From Evil to Good

"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."

--Genesis 50:20  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 27, 2013 of Psalm 22:1-10; Matthew 19:1-15; Genesis 49-50.

After Jacob passed, Joseph's brothers feared he would finally retaliate for what they had done to him.  But he didn't.  Instead, again, he assured them he had forgiven them because he had discerned God's plan throughout this drama.  Joseph had to go into Egypt much sooner than the rest so he could prepare the way for their ultimate preservation.  And then Joseph uttered a phrase repeated in a form by Paul in Romans 8:28.  We know that God can work all things for good for those who love Him, who are the called for His purpose.  Joseph was one such called.  God can take the vilest evil concocted by Satan and turn it to good.    Joseph loved God and the Lord had a purpose for him.  He took the brothers' evil act and ended up saving the entire house of Israel.  He does the same for us, if we would just pause for a moment like Joseph and take notice.  Amen.

Thank You, Jesus, for going to heaven much sooner than us so You can prepare the way for our lasting salvation.  Thank You, Father, for taking all the wicked and evil acts men might do and working them to our ultimate good, just as You did when we sacrificed Your Son on that cross.  Forgive us, please holy Lord, when we fail to see the goodness You are and the blessings You provide in our daily lives.  In the holy name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

"I Am There"

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

--Matthew 18:20  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 26, 2013 of Psalm 21; Matthew 18:15-35; Genesis 47-48.

After Jesus was resurrected and ascended into heaven, He sent down the Holy Spirit to be our Companion, to guide us and direct our prayers, to always be with us.  But before that, Jesus promises that any time two or more of us gather together in His name, He will be there with us.  Not only will the Holy Spirit be present in each of us individually, but Jesus Himself will be present too!  How glorious that God's own Son, the Lord of all Creation, would take the time to join us when we meet in His name!  We could never merit such a generous reward.  It is just another example of our Lord's grace in action, His graciousness on display.  Amen.

Thank You, Jesus, for blessing us with Your holy presence.  Thank You for Your ever faithful grace.  May we never take for granted the Holy Spirit dwelling within us or Your willingness to come join us just because we invoke Your name when we gather together.  For all You do for us, Lord Jesus, we thank You and it is in Your wonderful name we pray.  Amen.

God Prepares

"But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life." 

--Genesis 45:5  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 25, 2013 of Psalm 20; Matthew 17:14-18:14; Genesis 45-46.

Joseph's brothers hated him, mostly because of the preferential treatment he received from their father, Jacob.  When the opportunity presented itself, they almost killed him, but instead sold him into slavery and lied to their father saying he had been killed by an animal.  Joseph suffered greatly during these years, including being falsely accused and imprisoned.  But God was with Joseph the whole time and smiled on him so that everything he did or had to do with prospered by God's hand.  Eventually he was made second  only to Pharaoh himself over all Egypt.  In this way he was able to save many lives, and most importantly to preserve the house of Jacob.  God turned evil into good.  Jacob completely forgave his brothers for he saw how God had worked.  Amen.

Heavenly Father, You have promised and we have seen that You will turn any evil into good for those who love You and obey Your voice.  Forgive us, Lord, when sometimes we forget this, when it seems to be taking too long in our time frame, when we feel like we have been suffering without ceasing and without any signs of Your aid.  Help us, please Lord, to understand that You will make all things good in Your time.  In the beautiful name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.