As usual I have spent my Saturday morning at Blackbird, sipping coffee, reflecting on God's Word and observing the various people as they come and go. I have been out of town this week and tried to make several post earlier. As I challenged each of you to do, I emailed Pastor Jay to let him know I was praying for him as he was God's messenger during Dexter Baptist's revival. I received a kind response from him on Tuesday afternoon thanking me. I hope you made him aware of your support also.

A couple of things are happening today. First, the "Gospel Sing" benefit for Ted Austin will be occurring between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Please try to attend and let Robin know you are praying for her brother. The benefit is free, but donations will be accepted. This evening, our church is sponsoring a children's event beginning at 6:00 PM. You can review the post this past Sunday to discover more about these events.

Have you studied your lesson for this week. The title is "When All Hope Seems Lost." I posted an introduction to the subject on Monday. No one has responded with a comment, but I hope you have read it. If not, please review the post in preparation for this week. Our scripture this week begins with Genesis 39:21 and concludes with Chapter 40.

We Can Trust God - Genesis 39:21
At this time life was difficult for Joseph. I am sure Joseph had difficulty seeing God at work; but He was! Can you relate? This verse is short but powerful. It contains a proclamation and two assurances. Can you identify them? I am reminded of Romans 8: 28-31. Specifically verse 31 - If God be for us, who can be against us? We must remember God's sovereignty extends to our lives. Because He is is sovereign we can trust Him at all times.

We Can Serve Others - Genesis 40:2-3, 5-8
I believe God wants us to model servant leadership. This was taught and demonstrated by Jesus on many occasions. I can remember where Jesus done so - when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, the teaching of the first shall be last and...more. Can you identify others? If so, bring them tomorrow and share with the class. Joseph was assigned the responsibility of serving the Chief Butler (Cup Bearer) and Chief Chef (Baker) while they were in prison. He did so faithfully even though he had a right to be bitter and defiant. After all, he was stolen and sold into captivity, he was falsely accused, and imprisoned. Little did Joseph know that God's sovereignty was at work. What is the lesson here? Regardless of our circumstances we can respond in love to everyone. Joseph went about his daily responsibilities and continued to believe in God. He looked for every opportunity to point to God. God used his faithfulness to eventually remove him from this situation and catapult him into prominence. He accurately interpreted the dreams of the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker. He gave God the glory, verse 8, "do not interpretations [dreams] belong to God? Tell me them [your dreams] I pray you."
Joseph found ways to serve God in prison. We should find ways to serve God in our circumstances also.

We Can Seek Help - Genesis: 40:9-15
Joseph interpreted the dreams of the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker. This had to be difficult for Joseph. In these verses we discover much about Joseph and his relationship with God. God revealed the meaning of each dream to Joseph before he told the two men. One was good and one was bad. Did he have to deliver the good with the bad? Would it be proper for Joseph to interpret one dream and not the other? Especially in light of his challenge in verse 8. How would you have responded?

We know that Joseph interpreted both - the good with the bad. God gave him this ability and he had be faithful to it. This is true for us today!!! We may not have the ability to interpret dreams, but we do have gifts that lead others to Christ. By faithfully using our gifts God will be glorified. Joseph knew the interpretations were accurate and would come to pass. He believed God. After he interpreted the dream to the Chief Butler he ask to be remembered. Little did Joseph know that God was at work in his circumstances. We should provide and seek help in time of need. God works through people and we should seek aid from those who may be able to help in out time of need.

We Can Be Patient - Genesis 40:20-23
Joseph did not doubt the interpretation of the dreams. The next few days created hope for all three. First, the Butler hoped the interpretation would come true. Second the Baker hoped the interpretation was false. Finally, Joseph hoped the butler would remember him and help him out of this dreaded place. Each day provided its own level of hope and anxiety. A true reflection of how it is when our lives seem hopeless. Time passed, the interpretations proved true and the Butler forgot about Joseph. It is difficult to be patient when things are bad. How do you think Joseph felt? Let's discuss tomorrow.

Until next time.....

Danny