Dilemma in the Den of Lions (Daniel 6:10) – PART 3

Daniel 6:10, Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Nathan Hale, a great American patriot during the evolutionary War, was captured and hung by British soldiers. His now famous final words were, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." He was willing to die for his nation and its freedom. Here in Daniel 6, we find a man that would rather die than to give up his prayer time with God.

These 120 conspirators plotted against Daniel that they might destroy him. They just used a falsehood to King Darius in Daniel 6:7. They lied to the king by telling him that all the presidents and princes were in agreement on making a decree that prevented anyone from asking a petition from any God or man, except the king. Then they flattered the king by elevating him to equal ground with Deity.

Darius, having been lied to and flattered with praise, signed the decree. Daniel, knowing the writing was signed, went into his house and his windows being opened in his chamber toward Jerusalem, kneeled down and prayed three times a day and gave thanks as at other times. Daniel was a busy leader but not too busy to pray. If we are too busy to pray then we are too busy! We, as God’s people, need to maintain a constant attitude of prayer. We shouldn’t wait until disaster strikes before we try to pray. Daniel’s prayer time was already open. He prayed and thanked God as he always did. Here was a man who had a consistent walk with God. Daniel was such a godly man that no threat would stop him from praying.

Daniel knew full well what this decree meant and to whom it was aimed. Daniel is one of many in the Bible that were devoted to the Lord in the face of death. It did not change him at all and his enemies were counting on that! He was not going to pray to any man. He was faced with the conflict between man's law and God's law and chose to follow the Lord, no matter what the cost.

Daniel was in his mid to late eighties and had a very consistent walk with God through the years. There was nothing more precious to Daniel than his relationship with God. He was a man of high integrity and was about to be tested and revealed for everyone to see. Daniel placed a high priority on prayer; his prayer life was by conviction. Psalm 55:17, Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. It takes diligence to pray consistently and frequently.

E.M. Bounds describes the depth of its meaning to a devoted heart. “The word prayer expresses the largest and most comprehensive approach unto God. It gives prominence to the element of devotion. It is communion and intercourse with God. It is enjoyment of God. It is access to God.”

Points to Ponder:
We will be tested to see where our priorities are.
We must honestly ask ourselves how much of a priority do we place on prayer.

Questions to Consider:
How precious is your prayer life to you?
Have you committed a time and place where you will pray to the Lord regularly?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I’m often reminded to pray and leave the results up to You. As You stopped the mouths of the lions from killing Daniel, I depend on You to deliver me from our adversary the devil. As I humbly turn to You, help me to follow You faithfully all the days of my life. In Jesus name, Amen!

This was PART 3 of the series titled “Dilemma in the Den of Lions”. Please visit the website tomorrow for Part 4.

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Dilemma in the Den of Lions (Daniel 6:4-9) – PART 2

It was those in high position who envied Daniel and as a result they conspired against him. Jealously was the motive for the lions' den for Daniel. Daniel’s high position was an obstacle to the other rulers who sought to take advantage of their power. His testimony was like salt and light to their evil ambition (Matthew 5:13-14; John 3:20). Daniel’s profession was matched by his practice. These conspirators could find no ground for complaint or any fault against him (Daniel 6:4). His books were in order. His numbers all added up. No bribes had been taken and witnesses to the contrary could not be found. These men investigated Daniel's performance, but could find no fault in his work. These men hated Daniel because he was a righteous man who would expose their corruption and would not let them unjustly profit from their position (John 3:19-21). Few men in high places have much character, so Daniel would not be liked by his peers.

Jealousy is a powerful and destructive force. These men felt that the only way they could entrap Daniel was in the matter of his worship of God. The Word of God had a huge impact in Daniel's life and will impact your life as well. Psalm 119:11, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Daniel was a man of godly character and consistency. Could this be said of you? What kind of example are you to others? The challenge of God's Word is to have a sterling life that is right with God and with men.

The Bible says in Daniel 6:6, they assembled together with the king.
1.They fibbed (lied) to the king (Daniel 6:7a)
They told the king it was unanimous – but Daniel (the chief) was not with them. The ungodly will seek to use their power to destroy the innocent and if they have no information on them that can bring them down, they will make up lies (I Kings 21:13).

2.They flattered the king (Daniel 6:7b)
They appealed to the king’s pride. This is always the design of flattery. Three times, these 120 men gathered behind closed doors to conspire against Daniel (Daniel 6:6, 11, 15). It was their intent on removing Daniel from his position in the kingdom.

Daniel performed so well at his job that the plotters concluded the only way they could "get him” was through his relationship with his God—that is, make some law that he would violate in his faithfulness to God. It was an ingenious, though insidious, plot—and it worked just as they had planned. His conspirators were depending on Daniel being true to his convictions. They were correct. Daniel was going to pray to God even if it cost him his life. They suggested that prayers or petitions be made only to the king for thirty days. He was looked upon as a god. The plotters played on the pride of Darius with their petition by making him so great people had to forgo any petition to anyone except him for thirty days. They told the king that all the presidents and princes were in agreement on this law. This was a lie because Daniel was not a part of it.

These ungodly men finally came to the conclusion in their diligent search that they had no “dirt” on Daniel and that he was clean. They had nothing that they could go to the king about an accuse him of. They could not find any fault or wrong doing in his conduct. What a testimony Daniel had that these men who deeply hated him, like the Pharisees hated Jesus, could not find anything wrong with him! It was not because they did not look, but they found nothing that they were looking for. Daniel was consistent in his conduct, consecrated in his character, and conquered in his calling. These are some principles that we need to remember as Christians.

Prayer, Father in Heaven, I humbly seek Your grace and guidance that I might honor and please You in all I do. Help me as I encounter daily challenges at work that I may glorify You in all my activities with honesty, integrity, character, and fairness. I pray Your blessings on all I do. In Jesus name, Amen.

This was PART 2 of the series titled “Dilemma in the Den of Lions”. Please visit the website tomorrow for Part 3.

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Dilemma in the Den of Lions (Daniel 6:1-3) – PART 1

Joe Lee told an early work experience that helped shape the future course of his life. He got a job in his teens on one of the largest cattle ranches in California. One day, he was instructed to drive cattle from one pasture to another. On the way, he saw that a fence had fallen, and the cattle had gotten out. Rather than continuing, he stopped, rounded up those cattle and spent the rest of the day fixing the fence.

Concerned that he would get in trouble for not finishing the job, he called his boss. When he told him what he had done, rather than getting reprimanded he was praised for taking initiative. “Act like you would if you owned the place,” his boss told him. That principle of integrity—taking diligent care of everything placed in his hand made Joe Lee a great success in the business world but most importantly as a Christian.

Daniel 6 opens with the head of gold being replaced by the silver kingdom, the breast and arms of Media-Persia. King Darius arose to power around 538 b.c. When Darius took over the Chaldean kingdom, he appointed 120 princes to oversee the affairs of the Chaldean province. Over these princes, Darius appointed three presidents of whom Daniel was first in authority. Daniel was the leading president of three presidents that oversaw 120 princes.

This was a new king, but he already knew that something was different about Daniel. The king discerned an excellent spirit in Daniel. Daniel was preferred above all others because of his “excellent spirit.” His reputation as a man of wisdom was outstanding, and his character was impeccable. The king preferred Daniel because of his honesty and integrity. Standing for the Lord is not always easy, but Daniel displayed how to do it well. I Corinthians 10:31, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Daniel's character could not be drowned by floods, burned by fire, corrupted by rust, stolen by thieves, or destroyed by moths.

There may be times when we face persecution, prosecution, destitution, retribution, or execution. God, however, wants us to know that faithfulness to Him is always the right thing in spite of the difficulties. Faithfulness and obedience to Him yield rich rewards and blessings. We never have to be ashamed of our faith in the Lord though the world may try to intimidate us into silence. It is important that we have a good testimony in this world and that others can see Jesus in us.

Daniel completely embraced the things of God in his life. Daniel literally built his life on the Word of God and that was his strong foundation. It is important that we realize that God blesses attitudes and not abilities. There is nothing wrong with having ability, but if our attitude is not right then it does not matter what our abilities are. God can increase our abilities, but our attitudes are directly connected to our heart. There is not one person that can make the right choice for us, we must do it ourselves. There must be conviction in our heart that we are going to do what is right no matter what they consequences may be. We live in a world where people want to be politically correct and be praised, but we must be concerned about pleasing God above all else.

Questions to Consider:
Do you have an excellent spirit?
Are you easy to work with?
Do you work hard and do your best at what you do?"

Points to Ponder:
This was a great testimony for Daniel and a challenge to all of us to have the same kind of attitude.
As Christians, representing the Lord, we should do our best to bring honor to Him.

Prayer, Father in Heaven, I thank You for Jesus Your Son. He is the perfect example of integrity and character. Teach me Your ways and guide my heart. My desire is to be more like Jesus in all my attitudes and actions in a manner that is pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen!

This was PART 1 of the series titled “Dilemma in the Den of Lions”. Please visit the website tomorrow for Part 2.

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Trusting Through Trials (I Peter 5:10)

I Peter 5:10, But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

We will all face trials. Trials and difficult times in the life of a Christian are an opportunity to see how big the Lord is. Remember that God has your trial under control. God often uses the same frost that kills peaches to grow people. A young Christian was trying to get into the peach-growing business. He worked hard and invested all that he had into his beautiful, blossoming peach orchard. Then the frost came, and it destroyed his entire crop. Mad and frustrated at God, he refused to go to church for the next month. The man’s pastor visited his house and introduced himself after knocking on the door. Without opening the door, the young man yelled, “Pastor, I’m not going to church anymore. Do you think I can worship a God who doesn’t care enough to keep my peaches from being destroyed?” The pastor answered, “God loves you more than those peaches. He knows that while peaches can grow without frost, Christians cannot grow without trials. You see, God is not in the business of growing peaches but in the business of growing Christians.” These words changed the young Christian’s entire perspective.

1. Look to the Scripture.
Peter is instructing believers through a difficult area of life. He is encouraging them to listen to what the Bible has to say about trials. Facing trials and dealing with them in a spiritual way goes against the flesh and we need help in that area (READ Galatians 5:17). We must trust in the Lord and realize He has all things under control. Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. God will help us through tough times and we must never forget that truth. The Bible does teach us that there will be difficult times we face as believers and we are never left alone when we dealing with the difficult trials in our life (READ Psalm 23:4).

2. Learn from the Saints.
Godly Christians who walk with God are a great example and encouragement to us. Proverbs 13:20, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. We need to glean wisdom from wise men. We can do that by reading their books, listening to their instruction from online materials that contain their wisdom. When possible, we should seek to speak personally with those who are wise and walk with God (READ Jeremiah 5:5). Help from those who have been tested and remained faithful can be a great resource for any Christian.

3. Listen to the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is vital us and we must be sensitive to Him as He works in our heart (READ Revelation 2:7). The Holy Spirit is the best teacher in the world and we need to listen to what he has to say. John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. He is our personal helper who is available for us 24 hours a day.

Points to Ponder:

• If you’re discouraged today, know that the LORD is working.
• Trust in the promises of His Word and lean completely on them.

Questions to Consider:

• What is the Holy Spirit teaching you from your trials?
• What strengths can you learn from others who have remained true through trials?

PRAYER: Father, thank You for being with me during my trials. You are always faithful especially during my trials. May I continue to learn from You during my trials, and may I never lose hope in You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Our Total Dependence on Almighty God (Revelation 19:6)

Revelation 19:6, And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the LORD God omnipotent reigneth.

When we're committed to carrying out God's will for our lives, we should expect to go through seasons of adversity. Our Father wants us to trust Him completely. God is omnipotent—He is all powerful. He is omniscient—He knows everything. He is omnipresent—He is able to be in many different places at the same time. Our Father is in complete control of every situation.

Our Father is more than sufficient to bring each of His children through any problem we will face. We must not allow our problems to seem bigger than God. Too many of us magnify the problems in our lives when we should be exalting Almighty God and trusting completely in Him.

Sometimes our Father allows our problems to get to the point where we must turn to Him. He wants each of His children to trust totally in Him. Whenever a situation looks hopeless, we should draw nigh unto the Lord and call upon Him. Psalm 91:2, I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Many times, we will be faced with problems that seem to be absolutely impossible to solve. When every door seems to be closed and there doesn't seem to be any way out, we must realize that God can bring us through if we keep our faith in Him and refuse to give up. Matthew 19:26, But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

God's ways are much higher than our ways. We must not limit Him. We don't have to fight every battle by ourselves. He is with us every hour of every day. He wants to help us. II Chronicles 32:8, With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Too many of us want to give up because we're trying to fight battles our Father doesn't want us to fight. Many times we do our best to solve a problem, but nothing we do seems to work. We must not give up. We should persevere because we trust God to fight for us. II Chronicles 20:15, And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

PRAYER: Father, I can't see any way out of this problem. However, I know You can see many solutions to this problem. I trust completely in You. I know You will bring me safely through. I will not give up because my faith in You is strong and unwavering. As You see me through this trail, may You allow others to see You deliver me, that they may learn from You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Today’s devotion is an excerpt taken from the Leadership page from our website. If you would like to read this complete article in its entirety, please open the Leadership link.

A Faithful Friend (Proverbs 27:5-6)

Proverbs 27:5-6, Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

An honest friend will display their love to their friend by correcting them and keeping them from a foolish or fatal act. The kisses of an enemy are deceitful. This warns us that not all kisses are the [Hi, Great to see you.] greetings of a friend. They may come from an enemy and be deceitful. Unfortunately, the Bible is filled with numerous examples of the deceptive kisses of an enemy. The most famous kiss of an enemy was Judas Iscariot kissing Jesus. Though he claimed to be a friend and kissed Christ, he was a traitor.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend. A mark of a faithful friend is that they will be willing to wound us with loving correction. The correction may not feel good but it will be an expression of the love and faithfulness of a friend. The ‘wounds’ are the painful words that must be addressed in a true friendship in order to heal a broken relationship. Before anyone engages in correcting their wayward friend, they should pray for wisdom. Seeking the Lord to lead them in ministering to them as they speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

1. Be candid.
This means we should be direct and honest and not deceitful. If we want to build relationships with others, we must be honest. This means telling people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. Anyone who has a “friend” who refuses to tell them when they are doing wrong, or who plans or participates, they are not their friends. The Bible warns that they are your enemies and their kisses are deceitful. If they really love you, they will say to you, “You know what you are doing is wrong. You know it is different from what you have been taught. You know that God cannot bless it.”

If we are true friends, we will tell our friends the truth to help them, even if it might make them annoyed with us. Always compliment in public and correct in private. No marriage, friendship, or other relationship can survive unless it is built on candidness and honesty.

2. Be confidential.
There are very few people who can be trusted with sensitive, personal information. We all need a friend with whom we can share our hurts, fears, and frustrations. One of the quickest ways to hurt people is to repeat a confidence.

Friends are some of life’s most valuable assets. Acquaintances in life are many; true friends are few. A friend is a trusted confidante whose love is not dependent on performance, and whose influence draws others closer to God. Everyone needs a friend who will be loving and honest to restore them with their faults and flaws. The Lord Jesus Christ saw our greatest need, and He offered us His friendship. If we are to be Christ like, we should show this same friendship of Christ to others.

PRAYER: Father, thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ. You did not forget me, nor You did You leave me alone. Thank You for saving me and for being a faithful friend. In Jesus name, Amen.

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On the Run from the Lord (Jonah 1:3)

Jonah 1:3, But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

When God records the failures of His people, it's not to discourage us, but instruct, help, teach, and warn us. What can we learn from Jonah? Nineveh was a city of wickedness in desperate need of the Lord. The opportunity for revival was great, but Jonah was not concerned about their need. Jonah's self-will took greater priority in his life than God's will.

Jonah had no interest in going to Nineveh to preach to those people. Jonah was willing to serve as long as it was something that was pleasing to him. The problem was not that Jonah did not understand the will of God, but that he did not like it. Choosing your personal will over God’s will always results in consequences. Running from God is a dangerous position in which to be. We can run but we have to "pay the fare." Jonah paid more than the monetary fare for the trip. He paid dearly for his rebellion to God. It costs to disobey, and you will pay for the ticket. The fare included many hidden expenses. Sin costs more than the price tag. Obedience to God will help the economy of an individual, of society and of the nation more than anything else.

When Jonah refused to do the will of God, we find that the devil had a boat waiting. While running from God, Jonah hitched a ride with some Gentile sailors. God sent a storm that threatened to capsize the ship, so the sailors began to wonder about their Jewish stowaway. Even Gentiles knew about the Hebrew God, and these guys had no interest in finding themselves on the business end of his wrath. They knew the risks of harboring a fugitive from the God of Israel. They fell to their knees and pleaded for mercy, then threw Jonah overboard. Favorable circumstances and the absence of pain or difficulties does not mean we have gotten by with disobedience. The storm was disciplinary, intending to teach Jonah and call him back. It was also damaging. Sooner or later others will have to pay for our disobedience.

Jonah was sound asleep (Jonah 1:5) and God had his eye on him. The worst thing about running from God is that one day we run out from behind His protection and are turned over to Satan (I Corinthians 5:5). Still in His permissive will, we miss the blessings of His desired will. The lesson is clear, don't run! If you are running, go back now! Before running from God, ask yourself, How much is my sin going to cost those around me? Because it is usually those near us that suffer the greatest harm for our mistakes.

PRAYER: Lord, I know that You pursue me because You love me. Forgive me for the times I have failed to fulfill Your plan for my life. Thank You for hearing me call out to You as You heard Jonah call out to You. May I have the courage and passion to do Your will the next time You call upon me. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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The Importance of Spiritual Purity (Romans 2:23-25)

Romans 2:23-25, Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

One night in China, missionary C.L. Culpepper stayed up late for his devotions, but as he tried to pray, he felt like stone. Uncomfortable spiritually and not willing to remain in this current state, he asked, "Lord, what is the matter?" He opened his Bible and read from Romans 2:17-25. Culpepper said the Holy Spirit used these verses like a sword to cut deeply into his heart. The Spirit of God convicted him of hypocrisy, a lack of power and ineffectiveness for Christ.

Culpepper awakened his wife and they prayed into the night. The next morning at a prayer meeting with fellow workers, he confessed his pride and spiritual impotence, saying his heart was broken. The Holy Spirit began to convict others of sin so much they could hardly bear it. Revival began to break out in the seminary, schools, hospitals, and area churches as people got right with God and one another. The result of the Shantung Revival was the growth of churches as many got right with God and many were won to Christ.

The effect of this passage on Culpepper was the same goal the Holy Spirit had for the readers of the letter to the Romans. God wanted them to have a change in focus and a change in heart. This was the punch in the long noses of those who were self righteous. It wasn't the possession of the Law, but the practice of it that mattered.

Paul drives his case forcibly against self-righteous Jews. The Jews rested in the Law and trusted it for their righteousness. They boasted that they knew God, knew His will, and chose a higher morality in life because they were “instructed out of the law” each week at the synagogue. They believed they were morally superior than everyone else.

Paul wanted them to stop comparing themselves, stop focusing on the faults of others, and start looking at themselves. Adultery, idolatry, and theft can also be done in the heart. They preached against stealing, yet were guilty of dishonesty in their personal affairs. They preached against adultery, but were secretly guilty of immorality themselves. They preached against idolatry, but profited from secret dealings with shrines of idols. It’s worth noting that hypocrisy deceives the hypocrite, damages unbelievers, and dishonors God.

The Bible teaches that we cannot please God if we do not have a right relationship with Him (Romans 8:8). We are to be right before men but also real before God. Lip-service and life-service are to go hand-in-hand. Our Sunday Christianity should be the same as Monday's. Our inward attitude is what is important to the Lord. God wants our heart and He changes it when we give it to Him. Ezekiel 11:19, And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh. II Corinthians 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Prayer: Father, my desire is to please and honor You in my daily walk with You before others. I know that there is not one thing that I ever perform or ponder that is concealed from You. As You examine my heart, help me to live a life of holiness, honesty, and humility. I ask for strength, patience, and wisdom as I aim to practice Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.

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God is Good…All the Time (Genesis 39:19-23) – Part 2

Genesis 39:19-23, And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. 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 the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.

Joseph continued to trust God and to seek His glory, and give Him the glory for what He had done (Genesis 41:14-16). Ultimately, this moment was not about Joseph; it was about God. Joseph found favor with God and gave God the glory whether he was in prison or the palace. Likewise, as believers, we must stand firm on the Word of God and always seek God’s glory. Therefore, we are to submit to God’s plan even when we cannot understand it (Isaiah 55:8-9). We are to believe in the God of the promise even when it is difficult to believe in the promise of God. Because God is faithful and sovereign, we live with full trust in Him, knowing that even when obstacles appear to prevent His mission, He may use those very obstacles as part of His plan to bring glory to His Son.

Potiphar had Joseph thrown in prison “where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.” Nevertheless, “the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.“ The keeper of the prison promoted Joseph making him a trusty. He quickly became the overseer of the prison. The keeper thus entrusted Joseph with oversight of the entire prison, “because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.” All things were working together for good. God had a greater plan for Joseph and his family. Being in prison was part of the preparation of that plan.

Joseph foreshadowed Jesus through his experiences, highlighting God’s greatest act of redemptive reversal in Scripture. Joseph went from favored son to slave. He suffered unjustly in Potiphar’s house and in prison, but God later exalted him to a place of prominence (the second most powerful person in Egypt) allowing Joseph to save his people. Jesus humbled Himself by leaving His throne on high, taking on flesh, and coming to earth as a servant (Philippians 2:6-11). Jesus suffered unjustly at the hands of the ones He came to save. He was rejected, wrongly accused, and forsaken (Matthew 27:32-56). Unlike Joseph, Jesus was not granted freedom; the sinless Saviour was crucified and buried. But on the third day, God revealed His greatest act of redemptive reversal to the world. Jesus resurrected, arose from a tomb that could not contain Him (John 20:1-18). Sin had been forgiven. Death had been defeated. And Christ returned to His exalted place of glory with the Father where He now reigns for us for all eternity.

Points to Ponder:
God is at work even when we can’t see it.
The circumstances you face today are no challenge to the power and purpose of God.
Like Joseph, we might not be able to see God’s plan at any given moment, but we will see it one day.

Questions to Consider:
How will you respond when it is difficult to feel God’s presence or trust in Him and His promises?
How can you begin to view obstacles in your life as opportunities to share Christ with others?
What are some ways you can encourage one another to continue trusting in God and His promises in difficult circumstances?

PRAYER: God, You are present even when I can’t see Your sovereign hand at work, nor feel Your omnipresent love. Grant me the faith to continue trusting You even in the midst of adversity and suffering, knowing that You are molding me into the image of Your Son. Help me to encourage others with the truth as they endure suffering. In Jesus name, Amen.

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God is Good…All the Time (Genesis 39:19-23) - Part 1

Genesis 39:19-23, And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. 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 the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
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Joseph had been serving Potiphar faithfully and he had caused Potiphar to prosper. He had been true to God and to his master. Potiphar had seen this. He knew Joseph’s character and his dedication to God. However, his circumstances were about to abruptly change when Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of attacking her.

Repeatedly Potiphar’s wife asked Joseph to sleep with her, but he refused every time because he was an honorable and faithful man. Even when no one was around, he fled from her temptation, but she held on to his garment and he left it in her hand. Rejected for the last time, Potiphar’s wife used the garment to falsely incriminate Joseph before her husband, so he had Joseph placed in prison.

For the second time, Joseph was wronged, and again, he remained dedicated to the Lord. Once again it involved his garment (Genesis 37). Now Potiphar became enraged because of Joseph’s garment that his wife gave to him, along with her fictitious story. Although Joseph did what was right and fled from the temptation, he was thrown into prison.

At this moment, one might expect Joseph to lash out at God and curse Him and die. But no, there isn’t even a hint of it. Scripture tells us that Joseph continued in full obedience to the will of God. Joseph’s circumstances continued to become more difficult, but his faith in God grew.

Though Joseph was treated unjustly and his conditions worsened, his hope in God did not waver. Joseph knew that the situation he was facing was not good, but God always is. Adversity and injustice seemed to be a continual part of Joseph’s life in Egypt, but so were God’s presence and goodness. Whether in Potiphar’s house, or in prison, Joseph continued serving God, accepting God’s goodness to him and extending it to others, and God made everything Joseph did prosper.

Like Joseph, we should avoid any situation that could invite such temptations. We should avoid people and settings that could lead us to danger. And if we are being tempted to be unfaithful, we should resist. We should tell a trusted friend to keep us accountable. As much as it depends on us, flee also youthful lusts (II Timothy 2:22). As Christians, we need to follow the same example of Joseph. Joseph resisted her advances (Genesis 39:7) and said, “how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)

Since God extends kindness to us even when our circumstance is difficult, we should respond by showing kindness to one another, even to those who wrong us (Matthew 5:44; 7:12). When we are hurting, we tend to want to hurt others. But we need to put this desire to death, and instead, follow the path of Jesus who served others through His suffering. We need the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, purging the sinful contempt we often have for those who persecute us, and replace it with love.

Point to Ponder:

• God is good even when our circumstances are difficult.
• Find a trusted friend that can help you in critical times of temptation.

Questions to Consider:

• What temptations are you currently facing?
• How can you turn temptation into an opportunity to show God’s glory?

PRAYER: Father, thank You that You gave me Your Word to instruct me in my daily walk with You. I seek your wisdom that I might avoid the snares of the enemy. Help me abide in You so closely that I depend only on You and not in something that could enslave me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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