Daily Devotionals

Monday, June 30

Read: Genesis 37 and 39

Consider: This week we’re reading one of the great stories of the Old Testament. The daily scripture readings are rather long compared to most weeks, but it is a narrative, so it is a fast and interesting read.

There’s a payoff at the end that I want us to see, but let’s also enjoy the journey of Joseph’s life. It’s a fascinating and inspiring journey.

In today’s readings we see two recurring themes. One is that Joseph is the victim of grave injustices – being sold into slavery by his brothers and being thrown into prison for a crime he did not commit. The second recurring theme is that “the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did” (39:23). Do those two themes seem contradictory?

It seems that God is at work in and through Joseph’s life regardless of his unbelievably tragic circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see You today in all my circumstances. Work in me and through me regardless of what happens around me.”

Tuesday, July 1

Read: Genesis 40 and 41

Consider: Joseph endures yet another injustice…

     “But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.” (40:14-15)

     “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” (40:23)

And yet, Joseph still prevails. In chapter 41 God makes Joseph the second most powerful man in the world. Sold into slavery, thrown into prison, and then…WOW!

How is God working behind the scenes in your life? What do you think He may have in store for you that you have not yet imagined?

Pray: Ask the Lord to help you live in the present, but to be aware that He has your future in His hands.

Wednesday, July 2

Read: Genesis 42 and 43

Consider: It appears that Joseph has good plans for his brothers, but they are in the dark. The events are confusing to them. It will be some time before they understand the mercy that will be shown to them.

Can you think of times when you were in the dark? You were convinced that God had forsaken you. Nothing seemed to make sense. But later, when His mercy was evident, you discovered that He was watching out for you and caring for you the whole time.

Pray: Ask God to help you delay judgment when it appears that He’s abandoned you. Remember, when you can’t trace His hand, you can still trust His heart.

Thursday, July 3

Read: Genesis 44 and 45

Consider: Is that a great story or what! I’m amazed at what Joseph said to his brothers…

     “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (45:8)

In spite of all the pain and injustice that Joseph endured, he was able to rejoice that God had used it all to save the lives of so many people. He says something similar in 50:20…

     “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Pray: Ask the Lord to help you understand what it means that “God intended it for good.” While Joseph is not saying that God causes harm, he is saying something about what God can do in us and through us in times of adversity.

Friday, July 4

Read: Acts 16:6-10

Consider: This is not simply a geography lesson. There is something happening here. We read that they were “kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia” (16:6) and that “they tried to enter Bithynia , but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” (16:7).

Do you think they were frustrated? They were trying to serve Christ but He kept closing doors on them. But wait…

     “During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia , concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:9-10)

God was closing the doors until they discovered the door that God had prepared for them to enter.

Take some time to remember the closed doors in your life. Also remember the doors that opened for you. How did the closed doors impact the opened doors? How much of that was your doing and how much was God’s?

Pray: “Lord, as I seek Your will for my life I pray that you will help me to sense the excitement of finding Your will. I don’t want to be frustrated if it takes time. Rather, I want to rejoice that You have a plan for me and that over time You will make it known to me. Thank You!”

Saturday, July 5

Read: Jeremiah 29:10

Consider: While this is a promise to the people of God collectively, I believe that we can also claim it as a promise to us individually. Why not commit this verse to memory? It will serve you well.

     “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Pray: Spend some time in thanksgiving.