Time Out! Devotions

Genesis 39:1-23 (NIV)

¹ Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.

² The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, ⁴ Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. ⁵ From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. ⁶ So he left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, ⁷ and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” ⁸ But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. ⁹ No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” ¹⁰ And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

¹¹ One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. ¹² She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. ¹³ When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, ¹⁴ she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. ¹⁵ When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” ¹⁶ She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home. ¹⁷ Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. ¹⁸ But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”

¹⁹ When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. ²⁰ Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, ²¹ the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. ²² So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. ²³ The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

In this day of “instant” news, we regularly see images of calamity in our world. And on a personal level, we experience seasons of hardship as well. The same is true of friends and family who encounter difficulties with children, job layoffs, and marriage breakups.

As Christians, we have a heavenly Father who has promised to be with us in our troubles. We can rely on Him—He knows what will happen before we do; nothing is hidden from His sight (Hebrews 4:13). He sees in the darkness of troubled times as clearly as He does in the daylight (Psalm 139:11-12). Through His Spirit, He offers us the comfort, strength, and wisdom to persevere. The story of Joseph illustrates this truth. After being rejected by his brothers at a young age and sold into slavery, he was falsely accused by his master’s wife and imprisoned. But in the midst of those terrible times, the young Hebrew man experienced God’s presence and favor.

I doubt Joseph comprehended the Lord’s intentions during his slavery and imprisonment. But later on, as second-in-command to Pharaoh, he understood God’s purpose in allowing those difficult years. In the end, Joseph testified to what he knew to be true. His brothers had meant to harm him, but God used all the hardship to accomplish His good plan (Genesis 45:4-8; 50:20).

When troubles hit, remember what is true and take heart. The indwelling Holy Spirit has the resources to provide what we need, equip us for the journey, and sustain us with His presence throughout the dark days. Nothing can stop the purposes of our Lord from being carried out (Isaiah 14:27).

(devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley from the

June 2010 issue of In Touch magazine)

(devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley from the August 2010 issue of In Touch magazine)

Genesis 50:15-21 (NIV)

¹⁵ When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” ¹⁶ So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ¹⁷ ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

¹⁸ His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ²¹ So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

When life gets hard, we tend to get upset and wonder how soon the difficulty will end. But God wants us to focus on Him in times of trouble. As we do, we will discover He is doing important spiritual work during these “storms.”

Beliefs. The Bible contains what we need to know about our life in Christ and following Him. When circumstances are beyond our control, what we really believe will surface. The depth of our faith in God’s character and promises will become evident, as will any doubts or uncertainties we may have. For example, Joseph revealed strong belief when he acknowledged that God intended his hardships for his good (v. 20). There are bound to be times when we don’t succeed—like Peter, whose fear led to denying Christ—but we should think of trials as opportunities to grow and deepen our faith.

Transformation. As God’s children, we are to live our lives in a way that displays Christ’s character. But we are more like jewels in the rough, aren’t we? The heavenly Father can use the storms of life to transform us into His Son’s image.

Comfort. This blessing is not only for us but also for others. Our Father comforts us in our sufferings and asks that we share what we have received with other people (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Difficult times can come from our own mistakes, the schemes of the Enemy, or the hurtful actions of others. They can even be ordained by God. Regardless of the source, our Father works in them to benefit us and to bless others. What testimony about Him can you give to a hurting world?

(Bible study from the May 2010 issue of In Touch magazine)

Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV)

¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

As far back as creation, God declared that “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). We were created for relationship with the Lord and each other. Although the rugged individualist has been promoted as an American hero, such self-sufficiency leads to relational poverty. Scripture offers insightful glimpses into the benefits of having a faithful friend in a time of need.

Examples of Rich Friendships:

• Despite threats by his own father—King Saul—Jonathan remained a loyal friend to David (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 20:1-42).
• Nathan was willing to deliver a difficult reproof to David when he needed correction (2 Samuel 12:1-13).
• Daniel and his three friends came together in a time of danger to seek God’s deliverance (Daniel 2:12-19).
• The paralytic’s friends carried him and persevered in bringing him to Jesus for help (Luke 5:17-20).
• Paul’s friends sought to protect him from harm and cared for him when he was imprisoned (Acts 19:31; 24:23; 27:3).

Because the church has been called to interdependence, being a friend in the time of a person’s need is exactly what Christians are commanded to do. Consider the similarities between these Old Testament descriptions of a faithful friend and the New Testament’s instructions for believers.

Characteristics of a Good Friend:

• Loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
  
• Sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24; Ephesians 4:1-3)
  
• Shows compassion in times of suffering (Psalms 35:13-14; Romans 12:15)
  
• Offers wise counsel (Proverbs 27:9; Colossians 3:16)
  
• Does not slander or tear down but speaks gracious words that edify (Psalms 15:3; Ephesians 4:29)
  
• Shows kindness that encourages faithfulness to God (Job 6:14; Colossians 3:12-14)
  
• Intercedes in prayer (Job 42:10; Ephesians 6:18)
  
• Can be trusted, even when speaking hard truths (Proverbs 27:6; Galatians 6:1-2)

2 Timothy 4:6-18 (NCV)

⁶ My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life.⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now, a crown is being held for me—a crown for being right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give the crown to me on that day—not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again.

⁹ Do your best to come to me as soon as you can,¹⁰ because Demas, who loved this world, left me and went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus went to Dalmatia.¹¹ Luke is the only one still with me. Get Mark and bring him with you when you come, because he can help me in my work here.¹² I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ When I was in Troas, I left my coat there with Carpus. So when you come, bring it to me, along with my books, particularly the ones written on parchment.

¹⁴ Alexander the metalworker did many harmful things against me. The Lord will punish him for what he did. ¹⁵ You also should be careful that he does not hurt you, because he fought strongly against our teaching.

¹⁶ The first time I defended myself, no one helped me; everyone left me. May they be forgiven.¹⁷ But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength so I could fully tell the Good News to all those who are not Jews. So I was saved from the lion’s mouth.¹⁸ The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me, and he will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord’s. Amen.

Today’s passage captures a painful time in the life of Paul the apostle. As he sat in a prison cell, he knew that death was imminent. He had devoted the last years to teaching, training, and winning souls for Christ, but he now stood alone, unsupported during his trial and time in jail. Loneliness must have felt overwhelming.

Paul felt abandoned, yet he didn’t blame anyone or pity himself. Instead, he met the suffering with courage. What motivated him to stand with strength during this trying time?

For the apostle, an awareness of Christ’s presence gave comfort and motivated him to persevere. Having a copy of Scripture in his cell no doubt encouraged him in this way (2 Timothy 4:13). And he not only knew God was right there with him in the current moment; he also recalled earlier times when the Lord had intervened. For instance, years before, Paul had had a vision telling him not to fear during a storm on the sea. And though the ship ran aground, all of the men survived (Acts 27:22-24).

For those of us who know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, strength is readily available in His intimate presence. Our heavenly Father promises that He will never abandon His children—even when everyone else has left.

Have your circumstances left you feeling lonely? Remember times when God was evident to you—when He clearly revealed His hand in your life. And read His Word so that the truth of His presence can comfort and encourage you. As a believer, you are truly never alone.

(devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley from the June 2010

issue of In Touch magazine)

Psalm 26 (NCV)

¹ Lord, defend me because I have lived an innocent life.
I have trusted the Lord and never doubted.
² Lord, try me and test me;
look closely into my heart and mind.
³ I see your love,
and I live by your truth.

David was not claiming to be sinless – that is impossible for any human being! But he was consistently in fellowship with God, clearing his record when he sinned by asking for forgiveness. And he pleaded with God to clear his name of the false charges laid against him by his enemies. We also can ask God to cross-examine us so we stay in close fellowship with Him, trusting Him to forgive our sins according to His mercy.

⁴ I do not spend time with liars,
nor do I make friends with those who hide their sin.
⁵ I hate the company of evil people,
and I won’t sit with the wicked.
⁶ I wash my hands to show I am innocent,
and I come to your altar, Lord.
⁷ I raise my voice in praise
and tell of all the miracles you have done.

Should we stay away from unbelievers? No. Although there are some places Christians should avoid, Jesus demonstrated that we must go among unbelievers to help them. But there is a difference between being with them and being one of them. Trying to be one of them harms our witness for God. Ask about the places you enjoy, “If I come here often, will I become less obedient to God in outlook or action?” If the answer is yes, carefully monitor how often you go there and what effect it has on you.

⁸ Lord, I love the Temple where you live,
where your glory is.
⁹ Do not kill me with those sinners
or take my life with those murderers.
¹⁰ Evil is in their hands,
and they do wrong for money.
¹¹ But I have lived an innocent life,
so save me and have mercy on me.
¹² I stand in a safe place.
Lord, I praise you in the great meeting.

This last verse can also be translated, “My feet stand on level ground.” David was not saying that God always prevents us from slipping or falling into sin (although often He does). Instead, David was saying that as long as He trusted in God, He could stand on the firm foundation of God’s Word and have a godly perspective on life.

Too often we complain about our problems publicly and only praise God in private. How much better it would be to complain privately and praise God publicly!