Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday January 14, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Preparing The Way

Our tests and trials are never allowed just for the sake of it, God always has a higher purpose for our lives that He is preparing us for through them.
Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 40-42

You can read today's chapters by clicking on the link above, if it does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2040-42&version=9

It had been thirteen years since Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. Following that horrible ordeal, he experienced many painful disappointments, but regardless of his many adverse circumstances, Joseph maintained a steadfast loyalty to God.

At the age of 30, Joseph was called to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph confidently told Pharaoh that God ruled over the affairs of earth. "And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace..............And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.................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." (Genesis 41:15-16,25,32).

Because the Lord interpreted the dreams through Joseph, Pharaoh acknowledged him as the wisest man in Egypt. This former outcast then received Pharaoh's own ring as a sign of his new authority as prime minister of the land of Egypt. "And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt." (41:39-43).

The life of Joseph is a reminder to all of us that the enemies of God can not defeat the person who desires to be obedient to Him, regardless of what circumstances we face. God is in control of the affairs of our lives, even when we remain faithful to Him, we may endure months, or even years of hardship as though He does not care about us nor will do anything to get us out of those circumstances. It is during times like these when God is preparing us, He not only uses them to draw us closer to Him, but gets us ready for the blessings in store for us when they come to pass.

There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity or to prepare us for being used by the Lord. The discipline of hardship is necessary to develop spiritual strength, but it is never one second longer than needed to develop His plan for our lives. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:31-33).

Jesus Christ is Revealed: By the wisdom of Joseph.

"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art" (Genesis 41:39). Jesus holds all wisdom and knowledge and gives it to those who seek it. "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3).

Today's Psalm: 104:31

"The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,

We are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold on to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. In Jesus' name..........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and be blessed.
God bless you,
Christina
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