Focus 2023 Devotionals: Day 8-14
Author: Duncan Brannan
January 15, 2023
DAY 8: “The Big Picture”
“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:19-21, ESV
We ended yesterday noting, “Our interpretation of past events only sets us on a path of heartache and unbelief. The key to Job’s peace was getting God’s perspective (ch. 38-42) because only He sees the big picture!” Where our interpretations of events fail, God’s interpretation breaks chains, heals old wounds, and resets our perspective and path in moments! Joseph, Jacob’s “dreaming son”, pioneered this path.
Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37, where sharing his prophetic dreams with his brothers stirs the hatred that their father’s partiality to Joseph has inflicted (v. 8). Later, while they’re away shepherding, the brothers act on their hatred. When Joseph comes to check on them, they toss him into a well and conspire to murder him. Suddenly, a caravan “happens by”. Instead of killing Joseph, they sell him into slavery.
Joseph’s new life unfolds: he becomes a slave for Egypt’s captain of the guard; later, his chief steward. Next, he’s sexually-harassed by the captain’s wife and wrongly imprisoned for it. In prison, he’s promoted to chief steward, and eventually becomes Egypt’s prime minister—second only to pharaoh! Joseph’s gift to interpret dreams opens this door, and the key to understanding his mighty faith is seen when two inmates have prophetic dreams but can’t interpret them. “Don’t interpretations belong to God (40:8)?” he asks.
The two men then share their dreams, Josephs listens to God, and the riddles unravel. The same can happen for us—IF we’ll release control, forgive where necessary, and ask God for His interpretation.
Discussion:
Knowing Joseph’s story now, how do you think his life would have turned out had he chosen to interpret what his brothers did, rather than entrusting it to God? How important is this?
Between yesterday and today, has God reinterpreted a past event for you and changed your perspective, broke some chains, and brought some healing? If so, click this link and tell us about it. We’d love to celebrate with you! https://www.thecreekfw.com/share-your-story
Last thing: if you have any unfinished “business” with God here, ask Him now to finish it, wait on Him, follow His instruction, and let Him set you into freedom, so He can also set you in motion!
DAY 9: “Surrender & Spiritual Warfare”
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came….” Matthew 4:1-3a, ESV
On Day 2 we saw four reasons believers pray and fast. One is spiritual warfare—our struggle against sin, Satan (and demons), and the sway of this fallen world. Though Jesus was God Incarnate, He had to war also. More importantly, He modeled for us warfare’s heart.
As Jesus prepared for ministry (another reason to pray and fast), God’s Spirit led Him into the wilderness. Satan followed, constantly tempting Jesus (Lk. 4:2). Scripture records only three, but each temptation centered around Jesus’ surrender to God’s will:
Round #1: God’s Spirit led Jesus to pray and fast. At the peak of hunger, Satan tempted Jesus to follow his will by turning stones to bread. Using the Sword of the Spirit, Jesus defeated Satan’s attack, trusting God to sustain and vindicate Him. (De. 8:3; Mt. 4:3-4; Eph. 6:17)
Round #2: Next, Satan tempted Jesus to follow his will by hurling Himself off the Temple, twisting Psalm 91:11 to bait Him. Again, Jesus countered with Scripture and trusted the Father to validate His claims. (De. 6:16; Mt. 4:5-7)
Round #3: Last, Satan took Jesus to a high mountain, set the world’s kingdoms before Him, and promised to make Him lord over them—if Jesus only bowed and worshiped him. Unsurprisingly, Jesus replied with Scripture, obeyed God, and Satan fled. (De. 6:13; Mt. 4:8-11)
Had Jesus disobeyed at any turn, Salvation’s Plan would’ve failed! Thankfully, His warfare matched His first sermon’s prayer and final prayer in Gethsemane, “Your will be done!” (Mt. 6:10; 26:42)
Discussion:
With nine days into this shared time of prayer and fasting, what warfare have you encountered, and how has it centered around God’s will for you?
God used Jesus’ time of prayer and fasting to prepare Him for a ministry that would impact His and all generations to come. Have you sensed God speaking to you about ministry during this time? If so, what has He revealed to you, and are you recording what you’re hearing?
DAY 10: “Faith in Healing Or the Healer”
“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, ESV
When we think of spiritual giants, Elisha and Paul quickly come to mind. Miracles followed them! Scripture records thirteen in Elisha’s ministry, including waters being split, cured, and supplied; food and rations multiplied and healed of poisonous ingredients; a leper’s cleansing, a child’s resurrection, and more. (2 Kings 2:14, 21; 3:16; 4:5, 41, 43; 5:10; 4:35)
Paul’s ministry was equally impressive: a lame man healed, a child resurrected, immunity to a viper bite, and other healings and exorcisms—some coming from handkerchiefs and aprons he prayed over! (Acts 14:3, 10; 19:11-12; 20:10; 28:5) But, both men and other miracle-workers still dealt with sickness and death.
Mighty as he was, Elisha couldn’t prevent his own death from sickness (2 Kings 13:14). Paul faced many bouts with illness, like Timothy’s constant health issues and recommending a little wine for medicinal help (1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Ti. 4:20). On one mission, he had to leave his sick friend Trophimus. Finally, his own “thorn in the flesh” may have been a debilitating personal illness, which he mentions often (2 Corinthians 12:5, 7, 9; Ga. 4:14-15; 6:11). Paul “pleaded” with God to remove his thorn—three times—but He didn’t. Would we doubt that he didn’t pray for Timothy and Trophimus too?
As we pray, fast, and believe God for breakthroughs then, let’s remember: God promises to provide for all our needs according to His glorious riches (Philippians 4:19). The breakthrough we need, though, may be something we would never ask for—or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)!
Discussion:
Have you ever prayed for a miracle and seen God grant it? If so, what? Have you ever prayed for a miracle, only to see it not happen? If so, what?
If the Bible is the inerrant and inspired Word of God, how do we reconcile its clear exhortations against unbelief, commands to pray for the sick, and times when God does not heal like those above? Is God not listening? Does Scripture contradict itself? Or is there another answer? (Matthew 13:58; James 5:14-15)
DAY 11: “How To Be Thankful For What You Didn’t Get”
“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23, NLT
For the last few days we’ve circled around the idea of genuine faith in God—not a “God-is-my-genie” kind sold by counterfeiters twisting Scripture or failing to share its whole counsel. (Ac. 20:27; 2 Pe. 3:16) True faith is hard because it’s unconditional. It…
? Praises God when He gives and takes away. (Job 1:21)
? Recognizes when people commit evil, yet keeps going. (Ge. 50:20)
? Prays when suffering comes, but sticks with God nevertheless. (Mt. 26:39)
The faith of Job, Joseph, and Jesus is astounding. But what were their secrets to trusting and thanking God when things didn’t go their way?
Job’s Secret: Following tragedy, Job declared God was in charge—not Satan or blind chance. He also praised Him, meaning he believed God was good. Job trusted God’s sovereignty over circumstances and God’s character despite pain. (Job 1:21; 2:10)
Joseph’s Secret: Speaking to pharaoh’s men, Joseph said, “Interpretations belong to God.” Regardless of many betrayals, he also kept doing good. Joseph trusted God’s interpretation of matters and God’s purpose—no matter what. (Ge. 40:8; Pr. 3:5-6)
Jesus’ Secret: Jesus prayed for His sufferings to pass—if possible, but resigned to obey. Passion and Crucifixion came, and He never complained. He trusted God’s knowledge if there was another way and God’s will instead of His own. (Mt. 26:39; Mk. 14:36)
When life’s storms threaten, we should ask, “Lord, what should I hang onto to get through this: Your sovereignty, character, interpretation, purpose, knowledge, or will?” Then, take hold with both hands!
Discussion:
For five days (Days 7-11) we’ve examined the struggle that comes with genuine faith. Has this course of study impacted you in a fresh way? If so, how?
Which of the above examples speaks to you most right now—Job, Joseph, or Jesus? Explain why, then close with a prayer asking God to help you remember and apply what you’ve learned.
DAY 12: “How Would You Respond If You Got What You Wanted?”
“Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man.” Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31, ESV
Yesterday, we discussed how to be thankful when we don’t receive something from God. What about when we do? Psalm 107 answers this question in four different scenarios: a.) hunger and homelessness (vv. 4-9), b.) imprisonment and slavery (vv. 10-16), c.) physical ailment and affliction (vv. 17-22), and d.) seafaring and a storm (vv. 23-32).
In all four scenarios, the afflicted cry out and God delivers them (vv. 6, 13, 19, 28). The psalm exhorts everyone to react the same: today’s focus verses above. Thankfulness to God for healing, deliverance, or other blessings should not only be exhibited through praise, though, but in how we live and treat others. (Le. 19:34; Mt. 18:29-33; Eph. 4-5; Col. 3) A truly thankful heart looks like a godly life! (Col. 3:17)
Although Psalm 107 and the rest of Scripture prompts us toward thankfulness, we can still miss the boat sometimes and amazing opportunities. Verse 2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble….” Another word for “saying so” is “testimony”—sharing what God has done for us with others. This can mean sharing before a congregation but, more importantly, the lost world. Personal testimony is one of the most effective ways to share Jesus and His Gospel.
How? Because while sharing evidence from science, history, and other places is important, it can still be argued about. Seldom will anyone challenge personal testimony, and they’re even more apt to listen when it comes from someone who loves them!
Discussion:
Read Psalm 107. Of the four different scenarios and passages (a: vv. 4-9; b: 10-16; c: 17-22, d: 23-32), which one speaks to you most and why?
Pause. Ask God to speak to you about a testimony He’s given you and someone who needs to hear it. What do you sense Him saying to you? If you’re alone, write down God’s answer and ask Him to give you a plan of action. Then, follow through! If you’re in a group, share what you heard with one another. Next, close with prayer, asking God to give each of you a plan of action. Last, follow through!
DAY 13: “Silence & Solitude”
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32 NIV
On Day 1 we said Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship were key spiritual disciplines and added fasting to the list. Two vital supports to all of these, though, and our personal health, are silence and solitude. Without these, hearing God becomes impossible. Thankfully, Jesus showed the way!
? Daily Walk: Jesus prepared for ministry with silence and solitude, then carried these disciplines into His walk. Scripture says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mt. 4:1; Mk. 1:35)
? Intense Exertion: Jesus also used these to recover from heavy ministry and, when the apostles returned from their first experience with it, He taught them to do the same, saying, “Come away with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mk. 6:30-32; Lk. 4:40-42)
? Milestone Events. On the cusp of big decisions, like choosing the apostles, Jesus also stole away. One of His most touching uses happened when He heard of His cousin John the Baptist’s murder. He got away to emotionally process! (Mt. 14:8-13; Lk. 6:12-13)
? Regular Use. Most importantly, Luke says Jesus got away for silence and solitude “often”. When we look at Scripture, we might think He was a “machine”—endless energy because He was God in the flesh. But, Jesus experienced all of our humanity! (Lk. 5:16; He. 4:15)
And, if the Lord needed silence and solitude when He walked the earth, how much more do we?
Discussion:
Non-stop activity and work is common today, even lauded in many circles. Numerous problems from high blood pressure to mental health, though, can be linked to stress and failing to prioritize silence, solitude, and rest. Have you seen or experienced this? If so, how? Have you made necessary changes?
What aspects of the Lord’s use of silence and solitude speak to you most? Pause, pray, and take inventory. Are you…
Struggling to hear God’s voice? Ask Him how to add these to your walk.
Feeling physically/emotionally empty? Ask Him how to use these to recover.
Facing a decision or difficulty handling a life event? Ask Him how to employ these to process.
Most of all, ask the Lord to help you incorporate these in your life often—like Jesus!
DAY 14: “Ways God Speaks: The Four Lighthouses”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV
As a ship approached port in a storm, a jagged narrow, notorious for wrecking vessels, loomed ahead. The captain radioed, “Lighthouse-1, Voyager 2-5 requests port assistance.” An old voice replied, “Roger, Voyager. Do you see the four lighthouses ahead?” “I do,” said the captain. “Perfect! Set course till all four lights become one. If you see two or more, adjust course till they’re one again.” Ordering a quick helm correction, the captain smiled as all four lighthouses converged like one great beacon. Shortly, Voyager 25 ported safely.
God guides Christians using four lighthouses also: His Word, His Spirit, His people, and circumstances.
? God’s Word is our chief light—the “old voice” never misleads us or contradicts itself. We can misinterpret it, though. So, regular study and testing our learning with trusted leaders and resources is vital. (Read 2 Ps. 119:105; 2 Ti. 3:16-17)
? God’s Spirit is second—the inner voice within all believers. He points to Scripture, speaks in dreams and visions, and grants unsurpassing peace as we heed Him. (Read Jn. 14:26; Ac. 16:6-10)
? God’s People are light three, but never listen to just anyone. Seek counsel from believers known for wisdom, integrity, and skill with Scripture. (Read Pr. 11:14; He. 13:17).
? Circumstances are light four. God uses them to confirm and correct our paths. So, interpretations here should always be tested against the first three lights. (1 Co. 16:8-9; 2 Co. 2:12-13)
Wherever we’re at, if we’ll line up the lights, God’s path will become clear!
Discussion:
Think about God’s “four lighthouses” above. Why should God’s Word (versus the other lights) always come first in determining our course? Review the Bible verses if necessary.
Think now about a situation where you struggled with a decision. Did you consult or ignore the four lighthouses? What happened? What did you learn from that situation? Close in prayer, asking God to help you “line up the lights” as you come to future decisions.
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