DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- POINTING THE WAY

 POINTING THE WAY
Genesis 46:28
 
"Then [Jacob] sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out to him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen."
 
Earlier, Judah was seen as a mediator or intercessor (Genesis 44:18 ff). Here, Jacob chose Judah for this special assignment to lead the troupe to Goshen. Jacob knew his sons strengths and weaknesses, as is evident in the words he spoke concerning each of his sons. Jacob saw leadership qualities that set Judah apart from his other sons. He was praised by his brothers, victorious over his enemies, a ruler with a scepter, and a lawgiver (Genesis 49:8-12). In short, he was a leader. It was befitting that Judah would have these abilities as the progenitor of the Lord Jesus. I am so glad that God has given us leaders who point the way.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God gives leaders who point the way for our benefit.
 
[end]
 
Have a "thankful for leaders" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A FAMILY AFFAIR

 A FAMILY AFFAIR
Genesis 46:5-7
 
"Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. So they .... went to Egypt, Jacob and his descendants with him. His sons and his sons' sons, his daughters and his sons' daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt."
 
There is great emphasis on the fact that all of Jacob's family from the youngest to the oldest went to Egypt with him. His children, his daughters-in-law, and all his grandchildren were included. Pharaoh had made provisions for all of them. No one was left behind. My fervent desire is that all of my family will go to heaven – my sons, my daughter, and my grandchildren. Jesus has provided the way for all of them to go. I don't want any of them to be left behind.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God has made provision for everyone to go to heaven.
 
[end]
 
Have a family day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLING -- EMMANUEL -- GOD IS WITH US

EMMANUEL:  GOD IS WITH US
Genesis 46:3-4

"So He said, 'I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.' "

Jacob did not have to fear what lay ahead because God promised to be with him and bring him through whatever would happen in Egypt. God did not tell Jacob the future for his family – slavery, only that he would be with him until death, and would bring him again to Canaan. (The phrase, "put his hand on your eyes," refers to the old custom of closing a person's eyes after he dies.) God does not always reveal all the challenges that will face me in the future. He only says I don't need to fear because He is with me until death and will deliver me. "No temptation [or trial] has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (I Corinthians 10:13).

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: No matter what the future holds, God is faithful and will bring us through.

[end]

Have a "God with you" day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HEARING GOD'S VOICE

 HEARING GOD'S VOICE
Genesis 46:2
 
"Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, 'Jacob, Jacob!' And he said, 'Here am I.'"
Jacob was no stranger to God's voice because he had heard it so many times before. He had heard God speak when he fled from Esau and had a dream with a ladder reaching to heaven, with God at the top of the ladder saying, 'I am the LORD God" (Genesis 28:13). He had heard the voice again when he fled from Laban and God appeared in a dream calling, "Jacob." And he answered, "Here I am" Genesis 31:11). He had heard the voice a third time when he wrestled with God on his way to the reunion with Esau (Genesis 32:22). Now he was traveling again on his way to Egypt, and God spoke to him again. It seems God spoke to him mostly in crisis situations when he was on a journey somewhere.  Perhaps he was more ready to hear God's voice when his life was in turmoil than when life was easy.  I want to be attentive to listen for God's voice as I travel life's path, especially in crisis situations.    May I be quick to answer, "Here am I." "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it' " (Isaiah 30:21).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God speaks to us as we are traveling through crisis experiences.
 
[end]
 
Have a listening day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- STARTING THE NEW LIFE

 STARTING THE NEW LIFE
Genesis 46:1
 
"So Israel too his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac."
 
When Israel (Jacob) embarked on his journey to the land promised by Joseph and Pharaoh, there were two things that marked his decision. First was whole-hearted commitment, including all that he was and all that he had. When he left the old life, he took with him everything that was a part of his life. He was "all in" – leaving nothing behind. He did not leave a part of himself in the old land, as an escape plan in case this new life did not pan out as he wanted. Some people "try Jesus," like taking a job on a trial basis with the idea that if it doesn't work out, they can always go back. Jacob made a clean break with the old life in order to follow God. The second thing was worship, offering sacrifice to God as he went. God is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). I think these are the identifying attributes of a true Christian – total commitment and worship.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The marks of a truly committed Christian are forsaking all to follow Jesus, and  worshiping.
 
[end]
 
Have a committed and worshiping day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE SPIRIT REVIVED

 THE SPIRIT REVIVED
Genesis 45:27-28
 
"But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. Then Israel said, 'It is enough. I will go and see him before I die.' "
 
When the brothers told their father that Joseph was alive, the heart of Jacob stood still and he did not believe (vs. 26). Jacob was the man of the flesh, and the flesh lives in unbelief. But when he heard all the words and promises that Joseph had said, his spirit was revived and he could respond as a spiritual man – Israel. Sometimes my natural man fails at hearing the news around me, and I live in unbelief. But then I hear again the words of Jesus and my spirit is revived. Words like, "Lo, I am with you always," or "Fear not," or "Come unto me all you who are weary." What comfort, what encouragement, what joy, what renewal comes from hearing all the words of the Lord Jesus. "It is enough" to hear the word of God, because it trumps my fears.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The Word of God revives the failing heart.
 
[end]
 
Have a revived day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE UNTROUBLED HEART

 THE UNTROUBLED HEART
Genesis 42:24-26
 
"So he sent his brothers away, and they departed; and he said to them, 'See that you do not become troubled along the way.' Then they went up out of Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. And they told him, saying, 'Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.' And Jacob's heart stood still because he did not believe them."
 
Joseph sent his brothers away to tell Jacob the good news that he was alive and wanted Jacob to come to live with him. He said, "Don't worry along the way." But when they told Jacob, he did not believe them. This sounds a lot like the Resurrection narrative. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled. I am going to prepare a place for you so that you can be where I am" (see John 14:1-3). Then on Resurrection morning, the women came to the tomb and discovered that He was gone. An angel said, "He is risen! Go and tell His disciples." But when they told the disciples the good news, they did not believe (Mark 16:6-11) – especially Thomas (John 20:24-25) – because they thought He was dead. I have heard the good news that Jesus is alive and that He has prepared a place for me in heaven, and He will bring me to be where He is. I can live with an untroubled heart as I journey to heaven because I believe God – I believe Jesus. There is no fear of death because Jesus is alive!
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: We can live with an untroubled heart about life after death because Jesus is alive.
 
[end]
 
Have an untroubled heart. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PROVISIONS FOR THE JOURNEY

 PROVISIONS FOR THE JOURNEY
Genesis 45:21, 23
 
"Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them carts, according to the command of Pharaoh, and he gave them provision for the journey .... And [Joseph] sent to his father these things: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and food for his father for the journey."
 
Pharaoh not only promised a good place to live when Jacob got to Egypt, he also provided everything needed for the journey to get there – clothing and food, and even transportation – in abundance. How like our God. He not only promises a good place in heaven, but He also provides everything we need on this earth while we are on the journey. "Blessed be the Lord [Adonai] who daily loads us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19).  " 'Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" .... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things' " (Matthew 6:31-32). "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). What a wonderful God we serve!!!
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLES: God knows what we need for the journey, and we can trust Him to provide.
 
[end]
 
Have a trusting day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE GOOD LAND

THE GOOD LAND
Genesis 45:16-18, 20
 
"Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, 'Joseph's brothers have come.' So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Say to your brothers, "Do this .... Bring your father and your households and come to me, and you will eat the fat of the land .... Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours." ' "
 
Because of Joseph, Jacob's family was invited to enjoy the best of the land of Egypt. But the road to get there would be arduous. God promises good to those who trust Him.  Because of Jesus, He promises to supply our needs and feed us in green pastures beside cool waters. So why don't I always experience the good land? The kicker is that the journey to get to the land flowing with milk and honey may be long over some rough terrain, through some dark valleys and over steep mountains. But the promise remains if I will be obedient. The "fat of the land" may not be here and now, but in a distant land far away. Heaven awaits and the best is yet to come.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The road to the good land may be long and hard, but it is worth the journey.
 
[end]
 
Have a journeying day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE REUNION

 THE REUNION
Genesis 45:14-15
 
"Then he fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him."
 
It is a touching scene, this reunion. I've seen it replayed in television stories when two siblings who have been separated since childhood – usually because of being adopted into different families – are finally reunited. First are tears of joy, and hugging and kissing. Then comes the talking as they tell each other about all the missing years.  There are stories about Mom and Dad and experiences they have had through the years that they have missed because of the separation. I've also seen it at the altar many times when a person who has been estranged from God comes back into relationship with Him. There is weeping tears of joy as they love on each other. Then comes the talking as God tells the person about Himself. What a joyous time! Even the angels rejoice when they see God and man reunited again (Luke 15:7, 10).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Reunions are a cause of great joy as long lost relationships are restored.
 
[end]
 
Have a joyous day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MISSIONARIES

 MISSIONARIES
Genesis 45:9-11, 13
 
Joseph said to his brothers, " 'Hurry and go to my father and say to him, "Thus says your son Joseph, 'God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me .... There I will provide for you' " ... So you shall tell my father of all the glory of Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.' "
 
Joseph commissioned his brothers to go to Jacob to tell him the good news that he was alive and was lord of Egypt, and to tell him of all the glories of Egypt. Then they were to bring Jacob and all his family to be near him. Isn't that the calling of a missionary? In fact, we are all commissioned to be missionaries – telling people the good news that Jesus is alive and is the Lord of heaven, telling people what we have seen and heard, telling people of the glory of heaven, and entreating people to come to be near to Him. "Now we are all ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" (II Corinthians 5:20). We have the privilege of bringing people to Jesus.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A missionary is an ambassador for the Lord Jesus, telling the good news that He is alive, and inviting people to come and be near Him.
 
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Have a missionary day.   Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DRAW NEAR

 DRAW NEAR
Genesis 45:3-4

"Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph; does my father still live?' But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, 'Please come hear to me.' So they came near. Then he said: 'I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt.' "

I am sure that when Joseph revealed himself to his  brothesr, all the guilt that they had carried for these many for selling him into slavery rose to the surface of their conscience. They were dismayed as they stood before Joseph because he had the power to condemn them to death for their sin. Instead, Joseph called them to come near to himself. What a demonstration of grace. As I stand before my Savior, I am confronted by the sins of my past. He has the power to punish me and condemn me to hell. Yet in grace, He says, "Come near to Me." Instead of banishing me for my sin, He calls me to Himself, and I draw near to Him. "Having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:21-22).   O, what a wonderful Savior!!!

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The grace of Jesus calls us to Himself in spite of our sin.

[end]

Have a "drawing near" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MEDIATOR

 THE MEDIATOR
Genesis 44:14-15a, 16, 18
 
"So Judah and his brothers came to Joseph's house, and he was still there; and they fell before him on the ground. And Joseph said, 'What deed is this that you have done?' .... Then Judah said, 'What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servant; here we are, my lord's slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found.' .... Then Judah came near to him and said; 'O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord's hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh.' "
 
This is an interesting development in the story. Reuben, as the eldest, should have been the spokesman for the group. Instead, Judah, the fourth-born, became the mediator, especially for Benjamin in whose sack the cup was found. This is important because Judah became a prototype of the Mediator Who was to come, the Lord Jesus, Who was of the lineage of Judah. There are differences, to be sure. Judah was not sinless, nor was he the only begotten of the father. Yet he is a picture of our Mediator who pleads our cause before God. I stand guilty before God. He knows my iniquity and I have no way to justify myself or clear myself before Him. I am speechless except to admit my guilt. But there is a Mediator. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5). "He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). I need a Mediator to intercede for me. And I have One, the Lord Jesus Christ. O thank You, Jesus!
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: As guilty sinners, everyone stands before God in need of the Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
[end]
 
Have a "mediated" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE JOKE

THE JOKE
Genesis 44:3, 6, 12-13
 
"As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys.....So [the steward] overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words.....So he searched. He began the oldest and left off with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city."
 
Joseph is playing a joke on his brothers. He is having some fun at their expense. I don't know the reason. What I do know is that it caused the brothers a lot of anguish. So why do we do it? It seems so much fun, making someone else be humiliated. Being the butt of someone else's joke is not fun. I personally don't like bearing the brunt of someone else's jokes. I don't even enjoy "knock-knock, who's there" jokes. They make me feel so stupid because I don't know the answers. Yet I have been known to play pranks on others – like making people hunt for hidden Christmas presents. I need to remember that making someone else suffer is not funny.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Playing jokes on people may be fun for the joker but is not fun for the jokee.
 
[end]
 
Have a considerate day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MATERIAL THINGS -- A BLESSING AND A TEST

 MATERIAL THINGS – A BLESSING AND A TEST
Genesis 44:1-2
 
"And [Joseph] commanded the steward of his house, saying, 'Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money in the mouth of his sack. Also put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain money.' So he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken."
 
We're talking stewardship. Joseph ordered the steward of his house to give back to the brothers the money they had paid for grain, along with a super abundance of grain – as much as they could carry. So the steward did as he was commanded. He faithfully carried out his duties, and the brothers received more than they had paid for or deserved. But Joseph also included a test that addressed their integrity. How much like God. He has given more material blessings than I have ever sacrificed for His kingdom or could ever deserve. He gives to each man what he can handle – some more and some less. But with the blessings comes the test of stewardship to demonstrate integrity and faithfulness. I want to be a faithful steward of what He has entrusted to me. "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful" (I Corinthians 4:2).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Along with God's blessings comes a test of stewardship.
 
[end]
 
Have a faithful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HAPPY LIVING

 HAPPY LIVING
Genesis 43:33-34
 
"And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another. Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin's serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him."
 
Joseph's brothers did not yet know that this Egyptian ruler was their kin. So they were amazed when they were seated according to age. How could this man know? And when Joseph blessed Benjamin, the only brother born to his mother, they must have begun to suspect that something special was happening and they began to lighten up. Gone was the fear. And gone was the jealousy that had plagued them for years. The fact that the eldest received a place of honor, and the youngest was blessed with five times the food was not a source of contention to them. So their hearts could be released to happiness. Living without jealousy and envy is one of the keys to joyous living. I can truly rejoice when others are blessed.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A happy life is one lived without jealousy and envy.
 
[end]
 
Have a happy life. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- RACE RELATIONS

 RACE RELATIONS
 
Genesis 43:31-32
 
"Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, 'Serve the bread.' So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians."
 
Racial tension is not new to America. It has been around for thousands of years, from the Egyptians and the Hebrews, to Hitler and the Jews, to blacks and whites in America, to South Africa apartheid, to the ethnic cleansing in so many countries in recent history (such as Cambodia, Rawanda, and Serbia and Croatia). Even Christians in the early Church struggled with this problem. The Jews marginalized the Greeks (Acts 6:1), and the Jews of the Circumcision separated themselves from he Gentile believers (Galatians2:11-13). Racial conflict is caused by a feeling of superiority by one group over another. "I'm better than they are." But it should not be so among God's people, because in God's economy, "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ" (Galatians 3:28). Sometimes even saved people feel superior to sinners, when in reality we are all sinners, only saved by grace. In God's eyes, we are all equal – whether rich or poor, smart or dumb, black or white, or any other area of difference. As the old saying goes, "The ground is level at the foot of the cross."
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Discrimination has no place in the heart of the Christian.
 
[end]
 
Have an non-discrimination day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FAMILY REUNION

 FAMILY REUNION
Genesis 43:29-30
 
"Then [Joseph] lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, 'Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?' And he said, 'God be gracious to you my son.' Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there."
 
What a family reunion!!! It appears from the text that Joseph did not even know that he had a younger brother until the other brothers told him (Genesis 42:13). In Joseph's youth before he was sold into slavery, he was Jacob's favorite because he was "the son of his old age" (Genesis 37:3). So Joseph longed for his younger brother that he had never seen. It was a very emotional time when they finally met. And there is still another reunion coming when he will once again be reunited with his father. (His mother, Rachel, had apparently died before they all migrated to Egypt (Genesis 48:7)). I also have a brother, Harold, that I have never met. As a youth, I did not even know that I had a brother who was born and died before I was born until relatives told me, because my parents never talked about him. Now I am yearning for a grand reunion in heaven when I can finally meet my brother. What a family reunion that will be with my father, my mother, my sister, and my brother. I long for all of my family to be there.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is a grand family reunion coming in Heaven.
 
[end]
 
Have a yearning day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE PROCESS

 THE PROCESS
Genesis 43:26-28
 
"And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. And he asked them about their well-being, and said, 'Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?' And they answered, 'Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.' And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves."
 
Humility does not just happen. There is a process that forces us to lose our pride. Joseph's brothers are an example of that process. When they first came to Joseph seeking food, they "bowed before him with their faces to the ground" (Genesis 42:6). This was a common act of courtesy given to those in authority, like I would bow (or curtsy) before the Queen of England. They still had their pride. This time they bowed themselves, but went a step further. They didn't just bow; they prostrated themselves before Joseph. They knew they were in dire need and Joseph could meet that need. The next time they meet with Joseph, they will not just bow; they will fall before him on the ground (Genesis 44:14). They will recognize that Joseph has the authority to kill them. Humbling ourselves before God involves a process. Some people give a tip of the hat to God. Others will bow before him as an act of honor. But when we really recognize God as God who has power over our lives, we will fall on our face before Him (see Ezekiel 1:28; 3:23; Revelation 1:17). It is when I come to that place of falling before Him that He can really reveal Himself. "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, humble yourselves under the hand of the Almighty, that He may exalt you in due time" (I Peter 5:5b-6). It is when I acknowledge my need and acknowledge who God is that I will lose my pride.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The journey from pride to humility is a process.
 
[end]
 
Have a humble day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HIGH NOON

 HIGH NOON
Genesis 43:24-25
 
"So the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. Then they made the present ready for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there."
 
High Noon. The brothers others had to face their fears and meet with Joseph. There comes a time when we must confront our fears. In the movie "High Noon," after running away on the stagecoach with his bride, the Sheriff overcomes his fears and returns to face his enemies. The Sheriff meets the villains in the street for a showdown at noon.  Dealing with my own fears is like that. I try to run away from them, but I live in turmoil until I confront them. Sometimes, as with Joseph's brothers, the fears are unfounded. But I will not have peace until they are dealt with. Fear is a legitimate emotion that God has instilled in us to keep us from danger, but it is a bondage when it controls me. Paul wrote to a young preacher, Timothy, who apparently was being hindered in his ministry by fear, "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7).  Facing my fear is not easy, but it is the path to liberty. 
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Confronting fear is the way to freedom.
 
[end]
 
Have a fearless day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DON'T BE AFRAID

 DON'T BE AFRAID
Genesis 43:19, 23
 
"When they drew near to the steward of Joseph's house, they talked with him at the door of the house....But he said, 'Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.' Then he brought Simeon out to them."
 
It was a fearful group of brothers who came to Joseph's house. They had no idea what God was doing. At the door they met with Joseph's steward, and they tried to explain all the facts of the case to him. But he knew it all because he was acting on Joseph's behalf. What a relief when the steward said, "Peace; don't be afraid. I was in charge." I can see the tension vanish. Sometimes I come to God's house in fear and trembling, and I try to explain to the Holy Spirit all the facts of the situations I face. But He knows it all. I may not understand that the "treasure" in my sack is His work and a demonstration of His grace to me. What a relief when I bare my soul and get it all out in the open – hiding nothing – and hear Him say, "Peace; don't be afraid. I am in charge."
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God knows all the ins and outs of our lives, and we can trust Him.
 
[end]
 
Have an peace-filled day. Love you.