January 21 – Joseph’s behavior should sound familiar

January 21
Genesis 42:18-43:34
Matthew 13:47-14:12
Psalm 18:16-36
Proverbs 4:7-10

Three weeks into the year – and you’ve stayed with us! Thank you! God is blessing your faithfulness! How do I know? If you’ve been seeking God with your whole heart for these last 3 weeks – Psalm 119:2 speaks to you!

Biblical illustrations by Jim Padgett, courtesy of Sweet Publishing

Sometimes you feel like Joseph’s brothers – just trying to put food on the table and a government official is threatening jail time. 

Genesis 42:18 is words of comfort – knowing that the government official is under authority from above!

Genesis 42:27 – Speaking of the brothers – they tried to buy food, but they couldn’t. God used the brother 1) they wanted to kill to 2) store up food for them (before they knew they needed it), 3) give it to them at no charge (even though they tried to pay for it). What other thing has God done through 1) someone we wanted to kill, 2) before we knew we needed it, 3) and gave to us at no charge (and even refused our efforts to pay for it!)

Genesis 43:34 Joseph feeds them at his banquet table – if you’ve heard the Children’s Song – “He brought me to His banqueting table / His banner over me is Love” – what verse is that song quoting?

Matthew 13:50 – again Jesus talks about a “furnace of fire.” Interestingly while Millennials are far less likely to believe in God, attend church weekly, pray, read Scripture, etc than Senior Citizens, they are just as likely to believe Hell is real. Unfortunately many believe its just for Adolph Hitler – but the Bible tells us many, many more will be going there.

Psalm 18:25-26 As you’re journaling about the character of God, perhaps add a list of characteristics that He looks for in us.

Proverbs 4:7 How’s this for an executive summary of Proverbs?

Share how reading thru the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at [email protected] or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

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