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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for October 2013
November 1, 2013
Genesis 41:41, 46 – And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt….And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Thought: Joseph was a young man when he assumed his exalted position in Egypt. It would have been easy for him to allow his position, power and riches go to his head. Fortunately, Joseph was very mature spiritually. He remained humble before his God. He would not allow pride to corrupt him.
I Timothy 3:6
November 2, 2013
Genesis 41:48 – And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
Thought: Lean times will eventually come. Joseph knew that the prosperity the land of Egypt was experiencing would come to an end. The famine would come. Therefore, he made serious preparations for the future. He saved and stored as much food as possible in every city. Two or three generations ago, our nation’s citizens were savers. That has now changed. We have become a nation of spend and debt. Lean times will come. Many will not be prepared.
Proverbs 6:6-8
November 3, 2013
Genesis 41:53-54 – And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Thought: Preparing for the hard times bring blessings. “…but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.” This did not happen by accident. Joseph’s wisdom enabled this great nation to thrive when others were suffering. Self-restraint and self-sacrifice might be difficult at times, but there are rewards that are reaped for those who plan for a rainy day.
Matthew 25:2-4
November 4, 2013
Genesis 42:1-2 – Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
Thought: Little did Jacob and his sons know that the gears of God’s providence were still grinding. A severe famine would bring this family into Egypt several hundred miles from their home. They knew that they were going for food. They did not know, however, the one before whom they would bow. Could it be possible that dreams do come true?
Ephesians 3:20
November 5, 2013
Genesis 42:6 – And Joseph was governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.
Thought: Many years before this occasion, Joseph’s brothers asked: “Shalt thou indeed reign over us? Or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? (Gen. 37:8). At that time, they hated Joseph for his words and for his dreams. Now the dream was fulfilled. Genesis 42:7 begins with these words: “And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them…” Joseph was vindicated. The God in whom he trusted fulfilled His word in full.
Psalm 37:5
November 6, 2013
Genesis 42:7 – And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
Thought: We are somewhat startled by Joseph’s “rough” treatment of his brethren. Perhaps Joseph knew that this was the best way to get information from his brothers before revealing himself to them. Had he merely sold grain to them, they would have departed from him, perhaps forever. Maybe he did this to impress upon the minds of his brethren that they were truly under his authority just as his dream of the past had indicated.
Luke 24:13-16
November 7, 2013
Genesis 42:16 – Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there by any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies.
Thought: Joseph learned many things about his family by keeping his brothers in ward for a period of time. Joseph knew that these men had been evil in times past. This could have been the reason why he needed to “prove” them. He wondered if they could be trusted. All of us need to learn that when we have broken trust in the past, it is difficult to ever be thought of as a truthful individual again.
Ephesians 4:25
November 8, 2013
Genesis 42:21 – And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.
Thought: The evil we commit in the past often comes back to haunt us. Joseph’s brothers had been very calloused in their treatment of Joseph in the past. He cried for deliverance, but they refused to hear. Now they believed that this evil was happening to them because of their past deeds. Note: Physical evil may not come upon us because of our evil, but if a person has a tender conscience, his heart will be pricked. Even Joseph’s brothers admitted: “We are verily guilty concerning our brother…”
Proverbs 24:11-12
November 9, 2013
Genesis 42:24 – And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.
Thought: Joseph was touched by the guilt and shame that his brothers expressed. His tears surely sprang from a heart of joy. He rejoiced in that his brothers regretted the evil deed they had done in the past. Sadly, many of us have regrets about things we have done to others, but we will never be able to express these to the one we offended. It is better to treat individuals correctly from the beginning.
Hebrews 4:15
November 10, 2013
Genesis 42:28 – And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us?
Thought: Notice that Joseph brothers were troubled when they found their money in their sacks. They did not understand that the providence of God was working for good in their lives. This could happen to any of us. What we perceive as something bad in our lives could be the working of God for good. Be patient. Wait upon the Lord. His bounty may be just around the corner.
Psalm 62:5
November 11, 2013
Genesis 42:36 – And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.
Thought: Jacob’s last few words summarize the way that many feel in life. “All these things are against me.” Relationship issues, financial struggles, sickness and disease, and death can just seem to keep coming. About the time the emotions have dealt with one problem, there is another that arises. The key is to remember that God is behind the scenes. He was about to turn Jacob’s bereavement into utter joy.
Psalm 34:19
November 12, 2013
Genesis 42:38 – And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
Thought: At this time, Jacob’s resolve is very strong. He will not take the chance of a third son being lost. The patriarch does not think that he could survive another son being taken from him. Just keep in mind that what we believe true today may not be an option in the future.
Jeremiah 31:15
November 13, 2013
Genesis 43:11 – And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds.
Thought: Circumstances can change a person’s mind very quickly. Jacob’s resolve at the end of the previous chapter was to never send Benjamin into Egypt. Due to the severity of the famine, however, his mind was changed. There have been many who have said: “I will never,” only to change their minds due to difficult circumstances. My friend, where you are today in your thinking may change in the course of time.
Esther 4:16
November 14, 2013
Genesis 43:12 – And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight.
Thought: There is an old saying that is not used much anymore. It says: “Honesty is the best policy.” Jacob knew that his sons had not paid for their previous supplies. Somehow their money had been put into their bags of grain. Instead of keeping that money, Jacob sought to return it. How many of us have ever been given extra change by a cashier. Were you honest and returned it? Or, did you see it as your good fortune and keep it?
II Corinthians 8:21
November 15, 2013
Genesis 43:14 – 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.
Thought: There are times when the only option that we have is to commit our well-being into the hands of God. Jacob’s family needed food. It could only be found in Egypt. To get it, he would have to send Benjamin. There were no other options. Thus, Jacob committed his family into the keeping of “God Almighty.” If we can just remember that God is the Almighty God, we should not be hesitant to put all of our trust in Him.
Job 34:12
November 16, 2013
Genesis 43:23 – And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
Thought: Joseph’s brothers were taken into Joseph’s house after they arrived in Egypt. They were fearful that Joseph was going to slay them because of the money that was in their sacks from the previous trip. They sought to explain all that happened to Joseph’s steward. He answered with the above words. Isn’t it interesting that we long for God’s assistance, but it is often so difficult for us to see it happening before our eyes. Listen to the steward’s words again: “…your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks…”
II Chronicles 25:9
November 17, 2013
Genesis 43:27 – And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is ye yet alive?
Thought: One of the natural emotions that God has instilled within each man is a love and longing for one’s personal family. Joseph’s heart seems to yearn for his father. He eagerly asks about whether he is alive and of his well-being. Satan has sought to destroy this longing in the hearts of many children today. Busy schedules and self-interest keep many children from honoring their father and mother as they should.
Matthew 15:4
November 18, 2013
Genesis 43:28 – And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.
Thought: This is the third time that we are told that Joseph’s brethren bowed before him (Gen. 42:6; 43:26). Joseph’s dream was being fulfilled over and over again. Joseph’s brethren could not honestly deny the divine nature of Joseph’s dreams. So many today mock the prophecies of God’s Word that are yet to come to pass. When our Lord returns and they confess His name as they bow before Him, they will comprehend the truthfulness of His Words.
Romans 14:11
November 19, 2013
Genesis 43:30 – And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
Thought: The events that were happening were difficult for all involved. The emotions of both Joseph and his brothers were constantly being pricked. Joseph’s joy was so intense that he could not contain himself. He had to seek refuge so he could weep. My friend, there are times to weep for joy. We hope that you have had and will have such joyful occasions in your life.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
November 20, 2013
Genesis 43:33 – And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marveled one at another.
Thought: Joseph’s ordering of his brothers from the firstborn to the youngest should have been a hint to his brothers as to whom he was. They marveled, but they did not put the pieces of the puzzle together. Similar things often happen in our lives. It is not until “after the fact” that we put all the pieces together. If something unique happens today, don’t just marvel. Look to see if there is something important behind it.
Luke 24:15-16
November 21, 2013
Genesis 44:2 – And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.
Thought: Joseph’s actions will cause his brothers deep concern, but they will also insure that his brothers return back to him. Had he not taken these actions, his brethren may have departed from him forever. It has often been said that beyond the dark storm clouds there is a rainbow. Yes, a rainbow awaited the sons of Jacob.
James 1:12
November 22, 2013
Genesis 44:14 – And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph’s house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.
Thought: This is the fourth time that we see Joseph’s brothers bow before him in submission as servants. What his brothers had so vehemently denied when Joseph was young repeatedly came to pass. These repeated actions may have been as much for Joseph’s sake as for the sake of his brethren. Truly, Joseph’s dreams had come from God.
Genesis 37:7-8
November 23, 2013
Genesis 44:18 – Then Judah came near unto him, and said, O my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.
Thought: Judah approaches Joseph with courage. He approaches Joseph with deep concerns. He approaches Joseph with sincerity of heart. It is one of the most exemplary intercessions found in the pages of God’s Word. Judah knows that lives are at stake. In earnest he pleads for himself to be taken so that his father will live. Perhaps there is someone you know that needs an intercessor. Will you become his Judah today?
I Timothy 2:1
November 24, 2013
Genesis 45:2-3 – And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
Thought: The account of Josephs’ life climaxes in these two verses. Joseph had been separated from his family for over 20 years. As he weeps before his brothers, he cries out: “I am Joseph.” In the next verse, he tells them again: “I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.” As he spoken these words, he hoped that he would be believed. In like manner, Jesus has made Himself manifest to the world. He, too, desires for all to believe His claims.
Acts 22:8
November 25, 2013
Genesis 45:5 – Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
Thought: Three times in this section of Josephs’ revelation of himself to his brothers he affirms that it was God who had sent him into Egypt. Genesis 45:8 is the strongest affirma-tion: “So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God…” Joseph could now see the whole picture. His coming to Egypt was essential to the saving of his house. God, using the evil schemes of man, brought good to pass. Joseph saw and acknowledged God’s role in his family’s salvation.
Psalm 105:17
November 26, 2013
Genesis 45:9 – Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not.
Thought: Three times in this discourse Joseph speaks of his father (v. 3, 9, 13). He had been his father’s favorite. He was a loyal and obedient son. Without any goodbyes, he was taken from his father. Joseph now can hardly wait. He will be reunited with his father. His eagerness is found in his words: “Haste ye!” Do you have a reunion planned with a parent? If so, we hope you are anticipating it with great eagerness.
Luke 15:20
November 27, 2013
Genesis 45:14-15 – And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
Thought: In these verses we see a host of things happening before us: the demonstration of brotherly love, forgiveness, reunion, and the expression of such joy that tears were shed. In a lifetime, we may all have one or two moments such as this. These occasions are power-packed. They are difficult to believe. They are transformational. In such times, lives are changed forever.
Hebrews 13:1
November 28, 2013
Genesis 45:18 – And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.
Thought: These are the words of Pharaoh to Joseph. This powerful man opened his heart, his land, and his provisions to Jacob and his entire family. In the midst of a great famine, God’s children had the Lord’s blessings poured out on them. Let us always remember that in the midst of hardship, God can use the most unexpected means to provide for our needs.
Malachi 3:10
November 29, 2013
Genesis 45:26 – And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not.
Thought: God has wired our bodies in such a way that we are protected from the shock of news beyond belief, both bad and good. Our initial response to weighty messages is initially that of denial. This denial keeps the burden from overwhelming us. We are able to absorb the words very slowly and accept them. In time, we digest the news and move forward with life.
Luke 24:9-11
November 30, 2013
Genesis 46:1 – And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer-sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.
Thought: In the difficult times of life, it is easy for men to turn to God. In such times, they are desirous of His help. We must also seek God when His blessings are abundantly poured out on us just as Israel did. He is the giver of all good gifts and deserves our thanksgiving when His abundance is manifested in our lives.
Ephesians 5:20
Read devotionals for December 2013