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) 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) If we look to that same Source, we will never go wrong.
Today’s reading: Genesis 41-42
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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
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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
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Previously we saw Esau hated his brother (Genesis 27:41), but now has forgiven Jacob. As it did with Esau, it often takes some time to have a forgiving heart toward someone who has wronged us. Forgiving those people is a requirement of serving our Heavenly Father. “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)
Today’s reading: Genesis 33-34
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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 right, as we all should do he prayed to God and trusted in Him.
Today’s reading: Genesis 30-32
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In Genesis chapter 28 we read of Jacob’s dream of the ladder going into Heaven and God’s promise to him. Just one chapter prior to this, Jacob, with the help of his mother had deceived his father Isaac. What has changed? What was the purpose of God giving Jacob this dream? In the dream He promises Jacob that thru him, “all the families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen 28:14) The dream had to be humbling to Jacob. It was more than a dream like we would have today. Jacob knew this was truly God speaking to him. “Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.’” (Genesis 28:16) This is another instance of God working thru imperfect men. Like Jacob, none of us will ever be perfect, but if we stay close to God and His word we can glorify His name by the way that we live.
Today’s reading: Genesis 27-29
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In today’s reading we see the account of Esau selling his birthright to his brother for just one meal. (Genesis 25:29-34) There are many points we could make about this incident, but a powerful statement is made that Esau is remembered for this in the New Testament as well. “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.” (Hebrews 12:14-16) Sometimes it is not easy to do as the Hebrew writer tells us here and “pursue peace with all men”, but as children of God we should strive to do so daily.
Today’s reading: Genesis 25-26
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Abraham was a man known for his faith. Another man who showed great faith was Abraham’s servant who was trusted to find a wife for Isaac. He went on his way to find a wife, but when he got close, he prayed. His prayer was for God’s guidance. He knew this was a big responsibility that was placed on him. He did not just sit at home and pray waiting for God to drop a solution into his lap. He went to work while also asking God for guidance. We should pray with the same trust that God will guide us. We know there will be no miraculous sign, but if we are striving toward righteous goals He will be there to lead us on the right path.
Today’s reading: Genesis 22-24
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We have probably all heard about Lot’s wife and what happened to her. “But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26) When this happened, God was destroying Sodom and Gomorrah because of the sinfulness of the people who lived there. God had promised Abraham that if there were just 10 righteous people living there, He would spare the cities. (Genesis 18:32) There were not 10 found. Lot was then given the opportunity to flee the area and save himself, his wife, his daughters and his son-in-laws. The son-in-laws did not leave because they thought it was just a joke. As they were fleeing the area, Lot’s wife looked back one more time. God had provided them an opportunity to escape, He had given them specific instructions on how to do so, and all they had to do was follow His commands. We see what happened to one who did not follow His commands and to the ones who thought is was a joke. In the same way today, we have an opportunity to escape an eternal life in hell. All we have to do is follow His commands.
Today’s reading: Genesis 19-21
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God promised Abraham that his descendants would be great. (Genesis 12:2, 17:4) Abraham was getting older and wondering if this promise was really going to happen. When God again made this promise to Abraham (17:16), he laughed and questioned to himself how this could happen to a man who was a hundred years old and a woman who was ninety. (17:17) Sarah also laughed when she heard this promise. (18:12) God works in ways we sometimes do not understand, but He always keeps His promises.
Today’s reading: Genesis 16-18
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