Blessed to be a Blessing

Genesis 39:5 (NIV)
  From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. 

Think on these words for a moment. The LORD blessed the household...because of Joseph. Joseph's integrity and love for God caused even those around him to benefit.  Much more than benefit, they prospered and thrived. Because of Joseph's positive behavior everything and everyone around him profited. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 

How did Joseph keep his faith with all he endured? His siblings rejected him and even tried to harm him. The very ones who should have died trying to keep him safe threw him away as so much
garbage. How do we keep our faith when we are rejected and hurt by those we love?

During seasons of despair, God is there for us. This is easy to say and difficult to embrace, but true. Even Jesus experienced a time of despair when His closest companions couldn't stay awake for a few hours to pray. These same loved ones rejected Him, denied His friendship and ran away!

Consider a time in your life when all seemed lost. Remember that time and bring to mind how God loved you through it. Are you still in that season of loss?  Are you still feeling the pain of rejection? Perhaps your spouse left you, or your business partner cheated you, or your best friend betrayed a confidence.

"The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal." - Jesus Calling (November 12)

The takeaway from today's scripture is the blessing of the LORD will be on us when we follow Him.

Genesis 39:1-10

We all have to start somewhere - Titus 1:1-9

It is interesting to me that the Book of Titus was the first book of the Bible I ever studied.  When I attended the study for the first time, I did not know how to look up Scripture verses in the Bible and felt very awkward and even ashamed.  At the very least I was embarrassed as I stumbled through the Bible in search of the tiny little book called Titus.

You can guess that this book now has a very special place in my heart.  Do you recall where you first began your search for truth; which book was your first experience with Jesus?  About the only thing I remember about that study was that I felt good listening to others.  I knew I wanted to have the same fun they seemed to be having as they read and then discussed.

"Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (Titus 1:7-8)

It is curious to realize the first nine verses address the desired attributes of leadership; in church and in families.  The very qualities I was reading about for the first time was everything I longed for in my own home.  As a young adult I also craved a lifestyle wrought with integrity.  Titus might be a small book but it is a powerful tool to shape a young Christians mind.

Read the text here.  Listen to the text here.