Monday, January 23, 2017

Mon.’s Devo - God’s Provision

Read: Genesis 46:1-47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19
God encouraged Jacob to go to Egypt and that his lost son
Joseph would be there when he passed to close his eyes. He left with 66 people. They were to live in the land of Goshen which was the best farming land of all Egypt where he would be fed daily from the king’s allowance during a time of famine. This is a picture of God’s people and his provision during times of hardship and famine in the world. In the tribulation, it will be very hard to find food especially without the mark of the beast, but this is the way God is going to provide for his children who trust him. Goshen means “drawing near”. It is the provision for all who draw near to God. If you need God’s provision then you need to draw near to God and he will meet your need.
God gave Joseph incredible wisdom to manage and prepare for the famine. When it came, he was able to sustain the country and prosper the kingdom. That is what should happen during hard times for those who rely on God’s wisdom and trust in Him.
Notice that Joseph made clear instructions that he wanted to be buried where his ancestors were buried because he knew that he would spend his time with them under the earth.
I love the parable that Jesus gave the Pharisees. In our world, everyone wants to get healthy and eating healthy has become a religion in itself. What Jesus was saying was it doesn’t do you any eternal good if you eat the right food and then out of your mouth comes gossip, slander, lies, and crude jesting. It is not what goes into your mouth that will eternally harm you, but what comes out of your mouth will.
Psalm 18 is one of my favorites because the things God made are always a picture of God and his ways. His creation speaks with words that aren’t English but they are powerful if you just listen.
Lord, may our thoughts and words glorify you. Thank you for your provision in the midst of lack.

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