Verse 14 even says “the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses”, but God made other provisions.  He told Moses to take his brother Aaron to speak for him.  Sometimes God wants His people to step out of their comfort zone in doing His work.  Moses’ response in this situation is an example to us of how not to respond.

Today’s reading: Exodus 4-6

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 The same is still true today. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

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 easiest way for Joseph in the short term, but with faith and patience we see how it turned out.  Joseph is a great example for us to see no matter how bleak life may look at times, God knows what is best for us and He is always in control.

Today’s reading: Genesis 48-50

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 much different feeling toward shepherds. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 NKJV) We know that Jesus’ statement came true and that thru that gift and only thru that gift we can have eternal salvation. 

Today’s reading: Genesis 46-47

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 in heaven with Him.

Today’s reading: Genesis 43-45

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 interpreting, the chief cup bearer finally put in a good word for Joseph.  Pharaoh asked Joseph if he had this power.  “Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Genesis 41:16)  Every talent and ability that each one of us has comes from God.  The credit and glory should be returned to Him as well.

Today’s reading: Genesis 38-40

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 working even when evil things had been done. Many times we wonder why things are happening, but if we trust and follow God like Joseph did, we can know that whatever happens, He is in control. (Romans 8:28)

Today’s reading: Genesis 35-37

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, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV) 

Today’s reading: Genesis 33-34

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 embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” (Gen 33:4)  Jacob had worried about nothing.  But, he did one thing that we all should do, he prayed to God and trusted in Him.

Today’s reading: Genesis 30-32