Kristi Burchfiel

VERSE:Genesis 50:21–So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.TRUTH:How do we treat people who have wronged us? Joseph’s response was to forgive so completely that he could love and serve them. Do we allow God to work through us to forgive others that completely?RESPONSE:Lord, help me to let go of the wrongs others have done to me and love them as You love them.

VERSE:Genesis 49:6–Let my soul not enter into their council, let not my glory be united with their assembly because in their anger they slew men and in their self-will they lamed oxenTRUTH:Jacob’s final words to his sons. Simeon & Levi are noted as violent. When we’re around people, are we seeking peaceful people or self-willed people?RESPONSE:Lord, help me be a peacemaker and not seek advice of those people who are angry or self-willed.

VERSE:Genesis 48:11–Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face and behold God has let me see your children as well.”TRUTH:Our expectations are limited by what we see and know. God can do so far above what we expect or anticipate. Do we trust Him to bring about what is best for us?RESPONSE:Lord, Your plans are better than my plans. Help me to trust in You.

VERSE:Genesis 47:10–An Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.TRUTH:At first glance, this seems backwards. Usually it’s the ruler that blesses the people that come into their presence. In this case, regardless of money, power, things, etc, it is Jacob who blesses Pharaoh. Jacob knew the living God and if we know Him, we are to be a blessing to anyone and everyone we come in contact with.RESPONSE:Lord, help me to bless those around me with You.

VERSE:Genesis 46:3–He said, I am God, the God of your father, do not be afraid to go down to Egypt for I will make you a great nation there.TRUTH:Jacob had concerns about moving his family to Egypt. God reassured him. If we are seeking God and His will then He will give us peace that we are being obedient.RESPONSE:Lord, help me to trust You and seek after You in all things. Thank You for Your peace.

VERSE:Genesis 45:8–Now therefore it was not you who sent me here but God; and He has made me a  father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.TRUTH:Joseph didn’t blame others for his difficulties and he didn’t take credit for his successes. Joseph acknowledged God’s hand in every area of his life and gave God glory.RESPONSE:Lord, help me rest in Your plan when things are hard and give You glory when things seem easy.

VERSE:Genesis 44:23–Now therefore please let your servant remain instead of the lad, a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers.TRUTH:Judah had made a promise to their father and now he was being tested to see if he would be willing to go through with it. Are we people of our word? Do we follow through on the promises we make?RESPONSE:Lord, help me to be a person of integrity, even when it is difficult and hard.

VERSE:Genesis 43:2–So it came about when they had finished eating the grain which they had brought from Egypt that their father said to them, Go back, buy us a little food.TRUTH:Jacob tried to avoid sending Benjamin. He thought he could wait it out. Do we delay obedience because of fear or lack of faith?RESPONSE:Lord, turn my fear into faith today!

VERSE:Genesis 42:8–But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him.TRUTH:Joseph had a golden opportunity to exact vengeance on his brothers for the way they treated him. Instead, he chose to check for repentance and to love them. When we find ourselves in positions of power over others, how do we respond?RESPONSE:Lord, help me to treat others with Your love and grace, regardless of how they have treated me in the past; even when it seems easier to take revenge.

VERSE:Genesis 41:39–So Pharaoh said to Joseph “Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are.”TRUTH:True wisdom comes from God. We can do logical and common sense things on our own, but wisdom comes from God. Do we try to do things on our own or are we trusting in God for wisdom throughout our day?RESPONSE:Lord, help me look to You for the wisdom to handle every situation I face today.