New Assignment

New Assignment

Genesis 39: ¹⁹ So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, “Your servant did to me after this manner,” that his anger was aroused. ²⁰ Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. ²¹ But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. ²² And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. ²³ The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

 

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After being lied on, Joseph was thrown in Jail by Potiphar. But the LORD was with him. The prison keeper showed favor to Joseph and placed him in charge of all of the prisoners.

 

My Observations:

• This prison was probably a place that made the slaves do even more work for the Egyptians.
• I believe the pre-incarnate JESUS would visited Joseph and the HOLY SPIRIT worked on the heart of the prison keeper.
• GOD allowed Joseph to go to prison to also give the prisoners favor.

 

Frome being thrown in a pit to being placed over the palace to being put into prison, Joseph had a strange ride in life. He didn’t ask for the dream GOD gave him and GOD knew that. So far, he was hated by his brothers and lied on by Potiphar’s wife. JESUS walked with Joseph every step of the way. Joseph’s fame may have preceded him as he entered prison.

 

The prison keeper may have known who Joseph was and may have heard of his skills. The men who threw Joseph in jail probably knew about Potiphar’s wife’s lie, but they had to follow orders. GOD orchestrated Joseph’s success in prison for a long-term future assignment. Joseph would one day need the prisoner’s help. GOD gave Joseph a strange assignment that had HIS favor.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the favor HE showed Joseph in prison?
• Have you ever ended up in a figurative prison that robbed you of hope?
• Do you believe that the LORD is with you and HE needs you to view your assignment in a way that HE is showing you favor?

Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends

Colossians 4: ¹⁰ Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have already received instructions to welcome Mark if he comes your way.) ¹¹ Joshua, also called Justus, sends greetings too. These three are the only Jewish believers who work with me for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a great help to me.

 

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“You should steal it” was the suggestion from a guy I knew. We had a few conversations because we were interested in similar groups. I explained my need and his suggestion was to steal it since I did not have the money. “Just take it. Let me do it for you.” I accepted the stolen goods.

 

• I felt something was wrong with his advice.
• I also really, really wanted to fit in.
• I did not think his action was “bad” because he did not get caught.

 

Paul mentions his true friends to everyone. These people stood with him through thick and thin. In other words they went through the trouble he faced. They did this with one major caveat, their purpose was for CHRIST and furthering the Kingdom of GOD.

 

My Observations

• Misery loves company so I have to be careful not to fall into miserable company.
• Only GOD can open my eyes to when I am on the wrong path.
• My circle of friends can be for or against the Kingdom of GOD.

 

Choosing “friends” can be tricky. I mean, if I need to “fit in” I can find all sorts of people who will allow me in their world. But is that world worth it? Sometimes no. GOD’s kingdom is the only place that matters. I can make excuses and justify my actions with a group, but without GOD, all my actions are wasted.

 

GOD’s purpose should be included in my circle of friends. I don’t mean I should isolate from people who are not believers in JESUS. I mean, I should hang with those who will pray, praise and promote who GOD is. I am grateful I have met many who bow down to the Living GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions these people?
• What advice are you receiving from your circle of friends?
• Will you be a friend to someone by living your life with the purpose of GOD today?

Facing Problems

Facing Problems

John 18: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. ² And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. ³ Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. ⁴ Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

⁵ They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. ⁶ Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

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Hostile is the only word I could use to describe the crowd. I had to prepare my notes so I could present the information in a palatable way. The closer it came for my turn to speak, the more scared I became. I took a deep breath because I was super nervous. I stammered over the first few words when I got on stage, but I got through the difficult presentation.

• Sometimes I do not want to face problems.
• Most times I do not want to go through trials.
• Sometimes I just want the problem to go away.

Judas betrayed JESUS with a large number of military soldiers. He had help from the church leaders to gather this kind of power. They were armed and ready for fights. Did Judas stir them up so they expected the crowd to turn against them? In the middle of this tense situation, JESUS faced the problem and calmly walked out and said HE was the one they were looking for.

• JESUS wants me to face problems, knowing HE is with me.
• JESUS wants me to address difficult situations, knowing the HOLY SPIRIT is with me.
• JESUS wants me to accept trials, knowing the FATHER is with me.

Huge problems can be scary at times. BUT GOD is there with me to guide me through the situation. HE gives me strength to face the problem especially when the problem is spiritual in nature.

HE understands the war and knows I will face many battles. HE gets excited, because HE has already won the war because HE was raised from the dead and given all glory. I can face trials with JESUS on my side.

• Are you going through problems?
• Does it seem like there is no way out of the situation?
• Will you face the problem, knowing GOD is with you and cares for you?