Scripture: Genesis 43:18-25Key Verse: Isaiah 26:3 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Jacob and eleven of his sons were afraid because they did not trust God. That distrust of God led to being dominated by fear. Joseph’s brothers were overwhelmed by fear … Read more
Scripture: Genesis 43:1-14Key Verse: Psalm 56:3 – “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” When we allow our fears to overwhelm us we put fear in control of our lives. Jacob’s life was marked by seasons of faith and seasons of fear. In Genesis 43, we see him paralyzed by fear—delaying the … Read more
Text: Genesis 41:33-57 A Selfless Act (Genesis 41:33-37) Joseph not only interpreted Pharaoh’s dream but also gave a wise plan—without demanding reward. His insight into taxation and food storage showed a remarkable understanding of Egypt’s economy, likely learned during his years managing Potiphar’s household and the prison. Joseph did not look for promotion or reward … Read more
Genesis 41:1-13 Part 1: The Pain of the Peaceless The Walls That Couldn’t Bring Peace Belfast, Northern Ireland, is home to what are ironically called “Peace Walls.” Originally built in the 1920s and significantly expanded from 1969 onward, these barriers were meant to separate warring communities. Yet, rather than preventing violence, many of the Troubles’ … Read more
Part 3: Faith Exalts God Despite the Circumstances Genesis 40:23 Joseph had interpreted the butler’s dream correctly, and the butler was restored to his position. Surely, Joseph must have thought his freedom was near. But the butler forgot him. For two more years, Joseph remained in prison, seemingly forgotten. How do we respond when our … Read more
Part 2: Faith Empowers Us to Help Others Despite Our Circumstances Genesis 40:9-22 Even in prison, Joseph had the wisdom, compassion, and faith in God to look beyond his own suffering and recognize the needs of others. He noticed the sadness of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, and he took the time to ask them what … Read more
Devotion 3: “Secure in His Walk with God” Scripture: Genesis 39:13-23 Key Verse: “But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy…” – Genesis 39:21 After Joseph resists temptation, he is falsely accused and thrown into prison. Yet, even in this moment of apparent defeat, the Bible reassures us: “The LORD was with Joseph.” … Read more
Scripture Reading: Genesis 37:5-11; Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 3:5-6 On Sunday we continued our series of sermons at Bedford Bible Church going through the Book of Genesis. We’re picking back up after a short break with the life of Joseph. This is part 3 of 3 summarizing that sermon with some devotional thoughts. You can listen … Read more
This afternoon as my family and I drove into a car park we laughed at a situation unfolding between a dog and its owner. They had just returned from a walk, and the medium sized dog had in its mouth a stick about 6ft long. I got out of the van and before walking away … Read more
In Joshua 4 the nation of Israel face the opportunity to end their wilderness wanderings, enforced because of the faithlessness of a previous generation, and they prepare to enter the land which God has promised to them. Standing between the promised new life and the trials of the old life, flowed the mighty river Jordan. … Read more