Daily Devotional with Dr. Duane Brooks
January 19, 2018
Genesis 50:19-21
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?   You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.   So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. 
New International Version (NIV)
                “A cup of coffee.  And a few kind words.”  With these words, my friend Donnie in Cedar Park used to answer the question, “What can I get you?”  Even those who crave coffee appreciate kind words even more. 
                Joseph watched his father Jacob bless his two sons.  In the blessing he envisioned a bright future for his descendants.  One thing I know:  blessed people tend to bless others.  Joseph knew God had blessed him richly.  So when Jacob died, Joseph put his older brothers’ fear to rest.  They tended to assume the worst.  Payback is tough and they thought they were about to experience it.  But Joseph refused.
                When we judge others we usurp the place of God.  According to Tim Keller, when we judge others, God says, “Get out of my chair.”  Joseph sat in the second highest chair in one of the world’s greatest countries.  He did not usurp the chair of Pharaoh or God.   Instead he offered his brothers comfort and a few kind words. 
                What we believe about God still influences the way we treat others.  People who know we have been forgiven forgive others as our Savior taught us.  Even on a cold morning, our kind words are better than coffee.
Pray with me:
Father, thank you for your blessing of kindness today.  Help us to take it to heart and give it to others.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.
This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. 
Let’s focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he leads us. 
He will not fail.  Neither will we!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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