Joseph Part 3

"We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son's tunic or not?     

                                                                                                        Genesis 37:32     NKJV

Where had Reuben been? We see in Genesis 37:21 that Reuben's plan had been to go back to the pit, pull Joseph out and take him back to his father. Now, he returns and Joseph has gone. He becomes distressed and in his panic, he displays his heartache. He tore his clothes and went to see his brothers, screaming, 'Where shall I go?' Basically, he was saying, 'What shall we do?'

Reuben had returned from possibly, feeding the flocks further up the country and he knew nothing about Joseph being sold into slavery. The scheming Judah and his brothers had come up with this money-making idea and by doing so, had shown their hypocrisy. Judah said, 'Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh'. Hatred, deceit, hypocrisy, disloyalty and lack of respect were all wrapped up in this action. 

Reuben was dragged into this plot as they killed a young goat and soaked Joseph's coat in its blood. It is so easy to become involved in things you know you shouldn't. We have to watch our every move because the devil is only too willing to win us over. Their next shameful act was to go back to their father with the coat. 'We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son's tunic or not?' They had no respect for their own father and were risking his health by lying to him and giving him this shocking bad news. Note how they said, 'your son's', and not 'our brother's'. They had no feeling for Jacob or Joseph, they were hard-hearted and selfish. It was one big cover up. They misled and lied to their father, who was totally in grief. They even had the audacity to try and comfort him. Genesis 37:35. There appeared no love or sincerity within them, at all.

Meanwhile, the Ishmaelites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer in Pharaoh's army. It's hard to realise it, but God was in total control. He had a plan and getting Joseph to Egypt was the start of it. 

At times in our lives, we struggle with things that happen to us. There is a lot of crookedness in our world; a lot of people who seem intent on hurting and double-crossing people for their own gain. Jealousy, envy, greed, hypocrisy, lies and deceit are only a part of what comes against us. Probably you are on the receiving end of this at the moment. You may feel that there doesn't seem a way out, but there is. God has a plan. He always has and His plan involves you. Stand firm, trusting in Him and watch how He will work things out for you. Joseph's life was going to change dramatically. Do you realise that yours may, as well?

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Joseph. Part 2

"Now a certain man found him, and there he was, wandering in the field. And the man asked him, saying, 'What are you seeking?"                          Genesis 37:12-36    NKJV 

Jacob sent Joseph out one day to find his brothers who were feeding the flocks in the fields of Shechem. Now this is some distance from where Joseph set out and it must have taken him a considerable time. We don't know if he walked or went by horse or donkey. However, he set off and eventually met up with a 'certain man' who asked him what he was seeking. He did this because Joseph was wandering around in the field, apparently lost.

Joseph told him that he was seeking his brothers. The man told him they had gone to Dothan, which was between 12 - 15 miles further on. He told Joseph that he had heard them discussing this. Now, who was this man? Joseph met him in the middle of nowhere and he knew all about his brothers. Did the man know his brothers? Was it someone who knew the family or was it an angel? It was an anomaly, one of the strange things that appear Impossible to work out. It may well have been the angel of the Lord - a theophany, which is an appearance of God or a god to a human being. In other words, a divine manifestation. This would have been similar to what happened to Moses with the burning bush, (Exodus 3). I favour this explanation as there doesn't appear to be any other explanation that is feasible. 

Joseph went on his additional journey to Dothan and as he approached, the brothers saw him coming. 'Here comes the dreamer'. Now ordinarily within family, one would welcome another member happily. Not so here; they plotted to kill him and throw him in a pit. There was no limit to the evil that was in their hearts. They were scheming. Now, there is only one who plots evil and schemes and that is Satan. We're beginning to see who was pulling their strings.

Reuben stood in the gap, attempting to protect his brother. He suggested that Joseph not be harmed, but thrown into a pit instead. It was in his mind to come back and rescue him later. His brothers, at first thought it was a good idea as he could then be left to die there. After this was completed, they sat down and ate a meal. How could they do this? They appeared hard-hearted and full of hatred. The thought of it is beyond belief.

Just then, Judah had a thought, 'let's sell him, we can make money this way.' This was prompted by some travellers who happened to be passing by. They all agreed and Joseph was hoisted out of the pit and sold into slavery for 20 shekels of silver, which is roughly about £4.36 GBP today. This day, Joseph became a slave, sold by his own brothers. It is not unlike Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, which was about £6.55 today. there are some similarities in their deeds. Both were acts of betrayal and a total disregard for a human life.

The only touch of love that was shown here, was from Reuben. He planned to rescue him and take him back home. We need to be aware of hard-heartedness. It can creep up on us so easily; especially when we have been hurt, wronged, feel left out and jealous of someone else's success and generally mistreated. Ensure that you keep your eyes on Jesus every moment of every day.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Joseph Part 1

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children because he was the son of his old age."   v3                                                                                          Genesis 37:1-11     NKJV 

Today, we start our exciting walk with Joseph, the one who came from slavery and became the Prime Minister of Egypt. Jacob's family was quite a dysfunctional one and Jacob's parenting skills left a massive room for improvement. He openly favoured Joseph, because he was the son of Rachel, the wife who had died and who Jacob truly loved. As often happens in families, this favouritism brought major jealousies from his siblings. They hated him.

Joseph, being only seventeen, was not very tactful and it could be said that he had a chip on his shoulder. He also would tell tales about his brothers to Jacob. Verse 3 tells us that Joseph brought a bad report about them to his father. No wonder they felt bad towards him. To top it all, Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colours. This was a symbol of the privilege of the first born. Joseph may have been the first born to Jacob and Rachel, but he was definitely not he first born out of them all. This went very deep with the others.

Then, instead of keeping things to himself, Joseph had a series of dreams and told his siblings and father about them; how they would have to bow down to him v5-9. This infuriated the brothers but it is interesting about Jacob's response. He kept it in mind. v11. Joseph and the others didn't know it but this was prophetic, they would one day bow down to him. Little did they know how or why.

God brings detours in our lives, some that astound us. He does this in order to equip and teach us in His way. With God, we never know what is around the corner. You may be doing some particular job at this time and suddenly, God can turn up and practically push you through a door that you had never seen. heard about or had never even thought possible. He may not but, you have to be open to the fact that, when we give our lives to Him, He has the right to place us where He wants to.It can be exciting and indeed, it can be scary too.

Actually, don't forget, one day, along with everyone else, we will all have to bow down to the King of kings and give an account of our life while here on earth. Rather like Jacob, we need to keep this in mind. With Joseph, this was only the beginning and, it may be the same for you too. You may feel that you're too old to do great things for God. Wrong, God is not into ageism and grey hair does not phase Him either. In God, you are what He wants you to be. 

Get ready for some excitement!

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Your Annual Appraisal is due

 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties; 24 and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."     

                                                                                                      Psalm 139:23-24    NKJV

An appraisal, is an annual assessment of the performance of a NHS worker, Social Care worker or other related workers. It is carried out to ascertain how the worker is doing, what should have been done, what needs to be done and to discuss weaknesses and strengths. It is a good way of checking out where the worker is at. Today's text could be described as David asking God to do an appraisal on him in order to find out the same. 

For a moment, let us imagine that God is doing an appraisal on ourselves. What is He going to find and what changes will need to be made? God searches our hearts to determine where we are at. What is He going to notice? Part of His assessment will be to determine the fruit you are bearing - good or bad. He will investigate us throughly so that He can determine what changes need to be made and what we can improve on. He will ascertain what needs to go into the refuse bin and what state our heart is in, spiritually. 

One question He may ask is, 'Why do you become anxious?' Another may be, 'Why do you worry so much?' How will you answer these two questions? Jesus tells not to worry about things (Matthew 6) and we are told by Peter to, 'Cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you.' (1 Peter 5:7). So why don't we take notice of this. These are weaknesses.

What can we do to improve this? Well, what about, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all you ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.' Proverbs 3:5-6. 

Am I willing to own up to the things that I shouldn't be doing? Ephesians 4:21-32, 'put off concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.'

If we're honest, if we ask God to carry out such an appraisal on us, He will take us up on it and, He will find things that need to change. However, be encouraged, because, He will find the good things too. He knows what you did to bring hope and comfort to someone lately. He knows what a blessing you have been to those who are in need. He looks and He is pleased.

Therefore, an appraisal is not just about bad things, it is also about the strengths that you have and the heart that is gradually - little by little, becoming more like Jesus. Take encouragement because, 'being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.'  Philippians 1:6.

If you mean business with Jesus, then He will do the same with you. He is totally for you!

Tomorrow, we begin our Study of Joseph. Be sure not to miss it.

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Do you seek to please man or God?

"Am I now trying to win the favour and approval of men or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone?                                        Galatians 1:10    The Amplified Study Bible

Paul continually sought the approval of God. He didn't base his decisions on the opinions of other people. He aimed at pleasing God. And so should we.

The world around us is continually trying to put us in a box, in other words trying to compartmentalise us. They feel that we have to belong to this or that and if we are not careful, they will have their way and we'll end up being what we are not led to be. If a person is called to be a Sunday school teacher, then God will open that particular door at sometime in that person's life. To be placed into the role of a carpenter when you're a motor mechanic is a receipt for disaster. A round hole with a square peg comes to mind.

Sometimes, we have to be careful about the burden people place on us. Some people may want us to do a particular thing, but when we feel that it is not the right thing for us to do, they can put a 'trip' on us, making us feel full of guilt, rather like we have let them down, big time. Be careful to avoid this. 

If you set out to please God and to seek His approval and not man's, then at some time, you will come up against opposition. All through life, men and woman of God have to make decisions about their faith that are not pleasing to other people. Peter and John came up against this pressure in Acts 4:18-20. They were forbidden to speak about the name of Jesus. However, Peter knew what he was supposed to do and told them, 'For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.'

Winning the favour of man is not what we, as Christians are called to do. We need to be obedient to people in charge of us and various authorities, of course. But not if it contradicts our faith. We cannot water down our faith to please man, no matter what the cost.

God is calling you to be yourself, not a copy of someone else. God created you as you, not another person. We can't model ourselves on anyone but Jesus. He is our model and our mentor. He is our life and He knows you through and through and loves every part. His word to you today is, 'Seek the approval of God, not man.'

For your diary Monday 14th June, A Study of Joseph begins for a few days

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Earthquakes, open doors and broken chains. Part 2

"Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' 31 So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."       

                                                                                                       Acts 16:29-40     NKJV 

The jailor was totally bewildered, wondering what on earth had happened. Think about it, wouldn't you be? It must have been mind-blowing for him. However, notice what he did first of all. After getting a light, because it would have been very dark in there, he ran to Paul and Silas, fell down on his knees - trembling, He then took them out of the prison and asked what he had to do to be saved.

People notice what we do and hear what we say. As Christians, we are the bible to non-believers. They rarely go to church and many don't own a bible, let alone read one. They can be affected by how we handle ourselves. Here the jailor knew who to run to. He had no doubt heard them singing and praising God; and he had noticed that they were not like the others, they didn't moan, groan or blaspheme. They were a witness for God, and he wanted this.

He couldn't do enough for them, he bathed their wounds, fed them and allowed them to rest in his house. Whilst they did this, they taught him about Jesus and he gave his life to Him, together with his family. He was a new man and was forever changed.

Notice how he took them back to the prison before daybreak and notice how Paul and Silas went with him, willingly. They honoured the jailor because not long after arriving there, the magistrates sent word to release them. If they hadn't have been there, He would have probably been executed. But, he still had his job, he was saved and so were his family.

Paul wanted to make a point here. They were trumped up charges and undeserved beatings on Roman Citizens. He wanted this to sink in and make them sweat. Which they did V38. They begged Paul and Silas to go quietly and, even though it is not mentioned, they probably apologised in a kind of way.

Paul and Silas were not doormats and neither are we. We are to stand up to injustice that we come up against. Certain religions do and noting is said. When Christians do, we are classed as 'do-gooders and troublemakers.' Enough, we serve the King of kings. Stand up for what you believe. We are not called to be walked all over. We serve a God who can cause earthquakes, open doors and break chains. You have an open door, walk through it in the name of Jesus and break someone's chains off them.

For your diary Monday 14th June, A Study of Joseph begins for a few days

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Earthquakes, open doors and broken chains

"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."                                                  Acts 16:25    NKJV 

Paul and Silas were in prison; their crime being Paul had cast an unclean spirit out of a slave girl. She had been a financial asset to some in the city because the spirit had enabled her to tell fortunes for which she charged a fee. This was now gone and the men reported them to the authorities, who in turn put them in jail, after beating them severely with rods. This was quite strange because their act too, was unlawful because Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

They were placed in stocks, something that would have been most unpleasant because the stocks were made out of logs, which were spilt and then drilled making a hole just big enough to accommodate their feet. This would have been tight on their ankles and in such a position, that sleep, would have been very difficult.

But complain they did not, instead they sang hymns and prayed loudly. It's hard to envision this and we need to imagine how we would have reacted if we were placed in this position. Would we pray and sing hymns or would we throw pity parties? Not so for Paul and Silas, they worshipped God and the other prisoners watched and listened to them. They probably would have wondered how and why these men were singing and obviously happy even though their backs were bleeding badly. They would have felt this unnatural.

All of a sudden God turned up in the form of an earthquake. He didn't send an angel this time as He had when Peter had been imprisoned earlier. The earthquake shook the very foundations of the prison and doors were opened and chains fell off the prisoners. It was so severe that the jailor woke up and fearing that the prisoners had escaped, went to commit suicide. As he was responsible for the prisoners, he would have received a nasty execution. Therefore, he preferred to take care of this himself. However, Paul shouted that they were there and eventually the jailer and his family were saved.

The things that we need to notice are the way Paul and Silas handled their situation. They didn't flap or moan; they praised God. Because of this, the prisoners listened to them and this must have had an effect on some of them. And then of course, the way God can turn up in any situation when we give Him the first place, such as praise and prayer. So:

Don't flap or moan, praise and pray instead

Be aware of the impact you can make on others who listen and see your behaviour

Remember, God will turn up if you give Him the first place.

For your diary Monday 14th June, A Study of Joseph begins for a few days

Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com 

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE