2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Calendar
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
OCTOBER 25
Genesis 46:31 - 47:10
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
Joseph arranged a meeting between his family and Pharaoh to settle his family in Egypt. Joseph had no intention of deceiving Pharaoh or of his family becoming illegal immigrants! He considered it important to properly introduce his brothers and their occupation to Pharaoh. Since they were shepherds in Canaan, they should continue with their occupation in Egypt.
Shepherds were despised in Egypt. Joseph knew this well. He told them to stress the fact that they also looked after cattle. In this way, he hoped to secure for them Goshen to live in. This land was ideal because it was well suited for flocks and herds as well. It was near the capital, where Joseph lived, and he could contact his family easily. It was also isolated and away from the Egyptians, permitting the Hebrews to live their own lives and practise their own culture and religion.
First to appear before Pharaoh were five of Joseph’s brothers. Their answers to Pharaoh were honest and forthright. The first question asked concerned their occupation. They replied that they were shepherds like their ancestors but the famine had taken away pasture land in Canaan. They requested to dwell in Goshen and Pharaoh granted them the privilege. He even invited someone from among them to look after his royal cattle. Pharaoh then summoned Joseph’s family and personally announced his decision. Jacob was so happy with Pharaoh’s kindness that he blessed him. God’s mighty hand had led them all the way!
Do you think Joseph’s brothers were tempted to lie that they were not shepherds? Perhaps. Especially after they knew shepherds were a despised lot, they might have entertained that idea. But they stood their ground and trusted God.
How about you? Are there times when you’re tempted to lie? Perhaps when you’ve done something wrong and want to cover up? Or you have not done something you were tasked, and you’re thinking of giving an excuse. Don’t.
Trust God and tell the truth. If you tell one lie, you’ll have to tell another to cover the first one. And then another to cover the second. Telling the truth may lead us to punishment, but accept that as a lesson so you’d be more careful in the future.
Thought: Truth hurts but heals.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the courage to tell the truth always. Please lead me so that I can be a blessing to people around by the way I live. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted in Junior
Genesis 46:31 - 47:10
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
Joseph arranged a meeting between his family and Pharaoh to settle his family in Egypt. Joseph had no intention of deceiving Pharaoh or of his family becoming illegal immigrants! He considered it important to properly introduce his brothers and their occupation to Pharaoh. Since they were shepherds in Canaan, they should continue with their occupation in Egypt.
Shepherds were despised in Egypt. Joseph knew this well. He told them to stress the fact that they also looked after cattle. In this way, he hoped to secure for them Goshen to live in. This land was ideal because it was well suited for flocks and herds as well. It was near the capital, where Joseph lived, and he could contact his family easily. It was also isolated and away from the Egyptians, permitting the Hebrews to live their own lives and practise their own culture and religion.
First to appear before Pharaoh were five of Joseph’s brothers. Their answers to Pharaoh were honest and forthright. The first question asked concerned their occupation. They replied that they were shepherds like their ancestors but the famine had taken away pasture land in Canaan. They requested to dwell in Goshen and Pharaoh granted them the privilege. He even invited someone from among them to look after his royal cattle. Pharaoh then summoned Joseph’s family and personally announced his decision. Jacob was so happy with Pharaoh’s kindness that he blessed him. God’s mighty hand had led them all the way!
Do you think Joseph’s brothers were tempted to lie that they were not shepherds? Perhaps. Especially after they knew shepherds were a despised lot, they might have entertained that idea. But they stood their ground and trusted God.
How about you? Are there times when you’re tempted to lie? Perhaps when you’ve done something wrong and want to cover up? Or you have not done something you were tasked, and you’re thinking of giving an excuse. Don’t.
Trust God and tell the truth. If you tell one lie, you’ll have to tell another to cover the first one. And then another to cover the second. Telling the truth may lead us to punishment, but accept that as a lesson so you’d be more careful in the future.
Thought: Truth hurts but heals.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the courage to tell the truth always. Please lead me so that I can be a blessing to people around by the way I live. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted in Junior