CELEBRATING CULTURE (Genesis 41)

Joseph had lived in Egypt for about thirteen years when he was brought to Pharaoh's attention. During that time, he had learned the Egyptian language. I don't know how far he had assimilated into the culture.

But when he was taken to see Pharaoh, he transformed into an Egyptian in all outward respects. They cut his long, curly hair and beard and changed his clothes. 

Consider how a typical ancient Hebrew dressed: 

Now look at Egyptian clothing from ancient times: 





Joseph had to accept major changes to fulfill the destiny God placed upon him. He even accepted an Egyptian name that spoke more powerfully of God's involvement in his life than "Joseph" (may God add more sons to me): Zaphenath-Paneah, or "God speaks and He lives." 

We tend to equate our faith with our cultural trappings, but that is far from the case. If Joseph had been unwilling to adapt to a different culture, he wouldn't have accomplished God's purpose in his life.

Father Damien ministered in a leper colony - and in time, himself became a leper.

I'm a nursing home resident - and can minister to other residents in a way the staff cannot. 

Don't be afraid of joining the community where you are place. God has a purpose for you there.

PAY IT FORWARD (Genesis 39)

The blessing of God spread over everything he owned. (Genesis 39:5, MSG)

I have been studying the subject of blessing for about a year, and I noticed several interesting things from the familiar story of God blessing Potiphar because of Joseph. 

Firstly, Potiphar noticed that God blessed Joseph. He was willing to trust his things to Joseph and his God.

Secondly, Joseph's blessing extended as far as he was involved with others. I bet even the slave caravan was blessed, then throughout a household, a prison--a nation--God blessed others through him. 

Thirdly, Joseph was willing to pay God's blessing forward. He still oozed God's blessing, in spite of the tragedy he had endured. 

I bet the same principles apply today. We don't (all) have to go preach on a street corner; like Potiphar, others will seek us out because they see God's hand on our lives. We only limit our testimony by limiting our involvement with others.  

I definitely experience this pattern here in the nursing home. It's a small circle, perhaps, but it spreads. When a lady asks me to play piano. When another asks for a hug. When someone else sits and wants to talk about her pregnant daughter. When an aide introduces her children to me. God uses me to bless other people, whether resident or workers. 

With each one, I remind myself that people are more important than work, I set aside my computer, and give the hug, or listen, or play and sing . . . God blesses me while I am blessing them. 

Whom does God want you to bless today?