January 17th Devotion

Genesis 41:41 (NIV)
41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt."

Have you ever worked for an unbeliever? I have, and I have many people who did. Sometimes they hated the fact that they worked for people who didn’t believe like them or practiced the same principles. That can be tough, but remember, God’s hand is in it.

Joseph was put in charge of all Egypt, and make the Pharaoh richer than ever. He was faithful to fulfill his duties on behalf of his master. The Scripture gives us the same instruction:

1 Peter 2:18-21 (NIV)
18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Titus 2:9-10 (NIV)
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

1 Timothy 6:1-2 (NIV)
1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.

Colossians 3:22-23 (NIV)
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Love, Pastor Don