OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Genesis 39 (Focus vs. 11–22)
MEMORY VERSE
“While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness.” Genesis 39:20–21
BACKGROUND
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped out of their lunar landing module and became the first humans to walk on the surface of the moon.
But we don’t often think about the third person on their team, Michael Collins, who was flying the command module for Apollo 11. After his teammates clambered down the ladder to test the lunar surface, Collins waited alone on the far side of the moon.
He was out of touch with Neil, Buzz, and everyone on earth. NASA’s mission control commented, “Not since Adam has any human known such solitude as Mike Collins.”
There are times when we feel completely alone. Imagine, for instance, how Joseph, Jacob’s son, felt when he was taken from Israel to Egypt after his brothers sold him (Genesis 37:23–28). Then he was thrust into further isolation by being thrown in prison on false charges (39:19–20).
How did Joseph survive in prison in a foreign land with no family anywhere nearby? Listen to this: “While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him” (vv. 20–21). Four times we’re reminded of this comforting truth in Genesis 39.
Do you feel alone or isolated from others? Hold on to the truth of God’s presence, promised by Jesus Himself: “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). With Jesus as your Savior, you’re never alone.
By: Dave Branon
INSIGHT
The book of Genesis shows the contrast between the life of Joseph and the failures of his forefathers. Abraham and Isaac both failed by giving their wives over to foreign powers for selfish reasons (Genesis 12:10–20; 20:1–17; 26:6–16).
Judah failed by committing adultery for his own pleasures (ch. 38). But when Joseph was tempted, he remained faithful to God. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, he said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (39:9).
God would later use faithful Joseph to save Jacob’s family and all Egypt.
By: Jed Ostoich
APPLICATION
When do you feel most alone? How does God remind you that He’s with you in your times of isolation?
PR’s PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
Yes we may feel lonely sometimes but we are never alone
“…And be sure of this: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:20 nlt
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“There are times when (you) feel completely alone…(but) with Jesus as your Savior, you’re never alone.
PRAYER
“Dear heavenly Father, please help me know, as You’ve promised in the Scriptures, that You’re with me as You were with Joseph.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“ALWAYS” Newsong
Do not worry, do not fret,
Do not fear, never forget.
I am with you always,
I am with you always,
I am with you always,
Forever and a day.
This world has trouble,
This world has hurt,
But don’t be discouraged,
For I have overcome the world.
And I am with you always,
I am with you always,
I am with you always,
Forever and a day.
…I am holding you,
In the palm of my hand,
And my grip is strong,
From beginning to the end.
Yes, I’m holding you,
In the palm of my hands,
And my grip is strong,
From beginning
To the end,
From beginning to the end,
And always.
Do not worry, do not fret
Do not fear, never forget.
I am with you always,
I am with you always
I am with you always,
Forever and a day.
And I am with you always,
Forever and (ever)…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE DAILY IN 2023
EXODUS 39-40
MATTHEW 23:23-39