Thirsty for Thankfulness: Day #15

         Thirsty for Thankfulness: Day #15

"But Joseph said to them, 'Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.." ~Genesis 50:19-20

Joseph is yet another figure in Scripture who learned to be humble and give credit where credit was due--to the Almighty God. Joseph may not have been humble growing up as a favorite of his father, who also had a special coat to prove it, but he learned humility and praise for God along his path.

Our routine: 

• Sit down together. 
• Enjoy the cup of blessing that can be provided by a good dose of Scripture. 
• Stay and linger with our Creator as we reflect on our blessings as revealed in the words we read each day. 
• Close with words of prayer to help deepen our relationship with Almighty God.

Scripture: 

Genesis 37

Background: This chapter famously tells of Joseph's brothers stripping Joseph of his coat, selling him, and reporting to their father that he had been attacked and killed.

Joseph was later falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and put in prison. While in prison, Joseph interpreted dreams of fellow prisoners. They later remember this when Pharaoh is struggling with dreams. Joseph was then sent for...

Genesis 41:15-16

"So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.

Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I had a dream and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.'

"I cannot do it.' Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.'"

Genesis 45: 4-8a

"Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph! Is my father still living?' But his brothers were not able to answer him because they were terrified at his presence. 

Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come close to me.' When they had done so, he said, 'I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 

So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God,'"

I Samuel 3:10

"The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!'

Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening."

Reflection: 

Being willing to be used by God. Being able to submit to God's will. Being open to making the best of a situation. 

Joseph and Samuel both show an openness to be used by God and to follow His plan instead of their own. 

Let us be willing to follow the example. God can and does gift us in numerous ways, and those gifts are to be used to glorify God and further His Kingdom. 

Prayer:

Almighty God, Thank you. We are grateful for times of comfort and we are thankful for times of challenge and growth. Help us to acknowledge You in both. Father, we ask that the Holy Spirit keep us in tune with You and help us to grow to recognize Your Voice, Your Will, and Your Work in our lives. In Jesus' Name. Amen.