Joseph‘s integrity and innocence
undoubtedly point to Christ-the suffering Servant who was temptedin every way but did not sin. - P131
If we want to stand a chance against the many temptations that willcome our way, we need to imitate the attitude of Christ and focus ourperspective on the reward that God promises for the faithful. - P131
Then, the fleeting pleasures of this world
will lose their allure and we willfind the strength to say "no" to instant gratification as we say "yes" tothe everlasting blessings that await us in God‘s kingdom. - P131
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that You are always with me.
- P131
Please give me the wisdom to be a faithful steward of all You have entrusted to me.
In Jesus‘ name I pray, amen. - P131
[NIV] 11 One day he went into the house to attend to hisduties, and none of the household servants was inside.
12 She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bedwith me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran outof the house. - P132
13 When she saw that he had left his cloak in her handand had run out of the house, 14 she called her house-hold servants. "Look," she said to them, "this Hebrewhas been brought to us to make sport of us! He camein here to sleep with me, but I screamed. 15 When heheard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me andran out of the house." - P132
20 Joseph‘s master took him and put him in prison,
the place where the king‘s prisoners were confined. Butwhile Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the LORD waswith him; he showed him kindness and granted himfavor in the eyes of the prison warden.
where the king‘s prisoners were - P133
22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those heldin the prison, and he was made responsible for all thatwas done there.
23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph‘s care,
because the LORD was with Joseph and
gave him success in whatever he did.
- P133
Potiphar‘s wife seizes a moment when Joseph is alone in the house withher, but Joseph flees, leaving his cloak behind. - P134
With cunning and spite,
Potiphar‘s wife accuses Joseph of attempted assault, knowing that herword will win against a slave‘s. - P134
A commitment to moral integrity willoften put us at a disadvantage in a world where people gain power andprofit by lying, cheating, and stealing. - P134
But God calls us to be obedientto Him no matter the personal cost. - P134
Our devotion to Him may jeopardize
our worldly prospects, but when wicked people bring us down,
God promises to lift us up again. - P134
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to empowerus with wisdom and courage to always do what is right. - P134
Potiphar receives the false report from his wife and throws Joseph behind bars. - P134
Under these circumstances, Potiphar could have easily put Joseph to death for his alleged crime, but in this relatively lighter purishment we see that God is preserving Joseph‘s life. - P134
Even in prisonGod‘s presence and favor remain with Joseph. - P134
Though it might seerlike all of Joseph‘s hard work and success in Potiphar‘s household havamounted to nothing, God is not done with him yet. - P134
When we suffefor doing what is right, we may start to wonder if God has abandoneus. But Joseph‘s story serves as a reminder that when the world punisheus for our commitment to Christ, God remains close to us, working ouHis plans in our lives. - P134
If you are in that category, stay the course! If God is for you, then itdoes not matter who is against you. - P135
You are not alone, and when youtheserve Christ in hostile environments, He will give you couragedo God‘s will regardless of the repercussions. - P135
Lord, give me the boldness and courage to do what is right in Your eyes evenwhen it may not be convenient. - P135
Help me to honor You with my thoughts,
deeds, and everything I have. In Jesus‘ name I pray, amen. - P135
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