Christian Foundations

Genesis 42

Joseph's brothers go to Egypt.
INSIGHT
This puzzling chapter becomes more enlightening when we suggest that Joseph was testing his brothers to discover if they would treat Benjamin differently than they had treated him. The issue was whether or not they could be trusted to bring Joseph's beloved brother to him without harm. While Joseph's heart cried out for reconciliation with his family, he was being cautious for Benjamin's sake. Joseph was wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove (Matthew 10:16).
We should be the same.
PRAYER
· Give heart-felt praise to the all-wise,
all-loving God:

God is wise in heart and mighty in strength.
Who has hardened himself against Him and
prospered? (Job 9:4).

· Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in
fellowship with Him:

I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to
the Lord,"
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin
(Psalm 32:5).


· Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:

Rejoice the soul of Your servant,
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to
forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who
call upon You (Psalm 86:4-5).

· As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
· greater wisdom in dealing with the
problems you face in your life on a
daily basis,
· wisdom for your church's leaders,
· your prayer list.

· Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of
the enemy (Psalm 107:1-2). 

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