January 24
Genesis 45
Joseph and his brothers reconcile.
INSIGHT
Forgiveness! Where would we be without forgiveness? Without forgiving and being forgiven?
We see in this chapter a very moving example of Joseph being willing to forgive the very ones who some years earlier had plotted to kill him. Notice that Joseph's ability to forgive was rooted squarely in his theology: "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20).
If we lay hold of eternal rather than earthly things, we can more easily forgive when someone robs us of earthly things. Forgive and accept forgiveness.
PRAYER
· Thank the Lord and praise Him that He forgives us through Christ (John 15:5):
Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons . . .
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him
(Daniel 2:20-22).
· Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart --
These, O God, You will not despise
(Psalms 51:16-17).
· Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
· As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
· spiritual victory over temptation,
· opportunities to serve Him,
· your prayer list.
· Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness
(Psalms 84:10).
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