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Murphy's Law states that "If something can go wrong, it will!". Some humorous adaptations of the law include:
Money can't buy love, but it sure gets you a great bargaining position.
The more potential a food has for stains the greater the coverage area when it is hurled by a child.
The motherly advice you ignore will always turn out to be the best advice she ever gave you.
For Joseph's father Jacob, much of his life was a "Murphy's Law" kind of life. But, as you read today's passage (Genesis 42:29-43:15), you see that Jacob was not laughing over the recurring troubles he was having with his family. Though his faith in God was refined by the firestorms of life, Jacob often found himself the victim of his own carnal ways. He would fail to see God at work in these firestorms instead choosing to be paralyzed by fear.
Many of us can relate to Jacob. When we face troubles in our own lives we tend to respond in the same three-step pattern as Jacob.
1. We tend to respond negatively rather than positively.
2. We tend to view problems horizontally rather than vertically.
3. We tend to resist what is new rather than accept it.
Read Genesis 42:29-38. Just prior to this passage, Joseph has Simeon held in prison until the remaining brothers return with Benjamin to prove their story to be true. Now in verse 29, the brothers upon returning to Jacob, tell him of what happened to them in Egypt and the request to return with Benjamin. It is also discovered that all of them had their silver returned to them in their grain sacks.
Jacob responds with a lament over the loss of Joseph and now Simeon and the potential loss of Benjamin. He cries out. . . Everything is against me! (v. 36) He refuses to go along with the request.
It is only when they run out of food again that Jacob finally accepts the request and agrees to the plan. Of course, it is not without complaint and a rehashing of the past. To ensure the best possible outcome, Jacob orders them to take along numerous gifts and double the silver. He also pleads for the Lord's mercy that Simeon and Benjamin would both return with their brothers.
However, yet again, does Jacob's thoughts turn negative in verse 43:14, when he says. . . As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.
So how can we put aside the "Murphy's Law" type thinking in our own life? Here is some practical helps for today:
1. Recognize and admit your negative way of thinking. This is the first step. We need to realize and acknowledge that we have a tendency to respond negatively to life's difficult situations. We automatically assume the worse and don't acknowledge or allow time to see God's leading hand in all of our life. Which leads to the next point, , ,
2. Force a vertical focus until it becomes natural. We need to compel ourselves to look to God in all things until it becomes second-nature to seek God's leading in all of life. So often as Christians, even though we have personal and biblical experiences that point to the Sovereignty of God and His provisions, we act as if He is incapable of leading us through the most challenging of circumstances.
3. Stay open to new ideas. One of the best pieces of advice that I ever received was that you cannot steer a parked car. There are times when waiting upon God requires us to be still before Him. However, there are also many times where we need to move forward and allow God to direct our actions towards His plan and purpose. As we desire to mature in our faith, we need to pray for the discernment to know how to wait upon God--by being still or moving forward and trying out new ideas.
As we compare Joseph's life with his dad's, we see that Joseph did not seem to be burdened by the negative, hopeless thinking of his father. Joseph patiently waited for God's deliverance and remained obedient to Him even in the most difficult of circumstances. It is enough of a contrast, to give us all hope that we can change too!
Note: This devotion is based on the Sermon Series: Joseph, A Man Of Integrity And Forgiveness by Pastor Brian Hammond of Faith Country Chapel New Castle PA. For a CD of this message or the entire series make your request to: faithemc@comcast.net
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Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said, "what is this that God has done to us?" (Genesis 42:28b)
There are lists and then there are LISTS. The former refers to the "to-do" lists that many of us keep to organize our busy lives. The latter refers to the "I've been done wrong list"--the one where we keep a record of all those who have offended us in some way. Even when we claim that we have forgiven someone, we are often guilty of harboring a grudge or waiting for an opportunity to get revenge.
Beginning in today's passage, Joseph is faced with just such a situation. Now, in a position of power as Pharaoh's "second-in-command", he is in a position to exact revenge against his brothers for selling him into slavery many years earlier. Yet, Joseph ultimately resists that temptation. Greater still is how God pricks the conscience of his brothers.
To set the scene, Joseph has been busy preparing Egypt for the coming famine. The storehouses are overflowing with grain. When the famine finally sets in Egyptians and citizens of neighboring countries come to Egypt for food for their survival. Among the outsiders to come seeking food, were Joseph's brothers from Canaan--the ones who beat him, threw him in a pit to die and then sold him instead to be a slave.
His brothers do not recognize him but Joseph knows very well who they are. He sets out to test them. Joseph wants to see if there has been any positive change in them. He accuses them of being spies and orders them into prison. After three days, he tells them to prove that they are not spies they must leave their brother Simeon behind in prison and return to Canaan with sacks filled with grain. They are then to return to Egypt with Joseph's brother Benjamin to verify their claims. Though the brothers did not know this, Joseph's intent was to see Benjamin and to make sure that he did not suffer cruel punishment from his jealous half-brothers as he had.
God used this testing to activate the conscience of the brothers. In verse 21, the brothers realize they are being punished for what they had done to Joseph. Even when he pleaded for his life they were unmoved and remained hateful towards him. In verse 22, Reuben offers up an "I told you so!" Later in verse 28, when they discovered the silver in one of their grain sacks (they soon found out they each had their silver in their grain sacks), they cried out "What is this that God has done to us?"
God activates a conscience when. . . .
We are victims of unfair treatment similar to what we once gave someone else. This was certainly the case with Joseph's brothers. The accusations by Joseph, the imprisonment and the order to return with Benjamin was unfair treatment which caused them to remember painfully their own sinful actions.
We receive undeserved expressions of grace. The discovery of their silver being returned along with the provisions for their travel further pricked their conscience of their own failure to extend grace to Joseph.
God was preparing their hearts for the eventual outcome of this story. They were being prepared for the reconciliation to come. They were also being led to a point of confession and repentance--a point that all of us need to come to when we have sinned against God and man.
Romans 5:6-8 and Ephesians 1:7-8 are important passages to read. As you do, ponder this question: "In light of the grace God has given you through His Son, Jesus Christ, how should you respond to someone who wrongs you?"
Note: This devotion is based on the Sermon Series: Joseph, A Man Of Integrity And Forgiveness by Pastor Brian Hammond of Faith Country Chapel New Castle PA. For a CD of this message or the entire series make your request to: faithemc@comcast.net
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So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Genesis 41: 14
As Christians, we are not immune from persecution, hardship and pain. As we continue our study on Joseph, we know that he certainly experienced his share of affliction and persecution. We last left Joseph sitting in prison. Having been placed there by a false accusation from Poitphar's wife, Joseph was asked by 2 fellow prisoners from Pharaoh's court to interpret their dreams. For the chief baker the end result was death while the chief cupbearer was restored to his position serving Pharaoh. However, he forgot about Joseph who remained in prison for another two years.
Joseph had hoped the cupbearer would call Pharaoh's attention to his plight and thus set him free. That was not the case. Those two years had to be a period of great darkness for him. Fortunately for Joseph, it was only "darkness before the dawn" (Genesis 40:23-41:1) as a significant turning point took place when Pharaoh had a dream (41:1-36). The reward for his patient obedience came as Joseph was promoted to 'second-in-command" in all of Egypt (41:37-46).
What an incredible turn of events for Joseph. He certainly was rewarded with power and riches however, we need to look beyond the bling-bling to see the faithful character that Joseph displayed.
His character reveals two important lessons for us to learn.
1. During the waiting period, trust God without panic!
2. During the time of reward, thank God without pride!
When we face our periods of hardship, we need to be faithful and obedient to God. Hard times were not an excuse for Joseph to abandon God or to go his own way. He continued to live a life of faith that allowed his character to mature.
Finally, when the reward comes--and it will come--our gratitude needs to be directed to God who has sustained us and has led us through the darkness. This is not a time to take pride in ourselves for our toughness or ability to overcome obstacles. Instead, we remind ourselves that "we do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Note: This devotion is based on the Sermon Series: Joseph, A Man Of Integrity And Forgiveness by Pastor Brian Hammond of Faith Country Chapel New Castle PA. For a CD of this message or the entire series make your request to: faithemc@comcast.net
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How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? Genesis 39:9 (NIV)
Today, as we continue our study of Joseph, we find him managing Potiphar’s household. The Ishmaelites, who had purchased Joseph from his brothers, sold him to Potiphar--the 2nd in command to Pharaoh in all of Egypt. This was one of many situations where Joseph’s faith, skills and obedience brought him out of a bad situation into a better one. As head of Potiphar’s household, Joseph was entrusted with great authority and responsibility. Because of him, the Lord blessed Potiphar’s estate.
Joseph was a good looking young man. We read in verses 6 & 7 that he was “well built and handsome” which got him noticed by Potiphar’s wife. She tempted him. . . . many times. He refused each temptation. In fact, in one encounter they were completely alone in the house when she grabbed his cloak. He ran from her leaving his cloak behind. Having been rebuffed by the handsome man she desired, Potiphar’s wife charged Joseph with being the aggressor which landed him in prison.
All of us face temptation, whether sexual or otherwise. How we respond is the key. Joseph provides us with four important and practical insights to help us say no when our lust says yes.
1. Don’t be weakened by your situation. Joseph had it all. He had power and authority. He had attention and respect. Such a lofty position has weakened the resolve of many to honor God and has blurred the lines between right and wrong. Stress, frustration over life events, and busyness can weaken us as well. We must draw our strength from God and seek Him first that life’s circumstances—good and bad—do not leave us incapable of doing the right thing.
2. Don’t be deceived by persuasion. Potiphar’s wife was very direct and persuasive. The tempter or temptress in any sexual relationship will craftily manipulate our natural senses to cause us to lose our common sense. We can be deceived to believe that the short-term pleasure will have no long-term consequences. When it is all over and the pleasure is gone, the painful consequences remain. Be steadfast in the face of the power of persuasion. Flee from it, if necessary. Do not remain long enough to be deceived.
3. Don’t be gentle with your emotions. Be clear and direct in your refusal of the temptation. “Wishy-washy” words and excuses only open another door for the tempter or temptress to enter. Again, flee the situation. Be rude if you must. You and your family cannot afford you being too nice!
4. Don’t be confused by the immediate results. Joseph found himself in prison though he did the right thing. The immediate consequences for you may be negative or have adverse affects but it will likely be short-lived and certainly far less than the damage that could be done to you and your family if you give in to the sensual temptation.
All of us—male or female, young or old, rich or poor—are susceptible to sensual temptation. It may be the temptation to have an affair, look at pornography, to read provocative novels or watch risqué movies or TV shows. Worse yet, one may be driven to sexually abuse a child or another adult. Whenever we step outside of God’s will for sex to be an expression of love in the context of a marriage relationship between a man and a woman, we will face the tragic consequences. Much of our society has attempted to rationalize away the consequences or make them acceptable, but it will never make them disappear or be any less tragic.
Far too many, have experienced the negative results –willingly or unwillingly. I encourage you to seek God’s grace and healing. He is willing and able to bring wholeness to your brokenness. Seek Him in prayer and in the truth of His word. You may need the guidance of pastor or trained counselor to overcome the pain or to deal with the problem that sexual temptation has caused in your life. Confession is truly good for the soul.
For all of us, we need to learn from the example of Joseph to avoid the slippery slope of sensual temptation. A slippery slope it is indeed. Playful flirtation leads to an affair; a few clicks on the internet leads to hard core pornography. Sensual temptation often blindsides us or catches us unaware. That is why the above insights from Joseph’s temptation by Potiphar’s wife can enable us to be wise and decisive in a very critical time.
Don’t ignore the powerful truth. You may do so at you & your family’s peril!
Note: This devotion is based on the Sermon Series: Joseph, A Man Of Integrity And Forgiveness by Pastor Brian Hammond of Faith Country Chapel New Castle PA. For a CD of this message or the entire series make your request to: faithemc@comcast.net
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Message To Dads
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. Titus 2:6 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul instructs Titus to be an example of self-control. This was important because many in Ancient Greek society, not unlike today, did not see the important role that fathers have in setting a godly example for their children. Today, our understanding of the important role that Dads play in the lives of their children has improved considerably. However, many children are still raised in families where men have neglected or abandoned their responsibility as husband and father.
Paul reminds us that as men we are to set a good example of Christian living.In verse 7, we see what kind of men we should be: In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.
· Do What Is Good. Life is filled with choices. Obviously we can do the right thing or the wrong thing. As fathers, we should set an example of prayerfully seeking God's Will for our lives in all situations. When we do good it follows that good things will happen. By instilling that virtue in our children we lead them to the good things that God has planned for them.
· Show Integrity. Often in doing right, we must choose the more difficult or less popular path. Integrity is about having our convictions match our actions, in other words, we walk our talk. The old adage "Do as I say not as I do" doesn't apply. Our actions and words are to be one and the same.
· Speak Well. Paul instructs Titus to have "seriousness and soundness of speech" That doesn't not mean we are to be stern and lack humor and a sense of fun. Rather God has given us the gift of joy and laughter. Being able to laugh about things creates a warm and comfortable atmosphere in our homes. Our homes also should be a place where things of importance and of consequence can be discussed. Our speech should also be encouraging and uplifting.
It is important for us Dads to know that we have young eyes and ears paying attention to us. It is our responsibility to build for them a solid foundation of faith and character. We must actively set the example in our home of faith and commitment to God. To do less would be to short-change our children.
May God Bless your efforts as a Dad! It truly is a great experience!
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