Biblical Discussions in Faith for Everyday Christian Life

Category: Daily Devotion

  • From the Pit to the Prison: Joseph’s Journey – Part One

    From the Pit to the Prison: Joseph’s Journey – Part One

    Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37, a tale woven with favor, jealousy, betrayal, and divine purpose. It is a journey that echoes through time, reminding us that even in the midst of trials, God is always working behind the scenes.

    A Dreamer’s Destiny: Favor and Jealousy

    Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob, favored above his brothers and gifted a coat of many colors, a symbol of distinction and love. This favor, however, bred jealousy among his brothers. When Joseph shared his dreams of future leadership, their resentment only deepened. The weight of divine destiny rested on his shoulders, but his brothers saw it as arrogance.

    “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” (Genesis 37:3-4, KJV)

    Their envy festered, leading them down a path of betrayal.

    Sold into Slavery: A Dark Turn in God’s Plan

    One day, as Joseph approached them in the fields, his brothers saw an opportunity to rid themselves of him. They conspired against him, plotting to kill him. But instead of murder, they cast him into a pit and later sold him into slavery for twenty pieces of silver. To cover their tracks, they dipped his coat in the blood of a goat and presented it to their father, leading Jacob to believe his beloved son was dead.

    “And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood… And Jacob rent his clothes, and mourned for his son many days.” (Genesis 37:31-34, KJV)

    Joseph was betrayed by those closest to him, much like another biblical figure—Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph was sold for silver, Jesus was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver by Judas.

    “Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.” (Luke 22:3-4, KJV)

    Echoes of Betrayal: Patterns in Scripture

    The story of Joseph is not the only example of betrayal leading to redemption in the Bible. Consider the story of David and King Saul. Saul, once a mentor and protector to David, became envious of him and sought to take his life. Yet, through all of Saul’s attempts, David trusted in God’s plan, never seeking revenge.

    “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19, KJV)

    Similarly, the story of Job speaks of suffering without reason, yet Job remained faithful, and in the end, God restored what was lost. Joseph’s story follows this same arc—betrayal, suffering, endurance, and ultimately, redemption.

    From Servant to Prisoner: A Test of Integrity

    Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Though a slave, Joseph prospered because the Lord was with him. Potiphar saw that everything Joseph touched was blessed, and he placed him in charge of his household.

    “And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.” (Genesis 39:3, KJV)

    However, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of wrongdoing after he resisted her advances. Her lies led to Joseph’s imprisonment, yet even in prison, God’s hand remained on him.

    “But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” (Genesis 39:21, KJV)

    Just as before, what seemed like a setback was part of God’s greater plan.

    Lessons from the Pit and the Prison

    Life often places us in situations where we feel betrayed, abandoned, or forgotten. But just as Joseph’s betrayal was part of a greater divine plan, our struggles can be used for a greater purpose.

    “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV)

    Joseph’s journey from the pit to the prison reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God’s hand is at work. When facing trials, we must trust in His plan, forgive those who wrong us, and remain steadfast in faith.

    A Call to Trust, Forgiveness, and God’s Sovereignty

    Joseph’s life is a testimony of resilience and divine intervention. Like him, we may face betrayal, but God’s purpose will always prevail. If you are struggling with forgiveness or trust, take heart—God is working behind the scenes, shaping your story for His glory.

    Reflection Questions:

    1. Have you ever faced betrayal? How did you respond?
    2. How does Joseph’s story encourage you to trust in God’s plan?
    3. In what ways does this story point to Jesus?

    Final Encouragement:

    No matter what trials you face, remember: God is in control. Just as He turned Joseph’s pain into purpose, He is working in your life, even when you cannot see it.

    Let’s Pray:

    • Lord, help us trust in Your plan, even in difficult times.
    • Give us the strength to forgive those who have wronged us.
    • Let Your will be done in our lives, just as it was in Joseph’s.

    May Joseph’s journey be a beacon of hope, reminding us that every pit we find ourselves in is just a step toward the promise. God is writing your story—trust Him to finish it.

  • Jesus and the Children – Love and Humility

    Jesus and the Children – Love and Humility

    One of the most beautiful moments in Jesus’ ministry was when He welcomed the little children. It wasn’t a grand event or a theological debate—it was simple, real, and full of love. Picture the scene: parents bringing their children, hoping for a blessing, only to be turned away by the disciples. But Jesus saw what was happening and wasn’t happy about it. He called the children over, wrapped them in His arms, and blessed them.

    Jesus’ Open Arms

    Mark 10:13-16 captures this moment perfectly:

    “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16, KJV)

    Jesus didn’t just tolerate children; He welcomed them with open arms. He didn’t see them as a distraction or as less important. He saw their innocence, their trust, and their humility—and He pointed to them as an example for all of us.

    The Simplicity of a Child’s Faith

    Kids don’t overcomplicate things. They trust without hesitation. They believe wholeheartedly. That’s the kind of faith Jesus wants us to have—not skeptical, not jaded, but open and full of expectation. He calls us to let go of our pride, our doubts, and our need to be in control, and to simply trust Him like a child trusts a loving parent.

    True Humility

    Jesus also used children as an example of humility. In Matthew 18:3-4, He said:

    “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4, KJV)

    Children don’t seek status or power. They aren’t trying to prove their worth. They simply accept love and offer it back. Jesus tells us that this kind of humility is what makes someone truly great in God’s kingdom.

    Loving Those Who Are Often Overlooked

    Jesus’ love for children is a reminder for us to care for those who are often ignored or undervalued. Whether it’s children, the poor, the lonely, or the outcast—Jesus showed that everyone matters. He calls us to do the same: to reach out, to love unconditionally, and to embrace those the world might dismiss.

    A Simple but Powerful Truth

    At the heart of this story is something so simple yet so powerful: Jesus loves us. He calls us to trust Him completely, to walk in humility, and to love with pure hearts. Just like He welcomed the children, He welcomes us—no matter our past, our struggles, or our doubts.

    Let’s take His words to heart: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14, KJV).

    May we approach Him with childlike faith, knowing that His arms are always open.

  • Chaos to Order – Keeping the Garden of Life

    Chaos to Order – Keeping the Garden of Life

    God brings order from disorder and our responsibility to maintain the garden of our lives.

    1. Introduction – The God of Order

    • Genesis 1:1-2 – “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void (Tohu va Bohu); and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”
      • Key Point: “Tohu va Bohu” (Hebrew for “formless and void”) represents chaos and disorder. But God’s Spirit moved to bring order.
      • Application: Just as God brought order to creation, He desires to bring order to our lives.

    2. God’s Order and Man’s Role

    • Genesis 2:15 – “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
      • Adam’s role was not just to enjoy the garden but to cultivate and guard it.
      • Application: God has given each of us a garden (our lives, families, faith, responsibilities). We are called to tend and protect them from chaos.

    3. The Fall – Disrupting God’s Order

    • Genesis 3:1-6 – The serpent deceives Eve, and Adam partakes in sin, leading to disorder.
      • Key Point: When Adam and Eve neglected their responsibility, sin entered, bringing separation from God and chaos into creation.
      • New Testament Connection:

    Romans 5:12 – “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”

    • Sin brings disorder, but God provides a way to restore order through Christ.

    4. Wisdom for Keeping Our Garden

    • Psalm 37:23 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”
      • When we follow God’s ways, our lives are in order.
    • Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
      • Application: Just as Adam had to guard Eden, we must guard our hearts against sin and distractions.

    5. Christ Restores Order

    • 1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
      • Jesus restores what was lost in the Garden, bringing peace and order into our lives.
    • John 15:4-5 – Jesus as the Vine:
      • Staying connected to Christ ensures our garden (spiritual life) remains fruitful.
    • Romans 11:17-18 – “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.”
      • Key Point: Just as branches can be grafted into a tree, we, as Gentiles, have been brought into God’s divine order through Christ.
      • Application: We must remain in God’s design, rooted in His truth, and not take His grace for granted.

    Conclusion – Personal Reflection

    • What areas of your life feel like “Tohu va Bohu” (chaotic, out of order)?
    • How can you actively tend and guard the spiritual garden God has given you?
    • Are you staying connected to Christ, the One who brings divine order?
  • Jesus and Sinners Eating Together

    Jesus and Sinners Eating Together

    One thought I had today about Jesus is that you do not find in any account a recollection of his actions in any situation as questionable to sin. Jesus was yet without sin as the writer of the book of Hebrews 4:15 states,

    “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

    Any time someone had a concern about the superiority of Jesus to us as sinners it is due to the motive to catch him in a fault by the Sadducees and Pharisees. Let’s take for example a moment recorded in three of the four gospels of Jesus found in Mark 2:15-17,

    “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eats and drinks with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

    We can see that Jesus has an explanation and justification for why it is what is happening is in effect. He is the righteous judge, and a righteous judge will always have a justification for a right action. In this instance Jesus is in the role of a doctor, He is going into this situation as a means of repairing and mending something that was broken in times past.

    Who is to say what these publicans and sinners had need of to be fixed? Definitely not me.

    However, it can be assumed that maybe they had emotional damage from some altercation that they once had from a pharisee of the time. Or maybe another was hurting severely from loosing a loved one over something that seemed so untimely. What can be known for sure, is that we all have moments where we are broken, hurting, and in need of a physician.

    Opposed to what the ‘righteous’ members of the church thought He should be doing… Jesus always shows up right when you need Him to be the physician to heal your brokenness.

    Paul once wrote to the Galatian church saying,
    “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
    Galatians 5:16-18

    Jesus was not walking among sinners and publicans in order to eat their dainty meats to fulfil His need to sustain His earthly body, no instead Jesus was walking in the Spirit to fulfil the need of the Spirit.

    What does this mean? It is okay to go out and be around others that do not look, act, or think like you. Just remember to keep your priorities in order when you enter into these situations. If you have the need to fulfil what the Spirit needs, the opportunity will present itself right before you.

    Always reserve the right to speak with faith into someone else’s situation. If you end up at dinner like Peter in Acts 10 eating a big pig with spam on the side, there is probably a purpose to the peculiar predicament and there is always method and meaning in the seemingly mundane. If you are willing to look at the situation from the point of view that Jesus was when He sat with the publicans and sinners, then you will probably be staring someone who needs a word of encouragement right in the face.

    To end this devotion let’s focus on 1 Timothy 4:10-16 which says,
    “For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

  • Psalm 37:23-24

    Psalm 37:23-24

    Welcome! This is meant to encourage and enrich you in your walk of faith in our LORD Jesus Christ.

    Today the focus is Psalm 37:23-24 and it says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

    This passage encourages those who follow after goodness are being led by the LORD. It also shows us that even though the LORD is leading us along the way, that does not mean the journey will be easy, and there will be times when we slip and fall down. There are many things in this world that will make us stumble and fall while we are walking along the path of life towards our eternal destination. It can be a rock of offence from someone else that causes us to stumble. It could be a thorny bush that we pass by we try to avoid yet it still reaches out and scrapes our skin. It also can be a root of bitterness from a tree that has eroded out of the soil that catches our foot and makes us fall down. The LORD is aware of all these things because He went before us down that path, but He also knows where the path is leading us to. So be encouraged (delight in the way) that when you fall down, allow the outstretched arm of mercy and grace lift you back up and keep pressing forward.

    “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4

    Because the eternal destination a good man is headed towards is heaven. Be joyful and enjoy the journey The Good Shepherd is leading us through.