Blogging for Light
Saturday, July 30, 2005
 
Colossians 1:14-23
Today's Scripture

Paul makes is very clear in today's passage that Christ is God, supreme in every way. He is the creator, he is before all things, he holds all things together, and in his special role as Savior he reconciles all things to God through his death on the cross. Through him we appear to the Father as holy and spotless. He is our hope, and as we continue in our faith with him, we can be established and firm.

How wonderful to be loved by a God such as this--who would give his Son for our benefit--the one who not only holds everything together, but can redeem and restore our own broken lives. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

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  • Friday, July 29, 2005
     
    Colossians 1:1-14
    Today's Scripture

    Paul begins his letter to the Colossians by giving thanks for their growing faith and encouraging them to live a life pleasing to God. We can seek the same traits that Paul prayed for these friends: to be strengthened with all power according to God's glorious might, so we may have endurance and patience, and that we may joyfully give thanks to the father.

    Like the Colossians, we can be grateful that we share in the inheritance of the other saints and that Jesus has rescued us from darkness where we find redemption and forgiveness of sin.

    Isn't it wonderful to share such things with other believers? Together with them, we serve a great and loving God.


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  • Thursday, July 28, 2005
     
    Genesis 50
    Today's Scripture

    The book of Genesis comes to an end with the death of Jacob, the renewed forgiveness of Joseph to his brothers, and finally, the death of Joseph. It is an amazing book, with the stories of God's faithfulness in spite of man's frailty.

    My favorite verses in the whole book are in this chapter--when Joseph's brothers come before him after their father's death, seeking forgiveness for selling him to Egypt and fearful of what might become of them now that their father is dead. Joseph gives this great assurance:

    19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." (Genesis 50:19-21, NIV)

    It reminds me of the verse in Romans 8:28--And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) Even in dark circumstances, God can work good. Let us cling to him with the faith of our forefathers, and know that he intends good for our lives. We need not fear when we trust the Lord.



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  • Wednesday, July 27, 2005
     
    Genesis 49
    Today's Scripture

    Jacob has come to the end of his life, and he gives his blessing to his twelve sons. Some of the "blessings" don't sound so great--some will be scattered--others will no longer excel--others will be attacked. He gives special blessings to Judah--who will be the one from whom Christ will come, Joseph, the favorite son, and Benjamin is called a ravenous wolf who devours his prey.

    Jacob, the one who received the blessing from his father Isaac, now passes the blessing on to his sons. These twelve will be the fathers of the tribes of Israel. As Jacob lies dying, he requests to be buried back in his homeland--in the tomb of his father and grandfather. God had seen Jacob through full circle--in good and bad--reunited with all his children and grandchildren in the end. Now he has come to the point where he can "rest with his fathers"--in peace.

    What a lovely picture of a man's last days--may we find peace with God, family, and friends--not just at life's end, but all the way through.

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  • Tuesday, July 26, 2005
     
    Genesis 48
    Today's Scripture

    In this scene from the life of Joseph, his father, Jacob, is dying. Joseph brings his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh to him to be blessed. Though Manasseh is the first born, Jacob blesses Ephraim as the first born, giving them both a blessing, but Ephraim receives the greatest blessing--just as Jacob received the birthright from his brother Esau, who was older.

    It is touching to see father, son, and grandsons together, receiving a blessing and a prayer. Jacob knows that God has been with him throughout his life--protecting him and guiding him through good times and very difficult times. In the end, his family is reunited, though he knows that some day his descendants will return to Canaan--the land that God had promised them all.

    God is faithful to keep his promises. It is good for us to look back and reflect--no matter what our age--and see how God has come to our aid time and time again throughout our lives.

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  • Monday, July 25, 2005
     
    Genesis 47:13-31
    Today's Scripture

    The famine in Egypt continued, until the people had used up all their money to buy food from Joseph and Pharaoh. So, Joseph asked them to sell him their livestock in exchange for food, and when they had sold all their livestock, he bought the land from them and gave them food in exchange for their labor. The people worked for Pharaoh, but they were able to keep 4/5ths of what they grew, giving Pharaoh 1/5 in exchange for the seed for food.

    Joseph helped the people, but the people served and worked with dignity. They were taxed, in a way--20 percent--but they were in a severe time and they were kept from starvation. It seems to me that taxes are more than 20 percent in the US when all things are considered. Joseph was fair and led by the Lord in all his dealings. May we seek God for his wisdom when we encounter others who are in need.

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  • Wednesday, July 20, 2005
     
    Genesis 47:1-12
    Today's Scripture

    Joseph presents five of his brothers, as well as his father, before Pharaoh. Pharaoh asks them their occupation, and when they reply that they are shepherds, he Joseph to appoint one of them to be in charge of his own livestock.

    Jacob himself approaches the Pharaoh, and gives him a blessing or a special greeting of some kind. It is touching to see how the Pharaoh honors Joseph's family and gives them such consideration on behalf of Joseph.

    What a long way Joseph has come from his days as a slave and then a prisoner. And because of his faithfulness and trust in God, he became a great leader, one who benefited many. May we strive to be like him--as we see how he sought the Lord in every situation and circumstance.

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  • Monday, July 18, 2005
     
    Genesis 46
    Today's Scripture

    Jacob is finally reunited with his long lost son, Joseph. God has blessed Jacob with children and many grandchildren. All come to Egypt to be under the protection of Joseph, who can supply them with land and food, thanks to his favorable position with Pharaoh.

    The little nation of Israel is displaced in Egypt for the time. One day they will return, but for now, they enjoy the best of the land of Egypt. Through the many years of suffering, God was with Jacob and Joseph. Now they are together and can enjoy family life for the years they have remaining.

    Isn't God good?

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  • Saturday, July 16, 2005
     
    Genesis 45
    Today's Scripture

    There is a happy ending for Joseph and his brothers, as he reveals himself to them and showers them with love and forgiveness. Through much pain and trial, God brought Joseph to a place of prominence--a place where he could be in a position to save the lives of many people, including his own family.

    Today I am experiencing some minor disappointments--things that will be fixed, but that just take some time and figuring out. I need to have the faith and positive attitude that Joseph exhibited--knowing that God can take any situation and work God from it. Joseph had even come to the point of seeing that the Lord had sent him to Egypt--not his brothers--for the very task of helping others. May we be able to see God's hand in the midst of or disappointments and even times of despair.

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  • Friday, July 15, 2005
     
    Genesis 44
    Today's Scripture

    Joseph sets a test for his brothers to see where there hearts truly are. After giving them a banquet, he gives them their food, returning the silver they had brought. And he puts his own silver cup in Benjamin's sack.

    Then he tells the stewards to go to the brothers, search their sacks, and bring back the one brother who has the silver cup.

    When the brothers are overtaken by the stewards, they proclaim their innocence. Yet, a search of all the sacks produces the cup in Benjamin's. All the brothers return to Joseph to ask for him to allow their brother to go to his aged father.

    Judah shows the most humility. He asks Joseph to take him instead of Benjamin, explaining that this youngest brother was born in his father's old age and it would kill him to lose him, especially after his sibling, Joseph, was taken from him.

    God had been working in the brothers' hearts over the years. Next time we'll see Joseph's response.

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  • Thursday, July 14, 2005
     
    Genesis 43
    Today's Scripture

    Joseph's brothers return to Egypt for more food, for the famine continued in Canaan as well as other places. They told Jacob they would need to bring Benjamin along, because Joseph had required they do so if they wanted their brother released from custody. Jacob did not want him to go, but Judah convinced him that he would protect Benjamin. So Jacob sent many gifts along with his sons.

    When they arrived, Joseph had them brought to his house for a meal and treated them to a find banquet--arranging them at the table in age from oldest to youngest. He ran away to weep when he saw Benjamin, for he didn't want to reveal his identity just yet. He repaid the unkindness and cruelty dealt him by his brothers with graciousness and hospitality.

    If someone had treated me as badly, I can't imagine repaying them with so much favor. Joseph was truly a faithful follower of the God who loved them all.

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  • Wednesday, July 13, 2005
     
    Genesis 42
    Today's Scripture

    Joseph sees his brothers, as they are sent to Egypt by their father to get food, for the famine was severe in their land as well. He recognizes them, but they do not know who he is, as he speaks Egyptian and uses an interpreter, and must have worn the clothing and hair style of an Egyptian.

    The brothers come to Joseph and bow down to him--and Joseph remembers the dream about them kneeling before him. Although he knows they are his kin, he decides to pretend that he believes they are spies, and demands that they bring their youngest brother back to him as proof they are honest men. He has them all detained for three days, then releases all but Simeon. He sends them back with food, as well as the silver they had brought for payment.

    Jacob is distressed when they return without Simeon and hears that Joseph wants to see Benjamin. Only Joseph knows the whole story of God's wonderful provision for his family. The truth will be revealed to all of them soon enough.

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  • Tuesday, July 12, 2005
     
    Genesis 41:41-57
    Today's Scripture

    God's provision is marvelous. He used the wisdom of a former slave and prisoner to feed the people in famine-affected lands throughout Egypt and beyond. Because of God's revelation to Joseph in Pharaoh's dream, he knew there would be seven years of family followed by seven years of plenty, and planned accordingly. When the people grew hungry, Pharaoh told them to come to Joseph and do what he told them.

    Joseph opened up the storehouses and the people from all over came to buy the stored grain. God also blessed Joseph personally, by giving him a wife and two sons.

    Perhaps we don't have the wisdom or patience that Joseph exhibited, but we do serve the same God. When times are troubled, let us come to him and seek wisdom and patience. And when times are good, let us remember to thank him for his many blessings.

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  • Monday, July 11, 2005
     
    Genesis 41:1-40
    Today's Scripture

    Pharaoh, leader of all Egypt, has a dream that disturbs him. The cupbearer finally remembers Joseph and comes to the king with word that there is a Hebrew who could help him with his dream. Joseph is released from prison and comes before the king.

    After many years of trial and servitude, Joseph finds himself in the presence of the Pharaoh. He gives God the credit for interpreting dreams--then listens to pharaoh and gives advice for what the dream may mean and what steps he should take to heed the dream's warnings.

    Joseph, the dreamer, becomes the interpreter of dreams for a king. God elevates him to a position of power. In all the dark times, Joseph did not forget the Lord, and his faithfulness was rewarded.

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  • Saturday, July 09, 2005
     
    Genesis 40
    Today's Scripture

    In prison, Joseph meets two officials who had angered Pharaoh, his cupbearer and his baker. Both men had dreams, and Joseph, who credited God with the interpretation for dreams, helped the men understand them. One outcome was favorable to the cupbearer, but the other dream meant death for the baker. Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him when he returned to the Pharaoh, but the cupbearer forgot.

    Even in the darkest circumstances, there are still ways God gives us to use our gifts. Joseph used his gift of interpreting dreams, even though it was not a pleasant outcome for one of the dreamers. He did not sulk and despair in his time in prison, although he certainly must have been discouraged at times. But God was with him, and he had hope that the cupbearer would remember him at a good time in Pharaoh's presence.

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  • Friday, July 08, 2005
     
    Genesis 39
    Today's Scripture

    Being a slave and then a prisoner--these are not exactly jobs where one could hope for success and leadership. But Joseph made the best of his bad situation--and as a slave in Potiphar's household, he worked hard and gained Potiphar's trust, until he was managing almost all of his affairs.

    Enter the wicked wife--who desires Joseph for herself. He resists, time after time, but one day she finds him a long and grabs his cloak. He runs, but she retains his cloak and says that he tried to seduce her. Potiphar is incensed and has Joseph thrown in prison.

    You would think Joseph would go into deep despair after this incident. But God was with him in prison. He made Joseph a leader there, too--and the warden of the prison put him in charge of many things there as well.

    It's easy to find ourselves in bad situations where we want to give up or fall into self-pity. No one would have blamed Joseph for feeling sorry for himself in his situation! But instead he worked hard, trusted God, and found the best in the worst of times. If God can work through a life like Joseph's, surely he can help us in whatever situation we find ourselves!

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  • Thursday, July 07, 2005
     
    Genesis 38
    Today's Scripture

    We take a detour from the story of Joseph to focus on the life of Judah, who became the ancestor of Jesus. It seems he left his brothers and started a new life for himself with a Canaanite wife. His oldest son married a woman named Tamar, but his son was wicked so the Lord put him to death.

    As was the custom, the second son was to father the children of his brother's widow, to carry on his line. But the second son spilled his semen on the ground because he knew the children would not be considered his, so the Lord put him to death as well.

    Judah told Tamar to go back to her father's house until his third son grew up, and he feared that this son would die as well. So Tamar went back, the third son grew up, but he was not given to Tamar.

    Eventually, Judah's wife died. Tamar heard that Judah was going to have his sheep sheared, so she dressed up like a prostitute and met him at an entrance to a town on his way. Thinking she was a prostitute, Judah approached her. She asked for something in return for her services, and Judah promised her a young goat. In the meantime, she wanted his seal, cord and staff as a pledge for the goat. Judah gave it to her, and she became pregnant.

    Later, Judah discovered Tamar's pregnancy and was outraged. Then when she sent back his seal, cord and staff, he realized that she was more righteous than he was. He did not sleep with her again, and she gave birth to twins--one of whom is listed in the lineage of Christ.

    Francine Rivers retells this story eloquently in her novella Unveiled. I found this an excellent read and an interesting look into the life of Tamar and the thoughts she may have had and the life she may have lived. Though this book is a fictional account of the true Bible story, the truth of Scripture comes through: that God is loving even when those around us are not, and that he has his hand on those who look to him. Though Tamar was hurt by the men in her life, eventually he blessed her with twin sons. It seems that God does not always--or even often--work in the ways we expect, but when we trust him through difficulties, we can see his hand even in the hard times.

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  • Wednesday, July 06, 2005
     
    Genesis 37:12-36
    Today's Scripture

    We see more character development of Joseph's brothers in this passage. They are angry enough to kill their dreamer brother Joseph, the favorite son. But they agree to throw him into a cistern instead of shedding his blood, since Reuben suggested this. (Reuben planned to save him later.) Then, when Reuben was gone, they saw some traders coming up from Egypt, and decided to sell their brother to them as a slave. (This was Judah's suggestion--he didn't really want Joseph killed, either.) Yet when Reuben returned, he was upset that his brother was gone.

    The brothers decided to pretend Joseph had been attacked and killed by a wild animal and dipped his coat in an animal's blood. Then they brought the coat back to their father, who mourned for many days and would not be comforted.

    Meanwhile, Joseph was sold as a slave. God is at work in the lives of all the brothers--but in the midst of these circumstances, it was difficult to see his hand. We, too, may not see God in the middle of our troubles, but he has the best in mind for us. He will work all things out for good--he can take any trouble and turn it for his glory and our benefit in the long run.

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  • Tuesday, July 05, 2005
     
    Genesis 37:1-11
    Today's Scripture

    I believe that some of the most annoying people are ones who appear to be self-important, brag about their accomplishments, their relationships and display no humility whatsoever. I may appear to others as that at times--but I hope it's not too frequently. I sometimes go overboard in the other direction, taking on a "worm theology" mentality and perhaps putting on a mantle of humility that may, in itself, become prideful.

    Here Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob/Israel, explains about a dream he had to his brothers. We don 't really know if Joseph told the dream about how his brothers sheaves would bow down to his in an arrogant tone or if he was just excited about this dream and wanted to tell them. We do know their reaction--and his father's reaction. The brothers jealousy and hatred for him grew, and even his father asked if he really thought that his brothers and parents should bow before him. But his father kept this in mind, quietly.

    His father, however, did nothing beyond this rebuke to bring harmony to the family as the animosity grew between the brothers. The saga continues as we read more next time. We see that Joseph has more depth and is not just an arrogant teenager as he grows and faces difficult times. More later...

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