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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for September 2013
October 1, 2013
Genesis 37:13 – And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.
Thought: Joseph was a teenager when these words of his father were spoken to him. I wonder if this trip was going to inconvenience Joseph in any way? I wonder if he had better things to do? I wonder… It did not matter to Joseph. He was not going to rebel against his father. He was eager and willing to help him. This is seen in his good words: “Here am I.”
Proverbs 1:3
October 2, 2013
Genesis 37:18 – And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
Thought: Anger, jealousy, and hatred filled the hearts Joseph’s brothers. They called him names: “Behold, this dreamer cometh” (Gen. 37:19). They plotted his death: “…and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him…” (Gen. 37:20). Such evil imaginations put these young men at odds, not only with Joseph, but with God. Be careful of wicked plans made against others.
Proverbs 6:9-11
October 3, 2013
Genesis 37:21 – And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
Thought: Here was a brother with both a conscience and a sense of responsibility. As the elder brother, he was obligated to protect Joseph. His conscience would not allow him to kill his own brother. In fact, it was his intent to “rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.” It is not easy to do the right thing. Many no longer act out of either a sense of responsibility or in response to a guilty conscience. Hardened hearts are wicked and dangerous.
Hebrews 3:15
October 4, 2013
Genesis 37:24 – And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
Thought: Before casting Joseph into the pit, they removed his coat of many colors. The text here does not reveal Josephs’ emotional state. Genesis 42:21 tells us that his soul was in anguished, and he besought his brothers, but they would not hear him. No kindness, no compassion, no sympathy, and no pity were displayed. Here, man is pictured at one of his worst moments. Another greater than Joseph would have something similar happen to Him.
Matthew 27:28
October 5, 2013
Genesis 37:26-27 – And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.
Thought: It is interesting how doing the lesser of two evils will often ease the conscience. We see this at times when we confront another about doing something wrong. They will respond with this statement: “Well I could have done this or that, but I did not.” Not doing something worse made the wrong that they did do seem acceptable to them. They failed to realize that wrong is wrong!
James 1:16
October 6, 2013
Genesis 37:33 – And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
Thought: False information produces false beliefs and feelings. Jacob saw Joseph’s blood-stained coat. He rent his clothes in grief. What he believed he stated clearly: “Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.” He was wrong. Joseph was alive in Egypt. This can happen in the spiritual realm. Thus, it is imperative that we put every teaching the test to see whether it is of God.
I John 4:1
October 7, 2013
Genesis 38:11 – Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.
Thought: The lives of others are often greatly influenced by our promises. Tamar’s husband had died. Judah promised Tamar that he would give her his youngest son, Shelah, in marriage as soon as he was old enough. Tamar put her life on hold during this time. The text says that she “went and dwelt in her father’s house.” How many times have our promises caused others to change the course of their lives?
Matthew 5:37
October 8, 2013
Genesis 38:14 – And she put her widow’s garment off from her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.
Thought: Broken promises can bring out the worst in the person offended. Individuals expect us to keep our word. When we do not, anger and a desire for revenge can fill the offended person’s heart. Their retaliation can be swift and powerful. The results of their actions can have enormous consequences. Be honest. Keep your word. It makes for peace.
Ephesians 4:25
October 9, 2013
Genesis 38:15-16 – When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?
Thought: It is what we do not know that can harm us greatly. Judah did not know that he was about to lie with his daughter in law. Had he known he would not have engaged in this action. So many would testify to the same truth. Had they known all about a certain situation, they would not have involved themselves therein. Remember, it never hurts to have all the facts.
Matthew 7:15
October 10, 2013
Genesis 38:24 – And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying Tamar they daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
Thought: Our judgments on others are often very harsh and speedy. It is easy to condemn another’s actions with little or no regard for our own. Judah never thought about his broken promise. He never imagined the child Tamar was carrying was his. All he wanted was to “bring her forth, and let her be burnt.”
Matthew 7:1-2
October 11, 2013
Genesis 38:25 – When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.
Thought: Our sins will find us out. Judah had left these things with Tamar when he slept with her as a promise for payment. She kept them in order to expose Judah’s secret sin. Very few sins are committed without leaving behind some form of fingerprint or footprint. These things are eventually exposed and we are found out.
II Samuel 12:7
October 12, 2013
Genesis 38:26 – And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
Thought: Judah confessed his sin immediately when it was exposed. Far too many times, great men and women have lied about their evil actions. It is best to “come clean.” Yes, there will be shame. Yes, there will be consequences for our actions. However, most individuals are more willing to forgive someone who confesses his transgressions than one who has sought to cover them up.
Proverbs 28:13
October 13, 2013
Genesis 39:2 – And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master an Egyptian.
Thought: God does not forsake his faithful servants. Joseph had been forsaken by his brothers. He had been sold to Potipher by the Ishmaelites. He was in a strange country. However, God was still with him. This was evidenced in some way by Joseph’s prosperity. Yes, God does not forsake his faithful followers.
Psalm 27:10
October 14, 2013
Genesis 39:7 – And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Thought: All situations in life are fraught with temptations. Joseph had been elevated in Potipher’s house to the position of steward. A bleak situation had turned profitable for this young man. However, temptation to sin reared its ugly head. Potipher’s wife eyed Joseph and tempted him to lie with her. Satan was on the prowl. He was seeking to destroy.
I Peter 5:8
October 15, 2013
Genesis 39:8 – But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; there is none greater in this house than I, neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Thought: Here we learn the “trick” in overcoming temptation. It is found in the words: “But he refused…” Joseph had several reasons why he refused, but the point is that he refused. Temptation is overcome by just saying no.
I Peter 5:8-9
October 16, 2013
Genesis 39:10 – And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
Thought: The temptation to sin can be a very persistent thing in our lives. Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife “day by day.” Our resistance must be as resolute as Satan’s persistence. Joseph set his boundaries well. Not only would he not lie with her, he sought not even to be with her.
Proverbs 5:8
October 17, 2013
Genesis 39:15 – And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.
Thought: Evil people will often tell lies on the righteous to bring them harm. Joseph had not sought to harm Potipher’s wife in any way. He fled, leaving his coat, so that he would not commit sin with her (Gen. 39:12). This immoral woman never loved Joseph, she only lusted for him. When the fulfillment of her lust was denied she became angry. Her anger brought lies and revenge upon the innocent.
II Timothy 3:13
October 18, 2013
Genesis 39:20-21a – And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in prison. But the Lord was with Joseph…
Thought: Joseph’s life took another turn for the worse. Potipher accepted his wife’s story and put Joseph into prison. It might have seemed that a good life was over. This young man would now spend the rest of his life in prison. Even if that were the case, “the Lord was with Joseph.” With God by his side, it mattered not who was against him.
Romans 8:31
October 19, 2013
Genesis 40:1-3 – And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt…And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
Thought: God can be at work in our lives and we may not see it. In Genesis 39:20, we learn that Joseph was put into a prison where “the king’s prisoners were bound.” Now we learn that two servants of the king were placed into this prison. Little did Joseph know that God was working in his life. He was still in prison. These two men were only added responsibilities to his daily routine.
Philemon 1:15
October 20, 2013
Genesis 40:6-7 – And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly today?
Thought: The difference between a leader and a great leader is that a great leader truly cares for those under him. He notices the emotions of his followers. He also acknowledges those emotions and seeks to understand them. A great leader enters into the hearts and minds of those he leads. Those who follow a leader of understanding will follow him anywhere.
Hebrews 4:15
October 21, 2013
Genesis 40:8 – And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me them, I pray you.
Thought: Joseph had been a dreamer of dreams. His brothers had referred to him as “this dreamer” (Gen. 37:19). Now, Joseph would become an interpreter of dreams. He acknow-leged, however, that his abilities came from God. Joseph was well aware the God is the giver of all gifts, talents, and abilities that man possesses. Talented men and women would do well to learn this lesson.
Matthew 25:14-15
October 22, 2013
Genesis 40:15 – 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.
Thought: The innocent often suffer at the hands of wicked men. Joseph has been sold by jealous brothers. Joseph had been put into prison due to the accusations of a carnal woman. Joseph had remained faithful through it all. However, the innocent never forget they are innocent. They may suffer affliction with patience, but the fact of their innocence never leaves their mind.
I Peter 3:17-18
October 23, 2013
Genesis 40:21-22 – And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand: but he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Thought: Again, we see that true prophets of God always accurately predict the future. All that they say that comes to pass. Not one word that they predict falls to the ground. False prophets are not so. They made bold predictions, but their words do not always come to fruition. It is sad when many continue to put their hopes in the words of liars.
Jeremiah 7:8
October 24, 2013
Genesis 40:23 – Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Thoughts: One of Joseph’s requests after interpreting the dream of the butler was that he would remember Joseph (Gen. 40:15). This did not happen. Good is not always repaid with good. There are times when good deeds go unrewarded. Does this mean we should do good only when good will come to us? Absolutely not! Do good unto others regardless.
Matthew 5:46-47
October 25, 2013
Genesis 41:1 - And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
Thought: Two “full years” had passed since Joseph had interpreted the butler’s dreams. Surely Joseph thought that he would never be remembered by the butler. God, however, had other plans. The dreams of Pharaoh would trigger the memory of the butler. He would be remembered. It was just not as quickly as Joseph might have liked. Let’s remember that God works on his own timetable.
Psalm 37:5
October 26, 2013
Genesis 41:8 – And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof; and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
Thought: There are many men in our world who call themselves “wise men.” Their wisdom, however, is limited. There comes a time when “wise men” do not have answers. How could life come from non-life? How could order come from chaos? How can matter be eternal? No “wise men” can answer these questions.
I Corinthians 1:19
October 27, 2013
Genesis 41:12 – And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
Thought: Joseph is finally remembered by the butler. This remembrance will probably surprise Joseph. After two years, he probably thought that he was long forgotten by this servant of the king. God, however, was at work. It was time to elevate Joseph to a position of power in Egypt. God’s timing is not the same as man’s timing, but God’s timing is always perfect.
Acts 1:7
October 28, 2013
Genesis 41:14 – And Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
Thought: Why was it necessary for Joseph to shave? Why was it necessary for him to change his raiment? Why? Because he was about to appear in the presence of a king. When a person stood before a king, he was to present himself in a manner that displayed respect for the royal one upon the throne. Question: When we appear before the God heaven, should we display ourselves in a manner that shows reverence and awe for the King of kings?
Psalm 96:9
October 29, 2013
Genesis 41:16 – And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Thought: Man cannot, but God can. This was the thrust of Joseph’s answer to Pharaoh about his ability to interpret dreams. Joseph knew and acknowledged that he did not have the power within himself to interpret dreams. His ability came solely from God. We need to give God the proper credit for all that He does. He blesses. He gives us our daily bread. He redeems. He saves to the uttermost. We can’t, but God can!
II Corinthians 3:5
October 30, 2013
Genesis 41:32 – And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Thought: Pharaoh had dreamed two troubling dreams. There would be seven years of plenty in Egypt followed by seven years of famine. The dream was firmly established. Joseph con-cludes, saying: “God will shortly bring it to pass.” Shortly means soon or in the very near future. Joseph’s words were true. Plenty and famine came to Egypt very quickly. Would that all could understand such words as they seek to understand the book of Revelation.
Revelation 1:1
October 31, 2013
Genesis 41:33 – Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Thought: In times of trouble and distress, nations need men who are discreet and wise to oversee the affairs of the nation. Problems and difficulties await all nations that appoint foolish men to rule over them. Wise and discreet men first and foremost know God and seek His will for their lives in all things. Pharaoh realized he had a wise man before him and appointed Joseph to oversee the land of Egypt (Gen. 39:39-40).
Exodus 18:21
Read devotionals for November 2013