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February 1, 2021

Genesis 40:23

The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

New International Version (NIV)

Do you ever feel forgotten? Joseph could be excused for thinking that God had lost track of where he was. Someone has said, ‘No good deed goes unpunished.” When Judah faced temptation, he succumbed (Genesis 38). But when Joseph faced temptation day after day, he chose to honor God (Genesis 39). As Paul would later teach the Corinthians, Joseph ran away from immorality and left no forwarding address. What was his reward? Prison. There in prison, Joseph helped another man by interpreting a dream. This servant of the Pharaoh could have gotten Joseph out of jail, but he inexplicably forgot him.

I have a friend and former student in Zambia who had a similar story. He was falsely imprisoned for a crime he knew nothing about. The man who had deceived him was also in the same prison. When the other man almost died, my friend had a choice to make. He could let him die or he could nurse him back to life. There in the prison he nursed his enemy back to life. Prison guards said, ‘This will work against you. They will believe you were in collusion with him if you help him. Just let him die.” But my friend could not do it. When their trial came some time later, the enemy exonerated my friend and said he had nothing to do with the crime. Here is my friend’s testimony: If I had let him die I would still be in prison. When I forgave him, I was set free.

Even when we feel like God has forgotten us, he is still working. He is working in all things. He is working all things together for good. Love God today. Do what is right, even when it doesn’t seem smart. Watch God work. Joseph was forgotten by his friend but not by his Friend. The friend finally remembered Joseph, but God had never forgotten him. Not for a minute. God was with him in the dungeon and lifted him all the way to life. Watch what God does for you today!

Pray with me:

Father, I thank you that you never forget us, leave us or forsake us. Today, if we hear your voice, let us not harden our hearts. Help us to live our whole lives in the radiant light of your perfect love. Let it reflect off our faces to light a darkened world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture memorization for this week:

Romans 8:28-30

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

New International Version (NIV)

Our 2021 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations Bible reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2021 Reading Plan

We would love for you to join us as we read through the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading 5 days per week. In addition, I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. We will also memorize 2 scriptures each week. As we journal together this year, Robby Gallaty’s H.E.A.R. plan is a good resource: Highlight a verse that stands out to you, Explain what it means, Apply that truth to your life and Respond to what you’ve read with an action or prayer.

Joyfully,
Duane

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555 Tallowood Road
Houston, TX | 77024 US

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