Tag: joseph

Week 31 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis – Post Nineteen

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 19th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 31 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next couple of weeks.

Focus: Genesis 45 

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 45 – “Here Comes the Wagons”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “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

Genesis Chapter 45

“Here Comes the Wagons”

(Read Genesis Chapter 45 First) 

After Judah begs to take Benjamin’s place, something in Joseph finally breaks. The Bible says he could not refrain himself. He cries out for everyone to leave the room except his brothers. This moment is too personal for spectators.

Then Joseph weeps so loudly that the Egyptians and even the house of Pharaoh hear him outside the room.

Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers. 

“I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?”

His brothers are terrified. Scripture says they could not answer him. Have you ever felt so guilty, shameful, or fearful that it silences you?

So Joseph gently tries again.

“Come near to me, I pray you.”

And when they draw closer, he says something so life-giving! 

“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves… for God did send me before you to preserve life.”

Joseph doesn’t deny what they did.

But he also explains what God did. God sent him. God used it.

That’s such a lesson for us.

Sometimes people truly wrong us. Deeply. And no, God never excuses sin, but He is wonderful at weaving redemption through it. Joseph was able to see the bigger picture: the famine was coming, peoples lives were at stake, and God positioned him where he needed to be even through betrayal.

So what are we supposed to do when we’re wronged?

1. Forgive

Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Forgiveness isn’t only for when it feels fair or when someone deserves it. The standard is Christ who is tenderhearted, forgiving, and extends grace we ourselves live on daily.

2. Don’t Repay Evil for Evil

Romans 12:17–19 – “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

This is hard. Especially when justice feels delayed or nonexistent. But God makes it clear: vengeance is His department, not ours.

3. Overcome Evil with Good

Romans 12:21 – “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

You don’t win by matching their behavior. You win by refusing to let bitterness settle in and change your heart.

4. Pray for Them

Matthew 5:44 – “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

Look at these verbs (actions) we are to do in that verse… Love. Bless. Do good. Pray. Those four words don’t mean what happened was okay, but they do mean you’re refusing to stay chained to it.

5. Leave Room for God to Work

Proverbs 20:22 – “Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.”

Waiting on the Lord can feel weak, but it actually takes tremendous strength. Self-control is harder than retaliation and far more powerful when you let the LORD fight for you. 

Back in the story, Joseph makes it clear: “It was not you that sent me hither, but God.” In other words, don’t stay stuck in what you did to me. Look at what God has done with it. He’s made me ruler over Egypt. He’s turned what you meant for evil into good! 

Then, Joseph falls on Benjamin’s neck and weeps. He kisses every brother. They cry together and they talk together.

Pharaoh hears what’s happening and is pleased. He sends wagons and tells them, “Don’t worry about your stuff, I’ll give you the good and the fat of the land.”

Joseph sends clothing, food, silver…and extra for Benjamin.

I always smile when Joseph tells his brothers not to “fall out by the way.” 

When the brothers finally make it home and tell their Father, Jacob, the news, he doesn’t believe them at first…But then he sees the wagons.

And the Bible says,

“The spirit of Jacob their father revived.”

He had probably been holding his breath for years. Afraid to hope. Afraid to believe. But then the wagons of provision showed up. The evidence showed up. The proof showed up right in front of him.

Isn’t that such a picture of Christ and us?

We can’t see Him, but the Holy Spirit carries the message. And then wee see the wagons…provision we didn’t earn, peace we can’t explain, gifts we don’t deserve. They tell our hearts that He is alive!

Joseph was alive and he was governing in another land. He sent wagons to bring his family home.

Jesus is alive too. He’s reigning in His Kingdom, and He’s already sent what we need to get there.

Journal Questions: 

• Is there someone in your life you’ve “forgiven” but not fully released in   your heart?

• Write down the “wagons” God has sent you to remind you He is alive and   faithful?

• Are you holding your breath in an area of life, afraid to hope again?

• What would it look like to trust that God can use even the painful parts of   your story for life?

Week 30 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis: Post Eighteen 

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 18th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 30 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next few weeks.

Focus: Genesis 44 

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 44 – “Running Over”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — Luke 6:38

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Genesis Chapter 44

“Running Over”

(Read Genesis Chapter 44 First) 

After sharing a meal with his brothers, Joseph gives an unexpected instruction to the steward of his house:

He told him to fill their sacks, and not just enough to get by. Fill them as much as they can carry!

That’s generosity.

That’s love.

That’s forgiveness.

Joseph could have given them the bare minimum and said, “They don’t deserve abundance.”

But instead? He overfilled their bags.

And if I’m honest, sometimes I’m a careful giver. I’ll do something kind… but let it be the minimum so I’m not inconvenienced too much. I’ll help, but only if it fits within my schedule for that day.  

Joseph is showing us something different, and I want to learn to be more like this. Less self centered and more giving! 

He shows us a very generous heart.

It made me want to dig deeper into what the Bible has to say about giving…

  • A Cheerful, Willing Heart

2 Corinthians 9:7

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Generosity isn’t meant to be driven by guilt or pressure even though sometimes it may feel that way. 

Paul says we are to give as we have purposed in our heart. That means it’s a settled, prayerful decision instead of impulsive, manipulated, or forced.

This doesn’t mean generosity will never make you feel stretched.

Often it costs us time and energy, and yes it may inconvenience our day.

But this stretching is what shapes us into a better christian. 

But there’s a difference between being stretched and being resentful.

God isn’t looking for giving that causes frustration or complaining on the inside. He delights in a willing heart. A heart that says, “Lord, I want to reflect You in the things I do.”

You don’t have to feel like you have to say yes to everything.

It’s not about draining yourself to prove you care.

It’s about staying connected to the Source so that when you give, it flows from love. If you feel resentment when you are giving then stop and let the LORD tend to your heart first. Spend some time in his word, tell Him you’re doing this WITH him because you can’t pour out from overflow unless you’re connected to the source. .

  • Generosity Leads to Blessing

Proverbs 11:25

“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

The word liberal here means blessing, gift, prosperity.

And that phrase “shall be made fat” doesn’t mean what we think in modern language. It means enriched, satisfied, thriving, made full.

A soul that blesses others becomes spiritually rich.

And I love the second half:

“He that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

The word water in this verse means to drench, saturate, refresh, satisfy, give abundantly.

That’s not the kind of giving that simply checks a box or feels like an obligation. It’s the kind that spills over from a heart that has already been filled.

It reminds me of Ephesians 3:20:

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” 

And that’s how God gives to us. Over and above.

When I think about watering, I picture our garden. We use a hose, or sometimes the rain waters it. Either way, the water comes from a source.

If the hose isn’t connected, then nothing flows out.

The same is true spiritually.

If we’re not connected to the Source, to God, then we cannot water anyone else. Without Him, we’ll be bone dry.

But here’s the promise:

The one who waters will himself be refreshed and satisfied. 

It’s reciprocal.

God replenishes those who pour out.

  • Living Open-Handed

Luke 6:38

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

How do we “get?” We give! 

  • Generosity Reflects God’s Character

James 1:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

We give because He first gave to us.

And there’s so much more to give than just give money.

We can give:

• A listening ear

• Godly counsel

• Patience

• Prayer

• Time

• Encouragement

• A seat at our table

2 Corinthians 8:12

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”

What you have to give is not measured or weighted to see if it’s acceptable or good enough. God looks at the willingness of the heart. 

Let’s get back to Joseph’s story in Genesis 

…Joseph isn’t finished.

He tells the steward to place his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack.

They barely leave the city before the steward catches up to them and they’re accused of stealing it.

And I couldn’t help but wonder…

Is Joseph testing them?

Years ago, they left him in a hole and walked away.

Now the question is:

Will they repeat history and abandon Benjamin? 

Or will they stand together as family?

When they were accused or stealing the cup, they passionately deny it. They even say:

If it’s found with one of us, let him die and the rest of us will all be servants.

That statement alone shows something in them has changed because they are willing to suffer together.

When the cup is found in Benjamin’s sack, they tear their clothes, which is a sign of grief, and they all return to Joseph’s house. 

Joseph explains that only Benjamin must stay for stealing the cup and the rest are free to go back home. 

And here it is.

The moment of truth.

Will they leave him?

Judah steps forward and explains to Joseph their father’s grief. He explains how losing one son nearly destroyed him. He begs Joseph to let him take Benjamin’s place.

“I pray thee… let thy servant abide instead of the lad.”

What a picture.

Judah offers himself as a substitute.

For his father’s sake.

Out of love.

His heart has surely changed! 

And can you see it?

This is a picture of Christ.

A man stepping forward.

Offering himself in place of another.

For the sake of the Father.

It really made me think that before redemption could come, their hearts had to soften.

Conviction came first.

Then humility.

Then sacrifice.

God changed their hearts before He restored their family.

That’s how He works with us too.

He convicts us.

He softens us.

Then He redeems us.

Real-Life Reflection:

Sometimes God allows a test to reveal what He has already changed in us.

Joseph was trying to reveal whether they were different men.

And maybe God does that in our lives too.

To show growth.

Journaling Prompts

• Am I giving generously, or cautiously?

• Am I connected to the Source or trying to pour from empty?

• Where might God be testing my growth?

• Would I step forward for someone else the way Judah did?

• Is there someone I need to extend generosity toward?

Maybe for you this week, generosity isn’t about money.

Maybe it’s:

• Forgiveness.

• Time.

• Compassion.

• A second chance.

• A seat at your table.

Joseph filled their sacks beyond what they deserved.

And God does the same for us.

And we can do that for others!

Week 29 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis: Post Seventeen 

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 17th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 29 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next few weeks.

Focus: Genesis 42 – 43

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 42 – “The Past Meets the Present”

Chapter 43 – “Surrender”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.    -Genesis 43:14

Genesis Chapter 42

“The Past Meets the Present”

(Read Genesis Chapter 42 First) 

The last time we heard from Jacob, he was broken and grieving the supposed death of his beloved son Joseph. His other sons had deceived him, claiming Joseph was mauled by an animal. Now years have passed, and famine has settled over the land.

Jacob knows there is corn in Egypt, and he sends ten of his sons to buy food so their families can live. He keeps his youngest son, Benjamin, at home because he’s fearful of losing another son. What Jacob doesn’t realize is that God is already arranging a divine meeting where healing can happen! This reminded me that God is so good at working behind the scenes to help us even if it’s been years of hurt.  

Joseph, the brother they betrayed, is now governor over Egypt. He controls the corn. When his brothers come before him,they bow and unknowingly fulfilling the dream Joseph had so long ago. They do not recognize him, but he recognizes them immediately.

Joseph questions them and accuses them of being spies even though he knew they weren’t. This was part of his plan to get the whole family together. In their defense, they explain that they are twelve brothers: one is at home with their father, and one is dead. You know that statement had to hurt Joseph. 

Joseph insists they must prove their honesty and places them all in prison for three days.

There is something significant about those three days. Throughout Scripture, we see “three days” connected with testing, proving, and often transformation. I think of Jonah, Lazarus, and Jesus Himself rising on the third day. It is often after the third day that God reveals some kind of truth, brings clarity to a situation, or allows redemption to take place.

On the third day, Joseph offers them a way to be released from prison. He said one brother will remain imprisoned while the others return home with corn, but they must bring Benjamin back to prove that they are not spies.

In verse 21, the brothers finally confess their guilt. They remember Joseph’s anguish, how he begged for mercy, and how they refused to listen. Now, they believe the distress they’re facing is the consequence of the sin they committed. 

Maybe it happened years ago or perhaps it had just begun there in the prison, but I can hear their hearts begin to soften in their confession. Reuben reminds them that he warned them not to harm Joseph, but they wouldn’t listen. Now, they fear they are being punished for what they did.

Joseph used an interpreter so the brother’s believed he couldn’t understand them. They spoke freely amongst each other. When Joseph heard their regret and confession, it overwhelmed him, and he leaves them to weep.

Joseph returns and tells them he’s going to keep Simeon imprisoned as collateral. He sends the others home with corn and something else.… He secretly returns their money and provides food for their journey.

This is mercy!

Instead of revenge Joseph chose kindness. He allowed God to lead his actions rather than letting his emotions lead him. His mercy reminds me of the mercy God gives to us…undeserved and unexpected.

One of the brothers discovers his money was returned into his bag and they become extremely fearful. “What is this that God hath done unto us?” they ask. Notice that someone did something kind unto them and their reaction is fear..that sounds like they are carrying heavy guilt. 

When they return home and tell Jacob everything, his grief resurfaces. To him, it feels like he just keeps experiencing losses: first Joseph, now Simeon, and the threat of losing Benjamin too.

Reuben offers his own sons as a guarantee that he will bring Benjamin back home safely, but Jacob refuses. His heart is still full of fear and sorrow. He cannot bear the thought of losing Benjamin, the last living son of Rachel.

Genesis 42 shows us that God does not rush. He patiently brings out the truth, allows conviction to do its work, and offers plenty of mercy.

The famine brought the brothers to Egypt, but it was God who brought their past into the light. In their judgment, we still see grace. God is not finished with this family. He is just beginning to heal what was broken between them. 

Reflection / Journaling Questions: 

• What buried guilt or unresolved sin might God be gently bringing to the surface?

• How do you respond when kindness feels undeserved?

• Are you allowing fear to speak louder than faith, like Jacob did?

________________________________________________________________

Genesis Chapter 43

“Surrender”

(Read Genesis Chapter 43 First) 

Some time has passed. The corn is gone from Jacob (Israel’s) household, but the famine is not.

Jacob and his family find themselves right back where they started. They are in need of more food.

I can’t help but notice… they left Simeon in prison this whole time! Jacob tells his sons to return to Egypt for more food, but Judah reminds him of the condition: “The man” told them they would not see his face again unless Benjamin came back with them.

Jacob’s response is..

Why did you even tell him you had another brother?

This made me think..Have you ever looked for someone to blame when situations got tense? I’m sure we’ve all been there. 

The brothers explain they were asked directly and they had no way of knowing he would make a request like that. Judah steps forward and takes responsibility. He offers himself as surety. He says if Benjamin doesn’t return, he will bear the blame forever.

Change is happening within this family.

Jacob (Israel) finally agrees to let Benjamin go. But before they leave, he does something important.

He prepares wisely:

• Gifts from the best of the land

• Balm, honey, spices, myrrh

• Nuts and almonds

• Double money

And then he prays.

“And God Almighty give you mercy before the man…”

“If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”

I can almost hear the surrender in his heart.

For years Jacob tried to protect Benjamin by holding him close. The moment he releases Benjamin, he places him fully into God’s hands.

This made me think that sometimes blessing is waiting just on the other side of surrender.

Sometimes we have to loosen our grip before God will move.

Journal Prompt:

• What am I holding onto tightly because I’m afraid?

• Is God asking me to trust Him with something I’ve tried to control?

When the brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin, Joseph immediately arranges for them to eat at his house.

Instead of relief, they feel panic.

They assume they’re being brought in to be punished over the returned money. When we carry guilt, even someone’s generosity can feel suspicious.

They felt the need to talk to someone about the situation, so they explain everything to the steward, confessing they found their money and brought it back. I love his response:

“Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks…”

And do you know what makes this statement so powerful? 

Someone outside their covenant, an Egyptian steward, recognized God’s hand in their lives.

Even people who don’t claim to know God personally can see when He is working in someone’s life and situation.

Real-Life Application:

Sometimes we assume every closed door or confusing situation is possibly God’s judgment. But what if it’s His provision? What if what feels scary is actually His grace but we just can’t see it yet. 

Joseph asks about their father. He notices his younger brother. And then he says:

“God be gracious unto thee, my son.”

The word gracious means:

• To show favor

• To extend mercy

• To grant kindness

• To give unearned blessing

I love how God used Joseph, who had many reasons to be bitter, but instead chose to speak blessings over people.

He allowed God to heal his heart. 

A Prayer We Can Pray:

“Lord, be gracious unto my children.”

“Lord, be gracious unto my family.”

“Lord, be gracious unto me.”

The next verse tells us Joseph’s “bowels did yearn” for his brother. That means his heart was overwhelmed with deep compassion. He had to rush away and weep privately in his bedroom. He composes himself and returns.

They all eat in the same room, however, they were culturally separated at different tables. The brothers are arranged in the exact order they were born. They marvel at how this ruler could know such details?

Joseph is beginning to reveal that he sees more than they think.

And what moves me most is that a meal is shared. 

In Scripture, and still today,  meals often signal a covenant, peace, reconciliation, blessing, and life. To eat together is intimate. It’s vulnerable. It’s life-giving.

Reflection Questions:

• How do I react to kindness? Does it make me feel guilty or good?

• Who could I invite to my table this week as an act of peace?

Maybe this week, you don’t just read about reconciliation.

Maybe you practice it.

Invite someone to your table. Cook a meal. Pray over your family. Release what you’ve been holding onto.

And whisper the same blessing Joseph did:

“God be gracious unto thee.”

Week 28 of the Devotional Series

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The Study of Genesis: Post Sixteen 

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 16th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 28 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next few weeks.

Focus: Genesis 41 

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 41 – “Prepared for the Famine”

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”   Genesis 41:16

Genesis Chapter 41 – 

“Prepared for the Famine”

(Read Genesis Chapter 41 First) 

We left off in our last devotion with Joseph interpreting dreams for the king’s butler and baker while he was still in prison. His interpretations came true, and he asked the butler to remember him when he was restored to his position… but he didn’t.

Fast-forward two years.

Genesis 41 opens with Pharaoh having a dream that he knew meant something. He saw seven beautiful, healthy cows come up out of the river and graze in a meadow. Then seven skinny, sickly, almost frightening cows came up after them and began to eat the healthy ones. Pharaoh woke up, unsettled, but went back to sleep.

Then he dreamed again.

This time it was seven full, good ears of corn swallowed up by seven thin, withered ones. Now he knew that he must figure out what the dreams meant. The Bible says his spirit was troubled. So Pharaoh called for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt, but none of them could interpret the dreams.

I want to pause right here and say this: it matters who you seek counsel from.

The men who “specialized” in dreams had no answers, but an insignificant prisoner who trusted God completely would soon have exactly the answers Pharaoh needed.

That’s when the butler finally remembered Joseph.

He told Pharaoh about the young Hebrew man in prison who had correctly interpreted both his dream and the baker’s. Pharaoh immediately sent for Joseph. After a shave, a bath, and a change of clothes, Joseph stood before the most powerful man in Egypt.

Pharaoh said, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.”

Joseph’s response is one of my favorite lines in Scripture:

“It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”

In other words…it’s not me, it’s God. I love this response so much. I want to be quick to give God credit just like Joseph did.

Pharaoh told him the dreams, adding one detail we hadn’t heard before…even after the skinny cows ate the healthy ones, they were still just as thin.

Without hesitation, Joseph gave the interpretation:

God was showing Pharaoh what He was about to do.

Seven years of great abundance were coming… followed by seven years of severe famine. The famine would be so great that people would forget the years of plenty. God repeated the dream twice because the matter was settled and would come to pass quickly.

Then Joseph offered Pharaoh a plan. He advised him to appoint a wise and discreet man to oversee the land, collect one-fifth of the harvest during the years of plenty, and store it for the famine to come.

I couldn’t help but notice what Joseph didn’t say. He didn’t try to promote himself. He didn’t push to be hired for the position. He spoke with humility and wisdom.

But Pharaoh and his servants recognized the Spirit of God in him.

Pharaoh said there was no one as wise and discerning as Joseph. He placed his ring on Joseph’s hand, clothed him in fine linen, put a gold chain around his neck, and made him ruler over all Egypt.

Joseph was thirty years old.

During the seven years of abundance, the land produced in great measure, and Joseph faithfully stored the grain. Before the famine came, he and his wife had two sons.

He named the first Manasseh, which means, “For God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.”

And the second they named Ephraim, which means, “For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

What a testimony!

Even after betrayal, slavery, prison, and years of waiting… Joseph allowed God to heal his heart and make him fruitful again.

Then the famine came, just as God had said. It covered all the land. But Egypt had food.

And when the people became famished, Pharaoh told them, “Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.” Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain, not only to Egypt, but to the nations around them.

Because one man listened to God and prepared, millions lived.

Where there is preparation, the people flourish.

Let’s look at some Scripture on Preparation: 

Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 21:5

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 24:3

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

Psalm 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Proverbs 24:27

Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

Lessons on Preparedness from Joseph:

1. Prepare in the “fat years,” not the famine

Genesis 41:29–36

Joseph didn’t wait for trouble to start planning.

What are our seasons of plenty?

• good health

• steady income

• strong faith

• peace in our homes

Build habits before crisis:

• savings

• prayer life

• Bible knowledge

• healthy relationships

2. Spiritual preparedness (oil in the lamp)

Pair this chapter with:

• Matthew 25:1–13 (the wise and foolish virgins)

• Amos 4:12 – “Prepare to meet thy God”

Ask yourself:

• Am I storing God’s Word in my heart?

• Do I pray only in emergencies or daily?

3. Emotional & relational preparedness

Joseph had already:

• learned forgiveness

• endured betrayal

• remained faithful in private

So when a leadership opportunity came, his character was ready.

What should we be storing up?

• patience

• humility

• integrity

• self-control

5. Prepared to help others

Joseph’s preparation helped to save Egypt, other nations, and we will soon see that it reunited his family.

Who benefits when we are prepared?

• our children

• our church

• the people God sends into our lives

God may be filling your storehouse so you can become someone else’s help in their time of need. 

Remember…“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness…” (Proverbs 21:5)

Forgotten by Man, Remembered by God

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Week 27 of the Devotional Series

The Study of Genesis: Post Fifteen

***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 15th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 27 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next few weeks.

Focus: Genesis 38 – 40

Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.

This week’s devotion includes:

Chapter 38 – “Sin, Consequences, and Repentance”

Chapter 39 – “The Lord was With Joseph”

Chapter 40 – “The Butler and the Baker”

(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)

Bible Memory:

Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.

This Week’s Memory Verse — “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” – Hebrews 6:10

Genesis Chapter 38

“Sin, Consequences, and Repentance”

(Read Genesis Chapter 38 First) 

Genesis 38 is one of those chapters we don’t naturally gravitate toward. It’s uncomfortable, full of poor choices, broken promises, and selfishness. But we can still learn a lot of lessons from this chapter. We will see that God can still bring redemption out of human failure.

We left Joseph being sold into Egypt by his own brothers. One of those brothers was Judah. He’s the one who suggested selling Joseph instead of killing him. Around that same time, Judah walked away from his family and settled among the Canaanites. He married a Canaanite woman, started a family, and drifted even farther from the heritage he had been given. We can see how one compromise led to another. We can experience the same in our relationship with God…distance from God rarely happens all at once, it usually happens step by step.

Judah’s first son, Er, was wicked and died under God’s judgment. His second son, Onan, refused the responsibility God had designed to protect Tamar, his brother’s widow. Long before it was written into the Law, God’s heart was already clear: “If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her… that the firstborn may succeed in the name of his brother which is dead” (Deuteronomy 25:5–6).  But Onan wanted the pleasure and benefit  without the sacrifice or burden, and God took his life too. So Tamar experienced years of injustice. Judah promised her his third son, Shelah, but he never kept that promise. He let time pass, allowed her wait until his son was old enough to marry, let her grow older, and when the time came, he left her without a family or future.

Tamar’s response was bitter and sinful. She was deceiving and that is never justified. When Judah finally realized the truth, that he himself was the father of her child, his words were surprising… “She hath been more righteous than I.” She was not innocent, but he felt she was less guilty than him since he withheld what was right and allowed sin to grow in her heart because of his neglect. 

And Scripture tells us, “he knew her again no more.” It shows that Judah’s repentance was not just words said because he was embarrassed. This is the beginning of a different Judah. We will see in the chapters ahead that he’s the one who will later offer himself in Benjamin’s place, and he’s the one whose line will carry the promise forward.

Next, we read about Judah and Tamar’s twins. One hand reaches out first, and the midwife marked his finger with a scarlet thread. But the other breaks through and is born first. His name is Pharez, which means “the breach, the breakthrough.” From this broken chapter, full of sin and pain comes the family line of King David… and eventually, Jesus.

God did not excuse the sin in this chapter. But He did not abandon the people in it either. So if you have a sinful or painful situation going on in your life, God can work through it too. 

Journaling Questions

  1. Are there areas where I’ve slowly drifted instead of deliberately walked away?
  2. Have I ever chosen convenience over responsibility, even knowing better?
  3. Is there a promise, apology, or responsibility I’ve put off that God is asking me to face?
  4. What would true repentance look like for me? Not just feeling sorry, but changing direction?
  5. Where do I need to trust that God can still bring good, even from chapters I wish weren’t written?

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Genesis Chapter 39

“The Lord was With Joseph”

(Read Genesis Chapter 39 First) 

In the last chapter, Joseph’s story was paused while we studied the difficult account of his brother Judah. Now Genesis 39 brings us right back to Joseph. We left off with him being sold into Egypt and placed in the house of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard.

One sentence stands out over and over in this chapter:

“The LORD was with Joseph.”

Because the Lord was with him, Joseph prospered. He was shown mercy. He was given favor.

This isn’t something only Joseph could experience. We can pray for the Lord to be with us too.

Verse 3 tells us something powerful. Other people could see that the Lord was with Joseph. They could see that God made everything he touched prosper. When God’s hand is on someone’s life, it doesn’t stay hidden for long.

Scripture tells us:

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

God loves to honor those who honor Him.

What stands out to me most in this chapter is Joseph’s character.

He had every reason to be bitter. He had been betrayed by his own brothers, sold like property, carried into a foreign land, and made a servant. Yet the Bible says he served.

Being a willing servant is a picture of humility and love. If we are willing to serve people faithfully, we are showing that we are willing to serve God faithfully too.

“By love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

Scripture also tells us Joseph was “goodly and well favoured,” meaning he was handsome. That explains why Potiphar’s wife was drawn to him. When she tried repeatedly to tempt him, he refused. He spoke of trust. He spoke of loyalty. And most importantly, he said:

“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)

That is integrity.

Joseph worked hard, stayed faithful, and honored God when no one would have blamed him for giving up. Potiphar noticed and he made Joseph overseer of everything he owned. One day Potiphar’s wife grabbed Joseph by his garment. He didn’t hesitate and consider sinning. He ran. Leaving his robe behind in her hands. That alone is a lesson. Joseph knew not to tiptoe around temptation. We are called to flee from it. “Flee also youthful lusts.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

Because she had his garment, she had what she needed to form a lie. She accused Joseph of trying to disgrace her.

Here is a hard truth many of us learn sooner or later:

When people cannot get you to do wrong, sometimes they will lie about you instead.

Joseph was punished for a sin he did not commit. Potiphar had him thrown into prison. But again, Scripture says: “The LORD was with Joseph.” God showed him mercy and gave him favor even in a prison cell.

That encourages me because it means we can be in situations that feel too low, too unfair, and we can even feel hopeless, but God’s favor can still reach us. “For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12)

The chapter closes with these simple words:

“And that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.”

That is my prayer.

That wherever He places me… whatever season I’m in… whatever task is in front of me…

the Lord would be with me, and make it prosper.

Journaling Questions

  1. Where has God placed me to serve right now, even if it isn’t where I hoped to be?
  2. What does integrity look like in my daily choices when no one is watching?
  3. Are there situations I need to stop entertaining and start running from?
  4. Do others see evidence of God’s presence in how I live and work?

“The LORD was with Joseph.”
May that be true of us too.

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Genesis Chapter 40

“The Butler and the Baker”

(Read Genesis Chapter 40 First)

While Joseph is in prison, God is still using him.

One day Pharaoh’s chief butler and chief baker are thrown into the same prison. Joseph, who has already been made overseer, is serving them and looking after them. One morning he notices something…they look sad.

He asked them why they were sad and they tell him they both had dreams, but there’s no one to interpret them.

And I love Joseph’s response. “Do not interpretations belong to God?” In other words: I can’t do this on my own… but I know the One who can. Joseph doesn’t take credit, but instead he lifts God’s name first.

The butler tells his dream. A vine with three branches is in front of him, budding and producing grapes. He pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup. God gives Joseph the interpretation clearly and confidently:

In three days, you’ll get your job back.

Then Joseph tells the butler, “But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

The baker hears the good news and wants his dream interpreted too. But this time the truth is hard. He dreamed of three baskets upon his head and birds eating from them. And Joseph doesn’t soften it. He tells him plainly…

In three days, you will be hung and the birds will eat your flesh.

And three days later, on Pharaoh’s birthday, everything happens exactly as God revealed to Joseph. The butler is restored and the baker is executed. Joseph was right. God was faithful. But the butler forgot Joseph. 

Sometimes God will use you and the people you helped will still forget you.

Sometimes you’ll be faithful and not given any credit. 

Sometimes you’ll do everything right and still stay in the ‘prison’ longer than you should.

But we can learn this from Joseph…

Your calling is not dependent on people giving you credit. 

Your story doesn’t have to be read or noticed for God to be using it. 

God remembered Joseph, even when the butler didn’t. 

Journaling Questions:

1. Where in my life do I feel forgotten or overlooked right now?

2. Am I still serving others well even when life feels unfair?

3. Do I give God credit first or only when things are going well?

4. Is there a hard truth God is asking me to speak in love?

5. What would it look like to trust God with my timing instead of trying to force my own?