VERSE:Hebrews 4:16–Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.TRUTH:Where to go when we need help? The throne of grace. We can come with confidence to the throne where we receive exactly what we need: mercy and grace.RESPONSE:Father, words cannot express my thanks for your mercy and grace, but to know that I may have confidence they are always available is truly amazing!

VERSE:Hebrews 3:3–For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house.TRUTH:Moses brought God’s law to the people, but Jesus was the creator and fulfiller of the law. He stands alone as more worthy of glory and honor than Moses or the law because of his position.RESPONSE:Lord, I praise You for being over all. You are worthy of all glory.

VERSE:Hebrews 2:18–For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.TRUTH:Jesus was tempted and overcame the temptations. Because of this, He is able to help us through the temptations we face, even when they are difficult and painful. Do we rely on the Lord through our temptations?RESPONSE:Lord, help me to allow You to lead me through the trials I go through. You suffered through and overcame, help to do so also.

VERSE:Hebrews 1:10–And you, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the works of your handsTRUTH:God is creator. He laid the foundation for all that we see and know. He is over all and deserves all recognition and praise. Do we acknowledge his work?RESPONSE:Lord, I praise You for Your creation. I praise You for Your attention to detail. I praise You for being over all!

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.